Segment:
Luxury Grand Tourer (GT) convertible roadster
Competitors:
Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet, BMW 6 Series Convertible, Jaguar XK Convertible, Chevrolet Corvette Convertible
Design:
Retractable hardtop (Vario-roof), distinctive styling, high-quality interior materials
Performance:
Powerful V8 engine, comfortable ride, refined handling
Technology:
Advanced infotainment, climate control, and driver assistance systems for its era
Primary Coverage:
Vehicle operation, maintenance, and specifications for the 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL500 Sport
Secondary Coverage:
Instrument cluster, entertainment systems, climate control, lighting, driver controls, locks, security, seating, safety restraints, driving aids, customer assistance, cleaning, engine compartment, engine oil, battery, fuel, air filters, accessories, service information, maintenance schedules, part numbers, refill capacities, lubricant specifications
Estimated Pages:
Approximately 300-400 (typical for Mercedes-Benz owner's manuals of this era)
Powertrain:
Engine operation, fluid requirements, maintenance, and general specifications
Chassis:
Brakes, suspension, steering, wheels, and tires
Electrical:
Lighting, instrument cluster, infotainment, climate control, power accessories, and basic electrical system overview
Safety Systems:
Airbags, seatbelts, ISOFIX, ABS, ESP, and driver assistance features
Comfort Features:
Power seats, climate control, convertible top operation, and entertainment system usage
Operation:
Starting and operating the vehicle, using various controls and features
Maintenance:
Recommended maintenance intervals, fluid checks, filter replacements, and general upkeep
Troubleshooting:
Indicator lights and warning messages, basic troubleshooting advice
Safety Related:
Correct use of safety restraints, child seat installation, reporting safety defects
Depth:
Comprehensive owner-level operation and basic maintenance information, not a full repair manual
Type:
5-Speed Automatic with TouchShift
Gear Ratios:
See Service Manual for specific ratios (typically 3.93, 2.61, 1.71, 1.21, 1.00, R 3.15)
Shift Modes:
Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes
Fluid Type:
MB Spec 236.14 (e.g., Pentosin ATF1)
Capacity:
Approximately 8.5 liters (pan removal and refill), higher for torque converter
NHTSA Front Impact:
Not rated (vehicle type not typically tested by NHTSA in this era)
IIHS:
Likely good ratings for its time, but specific data for 2006 may be limited.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System
Esp:
Electronic Stability Program (also known as ESP or ADS)
Traction Control:
Acceleration Skid Control (ASR)
Brake Assist:
Brake Assist System (BAS)
Airbags:
Front airbags, side airbags (thorax), head airbags (window bags), possibly knee airbags
Rollover Protection:
Automatically deploying roll bars behind headrests
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with belt tensioners and force limiters
Head Unit:
COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation Display) with CD player, AM/FM radio, and optional navigation
Audio System:
Harman Kardon LOGIC 7 surround sound system (optional or standard on Sport)
Connectivity:
Optional Bluetooth interface for hands-free calling (often requires a specific adapter or phone)
Adaptive Cruise Control:
DISTRONIC (optional)
Parking Assistance:
PARKTRONIC parking sensors (front and rear, optional)
Convertible Top:
Electro-hydraulic retractable vario-roof with automatic closing assist
Seats:
Multi-contour power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with memory
Oil Change:
Variable, typically based on 'Service A' or 'Service B' indicators, usually around 10,000 miles or 1 year.
Major Service:
Scheduled 'B' service often includes transmission fluid change, brake fluid flush, and other inspections around 20,000-30,000 miles.
Engine Oil:
MB Spec 229.5 (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40 Synthetic)
Engine Oil Capacity:
8.5 Quarts (8.0 Liters)
Coolant:
MB Spec 325.0 (Antifreeze/Coolant concentrate, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 Plus (MB Spec 331.0)
Power Steering Fluid:
MB Spec 343.0 (or equivalent hydraulic fluid)
Common Problems:
ABC suspension (Active Body Control) leaks or pump failures, convertible top hydraulic cylinder leaks, SAM module issues, crank position sensor failures, balance shaft sprocket wear (on earlier M113 engines, less common on 2006).
Maintenance Tips:
Regularly check ABC fluid level and condition. Inspect convertible top hydraulic lines for leaks. Monitor for dashboard warning lights.
Oil Filter Example:
A0001802609 (example, always verify with VIN)
Air Filter Example:
A2710900301 (example, check specific fitment)
