🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

560SL

Year:

1986

Platform Code:

R107

Body Style:

2-door roadster/convertible

Chassis Code:

A107.048

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Luxury Grand Tourer / Sports Roadster

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts, collectors, independent repair shops specializing in classic Mercedes-Benz vehicles

Key Competitors Era:

Jaguar XJ-S, Porsche 944, Chevrolet Corvette C4, BMW 6 Series

Vehicle Appeal:

Iconic styling, robust engineering, powerful V8 engine, luxurious interior, convertible driving experience

Manual Value Proposition:

Essential resource for accurate diagnosis, repair, and maintenance of the classic Mercedes-Benz 560SL, preserving its value and performance.

📋 Manual Details

Engine Coverage:

M117 V8 (5.6L)

Transmission Coverage:

4-speed automatic (722.3 series)

Electrical System Coverage:

Complete wiring diagrams, component testing, diagnostic procedures

Chassis Coverage:

Suspension, steering, brakes (ABS included), drivetrain

Body Coverage:

Exterior body panels, interior trim, convertible top mechanism

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 700-900 pages (typical for comprehensive Mercedes manuals of this era)

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine construction, cylinder head, valvetrain, crankshaft and connecting rods, pistons, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel injection (Bosch KE-Jetronic), ignition system, exhaust system

Transmission Automatic:

Torque converter, planetary gear sets, hydraulic control system, valve body, electronic control unit (ECU), service and adjustment procedures

Suspension And Steering:

Front suspension (independent, wishbones, coil springs, shock absorbers), rear suspension (independent, trailing arms, coil springs, shock absorbers), power steering system, steering gear, wheel alignment specifications

Brakes And ABS:

Hydraulic brake system, brake calipers, brake pads, brake discs, parking brake, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) components, hydraulic control unit, sensor diagnostics, bleed procedures

Electrical And Electronics:

Battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting system, ignition system, fuel injection system electronics, instrument cluster, power windows, central locking, climate control system, radio, ABS control module, SRS (Airbag) system (if equipped)

General Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspections and replacement, air filter service

Engine Repair:

Engine disassembly and reassembly, cylinder head gasket replacement, piston ring replacement, bearing inspection and replacement, timing chain and guide service, fuel injector testing and replacement

Transmission Repair:

Transmission removal and installation, internal component inspection and replacement, torque converter replacement, shift linkage adjustment, hydraulic pressure testing

Brake System Overhaul:

Brake caliper rebuilding, master cylinder replacement, brake line replacement, ABS modulator service, brake system bleeding

Troubleshooting And Diagnostics:

Step-by-step diagnostic flowcharts for common problems, identification of fault codes (where applicable), electrical testing procedures, fuel system pressure testing

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and wiring diagrams.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF

Searchable:

Yes (text-searchable)

Printable:

Yes

Digital Resolution:

High-resolution scans for clear text and diagrams

Physical Equivalent:

Professional factory bind (if a printed version)

Physical Equivalent:

High-quality, durable paper suitable for workshop use

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M117 E56

Configuration:

V8, SOHC

Displacement:

5.6 liters (5549 cc)

Horsepower Gross:

Approx. 227-238 hp @ 4200-4700 rpm (depending on market and exact configuration)

Torque Gross:

Approx. 317-330 lb-ft @ 2500-3500 rpm

Injection System:

Bosch KE-Jetronic (CIS-E)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Type:

Electronic ignition with distributor and spark control

🔧 Transmission

Type:

4-speed automatic

Transmission Model:

722.3 (W4A 040)

Type:

Manual transmission was not offered for the 560SL in this generation.

Torque Converter Lockup:

Yes, provides more efficient highway cruising

Gear Ratios:

Specific ratios detailed within the manual (e.g., 1st: 3.68, 2nd: 2.40, 3rd: 1.44, 4th: 1.00, Reverse: 4.20)

Transmission Fluid Type:

MB 236.2, ATF Dexron III/Mercon (or equivalent)

Capacity Liters:

Approximately 7.5 - 9.0 liters (including torque converter) - refer to manual for exact fill procedure.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4785 mm (188.4 in)

Width:

Approx. 1790 mm (70.5 in)

Height:

Approx. 1300 mm (51.2 in)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2400 mm (94.5 in)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1700-1750 kg (3750-3860 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight:

Approx. 2100 kg (4630 lbs)

Wheel Size:

15-inch alloy wheels (standard)

Tire Size:

205/65 VR 15 (or similar high-performance radial)

Bolt Pattern:

5 x 112 mm

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

Modern crash test data is limited for vehicles of this era. However, Mercedes-Benz was a pioneer in safety engineering.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Power Steering:

Standard power steering for improved maneuverability

Airbags:

Driver's side airbag typically standard on US models from this year.

Seat Belts:

Three-point inertia-reel seat belts front and rear

Rollover Protection:

Reinforced A-pillars and integrated roll-bar behind the seats

Crumple Zones:

Designed with front and rear crumple zones for energy absorption

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory installed AM/FM stereo radio with cassette player. Often featured a premium sound system with multiple speakers.

Navigation:

Not available in this era.

Cruise Control:

Standard electronically controlled cruise control.

Climate Control:

Optional automatic climate control (or manual air conditioning).

Bluetooth Integration:

Not available; aftermarket solutions may exist.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles (12,000 - 16,000 km) or annually, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact spec).

Transmission Fluid Service:

Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles (48,000 - 80,000 km) or every 2-3 years.

Coolant Flush:

Every 2 years or 40,000 miles (64,000 km).

Spark Plugs:

Refer to manual for replacement interval; typically platinum-tipped plugs offer longer life.

Engine Oil Type:

API SG or higher, SAE 15W-40 or 10W-40 (viscosity may vary based on climate). Refer to manual for exact specification.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 8.0 liters (8.5 US quarts) with filter change.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically MB 325.0 specification (or equivalent blue/green coolant).

Power Steering Fluid:

MB 236.3 specification (or equivalent Pentosin CHF 11S or Dexron III).

Wiring Harness:

Degradation of insulation on older wiring harnesses can lead to electrical gremlins.

Fuel System:

Fuel distributor and accumulator issues with the K-Jetronic system; idle control valve problems.

Cooling System:

Radiator leaks, hose deterioration, water pump seal leaks.

Suspension Components:

Wear in ball joints, control arm bushings, and tie rod ends.

Convertible Top Hydraulics:

Leaks in the hydraulic lines or pump failure for the power convertible top.

📚 Vehicle History

Mercedes Benz Legacy:

Renowned for engineering excellence, safety innovation, and luxury vehicles since its inception.

R107 Lineage:

The R107 chassis, introduced in 1971, represented a significant evolution of the SL roadster, blending sports car performance with luxury touring.

560Sl Introduction:

The 560SL, introduced in 1986, was the most powerful and luxurious iteration of the R107 platform, featuring the larger 5.6L V8 engine and upgraded amenities, primarily for the North American and Japanese markets.

Production Years R107:

1971-1989

Manufacturing Location:

Sindelfingen, West Germany

560Sl Production Years:

1986-1989

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Classic Car Status:

Highly regarded as a classic Mercedes-Benz and a desirable collector's car.

Automotive Press Reviews:

Consistently praised for its build quality, comfort, and powerful performance during its production run.