Mercedes 500 SL 1993 Service Repair Manual

Regular price: $16.99
Sale price: $16.99
Regular price
Unit price: per

🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mercedes-Benz Model: 500 SL Year: 1993 Codes Chassis Code: R129 Engine Code: M119 E50 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Luxury Grand Tourer / Personal Luxury...

17 people are viewing this right now

Type: Car

Vendor:

Sku: 423047

Tags: 1993 500 SL Car Cars Mercedes Misc

Product variants

Description

🏷️ Basic Information

Identification

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

500 SL

Year:

Codes

Chassis Code:

Engine Code:

M119 E50

👋 Introduction

Market Position

Segment:

Luxury Grand Tourer / Personal Luxury Car

Target Audience:

Affluent individuals seeking a high-performance, luxurious, and technologically advanced convertible.

Competitive Analysis

Key Competitors:

BMW 8 Series Convertible, Jaguar XJS, Porsche 911 Cabriolet (964).

Key Features

Design:

Iconic Pininfarina-influenced styling, robust build quality, sophisticated retractable hardtop (Vario-roof).

Performance:

Powerful V8 engine, refined ride and handling, strong acceleration.

Luxury Appointments:

Premium leather interior, wood trim, advanced (for its time) climate control and comfort features.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas

Coverage Summary:

Comprehensive service, repair, and maintenance for the 1993 Mercedes-Benz 500 SL.

Page Count

Estimated Page Count:

1000+

Manual Type

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Language

Language:

English

Format

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered

Engine Mechanical:

Full engine teardown, rebuild, timing, valve adjustments, piston/ring replacement.

Engine Electrical:

Ignition system, fuel injection (KE-Jetronic/MEC systems), sensors, ECU diagnostics, wiring diagrams.

Transmission:

4-speed automatic transmission (722.3xx series) overhaul, adjustments, hydraulic system, electronic controls.

Drivetrain:

Differential, driveshafts, CV joints, driveshaft center bearing.

Suspension:

Front and rear independent suspension, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, ball joints, bushings.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column.

Brakes:

Hydraulic brake system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) diagnostics and repair, brake fluid, calipers, pads, rotors, lines.

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant hoses, heater core, climate control system.

Fuel System:

Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel filter, fuel injectors, pressure regulator.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes, hangers.

Electrical System:

Battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting, fuses, relays, body control modules, power windows, seats, mirrors.

Climate Control:

Air conditioning system, heater, ventilation, automatic climate control operation and repair.

Body:

Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, convertible top mechanism and hydraulics, interior trim.

Diagnostic Troubleshooting:

Extensive troubleshooting guides, fault codes, diagnostic procedures, testing methods.

Procedures Included

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, belt inspection/replacement.

Major Repairs:

Engine rebuilding, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement, brake system overhauls.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Wiring diagram interpretation, component testing, circuit tracing, fault diagnosis for electrical systems.

Convertible Top Repair:

Detailed instructions for convertible top hydraulic system maintenance, leak troubleshooting, and actuator replacement.

ABS System Repair:

Specific procedures for diagnosing and repairing the ABS system, including sensor replacement and hydraulic unit service.

Troubleshooting Charts:

Systematic diagnostic flowcharts for common issues and symptoms.

Technical Depth

Depth Level:

Professional-level detailed repair and diagnostic information.

Diagnostics:

Advanced diagnostic strategies, OBD-I scan tool usage (where applicable), specific testing procedures.

Torque Specifications:

Complete listing of all critical torque specifications for engine, chassis, and body fasteners.

Clearances And Tolerances:

Precise specifications for component clearances and operating tolerances during rebuilds.

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of specialized Mercedes-Benz tools required for specific repair procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format

File Type:

Searchability:

Fully searchable text for quick information retrieval.

Printability:

Printable pages for workshop use.

Print Quality

Image Resolution:

High-resolution images, diagrams, and schematics.

Binding Type

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type

Paper:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine

Engine Type:

V8, Naturally Aspirated

Displacement:

4973 cc (5.0 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

96.0 mm x 85.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1

Valve Train:

SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft), 4 valves per cylinder (32 valves total)

Performance

Horsepower:

326 PS (322 hp) @ 5500 rpm

Torque:

480 Nm (354 lb-ft) @ 3900 rpm

Fuel System

Injection System:

Bosch KE-Jetronic Electronic Fuel Injection with Lambda Control

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Premium Gasoline (91 Octane or higher)

Lubrication

Oil Type:

API SG, ACEA A2-96 or equivalent (e.g., Mobil 1 15W-40 or 10W-40, Castrol GTX 15W-40)

Oil Capacity:

8.0 Liters (8.5 US Quarts)

Cooling System

Coolant Type:

Mercedes-Benz Approved Antifreeze/Coolant (Glycol-based, MB-Approval 325.0, typically blue or green)

Coolant Capacity:

12.5 Liters (13.2 US Quarts)

🔧 Transmission

Standard

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic (722.3xx Series)

Gear Ratios:

Refer to manual for specific ratios (e.g., 1st: 3.60, 2nd: 2.40, 3rd: 1.47, 4th: 1.00)

Features

Electronic Control:

Electronically controlled shifting for improved performance and comfort.

Fluid Type

Transmission Fluid:

Mercedes-Benz Specification 236.1 (e.g., MB-ATF 320, or equivalent such as Dexron III/Mercon - verify specific application)

Fluid Capacity

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

8.5 Liters (8.9 US Quarts) (dry fill) / 4.5 Liters (4.8 US Quarts) (fluid change)

📐 Dimensions

Exterior

Length:

4477 mm (176.2 inches)

Width:

1812 mm (71.3 inches)

Height:

1302 mm (51.3 inches)

Wheelbase:

2500 mm (98.4 inches)

Weights

Curb Weight:

1820 kg (4012 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight:

2200 kg (4850 lbs)

🛡️ Safety Features

Ratings

Crash Test Data:

N/A (Early 1990s vehicle, official standardized crash ratings like NHTSA/Euro NCAP were not as prevalent or as comprehensive as today.)

Active Features

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Optional ASR (Acceleration Slip Regulation) traction control system

Passive Features

Airbags:

Driver's side airbag standard. Passenger airbag optional or standard depending on market.

Rollover Protection:

Automatic pop-up rollover bar (integrated into the A-pillar structure and rear deck) deployed in case of detected rollover.

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment

Audio System:

Factory-installed premium sound system, often with cassette player and CD changer capability.

Driver Assistance

Standard ABS (see safety).

Optional Acceleration Slip Regulation (ASR) traction control.

Connectivity

Phone Integration:

No integrated smartphone connectivity; may have provisions for aftermarket cellular telephones.

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals

Oil Change Interval:

Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first, using the specified synthetic oil.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 60,000 km (36,000 miles) or 48 months, including filter replacement.

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 24 months, regardless of mileage.

Coolant Flush:

Every 2-3 years or as recommended by coolant type.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically every 50,000 km (30,000 miles) for standard spark plugs, or as specified by the manual.

Fluid Specifications

Power Steering Fluid:

Mercedes-Benz Specification 343.0 (or Pentosin CHF 11S)

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 (Mercedes-Benz Specification 331.0)

Windshield Washer Fluid:

Water-based washer fluid with antifreeze additive as needed.

Known Issues

Wiring Harness Issues:

Degradation of insulation on engine wiring harnesses (especially around the engine bay) can lead to shorts and malfunctions.

Convertible Top Hydraulics:

Leaking hydraulic lines or pump failures in the convertible top system.

Mass Air Flow Sensor:

Failure of the MAF sensor can cause rough idling, poor acceleration, and poor fuel economy.

Crankshaft Position Sensor:

Failure can result in the engine not starting or stalling unexpectedly.

ABS Hydraulic Unit:

Potential failure of the ABS hydraulic unit, leading to ABS warning lights and loss of ABS function.

Interior Electronics:

Issues with power windows, seat motors, or climate control systems due to aging components or wiring.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage

Mercedes Benz Legacy:

Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, luxury, and safety, dating back to the invention of the automobile.

Model Evolution

R129 Introduction:

The R129 SL-Class was introduced in 1989 as the successor to the R107 SL. The 500 SL was the flagship model upon launch.

R129 Facelifts:

The R129 received a significant facelift in 1995 (model year 1996) with updated engines, transmissions, and styling, but the 1993 model represents the initial series.

Production

Production Years:

R129 SL-Class: 1989-2001. Specifically 500 SL: 1989-1993 (internally designated model), then replaced by the SL 500 in 1994 (with the facelifted model range).

Manufacturing Location:

Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions

Automotive Press:

Consistently praised by automotive journalists for its blend of performance, luxury, and technological innovation upon release.