🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

SL-Class

Model Variant:

SL550, SL600, SL55 AMG, SL65 AMG

Year:

2008

Chassis Code:

R230

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Luxury Grand Tourer Convertible

Target Audience:

Discerning buyers seeking high performance, luxury, and advanced technology in a convertible package.

Competitors:

Porsche 911 Carrera/Turbo Cabriolet, BMW 6 Series Convertible, Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante, Jaguar XK Convertible

Feature 1:

Retractable Hardtop (Vario-roof)

Feature 2:

Powerful V8 and V12 engine options

Feature 3:

Advanced ABC (Active Body Control) suspension system

Feature 4:

Premium interior appointments and technology

📋 Manual Details

Covered Models:

2008 Mercedes-Benz SL550, SL600, SL55 AMG, SL65 AMG

Coverage Scope:

Comprehensive owner's operations and basic maintenance information

Estimated Pages:

350-450 pages (typical for this model year)

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Printed Booklet

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine operation and basic care for V8 and V12 variants

Transmission:

Automatic transmission operation and basic care

Chassis:

Suspension, steering, and braking system operation

Electrical:

Lighting, instrumentation, power accessories, and infotainment system overview

Comfort Convenience:

Climate control, seat adjustments, convertible top operation, and door locks

Safety Security:

Airbags, seatbelts, ABS, ESP, and anti-theft system operation

Basic Maintenance:

Checking fluid levels, tire pressure, tire changing, wiper blade replacement

Troubleshooting:

Indicator lights and warning messages explanation

Operation:

Starting and operating the vehicle, convertible top function, navigation, audio system

Depth:

Consumer-level understanding of vehicle operation and basic maintenance; does not cover diagnostic procedures or detailed repair instructions.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

Printed

Quality:

High-quality paper, clear text and diagrams

Binding:

Stapled or perfect bound

Paper:

Glossy or matte finish, durable paper stock

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Sl550 Engine:

5.5L M273 V8

Sl600 Engine:

5.5L M275 Bi-Turbo V12

Sl55 Amg Engine:

5.4L M113K Supercharged V8

Sl65 Amg Engine:

6.0L M275 Bi-Turbo V12

Sl550 Horsepower:

382 hp @ 6000 rpm

Sl550 Torque:

391 lb-ft @ 2800-4800 rpm

Sl600 Horsepower:

510 hp @ 5000 rpm

Sl600 Torque:

612 lb-ft @ 1800-3500 rpm

Sl55 Amg Horsepower:

493 hp @ 6100 rpm

Sl55 Amg Torque:

516 lb-ft @ 2600-4000 rpm

Sl65 Amg Horsepower:

604 hp @ 4400-5400 rpm

Sl65 Amg Torque:

738 lb-ft @ 2200-4000 rpm

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

🔧 Transmission

Sl550 Transmission:

7-speed automatic (7G-TRONIC)

Sl600 Transmission:

5-speed automatic (5G-TRONIC)

Sl55 Amg Transmission:

5-speed automatic (AMG SPEEDSHIFT)

Sl65 Amg Transmission:

5-speed automatic (AMG SPEEDSHIFT)

Shift Modes:

Comfort, Sport, and Manual (via paddle shifters on AMG models)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

171.1 inches

Width:

73.1 inches

Height:

51.7 inches

Wheelbase:

101.8 inches

Curb Weight Sl550:

4,299 lbs

Curb Weight Sl600:

4,586 lbs

Curb Weight Sl55 Amg:

4,365 lbs

Curb Weight Sl65 Amg:

4,541 lbs

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Rating:

Not explicitly rated as a convertible for all parameters

Active Safety Systems:

ABS, ESP (Electronic Stability Program), Brake Assist (BAS), Traction Control

Airbags:

Dual front airbags, front side-impact airbags, integrated head protection (windscreen frame and pop-up roll bars)

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seat belts with belt tensioners and force limiters

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Navigation System)

Audio System:

Bose premium sound system, CD changer (optional)

Adaptive Cruise Control:

DISTRONIC (optional on some models)

Parking Assist:

PARKTRONIC front and rear parking sensors (optional)

Lighting:

Bi-Xenon headlamps with cornering function, LED taillights

Connectivity Features:

Bluetooth hands-free communication (optional/standard depending on trim)

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Flexible service interval based on ASSYST PLUS system (typically 10,000-15,000 miles or 12 months)

Major Service:

Refer to ASSYST PLUS for specific service indicators (e.g., transmission fluid, coolant, spark plugs based on mileage/time).

Engine Oil Sl550:

Mobil 1 Synthetic 0W-40 (API SM/CF, MB-Approval 229.5)

Engine Oil Sl600 Amg:

Mobil 1 Synthetic 0W-40 (API SM/CF, MB-Approval 229.5)

Transmission Fluid 7G:

MB 236.14 Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)

Transmission Fluid 5G:

MB 236.12 Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)

Coolant:

Mercedes-Benz Coolant/Antifreeze (Glysantin G48 or equivalent, blue color)

Common Issues R230:

ABC suspension leaks (struts, pump), SBC (Sensotronic Brake Control) system issues (pre-facelift, but some sensors can affect later models), convertible top hydraulic leaks/pump failure, ignition coil failures, mass airflow sensor issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Mercedes-Benz has a long history of producing luxurious and high-performance roadsters and convertibles dating back to the iconic 300 SL 'Gullwing'.

R230 Generation:

This manual covers the facelifted R230 generation of the SL-Class, introduced in 2003 and updated in 2007. The 2008 model year features revised styling and updated technology.

Manufacturing Location:

Bremen, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Awards General:

Consistently praised by automotive press for its performance, luxury, and advanced technology in its class.

Safety Design:

Often cited for robust safety construction due to its integrated rollover protection system.