🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

SL550

Year:

2008

Chassis Code:

R230

Generation:

Third Generation (R230, facelift 2)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Luxury Grand Tourer / Roadster

Target Audience:

Owners seeking to perform DIY maintenance and repairs on their high-performance luxury convertible.

Competitors 2008:

BMW 6 Series Convertible, Jaguar XK Convertible, Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet, Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante.

Vehicle Highlights:

Retractable hardtop, powerful V8 engine, advanced Active Body Control (ABC) suspension, luxurious interior, premium materials, sophisticated technology.

Benefit:

Provides authoritative, factory-level repair information, enabling cost savings on maintenance and repairs while ensuring proper procedures are followed for optimal vehicle longevity and performance.

📋 Manual Details

Diagnostic Procedures:

Engine diagnostics, transmission diagnostics, ABS/ESP diagnostics, climate control diagnostics, SRS system diagnostics, body control module diagnostics.

Repair Procedures:

Engine mechanical, engine performance, fuel system, exhaust system, transmission overhaul, suspension repair, brake system overhaul, steering system repair, HVAC system repair, electrical component repair, body panel replacement.

Maintenance Schedules:

Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid change recommendations, filter replacement guidelines, brake inspection procedures.

Electrical Schematics:

Complete wiring diagrams for all major systems including engine control, lighting, infotainment, power accessories, and safety systems.

Estimated Pages:

1500+

Type:

Official Service and Repair Manual Software

Language:

English

Format:

Software (Digital Download / CD-ROM)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine (M272 V6, M113 V8 - depending on specific variant and region, but SL550 is typically V8), transmission (722.6 5-speed automatic, 722.9 7-speed automatic for later models, but 2008 is likely 5-speed), differential, driveshafts, exhaust system.

Chassis:

Suspension (ABC - Active Body Control), steering, brakes (including SBC - Sensotronic Brake Control on earlier models, but likely integrated hydraulic on 2008), wheels, tires.

Electrical:

Engine control unit (ECU), transmission control unit (TCU), anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic stability program (ESP), climate control, lighting system, infotainment system, power accessories, instrument cluster, SRS (airbag) system.

Body And Interior:

Body panels, doors, windows, convertible top mechanism, seats, interior trim, safety restraint systems.

Maintenance:

Oil and filter changes, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, cabin filter replacement, brake pad/rotor replacement, coolant flush, transmission fluid change, differential fluid change, belt replacement.

Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:

Fault code interpretation, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) lookup, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, sensor testing, actuator testing.

Repair And Overhaul:

Engine component replacement (e.g., ignition coils, fuel injectors), transmission servicing and rebuild, brake caliper/master cylinder replacement, steering rack replacement, ABC hydraulic system component replacement, electrical connector repair, module programming.

Adjustment And Calibration:

Throttle body calibration, steering angle sensor calibration, ride height calibration (ABC), convertible top alignment.

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from routine maintenance and fluid specifications to in-depth diagnostics, component-level repairs, and major system overhauls. Includes detailed torque specifications, wiring diagrams, and component locations.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Software (often delivered as an executable or PDF-based application with search functionality)

Scalability:

High resolution, allows for clear viewing and printing of diagrams and text.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Software)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Software)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M273.985

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated V8

Displacement:

5.5 Liters (5461 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

97.0 mm x 92.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1

Valve Train:

SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft), 3 valves per cylinder (2 intake, 1 exhaust) with Camtronic variable valve timing on intake.

Cylinder Block Material:

Aluminum Alloy

Cylinder Head Material:

Aluminum Alloy

Horsepower:

382 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

391 lb-ft @ 2800-4500 rpm

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) with Electronic Throttle Control (ETC)

ECU Type:

ME 9.7 (Bosch Motronic)

Coolant Type:

Mercedes-Benz approved Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 or similar blue/green silicate-containing).

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 10.0 Liters (10.6 Quarts)

Oil Type:

SAE 0W-40 Synthetic Engine Oil (MB 229.5 specification)

Oil Capacity:

Approx. 8.0 Liters (8.5 Quarts) with filter change

Oil Filter Part Number:

A2721800009

🔧 Transmission

Type:

722.6 Five-Speed Automatic Transmission

Gear Ratios:

1st: 3.59, 2nd: 2.19, 3rd: 1.42, 4th: 1.00, 5th: 0.83, Reverse: 3.15

Final Drive Ratio:

2.82

Transmission Fluid Type:

MB 236.14 (Shell ATF 134 or equivalent)

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approx. 7.5 Liters (7.9 Quarts) for dry fill / 3.5 Liters (3.7 Quarts) for drain and fill.

Shift Modes:

Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes

Manual Shifting:

Touchshift (sequential manual shifting via gear selector)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

171.1 inches (4346 mm)

Width:

73.1 inches (1857 mm)

Height:

52.2 inches (1326 mm)

Wheelbase:

101.8 inches (2585 mm)

Front Track:

62.3 inches (1583 mm)

Rear Track:

61.5 inches (1562 mm)

Headroom Front:

38.1 inches (968 mm)

Legroom Front:

41.3 inches (1049 mm)

Shoulder Room Front:

55.0 inches (1397 mm)

Hip Room Front:

52.3 inches (1328 mm)

Cargo Volume Top Up:

12.1 cu ft (342 Liters)

Cargo Volume Top Down:

9.5 cu ft (269 Liters)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 4050 lbs (1837 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 5000 lbs (2268 kg)

Towing Capacity:

Not Recommended

Standard Wheel Size:

18-inch Alloy

Optional Wheel Size:

19-inch Alloy

Standard Tire Front:

255/40R18

Standard Tire Rear:

285/35R18

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5 x 112 mm

Center Bore:

66.6 mm

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rating:

Not Specifically Rated as a Convertible, but incorporates advanced safety structures.

IIHS Rating:

Not Specifically Rated as a Convertible, but incorporates advanced safety structures.

Braking System:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BAS)

Stability Control:

Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Traction Control System (TCS)

Suspension System:

Active Body Control (ABC) - enhances stability and handling.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags, side airbags, often with head/thorax airbags integrated into the seats, and rollover protection system (pop-up bars).

Seatbelts:

Pre-tensioning seatbelts with force limiters, inertia reel seatbelts.

Convertible Top Safety:

Integrated rollover protection system with automatically deploying bars.

Headlights:

Bi-Xenon High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights with adaptive beam control.

💡 Technology Features

Comand System:

COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system with CD/DVD player, AM/FM radio, GPS navigation, and optional Harman Kardon surround sound audio.

Display:

7-inch color LCD display integrated into the dashboard.

Connectivity:

Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling, optional auxiliary input.

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Optional DISTRONIC adaptive cruise control system.

Parking Assistance:

Optional PARKTRONIC parking assist sensors (front and rear).

Climate Control:

Dual-zone automatic climate control with dust filter and air recirculation.

Seats:

14-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with memory function and lumbar support.

Keyless Go:

Optional KEYLESS-GO system for keyless entry and ignition.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (indicated by 'Service A' or 'Service B' via the instrument cluster).

Transmission Fluid Service:

Typically recommended every 40,000 to 60,000 miles, or as indicated by the vehicle's flexible service schedule. Check manual for specific guidance on the 722.6 transmission.

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years (regardless of mileage).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approx. 100,000 miles (NGK Iridium Long-Life plugs, e.g., PLZFR6A11)

Power Steering Fluid:

MB 236.3 (Pentosin CHF 11 S or equivalent green hydraulic fluid).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 Plus (e.g., MB 331.0 or Pentosin DOT 4 LV)

Coolant:

Mercedes-Benz specified Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 or similar blue/green silicate-containing).

Active Body Control Abc:

Leakage in ABC hydraulic lines, struts, or pump; failure of ABC control module; accumulator bladder rupture.

Ignition System:

Failure of ignition coils or spark plug wells leading to misfires.

Convertible Top Mechanism:

Hydraulic pump leaks, hydraulic cylinder seals, wiring harness issues, latch mechanism problems.

Interior Electronics:

Malfunctions in climate control, COMAND infotainment system, seat control modules, or door lock actuators.

Brake System:

Early models had SBC issues, but 2008 should have integrated hydraulics. However, wear on brake pads and rotors is normal, and ABS/ESP sensor failures can occur.

Common Dts:

P0300-P0308 (misfires), P0171/P0174 (system too lean), P0442 (evap system leak), various codes related to ABC system (e.g., C1500, C1501, C1504), transmission control module codes (P07xx).

📚 Vehicle History

Mercedes Benz Legacy:

Founded by Karl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler, Mercedes-Benz is one of the oldest and most respected automotive brands globally, renowned for luxury, engineering, and safety innovation.

Sl Class Lineage:

The SL-Class, originating from the iconic 300SL 'Gullwing' of the 1950s, has consistently represented the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz luxury sports cars, blending performance, comfort, and advanced technology.

R230 Generation Development:

The R230 chassis, introduced in 2001, marked a significant technological leap with the adoption of the Active Body Control (ABC) suspension and a retractable hardtop, replacing the previous folding soft top.

Facelifts And Updates:

The 2008 model year represents the second major facelift (facelift 2) for the R230, featuring revised styling (e.g., updated front and rear fascia, mirrors), enhanced interior materials, and technological updates, including the introduction of the M273 V8 engine.

Production Location:

Bremen, Germany

Production Years R230:

2001-2011

🏆 Awards & Recognition

General Recognition:

The SL-Class as a whole has consistently been recognized for its luxury, engineering, and performance by various automotive publications and awards throughout its history. Specific awards for the 2008 SL550 are likely tied to its segment leaders in luxury roadsters.