Segment:
High-end luxury grand tourer convertible
Target Audience:
Owners of the 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL600 seeking to perform maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs themselves or to better understand their vehicle's systems.
Competitors:
Porsche 911, Ferrari 360 Modena, Aston Martin DB7, Jaguar XK8
Vehicle Highlights:
Retractable hardtop (Vario-roof), powerful V12 engine, sophisticated Active Body Control (ABC) suspension, luxurious interior, advanced safety features.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides factory-level technical data and procedures, crucial for maintaining the complex systems of the SL600, which can be very costly when serviced by dealerships.
Primary Coverage:
Service and Repair
Secondary Coverage:
Maintenance, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting, Electrical Schematics, Wiring Diagrams
Estimated Pages:
Approximately 1500-2000+ pages (typical for comprehensive digital manuals of this era)
Type:
Official Factory Service Manual (Digital Software)
Format:
Software (likely PDF or proprietary application)
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine control systems (ME 2.8/ME 2.8.1), fuel injection, ignition, lubrication, cooling, exhaust
Drivetrain:
5-speed automatic transmission (722.6 series, NAG1), electronic transmission control, drive shafts, differentials
Suspension Steering:
Active Body Control (ABC - R230 specific), hydraulic systems, suspension components, steering system, power steering
Brakes:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), brake system components, hydraulic lines, parking brake
Electrical Electronics:
Complete electrical system, battery, charging system, starter, lighting, power accessories, infotainment system, CAN bus communication, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), SRS (airbag) system
Body Chassis:
Body structure, exterior panels, interior trim, convertible top operation and hydraulics, climate control system (THERMOTRONIC)
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid changes (engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, coolant, hydraulic fluid), filter replacements, spark plug service
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, use of diagnostic tools (e.g., STAR Diagnosis/XENTRY), DTC interpretation
Repair:
Component removal and installation, engine overhaul, transmission service, suspension component replacement, brake system repair, electrical component repair, convertible top repair
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic fluid checks and filter changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, complex electronic system diagnostics, and hydraulic system repairs.
Displacement:
5.5 Liters (5500 cc)
Aspiration:
Naturally Aspirated
Horsepower:
369 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
391 lb-ft @ 3100 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-port Fuel Injection (SFI) with Electronic Engine Control (ME 2.8/ME 2.8.1)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane recommended)
Bore X Stroke:
82.0 mm x 87.0 mm
Valvetrain:
Single Overhead Camshaft (SOHC) per bank, 3 valves per cylinder (2 intake, 1 exhaust)
Engine Management:
Bosch ME 2.8 or ME 2.8.1 control unit
Transmission Type:
5-speed Automatic Transmission with Touchshift
Transmission Model:
Mercedes-Benz 722.6 (NAG1)
Electronic Control:
Electronically controlled, with multiple shift modes (Comfort, Sport).
Fluid Type:
MB Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) - Specification 236.10 or 236.12
Crash Test Information:
While specific NHTSA/IIHS ratings for the 2002 SL600 are not readily available in the same format as modern vehicles, Mercedes-Benz vehicles of this era were engineered to very high safety standards.
Stability Control:
Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Traction Control System (ASR)
Braking System:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist (BAS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Airbags:
Front airbags, side airbags, head airbags (windowbags), roll-over protection system (pop-up bars)
Body Structure:
High-strength steel passenger compartment
System Name:
COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation)
Features:
Integrated navigation system, CD player, radio, optional Bose sound system.
Key Systems:
Active Body Control (ABC) for adaptive ride height and damping, PARKTRONIC parking assist.
Communication System:
CAN bus (Controller Area Network) for inter-module communication and diagnostics.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for specifics).
Transmission Service Interval:
Recommended every 30,000-40,000 miles for fluid and filter change (critical for longevity of the 722.6 transmission).
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Engine Oil:
Mobil 1 Synthetic (or equivalent meeting MB 229.5 specification), viscosity typically 0W-40 or 5W-40.
Coolant:
Mercedes-Benz Genuine Antifreeze/Coolant (or equivalent meeting MB 325.0 specification), typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Power Steering Fluid:
MB Power Steering Fluid (or equivalent meeting MB 343.0 specification)
Active Body Control Fluid:
MB Hydraulic Fluid (or equivalent meeting MB 344.0 specification)
Common Problems:
Active Body Control (ABC) system leaks and pump failures, ignition coil failures, transmission conductor plate issues, mass airflow sensor (MAF) failure, trunk hydraulics failure (for convertible top).
Diagnostic Tips:
The manual's diagnostic section is crucial for identifying and resolving complex issues related to ABC, electronic control units, and CAN bus communication.
Manufacturer Legacy:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for luxury, engineering excellence, and safety, dating back to the invention of the automobile.
Sl Class Heritage:
The SL-Class represents Mercedes-Benz's flagship luxury sports car line, known for its blend of performance and comfort, evolving through iconic models like the 300SL Gullwing and the R107.
R230 Generation:
The R230 generation (2002-2008) introduced the Vario-roof retractable hardtop, replacing the soft-top of previous generations, and featured advanced technologies like Active Body Control (ABC).
Production Years:
2002-2008 (R230 generation)
Manufacturing Location:
Germany
