🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

SL-Class

Chassis Code:

R129

Model Year:

2000

Generation:

Third Generation (R129)

Internal Model Code:

R129

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The R129 SL-Class represented Mercedes-Benz's flagship luxury grand tourer convertible, positioned as a high-performance, technologically advanced, and supremely comfortable vehicle for affluent buyers seeking prestige and open-air driving pleasure.

Competitors:

Competed against luxury convertibles from BMW (8 Series convertible), Jaguar (XJS/XK8), Porsche (911 Targa/Cabriolet), and Aston Martin.

Features:

Iconic design, advanced safety features (e.g., pop-up roll bar), powerful V8 and V12 engines (though 2000 models predominantly V8), sophisticated suspension, and a luxurious interior with high-quality materials.

Purpose:

To provide authorized technicians and skilled DIY enthusiasts with the definitive, vehicle-specific information required for the correct diagnosis, maintenance, and repair of the 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class R129.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

All models and all repairs A-Z for the 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (R129)

Page Count:

Estimated 2000-3000+ pages (typical for a comprehensive factory service manual)

Type:

Factory Authorized Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF or similar electronic format for dealer technicians)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Detailed diagnosis, repair, and overhaul procedures for all R129 engine variants offered in 2000, including M113 4.3L V8 and M119 5.0L/5.8L V8. Covers timing systems, fuel injection, ignition, cooling, exhaust, lubrication, and emissions control.

Transmission:

Comprehensive coverage of the 5-speed automatic transmission (722.6 'NAG') for R129 models. Includes diagnosis, repair, fluid specifications, torque converter, valve body, and electronic control module (ETC) procedures.

Drivetrain:

Rear-wheel drive system, differential, driveshafts, and axle components. Covers lubrication, bearing checks, and repair procedures.

Suspension:

Front and rear independent suspension systems. Detailed information on struts, springs, control arms, bushings, anti-roll bars, and hydraulic self-leveling suspension (SL320, SL500).

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ESP (Electronic Stability Program), and brake booster. Covers rotor and pad replacement, caliper service, hydraulic system bleeding, and sensor diagnostics.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, and steering column. Includes hydraulic fluid specifications, pump diagnosis, and alignment procedures.

Electrical System:

Complete coverage of the vehicle's electrical architecture, including battery, alternator, starter, lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior), fuses, relays, and wiring diagrams. Covers CAN-bus and LIN-bus communication protocols.

Comfort Systems:

Climate control (manual and automatic), power windows, power seats, seat heaters, memory seats, interior lighting, and convertible top operation (hydraulic and electrical components). Includes diagnosis of the PSE pump for pneumatic systems.

Bodywork And Chassis:

Exterior panels, doors, hood, trunk lid, convertible top mechanism, body sealing, and structural components. Includes information on corrosion protection and minor body repairs.

Diagnostics:

On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) system, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), fault finding strategies, and use of Mercedes-Benz specific diagnostic tools (e.g., Star Diagnosis).

Scheduled Maintenance:

Detailed service intervals and procedures for routine maintenance, including oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, and inspections as per Mercedes-Benz recommendations.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic flowcharts and troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon faults across all vehicle systems.

Repair And Rebuild:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, assembly, and reinstallation for virtually all parts of the vehicle.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive, system-specific wiring diagrams illustrating all electrical circuits, component locations, and connector pinouts.

Specifications And Tolerances:

Detailed technical specifications, torque values, clearances, tolerances, and adjustment procedures for all mechanical and electrical components.

Special Tools:

Identification and usage instructions for specialized Mercedes-Benz tools required for specific repair and diagnostic procedures.

Convertible Top Service:

In-depth procedures for the hydraulic and electrical operation of the retractable hardtop, including cylinder servicing, hydraulic fluid, leak diagnosis, and alignment.

Air Conditioning Service:

Diagnosis and repair of the climate control system, including refrigerant handling, component replacement (compressor, condenser, evaporator), and leak detection.

Depth:

Factory-level, exhaustive detail covering basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced electronic diagnostics, and body repair.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format Details:

Digital format (PDF) ensuring searchability, zoom capability, and easy navigation between sections. Designed for digital display and printing.

Quality:

High-resolution, clear diagrams, illustrations, and text, mirroring the quality of original factory documentation.

Binding:

N/A (Digital format - no physical binding)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital format - no physical paper)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M113.982 (4.3L V8)

Engine Type:

V8, 32-valve, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) with 3 valves per cylinder (historically, but 4 valves per cylinder with dual overhead cams for M113) - *Correction: M113 is DOHC, 3 valves per cylinder is a misstatement. M113 is 3 valves per cylinder for improved torque, but typically described as 4 valves per cylinder for its architecture.*

Displacement Cc:

4266 cc

Bore Mm:

89.9 mm

Stroke Mm:

84.0 mm

Horsepower Ps:

279 PS @ 5750 rpm

Torque Nm:

400 Nm @ 3000-4250 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Bosch Motronic ME 2.8 engine control unit

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane)

Engine Code Variant:

M113.985 (5.0L V8)

Displacement Cc Variant:

4966 cc

Horsepower Ps Variant:

306 PS @ 5600 rpm

Torque Nm Variant:

460 Nm @ 3250 rpm

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed Automatic (722.6 'NAG' - New Automatic Generation)

Availability:

Standard across all R129 models in 2000.

Shift Modes:

Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes

Fluid Type:

MB Approved ATF specification 236.10 (e.g., Mobil ATF 134, Shell ATF 134)

Fluid Capacity Liters:

Approximately 7.5 - 8.0 liters for a complete fluid change (pan dropped)

📐 Dimensions

Length Mm:

4515 mm

Width Mm:

1812 mm

Height Mm:

1303 mm

Wheelbase Mm:

2512 mm

Front Track Mm:

1537 mm

Rear Track Mm:

1508 mm

Curb Weight Kg Approx:

1770 - 1850 kg (depending on engine and equipment)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Kg:

Approx. 2100 kg

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Ratings:

While specific year 2000 ratings may vary, the R129 chassis generally performed well in its era. Key safety features include reinforced A-pillars, integrated roll-over protection system.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Esp:

Standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP) on later R129 models, including 2000.

Traction Control:

ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation) is integrated with ESP.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags, side airbags (standard on many 2000 models).

Roll Bar:

Automatic pop-up roll-over bar activated in milliseconds upon detecting a rollover risk.

Seatbelts:

Height-adjustable seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Bose premium sound system with CD changer (optional).

Navigation:

Optional COMAND (Cockpit Management and Data) navigation system.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control, likely with adaptive features on some models.

Parking Assist:

Optional rear parking assist sensors.

Telematics:

Pre-wiring for optional cellular phone integration.

Climate Control:

Dual-zone automatic climate control (THERMOTRONIC).

Seats:

Multi-way power adjustable heated front seats with memory function.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000-15,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (depending on driving conditions and oil used). Refer to the manual for specific 'Service A' or 'Service B' indicators.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Recommended every 40,000-60,000 miles or as indicated by the Service B interval. Critical for longevity of the 722.6 transmission.

Coolant Change:

Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles using MB Approved coolant.

Engine Oil Spec:

MB 229.1 or MB 229.5 (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40, Castrol Syntec 0W-30)

Power Steering Fluid:

MB Approved hydraulic fluid specification 343.0 or 344.0 (e.g., Pentosin CHF 11S)

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 MB Approved specification 331.0

Wiring Harness:

Biodegradable insulation on wiring harnesses can degrade over time, leading to electrical issues. Manual covers troubleshooting and repair.

Convertible Top Hydraulics:

Leaks in hydraulic lines or cylinders can affect convertible top operation. Manual details inspection and repair procedures.

Mass Air Flow Sensor:

Can become dirty and affect engine performance and fuel economy. Manual provides cleaning and replacement procedures.

Ignition Coils:

Can fail, leading to misfires. Manual covers diagnosis and replacement of coil packs.

Sequential Valve Body In Transmission:

Can cause shifting issues. Manual covers diagnosis and repair of the 722.6 transmission valve body.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Mercedes-Benz has a long and storied history of producing luxurious and technologically advanced roadsters, dating back to the pre-war 540K and post-war 300SL Gullwing/Roadster. The SL-Class lineage represents the pinnacle of this heritage.

Evolution:

The R129 generation, introduced in 1989, replaced the iconic R107 SL. It was a significant technological leap, featuring advanced aerodynamics, increased safety, and a more modern chassis. The 2000 model year represents the final iteration before its replacement by the R230 SL.

Production Years:

1989-2001

Manufacturing Location:

Sindelfingen, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Awards:

The R129 SL-Class received numerous accolades throughout its production run for its blend of performance, luxury, and engineering. While specific awards for the 2000 model year are not universally documented as distinct entities, it continued the tradition of excellence associated with the SL badge.

Expert Reviews:

Consistently praised by automotive journalists for its refined driving experience, solid construction, and advanced safety features, solidifying its position as a benchmark luxury convertible.