Positioning:
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL (R129) was positioned as a flagship luxury grand tourer, known for its performance, advanced technology, and premium craftsmanship.
Competitors:
Competed with other high-end luxury convertibles and coupes of the era, such as the BMW 8 Series Convertible, Porsche 911, and Jaguar XJS.
Distinctive Features:
The R129 SL featured innovative safety systems like the automatic roll bar, advanced suspension, and sophisticated engine management, setting it apart as a technologically advanced vehicle.
Engine:
Engine overhaul, diagnosis, tuning, cooling system, fuel system, lubrication system, exhaust system, emission control systems (Oxygen sensor).
Transmission:
Manual transmission: clutch inspection, oil change, fluid level check. Automatic transmission: fluid and filter change, fluid level check. Transfer case: fluid change, fluid level check.
Suspension Steering Brakes:
Suspension and body structure inspection, front axle oil level, ball joint checks, rear axle oil change and level check, steering play, wheel bolt tightening, brake fluid level, brake lines, pads, disks, parking brake adjustment, power steering fluid.
Electrical Body:
Lighting inspection, wiper/washer inspection, hydraulic top fluid, sunroof lubrication, door hinge/lock lubrication, safety belt inspection, audio system cleaning (cassette deck tone head), antenna maintenance, AC refrigerant charge, HVAC filters, body paint damage inspection, water drains cleaning.
Maintenance:
Regular maintenance tasks such as oil and filter changes, fluid level checks, belt inspections, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, fuel filter replacement, coolant replacement, and lubrication procedures.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting common vehicle problems, diagnosing component conditions, and identifying causes of malfunctions. Specific mentions include inspecting component condition, lines, hoses, and fluid levels.
Repair Rebuild:
Detailed procedures for disassembly, inspection of parts for reuse, rebuilding of components, and assembly. Covers engine tuning (valve clearance, idle speed, injection timing), brake system maintenance, and more.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to in-depth repairs and component overhauls. It is designed to assist both professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts.
Compatibility:
Win95/98/ME/XP/vista/7/8/Linux/MAC, iOS/Android devices
Delivery Method:
Instant Download
Printability:
High-quality PDF format allowing for printing of individual pages or the entire manual.
Digital Format:
Digital (PDF/WINRAR), not a physical binding.
Digital Medium:
Digital document accessible on various electronic devices.
Engine Type:
Inline-6 Cylinder, DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft)
Displacement:
2960 cc (3.0 Liters)
Horsepower Approx:
228 hp @ 5700 rpm (approximate, depending on market and specific tuning)
Torque Approx:
273 lb-ft @ 3700 rpm (approximate)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch KE-Jetronic (K-Jetronic with electronic control) Fuel Injection
Spark Plug Type:
Bosch Platinum or equivalent (specific part number would be in manual)
Air Filter Type:
Paper element (metal reinforced mentioned)
Oil Capacity Approx:
7.5 - 8.0 Liters (with filter change, approximate)
Coolant Type:
Glycol-based antifreeze (specific Mercedes-Benz specification required, e.g., MB 325.0 or similar)
Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (4G-TRONIC)
Manual Oil Spec:
GL-4 or GL-5 SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (specific MB spec recommended)
Automatic Fluid Spec:
MB 236.1 or MB 236.3 Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) (Dexron II/III compatible but MB spec preferred)
Transfer Case Fluid Spec:
Typically a specific gear oil, manual will specify MB approval.
Crash Test Era:
N/A (Modern crash test data not available in the same format as today)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Asd:
Optional or Standard Automatic Slip Differential (ASD)
Ads:
Optional Automatic Damping System (ADS) suspension
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags were introduced during this generation, standard on later models.
Roll Bar:
Integrated Automatic Roll Bar System (standard feature)
Seat Belts:
Height-adjustable seat belts, pretensioners.
Audio System:
Bose sound system often optional, basic cassette player standard. Manual includes cleaning instructions for tone head.
Traction Control:
Acceleration Slip Regulation (ASR) may be available on some models/years.
Antenna:
Motorized antenna mast, with cleaning instructions provided.
HVAC Filters:
Includes replacement of dust filter and active charcoal/recirculating air filters.
Refrigerant:
Checking and correcting AC refrigerant charge (likely R134a or Freon, depending on specific build date and market, but R134a is more probable for later years within this range).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 - 15,000 km (6,000 - 9,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first (refer to specific manual for exact interval and oil type).
Transmission Fluid Interval:
Automatic transmission fluid and filter change recommended every 50,000 - 80,000 km (30,000 - 50,000 miles).
Coolant Change Interval:
Every 2-3 years or as specified by Mercedes-Benz.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 (refer to manual for exact MB specification)
Power Steering Fluid:
MB 236.3 or equivalent power steering fluid.
Common Problems General:
Wiring harness issues (insulation degradation), biodegradable insulation in certain components, hydraulic system leaks (top operation, suspension), fuel distributor wear, SRS system faults (airbag sensor issues).
Engine Specific Concerns:
Valve stem seal leaks, timing chain guides wear (though less prevalent on early M104 compared to later versions), oil cooler leaks.
Corrosion Risk:
Check for rust in common areas like wheel arches, sills, and around the convertible top frame.
Heritage:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for luxury, engineering excellence, and innovation, particularly with its SL (Sport Leicht) roadster lineage dating back to the iconic 300 SL 'Gullwing'.
Generation Introduction:
The R129 generation replaced the R107 SL and introduced significant advancements in safety, design, and technology.
Manufacturing Location:
Bremen, Germany
Production Years R129:
1989-2001
