Segment:
High-performance luxury grand tourer (GT) convertible.
Key Competitors 2003:
Porsche 911 Carrera, Ferrari 360 Spider, Aston Martin DB7 Vantage Volante, BMW Z8.
Performance Focus:
Supercharged V8 engine, advanced AMG tuning, sophisticated active suspension (ABC - Active Body Control).
Luxury Appointments:
Premium interior materials, advanced climate control, sophisticated infotainment system, power-operated retractable hardtop.
General Information:
Introduction, Customer Assistance, Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. only)
Instrumentation And Controls:
Instrument Cluster, Driver Controls, Climate Controls
Comfort And Convenience:
Entertainment Systems, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Cleaning, Accessories
Driving And Operation:
Driving
Maintenance And Technical:
Maintenance and Specifications, Engine compartment, Engine oil, Battery, Fuel information, Air filter(s), Refill capacities, Lubricant specifications, Service Information and Specifications, Maintenance Information and Specifications
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for this model and year)
Type:
Owner's Manual (Factory Equivalent)
Powertrain:
Engine operation, lubrication, fuel system, cooling system, exhaust system overview.
Chassis:
Suspension system basics, braking system operation, steering system overview.
Electrical And Electronics:
Instrument cluster functionality, lighting controls, basic electrical system warnings, entertainment system operation.
Body And Interior:
Locks, security, seating, safety restraints, climate control operation, convertible top operation (if applicable to specific manual content).
Routine Maintenance:
Checking and topping up fluids (engine oil, coolant, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, basic cleaning.
Operational Procedures:
Starting and driving the vehicle, operating climate control, using the infotainment system, engaging security features.
Emergency Procedures:
Information on warning indicators, basic troubleshooting guidance.
Depth:
Owner-level operation and maintenance guidance. Does not typically include detailed diagnostic procedures or full repair instructions, which are found in service manuals.
Searchability:
Likely searchable text if converted properly from original factory PDF.
Quality:
Digital reproduction of factory original, quality dependent on source scan/conversion.
Binding:
Not Applicable (Digital PDF)
Paper:
Not Applicable (Digital PDF)
Engine Type:
Supercharged V8
Displacement:
5.4 Liters (5439 cc)
Horsepower:
493 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque:
516 lb-ft (700 Nm) @ 2650-4500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection with supercharger.
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded (91+ Octane)
Coolant Type:
Approved Antifreeze/Coolant concentrate (MB specification 325.0 or 326.0), mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5 Stars
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5 Stars
Electronic Stability Program:
Standard (ESP - Electronic Stability Program)
Braking System:
AMG high-performance braking system with internally ventilated and perforated discs.
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side airbags, rollover protection system.
Seat Belts:
Pre-tensioning seat belts with force limiters, automatic height adjustment.
Audio System:
Bose premium sound system with CD player, AM/FM radio.
Navigation:
Optional COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control, possibly adaptive cruise control (Distronic) on some models.
Parking Assistance:
Parking sensors (front and rear) may be optional.
Phone Integration:
Optional integrated Bluetooth hands-free calling system (e.g., UHI interface).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. Consult manual for specific conditions.
Brake Fluid Change:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage (DOT 4 specification).
Coolant Change:
Initial change at 15,000 miles, then every 30,000 miles or 2 years.
Engine Oil Specification:
MB 229.5 (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40, Pentosin High Performance II 0W-40).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 8.5 Liters (8.9 US Quarts) with filter change.
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 9.5 Liters (10.0 US Quarts).
Common Wear Items:
ABC suspension hydraulic lines and accumulators, ignition coils, electronic throttle body, MAF sensors.
Convertible Top Actuators:
Potential issues with hydraulic pump and actuators for the retractable hardtop.
Oil Filter Example:
Mann-Filter HU831z, Mahle OX354D, Mercedes-Benz A1131800109.
Heritage Context:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for luxury, engineering excellence, and performance, particularly with its AMG division.
Sl Class Lineage:
The SL-Class represents the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz roadster design, evolving from iconic models like the 300SL Gullwing and Pagoda.
R230 Generation Years:
2001-2011 (Facelifted in 2008)
Amg Development:
The SL55 AMG was developed by Mercedes-AMG GmbH, incorporating significant powertrain and chassis upgrades for enhanced performance.
