Segment:
Luxury Grand Tourer Convertible
Key Competitors:
BMW 7 Series Convertible (E38 generation variants), Porsche 911 Cabriolet, Jaguar XK8 Convertible, Lexus SC430
Vehicle Usp:
Advanced Active Body Control (ABC) suspension, powerful V8 engine, sophisticated retractable hardtop, luxurious interior, hallmark Mercedes-Benz build quality and safety.
Benefit To Owner:
Empowers owners and independent technicians with factory-level diagnostic and repair information, reducing reliance on expensive dealership services and ensuring proper maintenance.
Target Audience:
Mercedes-Benz SL500 owners, independent automotive repair shops specializing in European vehicles, automotive enthusiasts.
Engine:
M113 E50 (5.0L V8 SOHC Naturally Aspirated)
Transmission:
5G-TRONIC (722.6) Automatic Transmission
Suspension:
Active Body Control (ABC), Independent Front and Rear Suspension
Brakes:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Traction Control System (TCS), Stability Control (ESP)
Electrical:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams, component testing, Body Control Module (BCM), SAM units, CAN bus diagnostics
Bodywork:
Exterior panels, interior trim, convertible roof system operation and repair, seals
HVAC:
Automatic climate control, A/C system service and repair
Infotainment:
COMAND system, audio, navigation, telephone preparation
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, fluid flushes), inspections
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation (OBD-II), component testing
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for all major systems
Disassembly Assembly:
Complete instructions for engine, transmission, suspension, interior, and convertible top removal and installation
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic fluid changes to full engine/transmission rebuilds, advanced electrical diagnostics)
Engine Type:
5.0 Liter (4966 cc) V8 SOHC (32-valve)
Horsepower:
302 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
339 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential multi-point fuel injection (Bosch Motronic ME 2.8)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded (91+ octane)
Coolant Type:
Mercedes-Benz approved silicate-free coolant (e.g., ZEREX G-05)
Oil Type:
Synthetic SAE 0W-40 (MB 229.5 specification)
Oil Capacity:
8.5 Liters (8.9 US Quarts) with filter change
Spark Plugs:
NGK PFR5G-11G (or equivalent specified by MB)
Type:
5-speed Automatic (5G-TRONIC)
Driving Modes:
Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes
Fluid Type:
MB Approved ATF (e.g., Febi Bilstein 27794, Pentosin ATF1)
Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 8.0 Liters (when draining and refilling pan, not torque converter)
Length:
177.4 in (4505 mm)
Height:
52.5 in (1333 mm)
Wheelbase:
101.8 in (2586 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3900 lbs (1769 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 4780 lbs (2168 kg)
Trunk Volume Cu Ft:
12.0 cu ft (with roof up)
Standard Wheel Size:
17 x 8.0 inches (front and rear)
Standard Tire Size:
225/45 R17 (front), 245/40 R17 (rear)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (Likely, based on contemporary MB safety standards)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (Likely, based on contemporary MB safety standards)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Esp:
Standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, front side airbags, integrated head airbags
Rollover Protection:
Pop-up roll bar system (automatic deployment upon rollover detection)
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with belt tensioners and force limiters
System Name:
COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation)
Features:
AM/FM radio, CD player, navigation system, optional integrated telephone, climate controls, vehicle settings adjustments.
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Optional DISTRONIC
Diagnostic Interface:
OBD-II, proprietary STAR/XENTRY diagnostic system compatible.
Headlights:
Standard Xenon High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights with automatic leveling
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first, using synthetic oil.
Transmission Service Interval:
Recommended every 40,000-60,000 miles for fluid and filter change, though some sources suggest 'lifetime' fluid; manual will provide MB's official recommendation.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years
Coolant Flush:
Every 5 years or 100,000 miles (initially), then as per manual recommendation
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S or MB approved equivalent
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 Plus (MB 331.0 specification)
Common Problems:
ABC suspension hydraulic leaks (struts, lines, pump), active hood sensor issues, rear main seal leaks, oil cooler seal leaks, corrosion on aluminum body panels, convertible top hydraulic system issues, alternator failure (early models).
Troubleshooting Focus:
Manual provides specific diagnostic steps for ABC system faults and common electrical gremlins.
Heritage Focus:
Mercedes-Benz is renowned for its engineering excellence, luxury, safety, and long history of producing high-performance and innovative vehicles, including iconic roadsters.
R230 Introduction:
The R230 generation of the SL-Class debuted in 2001 for the 2002 model year, replacing the R129 generation. It marked a significant technological leap, most notably introducing the Active Body Control (ABC) suspension and a retractable hardtop.
Manufacturing Location:
Bremen, Germany
