🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

SL-Class

Model Variant:

SL500 / SL55 AMG

Year:

2002

Chassis Code:

R230

Engine Code Sl500:

M113 (5.0L V8)

Engine Code Sl55 Amg:

M113 ML55 (5.4L Supercharged V8)

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The 2002 SL-Class represented Mercedes-Benz's pinnacle of luxury, performance, and technological innovation in the convertible grand tourer segment, targeting affluent buyers seeking sophisticated open-top motoring.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed directly with other high-end luxury convertibles such as the BMW 8 Series (though older, still in segment), Jaguar XK8/XKR, Porsche 911 Cabriolet, and potentially some Aston Martin and Bentley models.

Key Features:

Retractable hardtop (VARIO-ROOF), Active Body Control (ABC) suspension, powerful V8 engines, advanced COMAND infotainment, sophisticated interior craftsmanship, high levels of safety, and the distinctive AMG performance variant.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Comprehensive operation, features, maintenance, and troubleshooting for 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL500 and SL55 AMG models.

Page Count:

~300-400 pages (estimated for a typical Mercedes-Benz owner's manual of this era)

Manual Type:

Owner's / Operator's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Printed Booklet (original factory issue)

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine management, transmission operation, climate control (THERMOTRONIC), COMAND infotainment system, power convertible top (VARIO-ROOF), active suspension (ABC), braking system (ABS, ESP), lighting, instrument cluster, safety systems (SRS, pre-safe), interior features, exterior features, tires and wheels, driving aids, basic diagnostics.

Electrical System:

Basic overview of the electrical system components and fuse box locations, but not detailed wiring diagrams or diagnostic procedures.

Bodywork:

Information on operating doors, windows, mirrors, and convertible top. Does not cover body panel repair or adjustment.

Interior Features:

Detailed explanation of seat adjustments, climate control operation, infotainment, lighting controls, and various interior convenience features.

Procedures Included:

Pre-drive checks, operating controls, starting and driving, parking, fuel and fluid recommendations, checking fluid levels, tire pressure monitoring, changing a flat tire, basic maintenance (e.g., windshield wiper blade replacement), locking and unlocking, interior adjustments, roof operation, using navigation and audio systems, safety precautions, emergency procedures, roadside assistance information.

Refueling Procedures:

Correct fuel type, opening the fuel filler door, locating the fuel cap.

Emergency Procedures:

Jumper starting (with warnings about delicate electronics), basic troubleshooting advice for common warning lights.

Technical Depth:

Focus on user understanding and safe operation, aimed at empowering the owner to maximize their enjoyment and knowledge of the vehicle's capabilities, without delving into mechanical or electrical repair details.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

N/A (This refers to a physical product)

Print Quality:

High-quality, full-color printing with durable paper stock, consistent with Mercedes-Benz factory standards.

Binding Type:

Staple-bound or perfect-bound (typical for owner's manuals).

Paper Type:

Glossy or semi-gloss paper for clear images and text.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Sl500:

M113.961

Displacement Sl500:

4966 cc (5.0 Liters)

Configuration Sl500:

48-valve SOHC V8

Horsepower Sl500:

302 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque Sl500:

339 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm

Engine Sl55 Amg:

M113 ML55

Displacement Sl55 Amg:

5439 cc (5.4 Liters)

Configuration Sl55 Amg:

24-valve SOHC V8 Supercharged (IHI twin-rotor)

Horsepower Sl55 Amg:

469 hp @ 6100 rpm

Torque Sl55 Amg:

516 lb-ft @ 2650-4500 rpm

Fuel System:

Electronic fuel injection (Bosch Motronic ME 2.8/ME 2.81)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded (91 octane or higher recommended)

Cooling System:

Pressurized coolant system with an engine-driven fan (viscous clutch on SL500, electric on SL55 AMG).

Ignition System:

Distributorless ignition system (DIS) with individual ignition coils per cylinder.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-speed automatic (722.6 series)

Optional Transmission:

N/A (5-speed automatic was standard for all 2002 R230 models)

Transmission Features:

TouchShift manual shifting, Comfort/Sport modes.

Fluid Spec Sl500:

MB 236.10 Specification (e.g., Pentosin ATF1 or equivalent)

Fluid Spec Sl55 Amg:

MB 236.10 Specification (e.g., Pentosin ATF1 or equivalent)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

177.9 inches

Width:

72.9 inches

Height:

51.5 inches

Wheelbase:

101.8 inches

Track Width Front:

Approx. 61.8 inches

Track Width Rear:

Approx. 61.3 inches

Curb Weight Sl500:

~4100 lbs

Curb Weight Sl55 Amg:

~4265 lbs

Gvwr:

Varies by model, typically around 5100-5250 lbs

Cargo Volume:

Approx. 8.2 cu ft (with roof up, less with roof down)

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5 x 112 mm

Sl500 Wheel Size:

17-inch standard (optional 18-inch)

Sl55 Amg Wheel Size:

18-inch standard

Sl500 Tire Size Std:

225/45 R 17 front, 245/40 R 17 rear

Sl55 Amg Tire Size:

255/40 R 18 front, 285/35 R 18 rear

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

Specific ratings for 2002 R230 may not be directly comparable to current standards; however, it featured advanced safety systems for its time.

Passive Features:

Dual-stage front airbags, side airbags, head airbags, roll bar system (pop-up), ABS, ESP (Electronic Stability Program), seatbelt pretensioners.

Active Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Brake Assist (BAS), tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

Pre Safe System:

Available, although more advanced iterations came in later years. In this generation, it primarily involved seatbelt tensioning and moving seats to optimal positions during imminent collision detection.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system, featuring a 6.5-inch color display, CD player, AM/FM radio, optional navigation system, and DSP (Digital Sound Processing) audio.

Optional Features Infotainment:

CD changer, Bose premium sound system, voice control (LINGUATRONIC).

Driver Assistance Systems:

Parktronic (parking assist sensors), cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, automatic climate control (THERMOTRONIC).

Connectivity Features:

Integrated cellular phone system (optional, often via cradle/SIM card slot), limited external connectivity compared to modern standards.

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals:

Flexible Service System (FSS) indicated by the 'Service A' and 'Service B' indicators on the instrument cluster. Typical intervals for minor service are 10,000 miles or 1 year, and major service around 20,000-30,000 miles or 2 years, with specific components having longer intervals (e.g., spark plugs ~100,000 miles). Consult the manual for exact FSS interpretation.

Engine Oil Sl500:

MB 229.5 Specification (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40 or equivalent synthetic)

Engine Oil Sl55 Amg:

MB 229.5 Specification (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40 or equivalent synthetic)

Coolant:

MB 325.0 Specification (Antifreeze/Coolant)

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 Plus (MB 331.0 Specification)

Power Steering Fluid:

Pentosin CHF 11S (MB 343.0 Specification)

Abc Fluid:

MB 343.0 Specification (e.g., Pentosin CHF 11S)

Known Issues General:

Active Body Control (ABC) hydraulic system leaks (struts, lines, pump), coil spring conversion as an alternative to costly ABC repairs, SBC brake system (Sensotronic Brake Control) failures (especially on later 2003+ models but can affect early ones), window regulator failures, convertible top hydraulic leaks, catalytic converter failure, mass airflow sensor issues, oil leaks from valve covers or oil cooler seals.

Known Issues Sl55 Amg:

Supercharger pulley bearing failure, intercooler pump failure, spark plug fouling (due to rich mixture or oil consumption), serpentine belt issues, ECU failures related to heat.

Oil Filter Part Number:

e.g., Mann Filter HU 816 X or Mahle OX 363/1 De (cross-reference specific to VIN is recommended)

Air Filter Part Number:

e.g., Mann Filter C 35160/1 or Mahle LX 1547 (cross-reference specific to VIN is recommended)

Cabin Filter Part Number:

e.g., Mann Filter CU 2535 or Mahle LA 76 (cross-reference specific to VIN is recommended)

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing legacy in producing sophisticated and high-performance grand tourers, dating back to models like the 300 SL 'Gullwing' and subsequent SL-Class generations.

Model Evolution R230:

The R230 generation introduced a significant technological leap with its aluminum-intensive construction and the introduction of the electro-hydraulic Active Body Control (ABC) suspension system and the VARIO-ROOF retractable hardtop, replacing the previous R129's soft top and integrated roll bar.

Production Years R230:

2001-2011 (for the R230 chassis)

Production Locations:

Bremen, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions Automotive Press:

The R230 SL-Class generally received positive reviews for its technological advancements, comfort, and performance, often cited in 'best luxury convertibles' lists for its era, though specific awards are difficult to pinpoint without deep archival research.

Ratings Safety Consumer:

Consumer satisfaction varied, often highlighting the advanced technology but also the potential for costly repairs on complex systems like ABC and SBC. Reliability scores would have been average to slightly below average compared to less complex luxury vehicles in independent consumer surveys.

Certifications:

While not an 'award,' the vehicle's construction adhered to rigorous Mercedes-Benz internal engineering and quality standards, including various ISO certifications relevant to automotive manufacturing.