Vehicle Class:
Luxury Grand Tourer Convertible
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, professional workshops
Competitors:
BMW 6 Series Convertible, Jaguar XK Convertible, Porsche 911 Convertible, Lexus SC Convertible
Unique Selling Points:
Vario-Roof retractable hardtop, Active Body Control (ABC) suspension, powerful V8 and V12 engine options, AMG performance variants
Value Proposition:
Essential for maintaining the complex systems of the R230 SL-Class, enabling accurate diagnostics and repairs, saving on dealership service costs.
Primary Coverage:
All models and all repairs A-Z for the R230 SL-Class
Model Variants Covered:
SL350, SL500, SL55 AMG, SL600, SL65 AMG
Estimated Page Count:
1000+
Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Authenticity:
Dealership technician equivalent
Format:
Digital (likely PDF), Printable
Powertrain:
Engine (M112, M271, M113, M275, M155, M275), Transmission (5G-TRONIC, 7G-TRONIC, AMG SPEEDSHIFT)
Chassis:
Suspension (ABC Active Body Control), Steering, Brakes (including SBC Sensotronic Brake Control), Wheels and Tires
Body:
Body construction, Exterior panels, Doors, Roof (Vario-Roof), Interior trim, Upholstery
Electrical:
Engine control unit (ECU), Powertrain control module (PCM), Body control module (BCM), Infotainment system (COMAND), Lighting, HVAC control, SRS (Airbag) system, Starter, Alternator, Battery
Comfort Systems:
Climate control, Seat adjustment and heating/ventilation, Power windows, Power locks, Convertible top operation
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, Oil changes, Filter replacements, Fluid checks and top-offs, Brake pad/rotor replacement, Spark plug replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), Common symptoms, Fault isolation procedures
Repair:
Component removal and installation, Engine overhaul, Transmission service, Suspension component replacement, Brake system repair, Electrical component repair, Body panel repair
Diagnostics:
System-specific diagnostic strategies, Use of Mercedes-Benz diagnostic tools (e.g., Star Diagnosis/XENTRY)
Specifications:
Torque specifications, Clearances, Alignment procedures, Electrical schematics
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds)
Detail Level:
Vehicle-specific, procedure-by-procedure, with detailed diagrams and illustrations
Searchability:
Likely fully searchable text content
Print Readability:
High-quality, suitable for printing individual sections or the entire manual
Binding:
N/A (for digital) - if printed, would expect robust binding
Paper:
N/A (for digital) - if printed, would expect durable paper for workshop use
Model Designations:
SL350, SL500, SL55 AMG, SL600, SL65 AMG
Sl350:
3.7L V6 (M112 E37), 3.5L V6 (M272 E35 in later models, though R230 predominantly used M112 for 350 designation)
Sl500:
5.0L V8 (M113 E50), 5.5L V8 (M273 E55)
Sl55 Amg:
5.5L Supercharged V8 (M113 E55 ML)
Sl600:
5.5L Bi-Turbo V12 (M275 E55 ML)
Sl65 Amg:
6.0L Bi-Turbo V12 (M275 E60 ML)
Horsepower:
469 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque:
516 lb-ft @ 2650-4500 rpm
Horsepower:
604 hp @ 4400-5500 rpm
Torque:
738 lb-ft @ 2000-4000 rpm
Injection Type:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI), Direct Injection (later variants, not common in early R230)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)
Type:
5-speed automatic (5G-TRONIC) for SL350, SL500
Type:
7-speed automatic (7G-TRONIC) for SL500 (later models)
Type:
AMG SPEEDSHIFT 5-speed automatic (SL55 AMG), AMG SPEEDSHIFT 5-speed automatic (SL600/SL65 AMG - based on heavier-duty variants)
Shift Modes:
Comfort (C), Sport (S), Manual (M) modes
Fluid Type 5G Tronic:
MB 236.10, MB 236.12 (e.g., Mobil ATF 134, Pentosin ATF1)
Fluid Type 7G Tronic:
MB 236.12, MB 236.14 (e.g., Mobil ATF 134, Pentosin ATF1)
5G Tronic Capacity:
Approx. 8.0 - 9.5 liters (depending on torque converter drain)
Length:
Approx. 4535 mm (178.5 in)
Width:
Approx. 1800 mm (70.9 in)
Height:
Approx. 1300 mm (51.2 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2560 mm (100.8 in)
Curb Weight Sl500:
Approx. 1870 kg (4123 lbs)
Curb Weight Sl55 Amg:
Approx. 1960 kg (4321 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Varies by model, consult manual for specific values
NHTSA Rating:
Not extensively rated by NHTSA for this era in convertible configuration; focus on manufacturer-designed safety features.
Braking System:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BAS), Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC) on some models
Stability Control:
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Suspension Safety:
Active Body Control (ABC) - helps maintain stability and reduce body roll
Airbags:
Front airbags, Side airbags, Head airbags (often integrated into A-pillars or seat belts)
Rollover Protection:
Automatic roll-over bar deployment system
Seat Belts:
Pretensioners, Force limiters
Head Unit:
COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system, typically with CD player, radio, navigation, and optional CD changer.
Audio System:
Bose premium audio system available on many models.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control, optional DISTRONIC adaptive cruise control on some later models.
Parking Assistance:
Front and rear parking sensors (PARKTRONIC).
Phone Integration:
Bluetooth connectivity via cradle or integrated system, depending on COMAND version and options.
Seats:
Multi-contour power adjustable seats with heating and optional ventilation/massage functions.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions and oil used (refer to manual for specific model/year)
Major Service Intervals:
Includes spark plugs, transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid. Intervals vary (e.g., 30,000-60,000 miles or 3-5 years for fluids).
Engine Oil Sl500:
MB 229.5, SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 (check manual for exact spec and viscosity)
Engine Oil Sl55 Amg:
MB 229.5, SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 (check manual for exact spec and viscosity)
Coolant:
MB 325.0 (Glysantin G48 or equivalent, blue/green color)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 Plus (MB Spec 331.0)
Power Steering Fluid:
MB 236.3 (Pentosin CHF 11 S or equivalent, green color)
Abc System:
Hydraulic leaks, pump failure, strut leaks, valve body issues are common on high-mileage units. Requires specialized knowledge and fluid.
Sbc Brake System:
Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC) can develop faults requiring replacement of the SBC hydraulic unit, often flagged by dashboard warnings. Requires specialized diagnostic tools for calibration.
Vario Roof:
Hydraulic leaks in the roof mechanism, pump issues, microswitch failures, and cylinder leaks can affect convertible top operation.
Ignition Coils:
Common on V8 and V12 engines, leading to misfires.
Εκhaust Manifold Cracks:
Can occur on V8 engines, leading to exhaust leaks and ticking noises.
Electronics:
Various electronic modules (e.g., SAM units, door modules) can be prone to failure due to water ingress or age.
Mercedes Benz Legacy:
Long history of luxury vehicles, renowned for engineering, comfort, and performance, particularly in grand touring and roadster segments.
R230 Introduction:
Introduced in 2001 for the 2002 model year, replacing the R129 SL-Class. Featured a revolutionary retractable hardtop (Vario-Roof).
Facelifts Updates:
Significant facelift for the 2007 model year introduced updated styling, new engine options (e.g., M272 V6, M273 V8), and revisions to the ABC and COMAND systems.
Production Location:
Bremen, Germany
Production Years:
2001-2011 (for R230 chassis)
Prestigious Awards:
While specific awards for the R230 model vary, the SL-Class lineage consistently receives accolades for luxury, performance, and engineering innovation from automotive publications.
Interior Quality Reputation:
Consistently rated highly for interior craftsmanship, material quality, and comfort.
Engineering Certification:
Adherence to stringent Mercedes-Benz engineering and quality standards.
