Segment:
Luxury Grand Tourer Convertible
Target Audience:
Discerning luxury car owners seeking performance, comfort, and advanced technology
Key Competitors:
BMW 6 Series Convertible, Audi A5/S5 Cabriolet, Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet, Jaguar XK Convertible
Highlighted Features Of R230 Facelift 2:
Retractable hardtop, advanced safety systems, sophisticated suspension (ABC), powerful V8 engines, luxurious interior appointments
Engine Management:
Engine diagnosis, fuel system, ignition system, emissions control, cooling system, lubrication system, engine mechanicals (including cylinder head, block, crankshaft, pistons, camshafts)
Transmission:
Automatic transmission (7G-TRONIC PLUS), diagnosis, overhaul, fluid and filter replacement, shift control modules
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive system, differential, driveshafts, axle components
Suspension And Steering:
Active Body Control (ABC) system diagnosis and repair, hydraulic suspension components, power steering system, steering column, wheel alignment
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, ABS, ESP, brake discs and pads, brake lines, calipers, SBC (Sensotronic Brake Control) on earlier models, parking brake
Electrical System:
Starter, alternator, battery, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior), comfort modules, CAN bus communication
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal and installation, convertible roof mechanism diagnosis and repair, interior trim, door mechanisms, latches, hinges, structural components
Climate Control:
Automatic climate control system, A/C compressor, refrigerant, HVAC components, control modules
Infotainment And Navigation:
COMAND infotainment system, radio, CD/DVD changer, navigation system, speaker systems, telematics
Diagnostics:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for all major systems, troubleshooting flowcharts, fault code interpretation
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance tasks, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid), filter replacements, inspections
Repair And Replacement:
Detailed procedures for component removal, repair, and reinstallation for all covered systems
Component Rebuilds:
Overhaul procedures for major components like transmissions and engines
Calibration And Adjustment:
Procedures for calibrating sensors, adjusting control modules, and setting wheel alignment
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic checks to advanced diagnostics and full rebuilds
Diagnostic Tools:
References to required diagnostic tools and software (e.g., STAR DIAGNOSIS)
NHTSA Ratings:
Not widely published for this era, but expected high due to Mercedes standards
Esp:
Electronic Stability Program
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System
Abc System:
Active Body Control (provides adaptive damping and ride height control)
Airbags:
Front, side, knee airbags, and roll-over protection system
Seatbelts:
Pretensioning seatbelts, automatic seatbelt extenders
Comand System:
Central multimedia interface with navigation, radio, CD/DVD, optional Harman Kardon sound system
Cruise Control:
Distronic Plus (optional adaptive cruise control)
Parking Assistance:
Parktronic (PTS - Parking Sensor System), rearview camera (optional)
Bluetooth:
Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming (model dependent)
Keyless Go:
Keyless entry and start system
Seats:
Multi-contour heated and ventilated seats with memory and dynamic side bolsters
Oil Change Interval:
Variable, typically every 10,000-15,000 miles or 1 year (depending on service indicator 'ASSYST')
Major Service Interval:
Around 30,000-40,000 miles (e.g., transmission fluid, spark plugs, brake fluid)
Engine Oil Type:
Mobil 1 0W-40 (MB-Approval 229.5)
Coolant Type:
Mercedes-Benz Approved Antifreeze (e.g., G05 or similar silicate-free)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (MB 331.0)
Common Problems:
ABC hydraulic leaks, convertible top hydraulic cylinder leaks, transmission control module issues, spark plug well oil leaks (M272/M273), mass airflow sensor issues.
Ignition System:
Coil pack failures, spark plug issues (mentioning potential for oil ingress into spark plug wells for M272/M273 engines)
Mercedes Benz Legacy:
Long history of luxury, innovation, and performance in automotive engineering.
R230 Lineage:
Successor to the R129 SL, the R230 introduced the retractable hardtop and advanced electronic systems like ABC and SBC.
Facelift 2 Updates:
Updated front and rear styling, revised engines, new transmission (7G-TRONIC PLUS), improved interior ergonomics, updated COMAND system.
Production Years R230:
2001-2011
