🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

SL-Class

Model Variant:

SL500

Year:

2003

Model Generation:

R230

Chassis Code:

R230

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Luxury Grand Tourer Convertible

Target Demographic:

Affluent buyers seeking performance, luxury, and advanced technology in a two-seater convertible.

Key Competitors:

BMW 6 Series Convertible, Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet, Jaguar XK Convertible, Lexus SC 430.

Body Style:

Two-door, retractable hardtop convertible.

Technology Highlights:

ABC (Active Body Control) suspension, bi-xenon headlamps, COMAND infotainment system, advanced safety features.

Luxury Appointments:

Premium leather upholstery, genuine wood or aluminum trim, advanced climate control, power amenities.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Operation, Maintenance, Safety, Specifications

Secondary Coverage:

Instrument Cluster, Climate Controls, Entertainment, Lighting, Security, Seating, Driver Controls

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for a comprehensive owner's manual of this era)

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain Systems:

Engine operation, fuel information, engine oil specifications, air filter maintenance, battery care.

Chassis Systems:

Brakes, steering, suspension (general operation and care).

Electrical Systems:

Lighting operation, instrument cluster functions, basic electrical troubleshooting (as per owner's manual scope).

Interior Systems:

Climate control operation, infotainment system overview, power seat adjustments, safety restraint system (SRS) explanation.

Body And Security:

Door locks, remote keyless entry, central locking system, alarm system operation.

Routine Maintenance:

Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, basic cleaning instructions.

Driver Operation:

Starting and stopping the engine, gear selection (automatic transmission), operating windows and mirrors, using cruise control.

Safety Procedures:

Proper use of seat belts, understanding airbag system indicators, child seat installation guidelines (general).

Troubleshooting Basics:

Interpreting dashboard warning lights and messages, basic solutions for common operational issues.

Depth:

Owner-level operation and maintenance. Does not include in-depth repair procedures, diagnostic codes, or component-level diagnostics typically found in a Service Manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable if generated from OCR'd factory manual.

Readability:

Viewable on any device with a compatible PDF reader (Acrobat Reader, Foxit, etc.).

Quality:

Digital reproduction of factory original, quality depends on source scan.

Binding:

N/A (Digital File)

Paper:

N/A (Digital File)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M113 E50

Configuration:

5.0L V8, Naturally Aspirated

Displacement:

4966 cc

Bore X Stroke:

97.0 mm x 84.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1

Horsepower:

302 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque:

339 lb-ft @ 2800-4500 rpm

Induction:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (SFI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

Engine Oil Capacity:

8.5 Liters (8.9 Quarts)

Recommended Oil Viscosity:

SAE 0W-40 (API SJ or higher)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed Automatic with TouchShift

Gear Ratios:

Specific ratios available in service manual, but generally geared for smooth power delivery and highway cruising.

Overdrive:

Yes (5th gear)

Manual Mode:

TouchShift manual shifting via selector lever.

Transmission Fluid Type:

MB 236.10 (e.g., Shell ATF 134, Mobil ATF 134)

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approximately 8.0 Liters (16.9 Pints) for a complete refill.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4535 mm (178.5 inches)

Width:

1811 mm (71.3 inches)

Height:

1307 mm (51.5 inches)

Wheelbase:

2560 mm (100.8 inches)

Front Track:

1568 mm (61.7 inches)

Rear Track:

1539 mm (60.6 inches)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 1800-1900 kg (3968-4189 lbs) depending on options.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Not explicitly listed in product info, but would be higher than curb weight.

Trunk Volume:

330 Liters (11.7 cu ft) with roof up; significantly reduced with roof down.

Standard Wheel Size:

17-inch Alloy (standard)

Optional Wheel Size:

18-inch Alloy (optional)

Standard Tire Size:

225/45 R17 (Front), 245/40 R17 (Rear)

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5x112

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rating:

Not readily available for this specific model/year in a standardized format comparable to modern vehicles, but Mercedes-Benz vehicles of this era generally scored well.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Esp:

Electronic Stability Program (ESP)

Traction Control:

ASR (Acceleration Slip Regulation)

Suspension System:

ABC (Active Body Control) for active damping and roll stabilization.

Airbags:

Front airbags, side airbags, knee airbags (potentially), Active Roll-Over Bar system.

Seat Belts:

Pretensioning seat belts with force limiters.

Rollover Protection:

Integrated Active Roll-Over Protection system that deploys automatically if a rollover is detected.

💡 Technology Features

Display:

Central color display on dashboard for COMAND system.

Audio System:

COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system with CD player, AM/FM radio. Optional Bose premium audio system.

Navigation:

Optional factory navigation system (typically CD-ROM based).

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control, optional Distronic adaptive cruise control (on some later models or as an option).

Parking Assistance:

Optional front and rear parking sensors (PARKTRONIC).

Bluetooth:

Optional Bluetooth hands-free system available, often requiring a specific cradle.

Keyless Entry:

Keyless-Go (push-button start and passive key entry) was an option.

Climate Control:

Automatic dual-zone climate control with cabin air filtration.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions (refer to manual for specifics).

Major Service Intervals:

Intervals for spark plugs, transmission fluid, coolant, and other major items are usually detailed by mileage or time (e.g., 30,000, 60,000, 100,000 miles).

Coolant Type:

Mercedes-Benz Specification 325.0 (Antifreeze/Coolant, G48 or equivalent blue-green)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 Plus (MB 331.0)

Power Steering Fluid:

MB Spec 236.3 (usually Dexron III compatible)

Washer Fluid:

Standard automotive windshield washer fluid.

Common Problems General:

ABC suspension hydraulic leaks (struts, lines), SBC (Sensotronic Brake Control) hydraulic unit failure (pre-2007 models), electronics issues (window regulators, convertible top mechanism), catalytic converter failure.

Maintenance Considerations:

Due to complex systems, regular scheduled maintenance by qualified technicians is crucial. Neglect can lead to significantly more expensive repairs.

Oil Filter Part Number:

Example: Mann-Filter HU 719/7x or equivalent Mercedes-Benz part.

Air Filter Part Number:

Example: Mann-Filter C 30 117 or equivalent Mercedes-Benz part.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Mercedes-Benz has a long history of producing luxury roadsters and grand tourers, with the SL designation signifying 'Sport Leicht' (Sport Light) since the iconic 1950s 300 SL Gullwing.

R230 Introduction:

The R230 generation debuted in late 2001 for the 2002 model year, replacing the R129 SL-Class. The SL500 was the initial V8 offering.

Design Philosophy:

The R230 introduced a modern, sleeker design with a retractable vario-roof (hardtop convertible), a significant departure from the previous generation's soft-top/removable hardtop configuration.

Production Years For R230:

2002-2011 (with significant mid-cycle refresh in 2008)

Manufacturing Location:

Sindelfingen, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Auto Week Best Convertible:

The SL-Class generally received positive reviews for its technology and luxury during its production run, often appearing on "best of" lists in its segment.

Consumer Reports:

Consumer Reports ratings for this model year typically reflect average to below-average reliability for Mercedes-Benz vehicles of this era, often citing complexity and repair costs. Manual would help owners understand maintenance needs.

Euro Ncap:

Information on Euro NCAP ratings for this specific year/model may not be directly comparable to current standards.