Vehicle Segment:
        
        
            Luxury Grand Tourer (GT) Convertible
        
     
    
        
            Target Audience:
        
        
            Affluent consumers seeking high-performance, luxurious, and technologically advanced driving experience.
        
     
    
    
        
            Key Competitors:
        
        
            BMW 6 Series Convertible, Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet, Jaguar XK Convertible, Maserati GranTurismo Convertible.
        
     
    
    
        
            Infotainment Highlight:
        
        
            COMAND APS system offering advanced navigation, audio, and communication features for its era.
        
     
    
        
            Convertible System:
        
        
            Retractable hardtop (Vario-roof) for coupe-like comfort and open-air driving pleasure.
        
     
    
        
            Performance Orientation:
        
        
            Emphasis on comfortable yet engaging driving dynamics.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Infotainment System:
        
        
            COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Navigation)
        
     
    
        
            Navigation System:
        
        
            Integrated GPS Navigation
        
     
    
        
            Audio System:
        
        
            AM/FM Radio, CD Player, MP3 Capability
        
     
    
        
            Telephone System:
        
        
            Bluetooth Hands-Free Communication
        
     
    
        
            Climate Control:
        
        
            Automatic Climate Control Operation
        
     
    
        
            Lighting Controls:
        
        
            Headlights, Interior Lighting
        
     
    
        
            Instrument Cluster:
        
        
            Display Information and Settings
        
     
    
        
            Power Features:
        
        
            Windows, Mirrors, Seats, Convertible Top Operation
        
     
    
        
            Driver Settings:
        
        
            Personalization Options
        
     
    
    
        
            Operation Basics:
        
        
            System Power On/Off, Basic Functions
        
     
    
        
            Navigation Operation:
        
        
            Destination Entry, Route Planning, Map Views
        
     
    
        
            Audio Playback:
        
        
            Radio Tuning, CD/MP3 Playback, Sound Settings
        
     
    
        
            Phone Pairing:
        
        
            Bluetooth Device Connection and Management
        
     
    
        
            Climate Control Adjustment:
        
        
            Temperature, Fan Speed, Airflow Direction
        
     
    
        
            Convertible Top Operation:
        
        
            Opening and Closing Procedures, Safety Precautions
        
     
    
        
            Customization Settings:
        
        
            Personalizing Vehicle Features and Displays
        
     
    
        
            Troubleshooting Common Issues:
        
        
            Basic guidance on system errors or malfunctions
        
     
    
    
        
            Depth:
        
        
            Comprehensive operator-level understanding of COMAND APS system functions and features.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Code:
        
        
            M272 (for SL350), M273 (for SL550)
        
     
    
        
            Configuration:
        
        
            V6 (SL350) or V8 (SL550)
        
     
    
        
            Displacement Sl350:
        
        
            3.5 Liters (3498 cc)
        
     
    
        
            Horsepower Sl350:
        
        
            268 hp @ 6000 rpm
        
     
    
        
            Torque Sl350:
        
        
            258 lb-ft @ 2400-5000 rpm
        
     
    
        
            Displacement Sl550:
        
        
            5.5 Liters (5461 cc)
        
     
    
        
            Horsepower Sl550:
        
        
            382 hp @ 6000 rpm
        
     
    
        
            Torque Sl550:
        
        
            391 lb-ft @ 2800-4800 rpm
        
     
    
    
        
            Fuel Delivery:
        
        
            Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
        
     
    
        
            Recommended Fuel:
        
        
            Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Type:
        
        
            7-speed Automatic with TouchShift
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Code:
        
        
            7G-TRONIC
        
     
    
    
        
            Availability:
        
        
            N/A for 2008 MY SL350/SL550 in most markets (AMG models had different transmissions).
        
     
    
    
        
            Driving Modes:
        
        
            Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes
        
     
    
        
            Manual Mode:
        
        
            TouchShift paddle shifters or gear selector for manual gear selection.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            NHTSA Front Impact:
        
        
            5-Star (Likely, based on typical Mercedes-Benz safety for this era and segment)
        
     
    
        
            IIHS Front Overlap:
        
        
            Good (Likely, based on typical Mercedes-Benz safety for this era and segment)
        
     
    
    
        
            Braking:
        
        
            Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Brake Assist (BAS)
        
     
    
        
            Traction Control:
        
        
            Traction Control System (ASR)
        
     
    
    
        
            Airbags:
        
        
            Front airbags, Side airbags, Knee airbags (Driver/Passenger)
        
     
    
        
            Rollover Protection:
        
        
            Integrated roll-over bar system (deployable)
        
     
    
        
            Seatbelts:
        
        
            Pretensioning seatbelts with force limiters
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Central Display:
        
        
            7-inch color display integrated into the dashboard.
        
     
    
        
            Control Interface:
        
        
            COMAND controller knob with surrounding buttons on the center console.
        
     
    
        
            Audio Features:
        
        
            AM/FM Radio, CD player (single disc), MP3 compatibility, optional Harman Kardon surround sound system.
        
     
    
    
        
            Cruise Control:
        
        
            Standard cruise control, optional Distronic adaptive cruise control.
        
     
    
        
            Parking Aid:
        
        
            Optional front and rear parking sensors (PARKTRONIC).
        
     
    
        
            Headlights:
        
        
            Bi-Xenon headlamps with adaptive cornering function.
        
     
    
    
        
            Bluetooth:
        
        
            Integrated Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming.
        
     
    
        
            Auxiliary Input:
        
        
            Optional auxiliary audio input jack.
        
     
    
    
        
            Seats:
        
        
            14-way power adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with memory function.
        
     
    
        
            Climate Control:
        
        
            Dual-zone automatic climate control with cabin air filter.
        
     
    
        
            Keyless Entry Start:
        
        
            KEYLESS-GO system for keyless entry and ignition.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Major Service Interval:
        
        
            Typically every 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first. More comprehensive services at higher mileages (e.g., 30k, 60k, 100k).
        
     
    
        
            Oil Change Interval:
        
        
            As per Flexible Service System (FSS), often around 10,000 miles or 1 year. Refer to manual for specific FSS reset procedure.
        
     
    
        
            Brake Fluid Flush:
        
        
            Every 2 years
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Replacement:
        
        
            Every 5 years or 100,000 miles (initial fill), then every 2-3 years thereafter.
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil Type Sl350:
        
        
            Mobil 1 Synthetic 0W-40 (MB Approval 229.5)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Oil Type Sl550:
        
        
            Mobil 1 Synthetic 0W-40 (MB Approval 229.5)
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid:
        
        
            MB Spec 236.14 (e.g., Pentosin ATF134)
        
     
    
        
            Coolant:
        
        
            Mercedes-Benz Approved Antifreeze/Coolant (MB 325.0 or 326.0)
        
     
    
        
            Brake Fluid:
        
        
            DOT 4 Plus (MB Spec 331.0)
        
     
    
    
        
            Abc Suspension:
        
        
            Active Body Control (ABC) suspension system can be prone to leaks and pump failures over time; requires specialized knowledge.
        
     
    
        
            Variorooftop Mechanism:
        
        
            Hydraulic cylinders and seals for the retractable hardtop can degrade, leading to leaks or operational issues.
        
     
    
        
            Ignition Coils:
        
        
            Coil-on-plug ignition coils can fail, leading to misfires and rough running, particularly on the M272 V6.
        
     
    
        
            Camshaft Phasers:
        
        
            Camshaft adjusters/phasers (especially on M272 V6) can fail, causing rattling noises on startup and check engine lights.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Manufacturer:
        
        
            Daimler AG (Mercedes-Benz)
        
     
    
        
            Heritage Focus:
        
        
            Long history of luxury, engineering excellence, and automotive innovation.
        
     
    
    
        
            Sl Class Legacy:
        
        
            Successor to iconic models like the 300SL 'Gullwing' and R107 SL, known for combining performance and luxury.
        
     
    
        
            R230 Generation:
        
        
            Introduced for the 2003 model year, featuring a retractable hardtop, marking a significant departure from previous soft-top SLs.
        
     
    
        
            2008 Facelift Mention:
        
        
            The 2008 model year represents the post-facelift ('Series 2') R230, with updated styling, engines, and technology compared to earlier R230 models.
        
     
    
    
        
            Production Years R230:
        
        
            2003-2011
        
     
    
        
            Manufacturing Plant:
        
        
            Bremen, Germany
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Design Awards:
        
        
            While specific awards for the 2008 model year may vary, the R230 SL-Class consistently received praise for its elegant design and premium interior.
        
     
    
    
        
            Safety Ratings:
        
        
            Mercedes-Benz vehicles of this era typically achieved high safety ratings from organizations like NHTSA and IIHS, reflecting the brand's commitment to safety.
        
     
    
    
        
            Emissions Standards:
        
        
            Compliant with U.S. EPA and California ARB emissions standards for 2008.