🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

500SL

Year:

1993

Chassis Code:

R129

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

High-end luxury grand tourer, competitor to Ferrari 348, Porsche 911 (964), Jaguar XJS.

Analysis:

The 1993 500SL (R129) represented Mercedes-Benz's flagship convertible, emphasizing comfort, performance, and advanced safety features for its era. This manual is essential for maintaining its complex systems.

Features:

Powerful V8 engine, advanced safety (integrated roll bar), luxurious interior, sophisticated suspension and climate control.

📋 Manual Details

Engine Service:

Complete Engine Overhaul and Maintenance

Transmission Service:

Automatic Transmission Diagnosis and Repair

Electrical System:

Wiring Diagrams, Component Testing, Diagnosis

Suspension And Steering:

Front and Rear Suspension, Power Steering System

Brake System:

Hydraulic System, ABS, Parking Brake

Body And Interior:

Body Panel Repair, Interior Trim, Convertible Top System

Heating And Air Conditioning:

HVAC System Diagnosis and Repair

Fuel And Exhaust:

Fuel Injection System, Exhaust System Components

Maintenance Schedules:

Scheduled Maintenance and Service Intervals

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic Procedures for Common Issues

Estimated Pages:

1500+

Type:

Official Factory Service Manual (Software)

Language:

English

Format:

Software/Digital (likely searchable PDF or proprietary viewer)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

M119.960 V8 Engine: Cylinder Head, Pistons, Crankshaft, Timing Components, Lubrication System

Engine Management:

KE-Jetronic Fuel Injection System, Ignition System, Engine Control Unit (ECU) Diagnosis

Transmission:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission (722.3XX series): Valve Body, Torque Converter, Gear Sets, Hydraulic Control

Drivetrain:

Rear Wheel Drive System, Driveshafts, Differential

Suspension:

Front Independent Suspension (McPherson struts, trailing arms), Rear Independent Suspension (Multi-link), Self-Leveling Suspension (if equipped)

Steering:

Recirculating Ball Steering System, Power Steering Pump and Rack

Brakes:

Four-Wheel Disc Brakes, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Fluid Specifications

Electrical Components:

Starter, Alternator, Battery, Lighting System, Fuses, Relays, Power Windows, Central Locking

Climate Control:

Air Conditioning Compressor, Condenser, Evaporator, Heater Core, Automatic Climate Control Module

Convertible Top:

Hydraulic and Electric Actuation System for Power Convertible Top

Engine Maintenance:

Oil Change, Filter Replacement, Spark Plug Replacement, Valve Adjustment, Compression Testing

Engine Repair:

Head Gasket Replacement, Piston Ring Replacement, Bearing Replacement, Timing Chain/Belt Service (if applicable to M119)

Fuel System Service:

Fuel Injector Cleaning/Replacement, Fuel Pump Testing, Fuel Filter Replacement

Transmission Service:

Transmission Fluid and Filter Change, Seal Replacement, Valve Body Reconditioning

Brake Service:

Brake Pad and Rotor Replacement, Brake Fluid Flush, ABS Sensor Diagnosis

Suspension Repair:

Shock Absorber/Strut Replacement, Bushing Replacement, Ball Joint Replacement

Electrical Troubleshooting:

Wiring Diagram Interpretation, Component Testing (Multimeter), Fault Code Diagnosis (OBD I)

Convertible Top Repair:

Hydraulic Hose Replacement, Pump Service, Cylinders Rebuild, Sensor Calibration

Depth:

Comprehensive: From routine maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and wiring diagrams.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

Digital Software (searchable text, interactive diagrams where applicable)

Quality:

High-Resolution Digital Images and Text, Suitable for Printing Specific Sections

Binding:

N/A (Digital)

Paper:

N/A (Digital)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

V8 SOHC (32-valve)

Engine Code:

M119.960

Displacement:

5.0 Liters (4973 cc)

Horsepower:

322 hp @ 5500 rpm

Torque:

354 lb-ft @ 3750 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch KE-Jetronic Electronic Fuel Injection

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline

Oil Capacity:

8.0 Liters (8.5 US quarts)

Recommended Oil Viscosity:

SAE 5W-40 or 5W-50 (refer to manual for exact MB specification)

Coolant Capacity:

10.5 Liters (11.1 US quarts)

Coolant Type:

MB Approved Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., G05 or equivalent with correct silicate content)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic

Transmission Model Code:

722.366

Features:

Electronically controlled, Lock-up Torque Converter, Sport/Economy mode selection.

Fluid Type:

MB 236.1 or MB 236.2 Specification Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)

Capacity:

Approximately 8.5 Liters (8.9 US Quarts) for complete fill, 4.5 Liters (4.7 US Quarts) for torque converter refill.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

176.9 inches (4493 mm)

Width:

70.5 inches (1791 mm)

Height:

51.0 inches (1295 mm)

Wheelbase:

104.5 inches (2654 mm)

Curb Weight:

4,160 lbs (1887 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

5,137 lbs (2330 kg)

Standard Wheel Size:

17 x 8.0 inch Alloy

Standard Tire Size:

225/55 ZR17

Bolt Pattern:

5x112mm

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

While official NHTSA ratings for this specific year and model may be limited, the R129 chassis was engineered with advanced safety features for its time, including enhanced crumple zones and safety structures.

Active Safety:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control (ASR - often optional or standard on later models, but potentially present), Power Assisted Steering.

Passive Safety:

Driver and Passenger Airbags, Integrated Automatic Roll Bar Deployment System, Reinforced A-pillars, Side Impact Protection.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Bose premium sound system (optional), cassette player, AM/FM radio. Early units may lack modern connectivity.

Assistance Systems:

ABS, Cruise Control, Automatic Climate Control.

Connectivity Options:

Limited by modern standards. May have provisions for an external CD changer. Aftermarket head unit upgrades are common.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (dependent on driving conditions and oil used - refer to specific vehicle maintenance booklet).

Transmission Service Interval:

Inspect every 20,000 miles, service (fluid/filter) every 40,000 - 50,000 miles (crucial for longevity).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically every 60,000 miles (using high-quality iridium or platinum plugs).

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV)

Power Steering Fluid Type:

MB Power Steering Fluid (or equivalent ATF that meets MB specification, consult manual).

Common Problems:

Wiring harness degradation (particularly in the engine bay due to heat), distributor seal leaks, MAS sensor issues, vacuum hose leaks, convertible top hydraulic cylinder leaks or pump failure, window regulator issues, catalytic converter failure, transmission conductor plate issues.

Preventative Maintenance Focus:

Regular inspection and replacement of all vacuum hoses, checking for oil leaks, ensuring proper cooling system function, and monitoring the convertible top hydraulics are critical.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering luxury, performance, and safety, particularly with its SL (Sport Leicht) roadster lineage dating back to the iconic 300SL Gullwing.

Evolution:

The R129 SL generation succeeded the R107 SL, introducing a more modern design, significantly enhanced safety features (like the automatic roll bar), and updated powertrains. The 500SL was the top-tier model for its initial years.

Production Period:

R129: 1989-2001. The 500SL variant was prominent in the early to mid-1990s.

Manufacturing Location:

Bremen, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Awards:

While specific awards for the 1993 model are not prominently cited, the R129 generation consistently received praise for its build quality, engineering, and luxury amenities, contributing to Mercedes-Benz's strong reputation.