2008 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL550 Sport Owners Manual

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🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mercedes-Benz Model: SL-Class Trim: SL550 Sport Year: 2008 Codes Chassis Code: R230 Generation Generation Code: Facelift 2 (2008-2012) 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Luxury Grand...

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Type: Car

Vendor:

Sku: 182739

Tags: 2008 Car Cars Mercedes Mercedes-benz S Class SL550 Sport

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Description

🏷️ Basic Information

Identification

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

SL-Class

Trim:

SL550 Sport

Year:

Codes

Chassis Code:

Generation

Generation Code:

Facelift 2 (2008-2012)

👋 Introduction

Market Position

Segment:

Luxury Grand Tourer Convertible

Target Audience:

Affluent buyers seeking performance, luxury, and open-top driving experience

Competitive Analysis

Key Competitors:

Porsche 911 Cabriolet, BMW 6 Series Convertible, Jaguar XK Convertible, Maserati GranTurismo Convertible

Key Features

Body Style:

Retractable Hardtop Convertible (Vario-Roof)

Design Language:

Sleek, athletic lines with distinctive Mercedes-Benz styling cues

Powertrain Emphasis:

Performance-oriented V8 engine

Sport Package:

Often includes enhanced suspension, wheels, and styling elements

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas

Primary Coverage:

Vehicle operation, maintenance, and features

Secondary Coverage:

Safety systems, climate control, entertainment, security

Technical Sections:

Engine compartment, fuel, oil, battery, air filter, accessories

Maintenance Focus:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid specifications, refill capacities

Safety Reporting:

Reporting safety defects (U.S. only)

Page Count

Estimated Page Count:

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

Manual Type

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language

Language:

English

Format

Digital Format:

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered

Powertrain:

Engine operation, fuel, lubricants, battery, air intake

Chassis:

Brakes, steering, suspension (operation and basic care)

Electrical:

Lights, instrument cluster, driver controls, locks and security

Comfort:

Climate controls, seating, restraints

Infotainment:

Entertainment systems (basic operation)

Procedures Included

Operation:

How to start, drive, park, and operate vehicle functions

Maintenance:

Checking fluid levels, tire pressure, basic cleaning

Troubleshooting:

Warning lights, common operational alerts

Safety:

Proper use of seat belts, airbags, child restraints

Security:

Remote key operation, anti-theft system

Technical Depth

Depth:

Consumer-level understanding and operation of vehicle features and basic maintenance

Diagnostic Capability:

Limited; focuses on identifying symptoms and referring to service centers

Repair Scope:

Excludes detailed repair procedures, component removal/installation, or diagnostics requiring specialized tools

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format

Type:

Digital (PDF)

Compatibility:

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

Searchability:

Typically searchable text within the PDF

Print Quality

Quality:

Digital reproduction of factory original, quality dependent on source scan

Binding Type

Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type

Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Completeness

Source:

Factory Owner's Manual

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine

Engine Code:

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated V8

Displacement:

5.5 Liters (5461 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

98.0 mm x 90.5 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.7:1

Valve Train:

SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, variable valve timing (VVT)

Performance

Horsepower:

382 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

391 lb-ft @ 2800-4800 rpm

Fuel System

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (SFI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

Fuel Tank Capacity:

Approximately 19.2 gallons (72.7 liters)

🔧 Transmission

Standard

Transmission Type:

7-speed Automatic with TouchShift

Transmission Code:

7G-TRONIC

Features

Drive Modes:

Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes

Manual Mode:

TouchShift manual shifting via gear selector or steering wheel paddles

Fluid Specifications

Transmission Fluid Type:

MB 236.12 (e.g., Mobil ATF 134, Pentosin ATF1)

📐 Dimensions

Exterior

Length:

171.1 inches (434.6 mm)

Width:

73.1 inches (185.7 mm)

Height:

51.7 inches (131.3 mm)

Wheelbase:

98.8 inches (250.9 mm)

Front Track:

62.4 inches (158.5 mm)

Rear Track:

61.2 inches (155.4 mm)

Weights

Curb Weight:

Approximately 4,156 lbs (1885 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approximately 5,115 lbs (2320 kg)

Cargo

Trunk Volume Top Up:

Approximately 12.4 cu ft (350 liters)

Trunk Volume Top Down:

Approximately 9.0 cu ft (255 liters)

🛡️ Safety Features

Ratings

NHTSA Front Impact:

Not rated by NHTSA for this specific configuration, but Mercedes-Benz generally prioritizes safety.

IIHS Side Impact:

Not rated by IIHS for this specific configuration.

Active Features

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Electronic Stability Program (ESP)

Brake Assist System (BAS)

Traction Control:

Traction Control System (TCS)

Tire Pressure Monitoring:

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Passive Features

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags, front side airbags, knee airbags

Rollover Protection:

Pop-up roll bars behind headrests

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seat belts with belt tensioners and force limiters

Child Seat Anchors:

ISOFIX/LATCH system compatibility

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment

Head Unit:

COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation EXpert) APS system

Navigation:

Integrated GPS navigation system (map data may require updates)

Audio System:

AM/FM radio, CD player, typically with Harman Kardon surround sound system as an option

Connectivity:

Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming (availability may vary by specific options)

Display:

Central color display screen in dashboard

Driver Assistance

Cruise Control:

Distronic Plus (optional adaptive cruise control), standard cruise control

Parking Assistance:

PARKTRONIC parking sensors (front and rear)

Lighting:

Bi-xenon headlights with adaptive frontlight system, LED taillights

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals

Minor Service:

Typically every 10,000 miles or 1 year, focusing on oil and filter change, and inspections.

Major Service:

Often at 30,000, 60,000, 90,000 miles, including additional fluid changes (transmission, coolant, brake), spark plugs, and filter replacements.

Fluid Specifications

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 Synthetic Engine Oil meeting Mercedes-Benz Specification 229.5

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 8.5 quarts (8.0 liters) with filter change

Coolant Type:

MB 325.0 (Antifreeze/Coolant, Blue or Green)

Coolant Capacity:

Approximately 10.6 quarts (10.0 liters)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 Plus (MB 331.0)

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent (MB Specification 343.0)

Windshield Washer Fluid:

Mercedes-Benz approved washer fluid or equivalent

Known Issues

Abc Suspension:

Active Body Control (ABC) suspension system can be prone to leaks, pump failure, or strut issues over time. Regular fluid checks and replacement are crucial.

Vario Roof:

The retractable hardtop mechanism, while robust, can develop issues with hydraulic leaks, pump wear, or sensor malfunctions. Proper lubrication and system cycling are recommended.

Ignition Coils:

Some models can experience premature ignition coil failure, leading to misfires.

Camshaft Phasers:

Early M273 engines could sometimes have issues with camshaft adjusters/phasers, leading to rough idling or noise.

Part Numbers

Oil Filter Example:

Mann-Filter HU711/1x, Mahle OX 385/1D (confirm exact part number for specific VIN)

Air Filter Example:

Mann-Filter C35157/3, Bosch 0986B02302 (confirm exact part number for specific VIN)

Refill Capacities

Engine Oil:

Approx. 8.5 quarts (8.0 liters)

Coolant:

Approx. 10.6 quarts (10.0 liters)

Transmission Fluid:

Approx. 9.0 quarts (8.5 liters) for torque converter refill (check specific procedure)

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage

Heritage:

Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for luxury, engineering excellence, and performance vehicles, dating back to the early days of the automobile.

Model Evolution

R230 Generation:

The R230 SL-Class debuted for the 2003 model year, replacing the R129. The 2008 model represents the second major facelift for this generation.

2008 Updates:

The 2008 facelift introduced updated styling (including new headlights and grille), a revised interior, and the new M273 V8 engine for the SL550, replacing the previous M113 engine.

Production

Manufacturing Location:

Bremen, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions

Sales Success:

The SL-Class has historically been a strong seller in its segment, recognized for its blend of performance and luxury.

Model Reputation:

The R230 generation, particularly post-facelift models like the 2008 SL550, are generally regarded as well-engineered and luxurious grand tourers.

Certifications

Manufacturing Standards:

Manufactured under strict German automotive quality and safety standards.