🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

SL500

Year:

2002

Chassis Code:

R230

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Luxury Grand Tourer / Sports Car

Target Audience:

Owners seeking in-depth knowledge for maintenance and repair, independent repair shops specializing in luxury vehicles.

Competitors 2002:

BMW 8 Series (discontinued but relevant comparison), Porsche 911 (996 generation), Jaguar XK8/XKR, Ferrari 360 Modena.

Unique Selling Propositions:

Advanced Active Body Control (ABC) suspension, powerful V8 engine, retractable hardtop (Vario-Roof), luxurious interior, advanced safety features for its era.

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides official, factory-accurate information, enabling accurate diagnosis and repair, saving costs compared to dealership service, empowering owners.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Scope:

Comprehensive service and repair for all systems

Estimated Pages:

Extensive (typically 1000+ pages for a full service manual)

Type:

Official Service and Repair Manual Software

Language:

English

Format:

Software/Digital (likely PDF or proprietary application)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, disassembly, diagnosis, overhaul, timing system, lubrication, cooling.

Engine Electrical:

Ignition system, fuel injection (ME 2.8), starting and charging system, ECU diagnostics.

Transmission:

5-speed automatic transmission (722.6), removal, installation, overhaul, fluid service, electronic control.

Drivetrain:

Rear-wheel drive, driveshafts, differentials, axle components.

Suspension:

Active Body Control (ABC), hydraulic system, struts, control arms, wheel bearings, alignment.

Brakes:

Hydraulic system, ABS, ESP, SBC (Sensotronic Brake Control) system, disc and pad replacement, fluid flushing.

Steering:

Hydraulic power steering system, steering column, steering gear, diagnosis.

Electrical Chassis:

Lighting, power windows, mirrors, seats, convertible top operation, central locking.

Climate Control:

Automatic climate control system, A/C refrigerant, components, diagnosis.

Body And Interior:

Exterior panels, interior trim, convertible top mechanism, sound insulation.

Diagnostic Troubleshooting:

OBD-II diagnostic codes, fault finding procedures, wiring diagrams.

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil and filter changes, fluid checks, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, brake pad/rotor replacement.

Repair Procedures:

Component removal and installation, internal engine repair, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake system repair, electrical component troubleshooting and replacement.

Troubleshooting Guides:

Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and complex faults, wiring diagrams for fault tracing.

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of specific Mercedes-Benz special tools required for various procedures.

Torque Specifications:

Detailed torque values for all critical fasteners and components.

Depth Of Coverage:

Factory-level repair and diagnostic information, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.

Diagnostic Capability:

Includes detailed diagnostic strategies and procedures for electronic control modules (ECUs) and sensor systems.

Rebuild Procedures:

Comprehensive instructions for engine and transmission rebuilds, including component specifications and clearances.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Software (potentially executable or PDF)

Printability:

High-resolution, printable pages (if PDF format).

Binding:

N/A (Software format)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Software format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M113 E50

Engine Type:

SOHC V8

Displacement:

4966 cc (5.0 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

97.0 mm x 84.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1

Horsepower:

302 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque:

339 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential multi-point fuel injection (Bosch ME 2.8)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded (91+ octane)

Valvetrain:

Single Overhead Camshaft (SOHC), 3 valves per cylinder (2 intake, 1 exhaust)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed Automatic (722.6)

Gear Ratios:

1st: 3.59, 2nd: 2.19, 3rd: 1.41, 4th: 1.00, 5th: 0.83, Reverse: 3.17

Fluid Type:

MB 236.10 or MB 236.12 Automatic Transmission Fluid (e.g., Mobil ATF 134)

Electronic Control:

Electronic Control Unit (ECU) with multiple modes (Comfort, Sport)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

176.6 inches (4485 mm)

Width:

71.4 inches (1814 mm)

Height:

51.2 inches (1300 mm)

Wheelbase:

101.8 inches (2585 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 4079 lbs (1850 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approximately 5159 lbs (2340 kg)

Trunk Volume Hardtop:

Approximately 11.3 cu ft (320 Liters)

Trunk Volume Convertible:

Approximately 7.7 cu ft (218 Liters)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

Not explicitly rated under modern NHTSA standards, but designed to high Mercedes-Benz safety standards.

IIHS Side Impact:

Not explicitly rated under modern IIHS standards.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System

Esp:

Standard Electronic Stability Program

Sbc:

Sensotronic Brake Control (electro-hydraulic brake system) - a significant safety and performance feature.

Airbags:

Front airbags, side airbags, head airbags.

Rollover Protection:

Pop-up roll bars integrated behind the headrests, deployed automatically in a rollover event.

Seatbelts:

Pretensioning seatbelts with force limiters.

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system with CD player, radio, optional navigation.

Display:

Central color LCD screen

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Optional Distronic adaptive cruise control system.

Parking Assist:

Optional front and rear parking sensors.

Telematics:

Optional Mercedes-Benz Tele Aid system for emergency assistance.

Varioroof:

Electro-hydraulic retractable hardtop with glass rear window.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Variable (based on 'Service A' or 'Service B' indicators), typically every 10,000 miles or 1 year.

Transmission Fluid Interval:

Recommended every 40,000-60,000 miles for 722.6 transmission, especially under hard use. Check manual for specific recommendation.

Brake Fluid Interval:

Every 2 years (hygroscopic nature of brake fluid).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically around 100,000 miles for iridium spark plugs.

Engine Oil Spec:

MB 229.5 engine oil (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40).

Engine Oil Capacity:

8.5 Liters (approx. 9 US quarts) with filter change.

Coolant Spec:

MB 325.0 or 326.0 (Antifreeze/Coolant Concentrate).

Power Steering Fluid:

MB 343.0 (Hydraulic Fluid).

Abc Suspension Fluid:

MB 343.0 (Hydraulic Fluid, specifically for ABC).

Abc System Leaks:

Common issues include leaks in hoses, struts, and the ABC pump, leading to suspension sag and warning lights.

Sbc System Failures:

Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC) pump and accumulator failures can occur, requiring specialized diagnosis and replacement.

Varioroof Mechanism Issues:

Hydraulic leaks or sensor failures in the retractable hardtop mechanism can prevent proper operation.

Ignition Coil Failures:

Individual ignition coils can fail, leading to misfires and rough running.

📚 Vehicle History

Mercedes Benz Legacy:

Over a century of automotive innovation, known for engineering excellence, luxury, and safety.

Sl Class Lineage:

The SL-Class has a long history dating back to the iconic 300SL 'Gullwing' and 'Roadster' of the 1950s, evolving into a sophisticated, high-performance grand tourer.

R230 Generation Introduction:

The R230 generation debuted for the 2003 model year (though the 2002 model year is often considered the transition or a very early R230 introduction, depending on market). This generation introduced the retractable hardtop, Active Body Control (ABC), and later the revolutionary Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC).

Production Plant:

Bremen, Germany

Production Years:

2002-2008 (for R230 generation)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Road Test Awards:

The SL500 consistently received accolades from automotive publications for its performance, luxury, and innovative technology during its production run.

Safety Awards:

While specific 'awards' are less common for safety features, the integration of ABC, SBC, and advanced airbags reflected Mercedes-Benz's commitment to safety.