🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

SL-Class

Model Code:

R230

Year:

2005

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Luxury Grand Tourer Convertible

Target Audience:

Owners seeking to perform DIY maintenance and repairs, independent repair shops, and automotive enthusiasts.

Competitors 2005:

BMW 6 Series Convertible, Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet, Jaguar XK Convertible, Lexus SC 430.

Vehicle Features:

Retractable hardtop (Vario-Roof), Active Body Control (ABC) suspension, powerful V8 and V12 engines, luxurious interior, advanced safety features.

Value:

Provides dealership-level diagnostic and repair procedures, empowering owners and technicians with the exact information used by Mercedes-Benz certified professionals.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Scope:

All Models & All Repairs A-Z

Specificity:

Vehicle Specific - Exact Technician Manual

Page Count:

Estimated 1000+ pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era)

Type:

Service and Repair Manual (Workshop Manual)

Language:

English

Format:

Likely PDF or Digital Download (industry standard for 2005, or a reprint of the original bound manual)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

All engine variants, including diagnosis, repair, and overhaul of all mechanical and electrical components.

Transmission:

Automatic transmission service, repair, diagnosis, and fluid specifications for all applicable transmissions.

Drivetrain:

Rear-wheel drive system components, differential, driveshafts, and related maintenance.

Suspension:

Active suspension system (ABC - Active Body Control) diagnosis, repair, maintenance, and hydraulic fluid specifications.

Steering:

Hydraulic power steering system diagnosis, repair, and fluid requirements.

Brakes:

Hydraulic brake system, ABS, ESP, SBC (Sensotronic Brake Control) diagnosis, repair, fluid specifications, and bleeding procedures.

Electrical System:

Complete electrical system coverage, including wiring diagrams, component location, diagnosis of modules (ECU, TCU, BCM, SAM), lighting, and accessories.

Climate Control:

Automatic climate control system diagnosis, repair, refrigerant handling, and component replacement.

Body And Chassis:

Body panel repair, convertible top mechanism (Vario-Roof) diagnosis and repair, interior trim, and structural components.

Diagnostics:

OBD-II diagnostics, fault code interpretation, and troubleshooting procedures using diagnostic tools like STAR DIAGNOSIS.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, brake pad/rotor replacement, tune-ups, and inspections.

Repair:

Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major systems, including engine component replacement, transmission overhaul, suspension repair, and electrical module replacement.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic troubleshooting guides for common and complex issues, including diagnostic trees and symptom-based problem-solving.

Diagnostics Testing:

Procedures for testing sensors, actuators, and electronic modules using appropriate diagnostic equipment and specifications.

Calibration Adaptation:

Procedures for recalibration and adaptation of modules and sensors after replacement or repair (e.g., steering angle sensor, throttle body).

Depth:

Comprehensive, from basic preventative maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system diagnostics and module programming/coding (where applicable via STAR DIAGNOSIS).

📊 Manual Specifications

Format Details:

Digital (PDF) format ensures searchability, easy navigation, and zoom capabilities for diagrams and schematics.

Quality:

High-resolution for clear viewing of diagrams, illustrations, and text.

Binding:

N/A (if digital), or High-Quality Spiral/Perfect Binding (if physical reprint) for lay-flat functionality.

Paper:

N/A (if digital), or Durable, Glossy Paper Stock (if physical reprint) to withstand workshop environments.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Sl500:

M113 (5.0L V8)

Engine Code Sl55 Amg:

M113 ML (5.4L Supercharged V8)

Engine Code Sl600:

M275 (5.5L Bi-Turbo V12)

Horsepower Sl500:

302 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque Sl500:

339 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm

Horsepower Sl55 Amg:

469 hp @ 6100 rpm

Torque Sl55 Amg:

516 lb-ft @ 2650 rpm

Horsepower Sl600:

493 hp @ 5000 rpm

Torque Sl600:

590 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane recommended)

Injection System:

Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

ECU:

ME 2.8 / ME 2.8.1 / MED 30 for various models

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-Speed Automatic (SL500, SL600) / AMG Speedshift 5-Speed Automatic (SL55 AMG)

Optional Transmissions:

N/A for 2005 model year R230 SL-Class

Transmission Features:

TouchShift, manual shifting mode, torque converter lock-up.

Transmission Fluid:

MB 236.10 or MB 236.12 Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) - e.g., Mobil ATF 134, Pentosin ATF1

📐 Dimensions

Length:

178.7 inches (4539 mm)

Width:

73.1 inches (1857 mm)

Height:

52.5 inches (1333 mm)

Wheelbase:

101.8 inches (2585 mm)

Curb Weight Sl500:

Approx. 4079 lbs (1850 kg)

Curb Weight Sl55 Amg:

Approx. 4150 lbs (1882 kg)

Cargo Volume With Roof Up:

Approx. 13.5 cu ft (382 L)

Cargo Volume With Roof Down:

Approx. 9.5 cu ft (269 L)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

5-Star (estimated, as specific ratings for this model/year may vary or not be available)

IIHS Side Impact:

Good (estimated)

Active Safety Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Brake Assist (BAS), Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC - early models), Active Body Control (ABC).

Passive Safety Features:

Driver and passenger front airbags, side airbags, knee airbags, rollover protection system (automatically deploying roll bars).

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

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

Display:

7-inch color LCD display.

Driver Assistance Features:

Bi-xenon headlamps with cornering function, rain-sensing wipers, parking sensors (Parktronic).

Connectivity Features:

Pre-wiring for hands-free communication (e.g., UHI interface for Bluetooth phone module).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, using synthetic oil.

Major Service A:

Around 15,000 miles - Includes oil change, filter replacement (oil, air, cabin), fluid level checks, brake inspection.

Major Service B:

Around 30,000 miles - Includes Service A items plus transmission fluid and filter change, differential fluid change, brake fluid flush, spark plug replacement (check specific interval).

Engine Oil Capacity Sl500:

Approx. 8.5 quarts (8.0 liters) with filter change

Engine Oil Specification:

MB 229.5 5W-40 or 0W-40 Synthetic Engine Oil

Coolant Specification:

Mercedes-Benz approved antifreeze coolant (e.g., MB 325.0, blue)

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 4 Plus (MB 331.0)

Abc Suspension Leaks:

Common issue with ABC suspension lines and accumulators developing leaks over time.

Sbc System Failure:

Early SBC brake systems can experience failures, often requiring unit replacement or recalibration.

Varnish Buildup M113:

The M113 engine can be prone to varnish buildup in the oil passages if maintenance intervals are not adhered to.

Vario Roof Actuators:

Hydraulic leaks and malfunctions in the Vario-Roof mechanism and its associated actuators are relatively common.

Coil Packs And Spark Plugs:

Misfires due to failing ignition coil packs or fouled spark plugs, especially on high-mileage vehicles.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage Summary:

Mercedes-Benz, a pioneer in automotive engineering, has a long history of producing high-performance luxury vehicles, including iconic roadsters like the 300 SL 'Gullwing' and its convertible counterparts.

R230 Introduction:

The R230 SL-Class was introduced for the 2003 model year, replacing the R129 SL-Class. The 2005 model year saw the introduction of the AMG SL55 and the Bi-Turbo V12 SL600.

R230 Facelift:

The R230 received its first facelift for the 2007 model year, featuring revised styling and updated technology.

Production Location:

Bremen, Germany

Production Years R230:

2003-2011

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Awards Summary:

While specific awards for the 2005 R230 SL-Class are not as widely publicized as newer models, it consistently received recognition for its luxury, performance, and innovative technology (like ABC and Vario-Roof) from automotive journalists and publications upon its release.