🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

SL-Class

Model Code:

R230

Year:

2008

Chassis Code:

R230

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Luxury Grand Tourer / Roadster

Positioning:

Flagship two-seater convertible roadster from Mercedes-Benz, known for its advanced technology, performance, and premium comfort.

Competitors:

BMW 6 Series Convertible, Porsche 911 Convertible, Jaguar XK Convertible, Audi A5/S5 Cabriolet

Design:

Retractable hardtop (Vario-Roof), elegant and aerodynamic styling.

Technology:

Active Body Control (ABC) suspension, advanced safety systems, COMAND infotainment.

Performance:

Powerful V8 and V12 engines (depending on variant), offering potent acceleration and a refined driving experience.

📋 Manual Details

Overall Coverage:

All Models & All Repairs A-Z

Model Variants Covered:

All R230 SL-Class variants for 2008 (e.g., SL550, SL600, SL63 AMG, SL65 AMG - subject to engine availability within the R230 platform for the model year)

Estimated Page Count:

Extensive (Specific number not provided in product info, but typical for full factory service manuals)

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Likely PDF or digital format, designed for technician use.

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine, Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Engine Control Module (ECM)

Transmission Drivetrain:

Automatic Transmission (e.g., 7G-TRONIC), Drive Shafts, Differentials, Axles

Chassis Suspension:

ABC (Active Body Control) Suspension, Steering System, Wheel Alignment, Suspension Components

Brakes:

Brake System (Hydraulic and Electronic), ABS, ESP (Electronic Stability Program), Parking Brake

Electrical Electronics:

Body Control Module (BCM), CAN Bus System, Lighting Systems, Power Windows, Seats, Mirrors, Infotainment, Navigation, COMAND System, Sensor Systems

Body Interior:

Body Structures, Exterior Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Convertible Roof System (Vario-Roof), Interior Trim, Climate Control System (HVAC)

Maintenance:

Scheduled Maintenance Intervals, Fluid Changes (Engine Oil, Transmission Fluid, Brake Fluid, Coolant), Filter Replacements, Inspections

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Pinpoint Tests, Component Testing Procedures, Wiring Diagrams

Repair Rebuild:

Component Removal and Installation, Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Overhaul, Convertible Roof Mechanism Repair, Electrical Component Replacement

Specifications Data:

Torque Specifications, Lubricant Specifications, Electrical Schematics, Component Diagrams, Exploded Views

Depth:

Expert Level - Covers detailed diagnostics, component-level repair, and system overhauls, identical to dealership technician resources.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format Details:

Typically searchable PDF with high-resolution diagrams and printable pages.

Quality:

High-resolution, professional quality suitable for technical reference.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format assumed)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Format assumed)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

V8 (SL550), V12 Bi-Turbo (SL600), V8 Supercharged (SL55 AMG - earlier R230, potentially available in early 2008), V8 Naturally Aspirated (SL63 AMG), V12 Bi-Turbo (SL65 AMG - earlier R230, potentially available in early 2008). Specific engine for the 2008 model year typically includes the M273 V8 and M275/M285 V12 Bi-Turbo.

Displacement Sl550:

5.5 Liters (5461 cc)

Horsepower Sl550:

382 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque Sl550:

391 lb-ft @ 2800-4500 rpm

Displacement Sl600:

5.5 Liters (5513 cc) - Bi-Turbo

Horsepower Sl600:

510 hp @ 5000 rpm

Torque Sl600:

612 lb-ft @ 1800-3500 rpm

0-60 Mph Sl550:

Approximately 4.8 seconds

0-60 Mph Sl600:

Approximately 4.4 seconds

Injection Type:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) for naturally aspirated, Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with twin injectors for bi-turbo variants.

Fuel Requirement:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

7-Speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC) for SL550. AMG variants typically feature AMG Speedshift variants of automatic transmissions.

Optional Transmission:

AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT (Multi-Clutch Technology) for SL63 AMG, AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC for SL65 AMG (in some configurations).

Features:

TouchShift manual shifting, Sport and Comfort modes.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 171.2 inches (4348 mm)

Width:

Approx. 73.5 inches (1867 mm)

Height:

Approx. 51.6 inches (1311 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 98.7 inches (2507 mm)

Curb Weight Sl550:

Approx. 4343 lbs (1970 kg)

Curb Weight Sl600:

Approx. 4475 lbs (2030 kg)

Trunk Volume Hardtop Up:

Approx. 13.1 cu ft (370 L)

Trunk Volume Hardtop Down:

Approx. 7.5 cu ft (212 L)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

While specific NHTSA ratings for the 2008 R230 are not readily available, Mercedes-Benz vehicles of this era are typically designed to high safety standards.

Active Safety:

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ESP (Electronic Stability Program), ASR (Acceleration Slip Regulation), Brake Assist (BAS), PRE-SAFE® system (anticipatory safety features).

Passive Safety:

Front Airbags (Dual-stage), Side Airbags (Integrated into seats), Knee Airbags (Driver), Roll-over Protection System (Pop-up roll bars), Crumple Zones, Seatbelt Pretensioners.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) System with integrated CD player, radio, navigation, and optional Harman Kardon surround sound.

Display:

Central color display screen integrated into the dashboard.

Driver Assistance Features:

Distronic Plus (Adaptive Cruise Control - optional), Parking Assist (PARKTRONIC - optional), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Connectivity Options:

Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling (optional, depending on COMAND version).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first, using synthetic oil. (Refer to manual for exact intervals).

Major Service Intervals:

Key service points often occur around 30,000 miles, 60,000 miles, and 100,000 miles, involving checks and replacements of various fluids, filters, and wear items.

Engine Oil Spec:

MB 229.5 Specification Synthetic Engine Oil (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40 or equivalent).

Transmission Fluid Spec:

MB 236.14 Specification Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) for 7G-TRONIC.

Brake Fluid Spec:

DOT 4 Plus (MB 331.0 specification)

Coolant Spec:

Mercedes-Benz approved Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., ZEREX G48 or equivalent, typically silicate-based blue coolant).

Common Wear Items:

ABC hydraulic lines and accumulators, convertible roof hydraulic seals and pumps, ignition coils, mass airflow sensors, brake pads and rotors.

Electronics:

Issues with COMAND system, seat control modules, door lock actuators, and ABC suspension fault codes can occur.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing history of producing high-performance luxury roadsters, dating back to the iconic 300 SL "Gullwing" and subsequent SL models.

R230 Generation:

The R230 chassis SL-Class was introduced for the 2003 model year, replacing the R129. The 2008 model represents a mid-cycle refresh (post-2007 facelift) which introduced updated styling, new engines (like the M273 V8 in the SL550), and revised technology.

Manufacturing Location:

Bremen, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

General Recognition:

The SL-Class consistently receives accolades for its blend of performance, luxury, and advanced technology, often recognized by automotive journalists and industry publications.