🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

SL63 AMG

Year:

2009

Chassis Code:

R230

Engine Code:

M156

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The 2009 SL63 AMG represents the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz's roadster engineering for its era, blending potent AMG V8 performance with luxury grand touring comfort and advanced technology. This manual is targeted at owners, independent workshops, and enthusiasts seeking to maintain and repair this high-performance vehicle.

Competitors:

Competed against high-performance sports cars and luxury convertibles such as the Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet, Ferrari California, Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante, and BMW M6 Convertible.

Features:

Hand-built AMG 6.2-liter M156 V8 engine, AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission, Active Body Control (ABC) suspension, high-performance braking system, retractable hardtop, luxurious interior appointments, and advanced driver assistance systems.

📋 Manual Details

Systems Covered:

Engine Mechanical, Engine Management, Fuel System, Ignition System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Transmission (AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed), Drivetrain, Suspension (ABC - Active Body Control), Steering, Brakes (AMG High-Performance Braking System), Electrical System, Bodywork, Interior, Climate Control, Infotainment, Safety Systems (SRS, ABS, ESP)

Estimated Pages:

1500+

Type:

Official Service & Repair Manual Software

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Software (likely PDF or proprietary executable)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Detailed disassembly, inspection, and reassembly procedures for M156 6.2L V8 engine, including cylinder heads, pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, camshafts, valvetrain, and oil system.

Engine Management:

Component identification, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), sensor data interpretation, ECU (Engine Control Unit) function, and troubleshooting for fuel injection, ignition timing, and emissions control.

Transmission:

Specific procedures for the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed automatic transmission, including hydraulic control, mechatronics, torque converter, clutch packs, and transmission control module (TCM) diagnostics.

Suspension:

In-depth coverage of the Active Body Control (ABC) suspension system, including hydraulic pump, accumulators, struts, control valves, fluid flushing, bleeding procedures, and common fault diagnosis.

Brakes:

Details on the AMG high-performance braking system, including disc and pad specifications, caliper service, brake fluid replacement (DOT 4 specification), ABS, and ESP system diagnostics.

Electrical System:

Comprehensive wiring diagrams, component location charts, fuse/relay assignments, diagnostic procedures for CAN bus communication, lighting, power windows, seats, and the COMAND infotainment system.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil and filter changes (engine oil, transmission fluid, differential fluid), spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, brake fluid flush, coolant replacement.

Repair:

Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major mechanical and electrical components, including engine overhauls, transmission rebuilds, suspension strut replacement, and body panel repair.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting guides for common and complex issues across all vehicle systems.

Diagnostics:

Guidance on using diagnostic scan tools (e.g., STAR Diagnosis/XENTRY) for reading live data, performing actuator tests, and clearing fault codes.

Depth:

Comprehensive. Covers everything from basic fluid checks and filter replacements to advanced engine diagnostics, transmission overhauls, and complete electrical system troubleshooting.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

Digital Software (likely a .exe or .pdf, searchable text highly probable)

Quality:

High-resolution digital graphics, diagrams, and schematics. Printable pages.

Type:

N/A (Digital Software)

Type:

N/A (Digital Software)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated V8

Displacement:

6208 cc (6.2 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

102.2 mm x 94.6 mm

Compression Ratio:

11.3:1

Valve Train:

SOHC with 4 valves per cylinder, dual overhead camshafts

Engine Code:

M156

Horsepower:

518 hp @ 6800 rpm

Torque:

479 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane recommended)

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Pump Type:

High-pressure electric fuel pump

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed Automatic

Clutch Type:

Multi-plate wet clutch (no torque converter for direct engagement)

Drive Modes:

Comfort (C), Sport (S), Sport+ (S+), Manual (M)

Transmission Fluid:

MB Spec 236.14 (e.g., Pentosin ATF1)

Shift Logic:

Extremely fast shift times, optimized for performance driving.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4527 mm (178.2 in)

Width:

1811 mm (71.3 in)

Height:

1307 mm (51.5 in)

Wheelbase:

2560 mm (100.8 in)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1850 kg (4079 lbs)

Gross Weight Rating:

Approx. 2210 kg (4872 lbs)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rating:

Not extensively tested by NHTSA for this niche performance model, but built to rigorous Mercedes-Benz safety standards.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System with Brake Assist (BAS)

Esp:

Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with AMG specific tuning, can be partially or fully deactivated.

Traction Control:

ASR (Acceleration Slip Regulation)

Airbags:

Dual-stage front airbags, side airbags, knee airbags, and rollover protection system.

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with front belt tensioners and force limiters.

Body Structure:

High-strength steel safety cell with crumple zones.

💡 Technology Features

System:

COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation system) with integrated radio, CD/DVD player, navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and optional Harman Kardon sound system.

Display:

7-inch color display

Audio Interface:

Auxiliary input, optional USB/iPod integration.

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Optional DISTRONIC PLUS system

Parking Assist:

Front and rear PARKTRONIC parking sensors, optional rear-view camera.

Bluetooth:

Integrated Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming.

Climate Control:

THERMOTRONIC dual-zone automatic climate control.

Seats:

Multi-contour power-adjustable AMG sport seats with heating and active ventilation (optional). Airscarf neck warmer optional.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. Refer to specific service indicator (ASSYST) or manual for precise intervals.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Recommended every 40,000-60,000 miles, or as per the service indicator. Critical for the MCT transmission's longevity.

Brake Fluid Change:

Every 2 years, regardless of mileage, due to hygroscopic nature.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approximately every 60,000 miles for the M156 engine.

Engine Oil:

MB Spec 229.5, SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 (e.g., Mobil 1 Synthetic)

Engine Coolant:

MB Spec 325.0 or 326.0 (Ethylene Glycol based, blue color)

Power Steering Fluid:

MB Spec 343.0 or 344.0 (Hydraulic Fluid)

Abc Fluid:

MB Spec 343.0 (Hydraulic Fluid, often Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent)

Common Problems:

ABC system leaks (struts, lines, pump), camshaft solenoid failures (M156 engine), oil leaks (valve cover gaskets, oil cooler seals), transmission harshness or shifting issues, carbon build-up on intake valves (direct injection engines, though M156 is port injected), potential ECU failures.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Mercedes-Benz, founded in 1926, is renowned for luxury, innovation, and performance, particularly through its AMG performance division which enhances production vehicles into highly capable sports machines.

Model Line:

The SL-Class has a long history dating back to the iconic 300SL 'Gullwing'. The R230 generation, introduced in 2001, featured an advanced vario-roof (retractable hardtop) and Active Body Control (ABC) suspension. The SL63 AMG variant, introduced for the 2008 model year, replaced the supercharged SL55 AMG with the new naturally aspirated 6.2L M156 V8 and the SPEEDSHIFT MCT transmission.

Production Years R230:

2001-2011

Production Location:

Sindelfingen, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Award Type:

While specific awards for the 2009 SL63 AMG model year are scarce in publicly available databases, the R230 generation and its AMG variants consistently received praise from automotive journalists for their performance, handling, and luxurious appointments, often being cited as benchmarks in the GT roadster segment.