🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

SL-Class

Model Code:

R230

Applicable Model Years:

2001-2011

Engine Variants Covered:

SL350, SL500, SL55 AMG, SL600, SL63 AMG, SL65 AMG

Chassis Code:

R230

Body Style:

Roadster/Convertible

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Class:

Luxury Grand Tourer / Sports Car

Target Audience:

Enthusiast owners, DIY mechanics, professional workshops servicing Mercedes-Benz vehicles

Competitors R230 Era:

BMW 6 Series, Porsche 911 (996/997), Jaguar XK, Maserati GranTurismo

Highlight:

Retractable hardtop, advanced Active Body Control (ABC) suspension, powerful V8 and V12 engines, luxury appointments

Benefit To Owner:

Significant cost savings on maintenance and repair, deeper understanding of vehicle systems

Advantage:

Enables DIY repairs, accurate diagnosis, and proper preventative maintenance

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Service and Repair

Secondary Coverage:

Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics

Estimated Page Count:

Extensive (Specific count not provided in product info, but implied to be comprehensive)

Type:

Technical Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Digital Format:

Web HTML

Accessibility:

Instant Download, Printable

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine (all variants), Transmission (all variants)

Chassis And Suspension:

Chassis, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Traction Control (ABC - Active Body Control likely covered)

Electrical And Electronics:

Complete Electrical System, ECUs, Sensors, Actuators, Lighting, Infotainment (likely integrated)

Body And Comfort:

Bodywork, Interior, Climate Control, Convertible Roof System, Safety Restraints

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation, component testing

Repair Procedures:

Engine overhaul, transmission repair, suspension component replacement, brake system service, electrical component repair/replacement

Special Procedures:

Use of special tools, convertible roof system servicing, hydraulic system bleeding (likely for ABC)

Depth:

Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to in-depth repair and diagnostics)

Level Of Detail:

Detailed step-by-step instructions with high-quality diagrams

📊 Manual Specifications

Primary Format:

HTML

Secondary Format Compatibility:

App ISO, iPhone, iPod, Android (via web browser or dedicated app)

Viewer Requirement:

Adobe PDF Reader (implies some content may be PDF or PDF-like within HTML)

Printability:

Fully Printable

Binding Style For Printed Version:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Quality For Printed Version:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Sl350 Engine:

M272 DE35 (3.5L V6, later models) / M112 E37 (3.7L V6, earlier models)

Sl500 Engine:

M113 E50 (5.0L V8) / M273 DE46 (4.7L V8)

Sl55 Amg Engine:

M113 E55 ML (5.5L Supercharged V8)

Sl600 Engine:

M275 E55 ML (5.5L Twin-Turbo V12)

Sl63 Amg Engine:

M156 DOHC V8 (6.2L Naturally Aspirated) / M159 DOHC V8 (6.2L Naturally Aspirated)

Sl65 Amg Engine:

M275 AMG (6.0L Twin-Turbo V12)

Typical Horsepower Range:

302 hp (SL350) to 600+ hp (SL65 AMG)

Typical Torque Range:

339 lb-ft (SL350) to 738 lb-ft (SL65 AMG)

Injection Type:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) / Direct Injection (DI) depending on engine and year

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)

🔧 Transmission

Common Transmission Type:

7-speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC), 5-speed Automatic (earlier V8 models)

Performance Transmission:

AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS (e.g., 5-speed MCT for SL63 AMG)

Transmission Modes:

Comfort (C), Sport (S), Manual (M)

Transmission Fluid Type:

MB 236.14 (for 7G-TRONIC), MB 236.10 (for earlier automatics). Specific type may vary by model and year, manual will detail.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4527-4643 mm (178.2-182.8 inches) depending on model year and variant

Width:

Approx. 1815-1827 mm (71.5-71.9 inches)

Height:

Approx. 1300-1320 mm (51.2-52.0 inches)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1700-2000+ kg (3748-4409+ lbs) depending on engine and equipment

🛡️ Safety Features

Typical Safety Features:

Multiple airbags (front, side, knee), ABS, ESP (Electronic Stability Program), ASR (Acceleration Slip Regulation), roll-over protection system (automatically deploying)

Active Safety Systems:

Active Body Control (ABC) for enhanced handling and stability, Brake Assist (BAS)

Passive Safety Features:

Reinforced body structure, impact-absorbing zones, seatbelt pretensioners

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system, typically with integrated CD changer, navigation, radio, and phone connectivity (Bluetooth).

Audio System:

Bose premium sound system was a common option.

Driver Assistance Features:

Distronic (adaptive cruise control) was available on some models, parking sensors (PARKTRONIC), tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

Connectivity Options:

Bluetooth hands-free calling, cellular telephone integration (often requiring a cradle).

Convenience Technology:

Keyless-Go (proximity key entry and start), heated and ventilated seats, massage seats (optional), memory seats, power-folding mirrors, automatic climate control.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000 - 15,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil type. The manual will specify based on the 'Service A' or 'Service B' system.

Major Service Interval:

Major services (e.g., spark plugs, transmission fluid, brake fluid) typically occur at 30,000 - 60,000 mile intervals. The manual will provide detailed schedules.

Engine Oil Specification:

MB 229.5 (for most gasoline engines), MB 229.51 (for some variants). Specific viscosity (e.g., 0W-40, 5W-40) varies by engine and climate. Manual is crucial here.

Coolant Specification:

MB 325.0 or MB 326.0 (Ethylene Glycol based, typically blue or green). Correct mixture of 50/50 with distilled water is essential.

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 4 Plus (MB 331.0) is commonly recommended.

Common R230 Issues:

Active Body Control (ABC) hydraulic leaks and pump failures, coil pack failures (older engines), O2 sensor failures, convertible roof hydraulic cylinder leaks and pump issues, mass airflow sensor (MAF) failures, ECU failures.

Diagnostic Importance:

Crucial to address ABC system issues promptly to prevent further damage. Manual will detail diagnostic procedures for these complex systems.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Mercedes-Benz has a long history of producing luxury roadsters, dating back to the iconic 300 SL 'Gullwing'.

R230 Introduction:

Introduced in 2001 as the successor to the R129 SL-Class. Featured a retractable vario-roof (hardtop convertible) and the revolutionary Active Body Control (ABC) suspension.

R230 Facelifts:

Received significant updates in 2006 (facelift 1) with revised styling, new engines (M272 V6, M273 V8), and infotainment system. Further minor updates in subsequent years.

Production Period:

2001-2011

Manufacturing Location:

Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Vehicle Awards General:

The SL-Class platform consistently received praise for its blend of performance, luxury, and innovative technology during its production run.

Specific Award Examples:

While specific year-by-year awards for the R230 are not explicitly listed in the product description, models were frequently lauded by automotive publications for their engineering and driving experience.

Manual Certification:

N/A (This is a third-party technical manual, not an OEM certification)