Positioning:
High-performance, luxury grand tourer roadster, flagship model for Mercedes-Benz in its class.
Key Competitors:
Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet, Ferrari 360/430 Spider, Aston Martin DB9 Volante.
Performance Focus:
Emphasis on the powerful AMG V12 engine, advanced suspension, and luxurious comfort.
Convertible Design:
Retractable hardtop (Vario-Roof) for coupe-like comfort and open-air driving.
Infotainment:
COMAND APS, Radio, CD/DVD Player, Navigation System, Harman Kardon Sound System
Climate Control:
THERMOTRONIC Automatic Climate Control, Seat Heating and Ventilation
Lighting:
Bi-Xenon Headlights with Adaptive Lighting, Fog Lamps, Interior Lighting, Exterior Lighting Controls
Driver Controls:
Steering Wheel Functions, Pedal Controls, Gear Selector Operation, ABC (Active Body Control) Suspension Controls
Locks Security:
Keyless-Go, Central Locking, Alarm System, Immobilizer
Seating Safety:
Power Adjustable Seats with Memory, SRS Airbag System (Front, Side, Knee), Seatbelt Pre-tensioners, ISOFIX Child Seat Anchors
Driving Operations:
Starting and Stopping Engine, Driving Aids (ESP, Traction Control), Parking Brake, Convertible Top Operation
Maintenance Vehicle:
Engine Compartment Overview, Fluid Checks (Oil, Coolant, Brake Fluid, Washer Fluid), Battery Maintenance, Air Filter Inspection
Basic Maintenance:
Checking and topping up fluids, Tire pressure checks, Wiper blade replacement, Bulb replacement
Driving Techniques:
Proper operation of convertible top, Engaging and disengaging ESP, Safe operation in various weather conditions
Troubleshooting:
Understanding warning indicators, Basic fault identification (e.g., low fluid levels)
Safety Features:
Correct use of seatbelts, Understanding airbag system operation, Child restraint system installation
Customer Assistance:
Contacting Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance, Reporting safety defects (US specific)
Depth:
Owner-level, focusing on operation, features, basic checks, and safety; not a repair manual.
Engine Type:
V12 Bi-Turbo
Displacement:
5.5 Liters (5500 cc)
Horsepower:
661 hp (650 PS; 486 kW) @ 5500 rpm (Note: Often advertised as 604 hp in the US market for regulatory reasons, but the actual output is higher)
Torque:
738 lb-ft (1000 Nm) @ 2000-4000 rpm (Electronically limited)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded (91 octane or higher)
Federal Safety Standards:
Complies with all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).
Stability Control:
Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Acceleration Skid Control (ASR)
Braking System:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist (BAS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Suspension System:
Active Body Control (ABC) – A hydropneumatic system that counteracts body roll.
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, Side airbags, Knee airbags
Seatbelts:
Force-limiting seatbelts with pre-tensioners
Rollover Protection:
Integrated rollover protection bars that deploy automatically.
Primary System:
COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Navigation Display)
Audio System:
Optional Harman Kardon Logic 7 surround sound system.
Navigation:
DVD-based navigation system.
Cruise Control:
DISTRONIC adaptive cruise control (optional).
Parking Assistance:
PARKTRONIC parking sensors (front and rear) (optional).
Phone Integration:
Integrated Bluetooth hands-free communication system (optional).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. However, professional service is recommended for this high-performance engine.
Major Service Intervals:
Refer to the 'Service Information and Specifications' within the manual. Major services often occur at 30,000-mile intervals, including spark plug replacement and comprehensive fluid checks.
Engine Oil:
Mobil 1 Formula M 5W-40 or equivalent meeting MB 229.5 specification. Capacity approximately 9.5 liters (10 quarts).
Coolant:
Mercedes-Benz Approved Antifreeze/Coolant (G05 or similar), typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Transmission Fluid:
MB 236.10 Specification ATF (e.g., Pentosin ATF1 or equivalent).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 Plus (MB 331.0 specification).
Common Wear Items:
ABC suspension hydraulic lines and accumulators, ignition coils, engine mounts, convertible top hydraulic cylinders and seals, catalytic converters.
Electrical Components:
Sensor failures (e.g., O2 sensors, crank position sensors), COMAND system glitches, occasional battery drain issues.
Oil Filter:
Commonly used: Mann-Filter HU 711/6 y or Mercedes-Benz A0001802609.
Air Filters:
Typically two part numbers: e.g., Mann-Filter C34254 (left) and C34255 (right) or Mercedes-Benz A2750940401.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 9.5 Liters (10 US Quarts)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 12 Liters (12.7 US Quarts)
