Market Segment:
Ultra-luxury grand tourer roadster, positioned at the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz's convertible offerings.
Key Competitors:
Ferrari 456 GT, Aston Martin DB7 Volante, Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet, BMW 8 Series Convertible (E31).
Selling Points:
V12 engine power, advanced technology for its era, retractable hardtop (Vario-roof), exceptional build quality, luxurious interior appointments, comfortable ride for a sports car.
Systems Covered:
Engine Mechanical, Engine Performance, Fuel System, Ignition System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Transmission (Automatic), Drivetrain, Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brakes (Hydraulic & ABS), Electrical System (Wiring Diagrams, Components, ECUs), Climate Control (HVAC), Body & Chassis, Convertible Top System, Interior & Exterior Trim, Diagnostic Procedures, Troubleshooting Guides
Estimated Page Count:
Over 2000 pages (typical for comprehensive factory-level software)
Manual Type:
Official Factory Service & Repair Manual Software
Format:
Software (likely CD-ROM or downloadable digital format)
Engine Mechanical:
Complete disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair procedures for the M119.974 V12 engine, including cylinder heads, pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, camshafts, timing system, lubrication system.
Engine Performance:
Detailed diagnostics and adjustments for engine management, fuel injection (Bosch Motronic M4.0/M4.1), ignition timing, emissions control systems (catalytic converters, O2 sensors, EGR).
Transmission:
Service and repair for the 722.6xx 5-speed automatic transmission (also known as NAG1), including control modules, hydraulic systems, torque converter, and fluid specifications.
Electrical System:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, component locations, diagnostic connectors (OBD-II), troubleshooting of starter, alternator, battery, lighting, power accessories, and complex electronic control units (ECUs).
Convertible Top System:
Detailed troubleshooting, adjustment, and repair procedures for the hydraulic and electrical components of the retractable hardtop and fabric soft top.
Maintenance:
Oil change intervals, filter replacement (oil, air, fuel), spark plug replacement, coolant flush and refill, brake fluid replacement, drive belt inspection and replacement, general lubrication.
Diagnostics:
Step-by-step diagnostic routines for common and complex issues, fault code interpretation, live data analysis using diagnostic tools, resistance, voltage, and continuity testing.
Repair:
Complete instructions for component replacement, disassembly and reassembly of major sub-assemblies, body panel repair, interior component removal and installation, and specialized system repairs.
Technical Depth:
Factory-level detail encompassing basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, advanced electrical system diagnostics, and bodywork procedures. Includes torque specifications, clearances, and alignment data.
Digital Format Features:
Searchable text, hyperlinked sections for easy navigation, printable pages, often includes diagrams and illustrations integrated within the text.
Illustrations Quality:
High-resolution, clear technical diagrams, schematics, and exploded views.
Binding Type:
N/A (Software format)
Paper Type:
N/A (Software format)
Displacement:
6.0 Liters (5987 cc)
Horsepower:
389 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque:
420 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic M4.0 Electronic Fuel Injection
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)
Spark Plug Type:
Bosch FGR7+KI33 (or equivalent, refer to manual for exact part numbers and gap)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 8.5 Liters (8.9 US Quarts) with filter change
Engine Oil Specification:
MB 229.1 or MB 229.5 Specification (e.g., 0W-40 or 5W-40 synthetic)
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Automatic (722.6xx NAG1)
Optional Transmission:
N/A (Only automatic offered for this model/year)
Transmission Modes:
Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes
Transmission Fluid Type:
MB 236.81 specification automatic transmission fluid (ATF)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 8.0 Liters (8.5 US Quarts) for complete fluid change (refer to manual for exact quantity)
Crash Test Info:
While specific NHTSA or IIHS ratings for this exact model/year may be limited due to its niche luxury segment and era, Mercedes-Benz vehicles of this period were engineered to high safety standards. The R129 chassis featured robust construction and advanced passive safety systems for its time.
Anti Lock Braking System:
Standard
Traction Control:
ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation) - Standard
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, often with integrated side-impact protection.
Rollover Protection:
Automatic pop-up roll bars integrated behind the seats, activated by sensors in case of a detected rollover.
Seatbelts:
Pretensioners and force limiters for front seatbelts.
Audio System:
Premium sound system, often Bose, with cassette player and CD changer capability (optional).
Navigation:
Optional Becker Grand Prix or Audio 30 APS navigation system with CD-ROM based maps.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Climate Control:
Automatic climate control (Thermotronic) with dual-zone temperature control and cabin air filter.
OBD Ii Port:
Standard OBD-II diagnostic connector for emissions and powertrain diagnostics.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 7,500 to 10,000 miles (12,000 to 15,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, with synthetic oil.
Transmission Service Interval:
Recommended every 30,000 to 50,000 miles (48,000 to 80,000 km) for fluid and filter change.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Typically every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (Mercedes-Benz specification 331.0)
Power Steering Fluid Type:
MB specification 236.3 hydraulic fluid (e.g., Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent).
Common Problems:
Age-related wear on rubber components (hoses, seals, mounts), convertible top hydraulic leaks, electronic control unit (ECU) failures, MAF sensor issues, ABS/ASR warning lights, ignition coil failure (on some models), wiring harness degradation (especially around engine bay and door jambs).
Preventative Maintenance:
Regular inspection and replacement of cooling system hoses, checking for oil leaks from the V12 engine, exercising the convertible top mechanism regularly, ensuring proper battery maintenance.
Brand Philosophy:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, luxury, comfort, and safety in its vehicles, particularly in the grand touring and luxury roadster segments.
R129 Lineage:
The R129 SL-Class succeeded the iconic R107 SL and was produced from 1989 to 2001. The SL600, introduced in 1993, represented the pinnacle of performance and luxury within this generation, featuring the new M119 V12 engine for later models.
Production Period:
1989-2001 (R129 generation)
Manufacturing Location:
Germany (Sindelfingen plant)
