🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

SL-Class

Model Variant:

SL55 AMG

Year:

2004

Chassis Code:

R230

Generation:

Third Generation (R230)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Luxury Grand Tourer (GT) Convertible

Target Audience:

Discerning buyers seeking high-performance, luxurious, and technologically advanced open-top motoring.

Key Competitors:

Porsche 911 Cabriolet, BMW 6 Series Convertible, Jaguar XK Convertible, Aston Martin DB9 Volante (higher end).

Performance Focus:

AMG-tuned V8 engine, sophisticated active suspension (ABC), powerful braking system.

Design And Comfort:

Retractable hardtop (Vario-roof), premium interior materials, advanced climate control, supportive seating.

Technology:

COMAND infotainment system, advanced safety systems, multi-contour seating.

📋 Manual Details

Systems Covered:

Introduction, Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Driving, Customer Assistance, Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. Only), Cleaning, Maintenance and Specifications, Engine Compartment, Engine Oil, Battery, Fuel Information, Air Filter(s), Part Numbers, Refill Capacities, Lubricant Specifications, Accessories, Service Information and Specifications, Maintenance Information and Specifications.

Estimated Page Count:

Likely 200-350 pages (typical for a 2004 Mercedes-Benz owner's manual)

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Electrical Systems:

Instrument cluster indicators, lighting controls, power locks and security systems, entertainment system operation (radio, CD changer, etc.), climate control system.

Engine And Drivetrain:

Engine compartment layout, engine oil specifications and checks, battery maintenance, fuel information, air filter information, refill capacities, lubricant specifications.

Chassis And Suspension:

Driver controls for operation, seating and safety restraint adjustments, basic cleaning procedures.

Maintenance Procedures:

Regular maintenance checks (oil, coolant, fluids), air filter replacement guidance, battery care, tire pressure checks (implied).

Operation Procedures:

Vehicle startup and shutdown, operation of climate control, lighting, entertainment systems, driver controls, locks and security features, seat and restraint adjustments.

Troubleshooting Guidance:

Basic explanations of instrument cluster warnings, customer assistance information.

Depth:

Comprehensive owner-level information for everyday use and basic maintenance, including specifications for fluids and capacities. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures or repair instructions typically found in a service manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Readability:

Requires PDF reader (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader).

Searchability:

Likely searchable text within the PDF, depending on the source scanning quality.

Quality:

Digital replica of factory original, quality dependent on original source and scanning process.

Binding:

Not Applicable (Digital Format)

Paper:

Not Applicable (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Supercharged V8

Engine Code:

M113 ML

Displacement:

5.4 Liters (5439 cc)

Aspiration:

Lysholm twin-screw supercharger with intercooler

Horsepower:

493 hp @ 6100 rpm

Torque:

516 lb-ft (700 Nm) @ 2650-4500 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point fuel injection

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

Engine Oil Type:

Mobil 1 Synthetic 0W-40 (MB-Approval 229.5)

Engine Oil Capacity:

8.5 Liters (approx. 9.0 US quarts)

Air Filter Part Numbers:

Left: A2700940004, Right: A2700940104 (typical, verify with VIN)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed automatic transmission

Transmission Model:

722.6 (5G-TRONIC)

Shift Modes:

Comfort (C), Sport (S), Manual (M)

Transmission Fluid Type:

MB 236.12 or MB 236.14 specification fluid (e.g., Mobil ATF 134, Pentosin ATF1)

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approx. 7.5 - 8.0 Liters for a drain and fill (verify)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

170.7 inches (4336 mm)

Width:

71.3 inches (1810 mm)

Height:

52.1 inches (1323 mm)

Wheelbase:

101.8 inches (2586 mm)

Curb Weight:

4,047 lbs (1836 kg) - approximate

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

5,027 lbs (2280 kg) - approximate

Trunk Volume:

11.2 cu ft (317 L) with roof up, 7.5 cu ft (212 L) with roof down

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rating:

Not explicitly rated by NHTSA in a comparable manner to modern vehicles due to its era and class. However, equipped with advanced safety features for its time.

Airbags:

Front airbags, side airbags (integrated into seats), head/thorax airbags.

Rollover Protection:

Pop-up roll bars behind headrests, automatically deploy in case of detected rollover.

Seat Belts:

Three-point inertia-reel seat belts with pre-tensioners and force limiters, integrated seat belt extenders.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Esp:

Electronic Stability Program (ESP)

Traction Control:

ASR (Acceleration Slip Regulation)

Braking System:

AMG High-Performance Braking System (larger discs, multi-piston calipers), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation)

Navigation:

Optional integrated GPS navigation system with CD-ROM based maps.

Audio System:

Bose premium sound system with AM/FM radio, CD player, and optional CD changer.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control.

Parking Assistance:

Optional front and rear parking sensors (PARKTRONIC).

Bluetooth:

Optional, via accessory module or integrated depending on specific COMAND version.

Keyless Entry:

Keyless-Go (optional) for keyless ignition and entry.

Climate Control:

THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control with dual-zone temperature control and cabin air filtration.

Roof Operation:

Vario-roof (retractable hardtop) with electro-hydraulic operation, can be operated at low speeds.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil). Can be condition-based via 'Service A' or 'Service B' indicators.

Major Service Intervals:

Major services ('Service B' or specific checks) typically recommended every 20,000-30,000 miles, including transmission fluid changes, brake fluid changes, coolant checks, and comprehensive inspections. Refer to manual for exact schedule.

Coolant Type:

Mercedes-Benz Approved Antifreeze/Coolant Concentrate (e.g., MB 325.0, MB 326.0) mixed with distilled water (50/50 ratio).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 Plus (MB-Approval 331.0)

Common Problems:

Active Body Control (ABC) suspension leaks/failures, camshaft wear (M113 engine), mass airflow sensor failures, trunk hydraulic system issues (for Vario-roof), ignition coil failures, alternator failures.

Maintenance Recommendations:

Regularly check ABC hydraulic fluid level and for leaks. Inspect engine mounts. Service the transmission fluid and filter at recommended intervals (often sooner than dealer recommendation for longevity). Check spark plugs and coils.

📚 Vehicle History

Marque Legacy:

Mercedes-Benz has a long history of producing luxury, performance, and innovative automobiles, with the SL line dating back to the 1950s (300SL 'Gullwing').

Sl Class Heritage:

The R230 generation replaced the R129 and was a significant technological leap, introducing the Vario-roof retractable hardtop and the Active Body Control (ABC) suspension. The SL55 AMG variant was introduced to offer top-tier performance.

Production Years:

R230 generation: 2002-2012. SL55 AMG specifically: 2002-2008.

Manufacturing Location:

Bremen, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Performance Awards:

While specific awards for the 2004 SL55 AMG are not as readily cataloged as modern vehicles, the R230 SL-Class generation and AMG variants were consistently praised by automotive journalists for their blend of luxury, performance, and engineering.

Overall Reputation:

Highly regarded as a potent and luxurious grand tourer with AMG's signature performance enhancements. A benchmark for its class in the mid-2000s.