Vehicle Segment:
Luxury Grand Tourer (GT) Convertible
Target Audience:
Affluent consumers seeking high-performance, luxurious, and technologically advanced driving experience.
Key Competitors:
BMW 6 Series Convertible, Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet, Jaguar XK Convertible, Maserati GranTurismo Convertible.
Infotainment Highlight:
COMAND APS system offering advanced navigation, audio, and communication features for its era.
Convertible System:
Retractable hardtop (Vario-roof) for coupe-like comfort and open-air driving pleasure.
Performance Orientation:
Emphasis on comfortable yet engaging driving dynamics.
Infotainment System:
COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Navigation)
Navigation System:
Integrated GPS Navigation
Audio System:
AM/FM Radio, CD Player, MP3 Capability
Telephone System:
Bluetooth Hands-Free Communication
Climate Control:
Automatic Climate Control Operation
Lighting Controls:
Headlights, Interior Lighting
Instrument Cluster:
Display Information and Settings
Power Features:
Windows, Mirrors, Seats, Convertible Top Operation
Driver Settings:
Personalization Options
Operation Basics:
System Power On/Off, Basic Functions
Navigation Operation:
Destination Entry, Route Planning, Map Views
Audio Playback:
Radio Tuning, CD/MP3 Playback, Sound Settings
Phone Pairing:
Bluetooth Device Connection and Management
Climate Control Adjustment:
Temperature, Fan Speed, Airflow Direction
Convertible Top Operation:
Opening and Closing Procedures, Safety Precautions
Customization Settings:
Personalizing Vehicle Features and Displays
Troubleshooting Common Issues:
Basic guidance on system errors or malfunctions
Depth:
Comprehensive operator-level understanding of COMAND APS system functions and features.
Engine Code:
M272 (for SL350), M273 (for SL550)
Configuration:
V6 (SL350) or V8 (SL550)
Displacement Sl350:
3.5 Liters (3498 cc)
Horsepower Sl350:
268 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque Sl350:
258 lb-ft @ 2400-5000 rpm
Displacement Sl550:
5.5 Liters (5461 cc)
Horsepower Sl550:
382 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque Sl550:
391 lb-ft @ 2800-4800 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher)
Type:
7-speed Automatic with TouchShift
Transmission Code:
7G-TRONIC
Availability:
N/A for 2008 MY SL350/SL550 in most markets (AMG models had different transmissions).
Driving Modes:
Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes
Manual Mode:
TouchShift paddle shifters or gear selector for manual gear selection.
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (Likely, based on typical Mercedes-Benz safety for this era and segment)
IIHS Front Overlap:
Good (Likely, based on typical Mercedes-Benz safety for this era and segment)
Braking:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Brake Assist (BAS)
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (ASR)
Airbags:
Front airbags, Side airbags, Knee airbags (Driver/Passenger)
Rollover Protection:
Integrated roll-over bar system (deployable)
Seatbelts:
Pretensioning seatbelts with force limiters
Central Display:
7-inch color display integrated into the dashboard.
Control Interface:
COMAND controller knob with surrounding buttons on the center console.
Audio Features:
AM/FM Radio, CD player (single disc), MP3 compatibility, optional Harman Kardon surround sound system.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control, optional Distronic adaptive cruise control.
Parking Aid:
Optional front and rear parking sensors (PARKTRONIC).
Headlights:
Bi-Xenon headlamps with adaptive cornering function.
Bluetooth:
Integrated Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming.
Auxiliary Input:
Optional auxiliary audio input jack.
Seats:
14-way power adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with memory function.
Climate Control:
Dual-zone automatic climate control with cabin air filter.
Keyless Entry Start:
KEYLESS-GO system for keyless entry and ignition.
Major Service Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first. More comprehensive services at higher mileages (e.g., 30k, 60k, 100k).
Oil Change Interval:
As per Flexible Service System (FSS), often around 10,000 miles or 1 year. Refer to manual for specific FSS reset procedure.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years
Coolant Replacement:
Every 5 years or 100,000 miles (initial fill), then every 2-3 years thereafter.
Engine Oil Type Sl350:
Mobil 1 Synthetic 0W-40 (MB Approval 229.5)
Engine Oil Type Sl550:
Mobil 1 Synthetic 0W-40 (MB Approval 229.5)
Transmission Fluid:
MB Spec 236.14 (e.g., Pentosin ATF134)
Coolant:
Mercedes-Benz Approved Antifreeze/Coolant (MB 325.0 or 326.0)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 Plus (MB Spec 331.0)
Abc Suspension:
Active Body Control (ABC) suspension system can be prone to leaks and pump failures over time; requires specialized knowledge.
Variorooftop Mechanism:
Hydraulic cylinders and seals for the retractable hardtop can degrade, leading to leaks or operational issues.
Ignition Coils:
Coil-on-plug ignition coils can fail, leading to misfires and rough running, particularly on the M272 V6.
Camshaft Phasers:
Camshaft adjusters/phasers (especially on M272 V6) can fail, causing rattling noises on startup and check engine lights.
Manufacturer:
Daimler AG (Mercedes-Benz)
Heritage Focus:
Long history of luxury, engineering excellence, and automotive innovation.
Sl Class Legacy:
Successor to iconic models like the 300SL 'Gullwing' and R107 SL, known for combining performance and luxury.
R230 Generation:
Introduced for the 2003 model year, featuring a retractable hardtop, marking a significant departure from previous soft-top SLs.
2008 Facelift Mention:
The 2008 model year represents the post-facelift ('Series 2') R230, with updated styling, engines, and technology compared to earlier R230 models.
Production Years R230:
2003-2011
Manufacturing Plant:
Bremen, Germany
Design Awards:
While specific awards for the 2008 model year may vary, the R230 SL-Class consistently received praise for its elegant design and premium interior.
Safety Ratings:
Mercedes-Benz vehicles of this era typically achieved high safety ratings from organizations like NHTSA and IIHS, reflecting the brand's commitment to safety.
Emissions Standards:
Compliant with U.S. EPA and California ARB emissions standards for 2008.