Segment:
Luxury Grand Tourer / Convertible Sports Car
Positioning:
Flagship two-seater convertible for Mercedes-Benz, blending high performance with luxury and comfort.
Key Competitors:
BMW 6 Series Convertible, Porsche 911 Cabriolet, Jaguar XK Convertible, Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster
Body Style:
Retractable Hardtop Convertible (Vario-Roof)
Suspension:
Standard or optional Active Body Control (ABC) adaptive suspension
Powertrain Focus:
Emphasis on smooth, powerful V8 engine and comfortable, refined driving experience.
Primary Coverage:
Owner's Manual
Secondary Coverage:
Maintenance Information & Specifications
Technical Areas:
Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, Driver Controls, Locks & Security, Seating & Safety Restraints, Driving, Customer Assistance, Cleaning, Engine Compartment, Engine Oil, Battery, Fuel Information, Air Filter, Part Numbers, Refill Capacities, Lubricant Specifications, Accessories, Service Information
Estimated Page Count:
250-350
Type:
Factory Owner's Manual
Powertrain:
Engine operation, fuel system, cooling system, exhaust system
Chassis:
Suspension, steering, brakes (including ABC suspension if equipped)
Electrical:
Lighting system, battery, starter, alternator, fuses, interior/exterior electronics
Infotainment:
Audio system, COMAND APS navigation, climate control system
Safety:
Airbags, seat belts, ISOFIX, active safety features (e.g., ABS, ESP)
Routine Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, basic cleaning
Troubleshooting:
Understanding dashboard warning lamps and indicators, basic error message interpretation
Operation:
Operating convertible roof, power windows, mirrors, seats, infotainment, lighting controls
Safety Operation:
Proper use of seat belts, child seat installation guidelines, airbag system explanations
Specification Lookup:
Finding refill capacities, lubricant specifications, tire sizes, and basic part numbers
Depth:
Owner-level information, focusing on operation, basic maintenance, and understanding vehicle features. Does not cover in-depth repair procedures or advanced diagnostics typically found in a Service Manual.
Aspirated:
Naturally Aspirated
Horsepower:
382 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
391 lb-ft @ 2800-4000 rpm
Injection:
Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Valvetrain:
SOHC 3 valves per cylinder (two intake, one exhaust), 4 cams (2 per bank)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (for models with comparable safety features)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for models with comparable safety features)
Active Safety:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Brake Assist (BAS), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Bi-Xenon Headlights with Active Curve Illumination
Passive Safety:
Dual-stage front airbags, side airbags integrated into seats, pop-up roll bars, front and side curtain airbags (integrated into A-pillars and doors)
Seat Restraints:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters, NECK-PRO active head restraints
System Name:
COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Navigation Entertainment)
Features:
Color display, DVD-based navigation, AM/FM radio, CD player, MP3 capability, optional SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling (may require adapter).
Driver Assistance:
Distronic Plus (optional adaptive cruise control), Parktronic (parking sensors), Bi-Xenon Active Curve Headlights, Automatic high beam assist.
Connectivity Features:
Mbrace (Mercedes-Benz in-car telematics system) available, offering emergency assistance, remote diagnostics, and concierge services (subscription required).
Convenience Features:
Keyless-Go (proximity key and push-button start), heated and ventilated seats, power-adjustable steering column, automatic climate control, rain-sensing wipers.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, as indicated by the 'Service A' or 'Service B' message on the instrument cluster.
Major Service Intervals:
Refer to the manual for specific mileage/time intervals for spark plug replacement, transmission fluid change, brake fluid change, and ABC hydraulic fluid (if equipped).
Engine Oil Spec:
MB 229.5 (e.g., Mobil 1 Synthetic 0W-40)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 8.5 quarts (8.0 liters) with filter change
Coolant Spec:
MB 325.0 or 326.0 (Antifreeze/Coolant Concentrate)
Transmission Fluid Spec:
MB 236.14 (e.g., Pentosin ATF 134 or equivalent)
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 4 Plus (MB specification 331.0)
Common Issues Owner Perspective:
Wear on ABC suspension components (struts, hydraulic lines), Vario-Roof mechanism issues (hydraulic leaks, sensor failures), electronic module failures, interior trim wear, catalytic converter issues.
Air Filter Part Number Example:
A2720900001 (may vary, check specific VIN)
Oil Filter Part Number Example:
A2721800109 (may vary, check specific VIN)
Heritage:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for luxury, engineering excellence, and innovation in automotive design, particularly in the sports car segment with models like the 300 SL 'Gullwing'.
Model Lineage:
The SL-Class is a direct descendant of the iconic 300 SL, evolving through generations of innovative design and engineering.
R230 Generation History:
The R230 generation, introduced in 2001, received significant updates. The 2009 model represents the second facelift (facelift 2), featuring revised styling, updated technology, and the new M273 V8 engine.
Manufacturing Location:
Bremen, Germany
Award Category:
Luxury convertibles often receive accolades for design, performance, and luxury features from automotive publications like Car and Driver, MotorTrend, and Edmunds.
Specific Awards Potential:
While specific awards for the 2009 SL550 Sport are not universally documented, the R230 generation as a whole was recognized for its advanced technology, particularly the ABC suspension and retractable hardtop.
