Vehicle Class:
Luxury Grand Tourer / Sports Car
Competitors:
Porsche 911, Jaguar XJ-S, Chevrolet Corvette C4, BMW 6 Series (E24)
Vehicle Appeal:
Elegant styling, powerful V8 engine, comfortable ride, high-quality interior, convertible experience.
Target Audience:
DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops, Mercedes-Benz owners seeking authentic factory repair information.
Powertrain:
Engine, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Transmission, Drivetrain
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering, Brakes (Hydraulic, Parking), Wheels & Tires
Body And Interior:
Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, Trim (Exterior & Interior), Convertible Top System
Electrical:
Ignition System, Lighting, Instrumentation, HVAC Controls, Power Accessories, Wiring Diagrams
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, Oil changes, Fluid checks and replacements, Filter replacements, Tune-ups
Repair:
Engine overhaul, Transmission rebuild, Brake system repairs, Suspension component replacement, Electrical component diagnosis and repair, Bodywork and cosmetic repairs
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, Diagnostic procedures, Fault code interpretation (where applicable)
Depth:
Comprehensive; covers basic maintenance to complete component rebuilds and diagnostics.
Engine Type:
4.2L SOHC V8 (32-valve in some earlier 5.6L variants, but 560SL is 2-valve per cylinder)
Bore X Stroke:
94.5 mm x 98.9 mm
Displacement:
5547 cc (5.6 Liters)
Horsepower:
Approx. 227-238 hp (SAE net) depending on market and year
Torque:
Approx. 284-295 lb-ft (SAE net) depending on market and year
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch K-Jetronic (CIS-E) Fuel Injection
Fuel Recommendation:
Unleaded premium gasoline (91 octane or higher)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 8 US quarts (7.5 Liters) with filter change
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 12.5 US quarts (11.8 Liters)
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic (4G-TRONIC)
Optional Transmission:
None for R107 560SL model.
Gear Ratios:
Specific gear ratios detailed in manual, typical for a torque-converter automatic of the era.
Transmission Fluid Type:
Mercedes-Benz Specification 236.1 (e.g., Dexron III equivalent)
Length:
Approx. 187.0 inches (4750 mm)
Width:
Approx. 70.5 inches (1790 mm)
Height:
Approx. 51.0 inches (1295 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 96.7 inches (2455 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3640 lbs (1650 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 4542 lbs (2060 kg)
Seating Capacity:
2+2 (two front seats, two small rear seats)
Crash Testing:
Era-specific safety standards; detailed crashworthiness data usually found in separate technical bulletins, but manual covers safety system components.
Braking System:
4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Steering System:
Power-assisted recirculating ball steering
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag (standard from mid-80s onwards, included in this range)
Seatbelts:
3-point front seatbelts with pretensioners, lap belts for rear seats
Body Structure:
Reinforced A-pillars and side impact protection (typical for Mercedes-Benz of the era).
Audio System:
Factory premium sound system (e.g., Becker or Blaupunkt), often with cassette player and optional CD changer.
Climate Control:
Automatic Climate Control (ACC) with manual override and defrost functions.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system.
Connectivity Features:
N/A (No modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB).
Power Accessories:
Power windows, power locks, power mirrors, power antenna, power adjustable seats, cruise control.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 7,500-10,000 miles or 12-18 months (refer to manual for exact recommendation based on driving conditions).
Major Service Interval:
Details for major services (e.g., spark plugs, fuel filter, transmission fluid) will be outlined in the manual, often around 30,000-60,000 miles.
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 15W-40 or 20W-50 API SG rated oil (check manual for specific viscosity based on ambient temperature).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Common Wear Items:
Fuel distributor seals (K-Jetronic), climate control system (vacuum leaks), power window regulators, transmission cooling lines (corrosion), differential mounts.
Rust Prone Areas:
Wheel arches, rocker panels, undercarriage, convertible top frame seals.
Brand Legacy:
Mercedes-Benz, founded in 1926, renowned for engineering excellence, luxury, and safety innovations.
R107 Platform:
The R107 chassis replaced the W113 'Pagoda' SL and was produced from 1971 to 1989. The 560SL was the ultimate expression of this platform.
560Sl Introduction:
Introduced in 1986 as a model year update to the 500SL, featuring a larger displacement engine to meet US emissions regulations and provide more power.
Production Period:
1986-1989 for the 560SL variant of the R107 chassis.
Manufacturing Location:
Germany
