Segment:
Luxury Grand Tourer Coupe
Competitors:
BMW 6 Series, Porsche 928, Jaguar XJ-S
Design Language:
Classic Mercedes-Benz styling, robust build quality, focus on comfort and performance.
Target Audience:
Affluent individuals seeking a sophisticated, powerful, and reliable grand touring experience.
Engine:
Maintenance, inspection, timing, fuel system, ignition, exhaust, cooling, belts, filters, mounts
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic transmission fluid changes, level checks, filter replacement
Drivetrain:
Transfer case fluid, front axle oil, rear axle oil, drive shaft flexible coupling inspection
Suspension:
Inspection, level control, ADS, 4MATIC, self-leveling suspension, front axle ball joints, rear axle mount adjustments
Brakes:
Fluid checks and replacement, lines, pads, discs, parking brake adjustment and check, brake testing
Steering:
Power steering fluid, steering play, steering bolt tightening
Electrical:
Warning and indicator lamps, battery fluid level
Body And Chassis:
Body structure inspection, water leakage, corrosion, lower panels, door hinges, locks, hood lubrication, sunroof, soft top, paint damage
HVAC:
Cooling/heating system inspection, AC refrigerant charge, dust filter, active charcoal filter, recirculating air filter, windshield washer fluid
Wheels And Tires:
Wheel inspection and rotation, tire inspection, tire pressure correction, wheel bolt tightening
Accessories:
Hydraulic top operation, sunroof rails, antenna mast cleaning, tone head cleaning, folding side mirror lubrication
Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, fluid level checks and top-offs, filter replacements, belt checks and adjustments, spark plug replacement, lubrication
Troubleshooting:
Implicitly covered through detailed inspection and adjustment procedures for various systems.
Repair:
Detailed instructions for component replacement and adjustment of critical systems.
Diagnostics:
Inspection procedures for identifying issues with components, lines, and hoses.
Depth:
Comprehensive factory-level repair and maintenance procedures, suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIYers.
Displacement:
3.8 Liters (3839 cc)
Horsepower:
Approximately 155-160 hp (varies by market and exact configuration)
Torque:
Approximately 205-210 lb-ft (varies by market and exact configuration)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch K-Jetronic Fuel Injection (CIS)
Valve Adjustment:
Requires periodic checking and adjustment of valve clearance.
Injection Timing:
Critical for performance and emissions, requires precise adjustment.
Type:
3-speed Automatic (e.g., 3HP22) or 4-speed Manual (less common on 380SLC)
Type:
4-speed Manual Transmission
Fluid Type Auto:
Dexron III (or equivalent)
Fluid Capacity Auto:
Approximately 7-8 liters (including torque converter, check manual for exact)
Fluid Type Manual:
GL-4 Gear Oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90)
Audio System:
Original factory radio/cassette deck, often with potential for upgrades. Tone head cleaning mentioned in manual.
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on some models.
Climate Control:
Air conditioning system, heating system, often with automatic climate control options.
Windows And Top:
Power windows, power sunroof, and a hydraulic soft top mechanism (for the convertible SL, but related maintenance concepts apply to interior trim/seals).
Oil Change:
Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, using the correct oil specification. Manual provides exact interval.
Transmission Fluid:
Automatic transmission fluid and filter recommended every 30,000-50,000 miles. Manual transmission oil check and change as per manual.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or as specified by coolant type. Manual will provide details.
Engine Oil:
Consult manual for specific viscosity (e.g., 15W-40 or 20W-50 depending on climate) and API classification.
Coolant:
Proprietary Mercedes-Benz coolant or a compatible ethylene glycol-based coolant. Manual will specify ratio.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Fuel System:
K-Jetronic system can be sensitive to vacuum leaks and fuel pressure issues; requires specialized knowledge.
Rust:
Common on older Mercedes models, particularly in wheel wells, rocker panels, and around windows. Regular inspection is crucial.
Suspension:
Wear in ball joints, bushings, and potentially hydraulic components of self-leveling suspension can occur over time.
