🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

SL-Class

Model Variant:

SL500

Year:

2004

Chassis Code:

R230

Engine Code Prefix:

M113

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Luxury Grand Tourer / Roadster

Target Audience:

Affluent consumers seeking performance, comfort, and cutting-edge technology in a convertible sports car.

Key Competitors:

Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet, BMW 6 Series Convertible, Jaguar XK Convertible, Chevrolet Corvette Convertible

Body Style:

Retractable Hardtop Convertible (Vario-Roof)

Drivetrain:

Rear-wheel drive (RWD)

Suspension:

Active Body Control (ABC) standard

Predecessor:

R129 SL-Class

📋 Manual Details

Primary Focus:

Owner Information and Operation

Secondary Focus:

Basic Maintenance and Specifications

Estimated Pages:

Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for Mercedes-Benz owner manuals of this era)

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine operation, fuel information, engine oil, battery, air filter, refill capacities, lubricant specifications

Chassis:

Brakes (general operation), suspension (general operation), steering (general operation), wheels and tires (general operation)

Electrical And Electronics:

Instrument cluster, lighting systems, entertainment systems, climate controls, driver controls, locks and security

Body And Interior:

Seating, safety restraints, interior controls, convertible top operation (implied for SL-Class)

Operation:

Startup and shutdown, driving techniques, using vehicle features, parking, emergency procedures

Maintenance:

Routine checks (oil, coolant, tire pressure), fluid replacement guidance, filter replacement guidance, basic cleaning instructions

Troubleshooting:

Warning lamps and indicators, basic fault identification (e.g., battery issues)

Depth:

Owner-level information, focusing on safe operation, understanding vehicle functions, and basic maintenance. Does not cover in-depth diagnostics or repair procedures, which would be found in a service manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text content

Quality:

High-resolution, factory-quality reproduction

Type:

Not Applicable (Digital PDF)

Type:

Not Applicable (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated V8

Displacement:

5.0 Liters (4966 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

97.0 mm x 84.0 mm

Valve Train:

Single Overhead Camshaft (SOHC), 3 Valves per Cylinder (2 intake, 1 exhaust)

Compression Ratio:

9.0:1

Horsepower:

302 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque:

339 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm

System:

Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-Speed Automatic Transmission (722.6)

Modes:

Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes

Torque Converter:

Lock-up torque converter

📐 Dimensions

Length:

171.5 inches (4356 mm)

Width:

71.3 inches (1811 mm)

Height:

52.2 inches (1326 mm)

Wheelbase:

98.7 inches (2507 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 4,079 lbs (1850 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

5,137 lbs (2330 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

Not explicitly rated in a comparable manner to modern standards, but designed to meet or exceed all federal safety standards.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Esp:

Electronic Stability Program (ESP)

Traction Control:

Traction Control System (TCS)

Abc:

Active Body Control (ABC) - enhances stability and ride comfort

Airbags:

Front airbags, side airbags, head airbags (pelvis side airbags in seat backs)

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia-reel seat belts with pre-tensioners and force limiters

Rollover Protection:

Automatically deploying rollover protection system (pop-up roll bars)

💡 Technology Features

System:

COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation)

Features:

AM/FM/Weatherband radio, CD player, optional navigation system, optional Bose premium audio system.

Features:

Bi-Xenon headlamps with active curve illumination, automatic climate control, cruise control, rain-sensing wipers.

Features:

Voice control system (LINGUATRONIC), optional telematics system (Tele-Aid/Tele-Service).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for exact ASSYST service codes).

Major Service Intervals:

Intervals for spark plug replacement, brake fluid changes, and other major services are specified by the ASSYST system and detailed in the manual (e.g., Service A, Service B).

Engine Oil:

SAE 0W-40 synthetic engine oil, meeting MB 229.5 specification (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40)

Coolant:

MB approved coolant concentrate (e.g., Mercedes-Benz G48) mixed with distilled water in a 50/50 ratio.

Transmission Fluid:

MB 236.14 specification Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) for 722.6 transmission.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 Plus (MB approved specification, e.g., MB 331.0).

Power Steering Fluid:

MB approved hydraulic fluid (e.g., Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent).

Common Issues:

ABC suspension hydraulic leaks, trunk hydraulics failure (for soft top operation), SAM module (Signal Acquisition Module) issues, ignition coil failures, biodegradable wiring insulation degradation (on some models, less common for 2004).

Oil Filter:

Typical part number: Hiflofiltro HF1004, Mann-Filter HU830x, or Mercedes-Benz OE part (e.g., A2711800109 for some variants, check VIN for exact fitment).

Air Filter:

Typical part number: Mann-Filter C35174/1, K&N 33-2452, or Mercedes-Benz OE part (e.g., A1130940201).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 8.5 liters (9.0 US quarts) with filter change.

Coolant Capacity:

Approximately 10.5 liters (11.1 US quarts).

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, luxury, and safety, particularly in its SL line, which dates back to the iconic 300 SL 'Gullwing' of the 1950s.

Generation:

R230 generation introduced for the 2003 model year, succeeding the R129.

Updates 2004:

Minor updates for 2004, primarily cosmetic and feature enhancements over the inaugural 2003 model. The SL500 was the volume leader.

Manufacturing Location:

Bremen, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Awards History:

While specific awards for the 2004 model year aren't as widely publicized as later generations, the R230 SL-Class generally received accolades for its advanced technology, refined ride, and performance, building on the strong reputation of the SL lineage.