🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

560SL

Model Code:

R107

Chassis Code:

R107

Body Style:

2-door convertible roadster

Generation Name:

R107 Final Series

Engine Code:

M117 (V8, 5.6L)

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The Mercedes-Benz 560SL (R107) represented the pinnacle of luxury grand tourers in its segment during the late 1980s, offering a blend of performance, comfort, and bespoke engineering.

Key Competitors:

Jaguar XJS, Porsche 928, Chevrolet Corvette (C4), BMW 6 Series.

Distinctive Features:

V8 engine, robust build quality, legendary Mercedes-Benz safety and engineering, removable hardtop for year-round usability, luxurious interior appointments.

Manual Benefit:

Provides factory-level diagnostic and repair information, mirroring the resources used by authorized Mercedes-Benz dealerships, enabling accurate and efficient maintenance and repairs.

📋 Manual Details

Years Covered:

1986, 1987, 1988, 1989

Estimated Page Count:

Varies by specific year but comprehensive for the range, likely hundreds of pages per year's core data.

Manual Type:

Factory Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF (Digital Download)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine overhaul, valve adjustments, timing checks, oil changes, cooling system, fuel delivery, intake/exhaust systems.

Engine Electrical And Fuel:

Fuel injection system (Bosch KE-Jetronic), ignition system, sensors (oxygen sensor), emission controls.

Transmission Manual:

Manual transmission fluid change, clutch system inspection and fluid correction.

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transmission fluid and filter change, fluid level checks and correction.

Drivetrain:

Drive shaft flexible coupling inspection, front and rear axle oil level checks and changes, transfer case fluid.

Suspension And Steering:

Suspension inspection, ball joint checks (including special tool use), steering play checks, power steering fluid level, steering bolt retightening, level control (ADS) and self-leveling suspension inspection and fluid levels.

Brakes:

Brake fluid replacement, brake fluid level checks, brake line inspection, brake pad and disc thickness checks, brake disk cleaning, parking brake adjustment and checks, brake testing.

Wheels And Tires:

Wheel inspection and rotation, tire inspection, tire pressure correction, wheel bolt tightening.

Body And Chassis:

Lower engine compartment panel removal and installation.

Interior And Accessories:

Door hinge lubrication, door lock lubrication, hydraulic top fluid level checks, sunroof rail cleaning and greasing, soft top locking tab checks.

HVAC:

Cooling and heating system inspection, dust filter replacement, active charcoal filter replacement, recirculating air filter replacement, AC refrigerant charge checks.

Electrical And Lighting:

Warning and indicator lamp checks, headlamp and exterior lamp inspection, windshield wiper and washer inspection and replacement.

Routine Maintenance:

Engine oil and filter change, V-belt inspection and tensioning, poly V-belt inspection, air filter replacement, fuel filter replacement, spark plug checks and replacement, coolant level and antifreeze checks, windshield washer fluid checks.

Intermediate Maintenance:

Valve clearance checks and adjustments, idle speed checks and adjustments, injection timing checks and adjustments, transmission fluid changes (auto/manual/transfer case), brake fluid replacement, clutch system inspection.

Advanced Repairs:

Engine mount bolt re-torquing, exhaust manifold and system re-tightening, oxygen sensor replacement, suspension component checks and adjustments, brake pad and disc replacement, hydraulic top system servicing, sunroof mechanism servicing.

Troubleshooting And Inspection:

Component condition inspection, lines and hoses inspection, suspension and body structure inspection, water leakage and corrosion inspection, fuel system condition checks, electrical system diagnostics (implied by component checks).

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive factory-level repair and maintenance procedures, covering everything from basic fluid changes to component replacement and system diagnostics. Suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Print Quality:

High-resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or sections as needed.

Binding Type:

Not applicable (digital download)

Paper Type:

Not applicable (digital download)

Searchable Text:

Yes, fully bookmarked and searchable.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

SOHC V8

Displacement:

5.6 Liters (5549 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

94.5 mm x 98.5 mm (approximate)

Compression Ratio:

8.0:1 (typical for US-spec)

Horsepower:

Approximately 227-230 hp @ 4750 rpm (US-spec, varies slightly by year)

Torque:

Approximately 315-320 lb-ft @ 3000-3200 rpm (US-spec, varies slightly by year)

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch KE-Jetronic Fuel Injection

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane)

Oil Capacity:

Approximately 8.5 US quarts (8.0 liters) with filter change

Recommended Oil Viscosity:

SAE 15W-40 or 20W-50 (check manual for climate-specific recommendations, e.g., 10W-30 for colder climates)

Coolant Capacity:

Approximately 11.5 US quarts (10.9 liters)

Coolant Type:

50/50 mix of Mercedes-Benz approved antifreeze and distilled water (typically blue or green)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (722.3 series)

Optional Transmission:

Not typically offered for the 560SL; this was an automatic-only model.

Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:

MB 236.1 Specification Automatic Transmission Fluid (e.g., Pentosin ATF 4100, Dexron III is often an acceptable substitute but check manual).

Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approximately 8.5 US quarts (8.0 liters) for a complete fluid change and filter replacement.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 186.5 inches (4737 mm)

Width:

Approx. 70.5 inches (1790 mm)

Height:

Approx. 50.1 inches (1272 mm) (with hardtop)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3800-4000 lbs (1724-1814 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 4700 lbs (2132 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings:

NHTSA and IIHS ratings for this era are less standardized than today, but Mercedes-Benz of this period was renowned for its robust safety engineering, including crumple zones and strong chassis construction.

Active Safety Features:

Four-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), power steering.

Passive Safety Features:

Reinforced windshield frame, integrated roll bar, dual airbags (driver and passenger), seat belts.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Typically featured a Becker AM/FM cassette player with optional CD changer.

Audio System:

High-quality audio systems for the era, often with multiple speakers.

Driver Assistance Features:

ABS, power steering, cruise control (optional/standard depending on market).

Comfort Features:

Climate control (manual or automatic), power windows, power seats, heated seats, central locking, limited-slip differential (optional).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil And Filter Change Interval:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6-12 months, whichever comes first (consult manual for precise interval based on driving conditions).

Transmission Fluid Change Interval:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles (or as per manual; often more frequent for older vehicles).

Coolant Change Interval:

Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 Brake Fluid (check manual for specific recommendation, typically DOT 3 for this era).

Power Steering Fluid Type:

MB 236.3 Specification Power Steering Fluid or ATF (check manual for exact specification).

Common Issues And Maintenance Points:

Cylinder head gasket leaks, timing chain wear, fuel distributor issues (KE-Jetronic), heater control valve leaks, differential seal leaks, vacuum line degradation, wiring harness deterioration (especially insulation), door seal wear, soft top frame mechanisms. Regular inspection of V-belts, hoses, and suspension bushings is critical.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, luxury, and durability, dating back to the invention of the automobile.

R107 Evolution:

The R107 SL Roadster was produced from 1971 to 1989. The 560SL variant, introduced in 1986, represented the final and most powerful iteration of this platform, featuring a larger 5.6L V8 engine.

Production Years For 560Sl:

1986-1989

Manufacturing Location:

Sindelfingen, West Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Awards:

While specific awards for the 1986-1989 560SL are not as widely publicized as modern vehicles, the R107 platform consistently received accolades for its build quality, reliability, and luxury status during its production run.