Class:
Luxury Grand Tourer Convertible
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts seeking high-performance luxury motoring with the open-air experience
Competitors:
BMW M3 Convertible, Audi S4 Cabriolet, Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet (996 generation)
Performance Focus:
Hand-built AMG V8 engine, AMG-tuned suspension and brakes, sportier exhaust note
Convertible Experience:
Fully automatic, insulated soft top with heated rear glass window
Design Language:
Coupe-like profile with the top down, distinctive AMG styling cues (bumpers, side skirts, wheels)
Instrument Cluster:
Detailed explanation of all gauges, warning lamps, and multi-function display
Entertainment Systems:
Operation of COMAND infotainment system, radio, CD player, navigation (if equipped), and speaker system
Climate Controls:
Operation of THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control, air conditioning, heating, and ventilation modes
Lighting:
Exterior lighting controls (headlights, fog lamps, turn signals), interior lighting, and automatic headlamp functions
Driver Controls:
Steering wheel controls, cruise control, electronic stability program (ESP) activation/deactivation, and pedal adjustments
Locks And Security:
Central locking system, remote key fob operation, keyless-GO (if equipped), alarm system, and immobilizer
Seating And Safety Restraints:
Power seat adjustments, seat memory, headrests, seat belt operation and adjustment, front and side airbags, and rollover protection system
Driving Operations:
Starting and stopping the engine, shifting gears (5-speed automatic), parking brake, and operating the convertible top
Customer Assistance:
Information on contacting Mercedes-Benz customer service and roadside assistance
Reporting Safety Defects:
Specific procedures for reporting safety-related defects in the U.S.
Cleaning And Care:
Exterior paint care, interior material cleaning, and convertible top care
Engine Compartment:
Identification of key components, fluid level checks, and basic visual inspections
Maintenance And Specifications:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid specifications, refill capacities, and general technical data
Basic Maintenance:
Checking and topping up engine oil, coolant, windshield washer fluid, checking tire pressure
Fluid Specifications:
Engine oil grade (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40), coolant type, brake fluid type (DOT 4 Plus), power steering fluid type
Part Numbers:
Reference to finding part numbers for common maintenance items (e.g., filters, spark plugs)
Refill Capacities:
Engine oil capacity, coolant capacity, fuel tank capacity, windshield washer fluid capacity
Lubricant Specifications:
Specific lubricant requirements for various components (e.g., door hinges, convertible top mechanism)
Accessories:
Information on factory-installed and optional accessories
Service Information:
General advice on vehicle service, warranty information, and maintenance scheduling
Depth:
Comprehensive owner-level understanding, covering operation, basic checks, and routine maintenance.
NHTSA Rating:
Not specifically rated for this convertible model in the same way as sedans, but built to high Mercedes-Benz safety standards.
Electronic Stability Program:
Standard ESP (Electronic Stability Program)
Anti Lock Braking System:
Standard ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Brake Assist:
Standard BAS (Brake Assist System)
Airbags:
Front dual-stage airbags, front side airbags, side window airbags
Rollover Protection:
Automatic, pop-up roll bars integrated behind the rear seats
Seat Belts:
Three-point inertia-reel seat belts with belt tensioners and force limiters
Primary System:
COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system
Features:
CD player, AM/FM radio, navigation (optional), climate control integration, external media input (often via trunk)
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control with speed limiter function
Parking Assistance:
Optional front and rear parking sensors (PARKTRONIC)
Phone Integration:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free communication system (often an add-on module)
Seats:
Heated and ventilated front seats (optional), multi-contour seats with memory
Windscreen Wiper:
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (dependent on driving conditions and oil used).
Major Service Intervals:
Major services (e.g., spark plugs, transmission fluid, coolant flush) at intervals like 30,000, 60,000, and 100,000 miles.
Engine Oil:
SAE 0W-40 (Synthetic)
Coolant:
Mercedes-Benz Approved Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., G48 or equivalent), 50/50 mix with distilled water
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 Plus (or equivalent meeting MB specification 331.0)
Transmission Fluid:
MB Specification 236.10 (e.g., Pentosin ATF 1)
Common Wear Items:
Ignition coils, spark plugs, mass airflow sensor (MAF), serpentine belt and tensioner, front suspension components (ball joints, control arms)
Convertible Top Mechanisms:
Potential issues with hydraulic cylinders, seals, and the soft top fabric over time.
Electronic Modules:
Occasional failure of various electronic control modules (e.g., SAM modules) due to moisture or age.