Vehicle Class:
Luxury Grand Tourer / Performance Roadster
Competitors:
Porsche 911, BMW M6 Convertible, Ferrari California (though often a step above)
Performance Focus:
High-performance variant of the SL-Class, featuring a supercharged V8 engine and AMG tuning.
Technology:
Incorporated advanced technologies for its era, including Active Body Control (ABC).
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts and owners seeking to maintain and repair their high-performance luxury convertible.
Powertrain:
Engine (M113 E55 ML, 5.4L Supercharged V8), Transmission (5G-Tronic 722.6)
Chassis:
Suspension (ABC Active Body Control), Brakes (High-Performance Compound), Steering (Hydraulic Power Steering)
Electrical:
Engine Control Unit (ECU), Body Control Module (BCM), Infotainment, Lighting, CAN Bus System
Body:
Convertible Top Mechanism, Interior Trim, Exterior Body Panels
Maintenance:
Oil Change, Filter Replacement, Fluid Checks and Replenishment, Spark Plug Replacement
Diagnostics:
Fault Code Reading (OBD-II), Component Testing, Circuit Tracing
Repair:
Engine Rebuild, Transmission Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repair
Calibration:
Suspension Height Calibration, Throttle Body Adaptation
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to complex diagnostic procedures and component-level repairs.
Diagnostic Tools:
Mentions proprietary diagnostic tools (e.g., Star Diagnosis) and necessary procedures.
Format Details:
Digital Software, likely accessible via CD-ROM or download. May require specific software to open.
Quality:
N/A (Digital Format)
Binding:
N/A (Digital Format)
Paper:
N/A (Digital Format)
Text Search:
High (Digital format typically allows keyword searching)
Graphics:
Includes diagrams, schematics, and photographic illustrations.
Engine Type:
5.4L Supercharged V8 (M113 E55 ML)
Displacement:
5439 cc (5.4 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
97.0 mm x 92.0 mm
Horsepower:
493 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque:
516 lb-ft (700 Nm) @ 2650-4500 rpm
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)
Induction:
Supercharged with Intercooler
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (SFI)
Cooling Type:
Liquid-Cooled
Oil Type:
Synthetic (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40, or equivalent MB-Approval 229.5)
Oil Capacity:
8.5 Liters (9.0 US Quarts) with filter change
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Automatic (AMG Speedshift)
Transmission Model:
722.6
Shift Modes:
Comfort, Sport, Manual (via paddle shifters)
Fluid Type:
MB-Approval 236.10 or 236.12 Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
Fluid Capacity Dry:
Approximately 8.0 Liters (8.5 US Quarts)
NHTSA Rating:
Not Specifically Rated for this era in the same way as modern vehicles, but known for robust construction.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Esp:
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Traction Control:
ASR (Acceleration Slip Regulation)
Suspension Safety:
Active Body Control (ABC) offers stability control and variable ride height.
Airbags:
Front Airbags, Side Airbags, Head Airbags
Rollover Protection:
Pop-up Roll Bar System
Seatbelts:
Pretensioning Seatbelts
Head Unit:
COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation)
Navigation:
Integrated GPS Navigation System
Audio System:
Bose Premium Sound System (optional)
Parking Assist:
PARKTRONIC Parking Assist (optional)
Adaptive Cruise:
Distronic Adaptive Cruise Control (optional)
Telephone:
Integrated Bluetooth Hands-Free Telephony (optional)
Climate Control:
Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
Seats:
Multi-contour Heated and Ventilated Power Seats with Memory
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil). Check manual for exact recommendations.
Transmission Fluid Service:
Recommended at ~60,000 miles or as per service indicator. Requires specialized procedure.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years
Coolant Flush:
Every 5 years or 100,000 miles (using Mercedes-Benz approved coolant).
Engine Coolant:
Mercedes-Benz approved Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., G05 or equivalent, mixed 50/50 with distilled water)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (refer to specific MB-approval if available)
Power Steering Fluid:
MB-Approval 236.3 Hydraulic Fluid (Pentosin CHF 11 S often an equivalent)
Abc System:
Active Body Control (ABC) hydraulic leaks, pump failures, and strut leaks are common. Requires specialized knowledge for repair.
Supercharger Clutch:
Potential failure of the supercharger clutch or pulley system.
Ignition Coils:
Coil-on-plug ignition coils can fail, leading to misfires.
Oil Cooler Seals:
Leaking oil cooler seals can lead to oil contamination in the coolant.
Roof Mechanism:
Hydraulic leaks or actuator failures in the retractable hardtop mechanism.
Oil Filter:
e.g., Mann-Filter HU721/4X, Bosch 72134
Air Filter:
e.g., Mann-Filter C35163/1
Cabin Filter:
e.g., Mann-Filter CU2935
Spark Plug Type:
e.g., NGK Iridium IX (LFR6AIX-11) or similar approved by MB.
Heritage:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for luxury, engineering, and performance, particularly with its SL-Class line.
R230 Generation:
The R230 SL-Class debuted for the 2003 model year, with the AMG SL55 introduced shortly after. The 2005 model year falls within the initial facelifted R230.1 generation.
Amg Integration:
AMG, Mercedes-Benz's performance division, significantly enhanced the SL55 with a powerful supercharged engine, upgraded suspension, brakes, and aerodynamic elements.
Production Period:
R230 SL55 AMG produced from 2002 to 2007.
Manufacturing Plant:
Bremen, Germany
Performance Acclaim:
The SL55 AMG was widely recognized for its exceptional blend of luxury, comfort, and blistering performance, often lauded by automotive publications for its capabilities.
Reliability Perception:
While luxurious, complex AMG models can present higher maintenance costs compared to standard Mercedes-Benz models. Reliability depends heavily on proper maintenance.