2003 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 Sport Owners Manual

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🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mercedes-Benz Model: SL-Class Model Variant: SL500 Sport Year: 2003 Generation Generation Code: R230 Codes Chassis Code: R230 Engine Code: M113.965 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment:...

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Type: Car

Vendor:

Sku: 182732

Tags: 2003 500 Car Cars Mercedes Mercedes-benz SL-Class SL500 Sport

Product variants

Description

🏷️ Basic Information

Identification

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

SL-Class

Model Variant:

SL500 Sport

Year:

Generation

Generation Code:

Codes

Chassis Code:

Engine Code:

M113.965

👋 Introduction

Market Position

Segment:

Luxury Grand Tourer / Roadster

Target Audience:

Affluent individuals seeking a blend of performance, luxury, and sophisticated open-top driving.

Competitive Analysis

Key Competitors:

• BMW 6 Series Convertible

• Jaguar XK Convertible

• Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet

• Lexus SC 430

Key Features

Vehicle Highlights:

• Retractable Hardtop (Vario-Roof)

• Powerful V8 Engine

• Advanced Active Body Control (ABC) Suspension

• Premium Interior Materials and Comfort

• Sophisticated COMAND Infotainment System

Manual Purpose

Purpose:

To provide owners with essential information for safe and optimal operation, maintenance, and understanding of their 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500 Sport.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas

List:

• Introduction

• Instrument Cluster

• Entertainment Systems

• Climate Controls

• Lights

• Driver Controls

• Locks and Security

• Seating and Safety Restraints

• Driving

• Customer Assistance

• Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. Only)

• Cleaning

• Maintenance and Specifications

• Engine Compartment

• Engine Oil

• Battery

• Fuel Information

• Air Filter(s)

• Part Numbers

• Refill Capacities

• Lubricant Specifications

• Accessories

• Service Information and Specifications

• Maintenance Information and Specifications

Page Count

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for this era/model)

Manual Type

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language

Language:

English

Format

Format:

Digital PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered

List:

• Vehicle Operation & Controls

• Instrument Panel & Indicators

• Infotainment System (COMAND)

• HVAC System

• Exterior & Interior Lighting

• Power Accessories (Windows, Mirrors, Seats)

• Keyless Go/Start

• Central Locking & Alarm System

• Airbag System

• Seatbelt System

• ABS & ESP (Electronic Stability Program)

• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

• Brake System

• Suspension System (ABC - Active Body Control)

• Engine Management & Performance

• Fuel System

• Ignition System

• Cooling System

• Exhaust System

• Electrical System (Battery, Charging)

• Wiper/Washer System

• Convertible Top Operation (Vario-Roof)

Procedures Included

List:

• Understanding Dashboard Indicators

• Operating Climate Control

• Using COMAND System (Navigation, Audio, Phone)

• Headlight and Taillight Functions

• Seat and Steering Wheel Adjustment

• Door Locking and Unlocking

• Child Seat Installation (ISOFIX)

• Engaging and Disengaging Cruise Control

• Vario-Roof Operation and Troubleshooting

• Basic Maintenance Checks (Oil, Coolant, Washer Fluid)

• Checking Tire Pressure

• Jump Starting Procedures

• Fueling Instructions

• Wiper Blade Replacement

• Light Bulb Replacement

• Cleaning and Care of Interior and Exterior

• Understanding Service Indicator (Assyst)

• Customer Assistance Information

• Reporting Safety Defects

Technical Depth

Depth:

Comprehensive owner-level information, covering operation, basic maintenance, and user-accessible features. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures or component-level repair instructions typically found in a workshop manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format

File Type:

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable if OCR was applied during conversion.

Print Quality

Quality:

Digital reproduction, quality dependent on original scan. Typically good for readability.

Binding Type

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital)

Paper Type

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital)

Software Requirements

Reader Requirement:

Requires PDF reader (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader).

Device Compatibility

Compatibility:

Compatible with any device capable of reading PDF files.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated V8

Displacement:

5.0 Liters (4966 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

97.0 mm x 84.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1

Valvetrain:

SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) with 3 valves per cylinder

Power Output:

302 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque Output:

339 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm

Fuel System

Induction:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)

Engine Management

ME 2.8 (Motronic Engine Control)

Cooling System

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 9.5 Liters (10.0 US Quarts)

Lubrication

Oil Capacity:

Approx. 8.5 Liters (9.0 US Quarts) with filter change

Recommended Oil Viscosity:

SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 (MB-Approval 229.5)

🔧 Transmission

Standard

Transmission Type:

5-Speed Automatic with TouchShift

Transmission Model:

722.6xx (NAG V 5G-TRONIC)

Gear Ratios:

Standard Ratios (Specific ratios not detailed in owner's manual but typical for this gearbox)

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approx. 8.0 Liters (Pan Drop and Fill)

Transmission Fluid Specification:

MB 236.10 or 236.12 (e.g., Mobil ATF 134, Shell ATF 134)

📐 Dimensions

Exterior

Length:

4537 mm (178.6 in)

Width:

1815 mm (71.5 in)

Height:

1302 mm (51.3 in)

Wheelbase:

2560 mm (100.8 in)

Front Track:

1536 mm (60.5 in)

Rear Track:

1540 mm (60.6 in)

Weights

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1850 kg (4079 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 2200 kg (4850 lbs)

Weight Distribution:

Close to 50/50 front/rear

Cargo

Trunk Volume Hardtop Up:

Approx. 365 Liters (12.9 cu ft)

Trunk Volume Hardtop Down:

Approx. 302 Liters (10.7 cu ft)

Wheels Tires

Standard Wheel Size:

17-inch Alloy (Sport package often included 18-inch)

Standard Tire Size:

225/45R17 Front, 245/40R17 Rear (Typical for 17-inch)

Bolt Pattern:

5x112

Offset:

ET37 Front, ET39 Rear (Typical for 17x7.5 Front / 17x8.5 Rear)

🛡️ Safety Features

Ratings

NHTSA Ratings:

N/A (Official ratings for this specific year/model may not be readily available in a standardized format for the time.)

Euro Ncap Ratings:

N/A (Official ratings for this specific year/model may not be readily available in a standardized format for the time.)

Passive Features

List:

• Dual-stage Front Airbags

• Side Impact Airbags (Integrated into seats)

• Knee Airbags (Driver)

• Seatbelt Pretensioners

• Automatic Roll-Over Bar (Pop-up bars behind headrests)

• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

• Brake Assist (BAS)

Active Features

List:

• Electronic Stability Program (ESP)

• Traction Control System (TCS)

• Active Body Control (ABC) Suspension

• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

• Bi-Xenon Headlights with Automatic Leveling

• Fog Lights

Security Features

List:

• Remote Central Locking

• Factory Alarm System

• Immobilizer

• Keyless Go (Push-button start)

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment

System Name:

COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation)

Features:

• CD Player

• Radio (AM/FM)

• Navigation System (Map data on CD-ROM)

• Tele Aid (Emergency Calling System)

• Optional CD Changer

• Optional Bose Sound System

Display:

7-inch Color Display

Driver Assistance

Active Body Control:

Hydraulically active suspension system that adjusts damping and spring rate in real-time for superior ride comfort and handling.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control with speed limiter function.

Connectivity

Telematics:

Tele Aid system for emergency assistance and stolen vehicle tracking.

Bluetooth:

Not standard, often an optional accessory or dealer-installed upgrade.

Lighting

Headlights:

Bi-Xenon High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights with integrated cornering illumination.

Convenience

Keyless Go:

Allows engine start/stop and door unlocking/locking without using the physical key, using a start button on the gear selector.

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals

Service A:

Approximately every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (indicated by Assyst system).

Service B:

Approximately every 20,000 miles or 24 months (after Service A).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically around 100,000 miles.

Transmission Fluid Service:

Recommended every 40,000-60,000 miles or as per service indicator.

Fluid Specifications

Engine Oil Specification:

MB-Approval 229.5 (SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 recommended)

Coolant Specification:

MB-Approval 325.0 or 326.0 (Ethylene Glycol based, blue color)

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 4 Plus (MB-Approval 331.0)

Power Steering Fluid:

Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent (MB-Approval 343.0)

Windshield Washer Fluid:

Water with approved additive, or MB approved washer fluid.

Known Issues

Common Wear Items:

• Active Body Control (ABC) hydraulic lines and accumulators

• Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor

• Ignition coils

• Electronic trunk closer mechanism

• Vario-Roof hydraulic cylinders and seals

• ABC Suspension pump

Common Maintenance Tasks:

• Regular fluid level checks (oil, coolant, ABC fluid)

• Inspection of suspension components

• Check and clean MAF sensor

• Periodic battery health checks

Part Numbers

Oil Filter:

A 000 180 26 09 or A 000 180 31 09 (example, verify for specific VIN)

Air Filter:

A 271 090 02 00 (example, verify for specific VIN)

Cabin Filter:

A 203 830 00 18 (example, verify for specific VIN)

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage

Heritage:

Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for luxury, engineering excellence, and pioneering automotive safety and technology since its inception.

Model Evolution

Sl Class Heritage:

The SL-Class is one of Mercedes-Benz's longest-running and most iconic model lines, tracing its roots back to the legendary 300 SL 'Gullwing' and Roadster of the 1950s. It consistently represents the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz sports car engineering and luxury.

R230 Generation Introduction:

The R230 generation was introduced for the 2003 model year, replacing the R129 SL-Class. It marked a significant departure with its innovative Vario-Roof retractable hardtop.

Production

Manufacturing Location:

Bremen, Germany

Production Years R230:

2003-2012

Model Variants R230

List:

• SL350

• SL500

• SL55 AMG

• SL600

• SL63 AMG

• SL65 AMG

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions

Awards:

The R230 SL-Class, particularly early models, was generally well-received by automotive press for its technological advancements, performance, and luxury. Specific awards for the 2003 SL500 Sport may vary but the model line consistently garnered praise in its segment.