Segment:
Luxury Grand Tourer / Sports Convertible
Key Competitors:
BMW 8 Series (E31), Porsche 911 (964/993), Jaguar XJS, Ferrari 348/F355.
Body Styles:
Two-door convertible with retractable hardtop (coupe functionality).
Design Philosophy:
Blend of robust performance, luxury, safety, and sophisticated engineering, continuing the legacy of the SL roadster.
Demographic:
Affluent individuals seeking a high-performance, luxurious, and technologically advanced grand touring convertible with excellent everyday usability and safety.
Regions Covered:
Global (primarily North American and European specifications)
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive (typically over 2000 pages combined for comprehensive coverage)
Type:
Complete Workshop Service Repair Manual
Format:
Downloadable Digital Format (PDF)
Powertrain:
Engine, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, drivetrain components (driveshaft, differential).
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (ABS, ESC), wheels, tires, chassis structure.
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, body control modules (BCM), comfort modules, wiring diagrams, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Body:
Body panels, doors, windows, convertible top mechanism (hydraulic and electronic), interior trim, seats, bumpers, exterior trim.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning (climate control system), components, operation, and diagnosis.
Maintenance:
Routine checks, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication, inspections.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving common and uncommon faults, including symptom-based troubleshooting charts.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, installation, and adjustment for all major systems.
Rebuild:
Detailed procedures for engine, transmission, and differential rebuilds, including specifications and tolerances.
Diagnostics:
Diagnostic procedures utilizing factory scan tools (e.g., STAR Diagnosis), including component testing and parameter reading.
Torque Specifications:
Includes detailed torque specifications for all fasteners critical to engine, chassis, and body assembly.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic preventative maintenance to full mechanical and electrical system overhauls and diagnostics.
Wiring Diagrams:
Extensive and detailed electrical system wiring diagrams for all major vehicle systems.
File Type:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Quality:
High-resolution scans for clear text, diagrams, and images.
Binding Description:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Description:
N/A (Digital Download)
Text Searchable:
Yes (where applicable, for OCR processed PDFs)
Coverage Scope:
Covers all aspects of repair, maintenance, diagnostics, and troubleshooting, suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts.
Engine Variants:
300 SL (M104.980), SL 500 (M119.960), SL 600 (M120.980), SL 320 (M104.992), SL 280 (M104.944).
300Sl Horsepower:
228 hp @ 5700 rpm (approx.)
300Sl Torque:
258 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)
Sl500 Horsepower:
322 hp @ 5500 rpm (approx.)
Sl500 Torque:
354 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm (approx.)
Sl600 Horsepower:
389 hp @ 5200 rpm (approx.)
Sl600 Torque:
420 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm (approx.)
Sl320 Horsepower:
228 hp @ 5700 rpm (approx.)
Sl320 Torque:
265 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection (EFI) with Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor.
Cylinder Block Material:
Aluminum Alloy
Cylinder Head Material:
Aluminum Alloy
Valvetrain:
DOHC (Double Overhead Camshafts), 4 valves per cylinder.
Transmission Type Early Models:
4-speed automatic (e.g., 722.3 for 300 SL, 722.4 for some 300SL variants)
Transmission Type Later Models:
5-speed automatic (e.g., 722.6 'NAG' for SL 500/600 and later SL 320).
Optional Transmission:
No manual transmission offered for R129 SL-Class.
Traction Control:
ASR (Acceleration Slip Regulation) standard on most models, later Traction Control System (TCS).
Length:
Approx. 186.7 inches (4742 mm)
Width:
Approx. 70.2 inches (1783 mm)
Height:
Approx. 51.0 inches (1295 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 101.7 inches (2583 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3900 - 4400 lbs (1769 - 2000 kg), depending on engine and equipment.
Crash Test Performance:
Designed to meet and exceed contemporary safety standards, with robust chassis, integrated roll-over protection.
Braking System:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard, with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) on later models.
Stability Control:
ASR (Acceleration Slip Regulation) standard on most, later models may have ESP (Electronic Stability Program).
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags. Later models feature enhanced airbag systems.
Roll Over Protection:
Automatic, deployable roll-bar system integrated behind the seats.
Audio System:
Factory premium sound systems (e.g., Becker or Bose), often with cassette and AM/FM radio. CD changers available as an option.
Cruise Control:
Electronic cruise control standard.
Climate Control:
Automatic climate control (THERMATIC or THERMOTRONIC) with dual-zone temperature control on some models.
Telematics:
Early models may have had pre-wiring for optional car phones. Later models could feature more integrated communication systems.
Headlights:
Halogen headlamps, with Xenon HID option available on later models.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 - 10,000 miles or 12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (refer to manual for exact spec).
Major Service Intervals:
Significant inspections and component checks recommended at 30,000 mile intervals, with detailed service bulletins provided in the manual.
Engine Oil Spec:
Refer to manual; typically MB 229.1 or 229.3 specifications for synthetic oil (e.g., 0W-40, 5W-40, 5W-30).
Transmission Fluid Spec:
Refer to manual; e.g., MB 236.10 for 722.6 transmissions, MB 236.6 for 722.3/722.4.
Coolant Spec:
Mercedes-Benz Approved Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., G48 or equivalent silicate-free blue/green ethylene glycol-based).
Wiring Harness Degradation:
Degradation of the insulation on wiring harnesses, particularly the engine wiring harness (biodegradable insulation), a common issue requiring replacement.
Convertible Top Hydraulics:
Potential leaks or malfunctions in the hydraulic system for the soft top and roll bar deployment.
Mass Air Flow Sensor:
Failure or contamination of the MAF sensor can lead to performance issues.
Ignition Coils:
Failure of ignition coils (especially on V8/V12 engines) can cause misfires and rough running.
Seat Wiring Harnesses:
Issues with seat occupancy sensors or seat heating elements due to wiring degradation.
Legacy:
Direct successor to the iconic Mercedes-Benz W113 'Pagoda' and R107 SL-Class models, continuing a lineage of prestigious roadsters.
Updates And Facelifts:
Received significant updates throughout its production run, including engine upgrades (e.g., introduction of the V8 and V12), interior refinements, and technological advancements.
Manufacturing Location:
Sindelfingen, Germany.
Total Production Volume:
Approximately 169,000 units.
