Segment:
Ultra-luxury grand tourer convertible.
Target Audience:
Owners seeking to maintain and repair their high-performance, technologically advanced Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG. Also valuable for independent Mercedes-Benz specialists and performance tuning shops.
Competitors At Launch:
Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, Aston Martin DB9, Bentley Continental GT, Porsche 911 Turbo.
Performance Focus:
Emphasizes the hand-built nature of the AMG V12 engine and the advanced performance systems.
Technical Complexity:
Highlights the need for specialized knowledge and tools due to the sophisticated Active Body Control suspension and twin-turbo V12 powertrain.
Coverage:
Comprehensive service, repair, diagnostics, maintenance, and electrical schematics for the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG (R230 chassis).
Estimated Pages:
Thousands (Software, not a fixed page count; includes interactive diagrams and search functionality)
Type:
Official Service and Repair Manual Software
Format:
Software (Digital Download/Online Access)
Powertrain:
5.5L Twin-Turbocharged V12 engine (M275 engine family), AMG SPEEDSHIFT 5-speed automatic transmission, drivetrain components (rear-wheel drive).
Chassis And Body:
Suspension (Active Body Control - ABC), steering system, braking system (high-performance AMG brakes), chassis components, body panels, convertible hardtop mechanism, climate control system, interior components.
Electrical And Electronics:
Engine control modules (ECU), transmission control module (TCM), ABS/ESP control unit, comfort control modules, infotainment system, lighting, power accessories, diagnostic systems (OBD-II), wiring diagrams.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid checks and changes (engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, coolant), filter replacements (oil, air, cabin), spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.
Repair And Rebuild:
Engine internal repairs (pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, cylinder heads, valve train), transmission overhaul and repair, suspension component replacement (shocks, struts, control arms, ABC hydraulic components), brake system service (pads, rotors, calipers, lines), steering rack replacement, exhaust system repair.
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, component testing procedures, electrical system diagnostics using wiring diagrams, ABC system troubleshooting and bleeding.
Depth:
Expert-level; covers everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced electronic diagnostics, and specialized system repairs (e.g., Active Body Control).
Engine Type:
V12, Biturbocharged
Displacement:
5980 cc (6.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
82.6 mm x 93.0 mm
Horsepower:
604 hp @ 4700-5100 rpm
Torque:
738 lb-ft (1000 Nm) @ 2300-4300 rpm (electronically limited)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential multi-port fuel injection (EFI) with two injectors per cylinder.
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane)
Configuration:
SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) per bank, 3 valves per cylinder (2 intake, 1 exhaust).
Transmission Type:
AMG SPEEDSHIFT 5-speed Automatic Transmission
Optional Transmission:
N/A (Only AMG SPEEDSHIFT available)
Gear Ratios:
1st: 3.59, 2nd: 2.19, 3rd: 1.42, 4th: 1.00, 5th: 0.83, Reverse: 3.17
Torque Converter Lockup:
Lock-up clutch provides direct drive in all gears.
Transmission Fluid Type:
MB 236.10 (or equivalent like Mobil ATF 220, Pentosin ATF1)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 8.0 liters (dry fill)
NHTSA Rating:
Not specifically rated by NHTSA as a low-volume, high-performance exotic.
Traction Control:
ASR (Acceleration Slip Regulation), ESP (Electronic Stability Program).
Braking System:
AMG high-performance composite braking system with internally ventilated and perforated discs (front: 390mm, rear: 365mm), multi-piston calipers. ABS with Brake Assist.
Suspension:
Active Body Control (ABC) suspension system providing adaptive damping and self-leveling.
Airbags:
Front airbags, side airbags, head airbags, knee airbags.
Seat Belts:
Pretensioners and force limiters.
Rollover Protection:
Automatic pop-up roll bars integrated behind the headrests.
System Name:
COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Navigation)
Features:
Satellite navigation, CD/DVD changer, AM/FM radio, optional Harman Kardon surround sound system, Bluetooth connectivity.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control; optional DISTRONIC adaptive cruise control.
Parking Assistance:
Front and rear PARKTRONIC parking sensors.
Lighting:
Bi-Xenon headlamps with active curve illumination, automatic headlights, LED taillights.
Bluetooth:
Integrated Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming (often via MEDIA-Interface).
OBD Ii Support:
Full OBD-II compliance, with advanced diagnostic capabilities covered by the software.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact specifications).
Major Service Interval:
Refer to the vehicle's specific service plan (often around 30,000 miles for comprehensive inspection and fluid changes).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-40 Synthetic (MB 229.5 specification recommended for AMG engines).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 11 liters (11.6 US quarts)
Coolant Type:
MB 325.0 (Ethylene Glycol based coolant concentrate, typically mixed 50/50 with distilled water).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 PLUS (MB 331.0 specification).
Abc System Leaks:
Hydraulic fluid leaks from hoses, cylinders, or pumps are common due to age and high system pressure. The manual provides diagnostic and repair procedures for this.
Ignition Coil Failure:
Individual ignition coils can fail, leading to misfires. The manual details troubleshooting and replacement of these components.
Variator Roof Mechanism:
The complex Vario-Roof system can develop issues with hydraulic leaks, pump failure, or sensor malfunctions. Detailed troubleshooting guides are essential.
Turbocharger System:
While robust, issues with turbocharger seals, intercoolers, or wastegate actuators can occur. The manual provides diagnostic steps for these.
ECU Software Updates:
Periodically, software updates for the engine control unit (ECU) and other modules are released to address performance or drivability issues.
Mercedes Benz Legacy:
Founded on innovation and engineering excellence, particularly in luxury, performance, and safety.
Sl Class Heritage:
The SL-Class (Super Light) represents Mercedes-Benz's long tradition of producing sophisticated, high-performance luxury grand tourers. The R230 generation, launched in 2001, was a significant technological leap with its electro-hydraulic Vario-Roof convertible system and Active Body Control.
Sl65 Amg Development:
The SL65 AMG, introduced in 2004 (as a 2005 model), took the R230 platform to its zenith by integrating AMG's legendary hand-built twin-turbo V12 engine, offering supercar-level performance in a luxurious convertible package.
R230 Production Years:
2001-2011
Sl65 Amg Production Years:
2005-2011
Manufacturing Location:
Bremen, Germany
Performance Accolades:
Consistently praised by automotive press for its immense power, torque, and luxurious grand touring capabilities.
Amg Brand Recognition:
Represents the pinnacle of AMG's engine building and chassis tuning expertise for the R230 generation.
Performance Review Consensus:
Exceptional acceleration and braking, coupled with a refined ride thanks to ABC, made it a benchmark in its segment.
Official Licensing:
Officially Licensed Mercedes-Benz Service and Repair Manual Software, ensuring accuracy and completeness.