Vehicle Segment:
Luxury Grand Tourer (GT) Convertible
Target Demographic:
Affluent individuals seeking a blend of performance, luxury, and open-air driving experience
Key Competitors:
BMW 6 Series Convertible, Porsche 911 Cabriolet, Jaguar XK Convertible, Lexus SC Convertible
Signature Feature:
Retractable hardtop (Vario-roof), Active Body Control (ABC) suspension, powerful V8 and V12 engine options
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides dealer-level repair information, enabling accurate diagnostics and maintenance for complex systems
Primary Coverage:
Comprehensive service and repair
Repair Scope:
A-Z repairs, maintenance, diagnostics, troubleshooting
Estimated Page Count:
1500+
Type:
Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Workshop Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine performance, fuel system, exhaust system, engine electrical, ignition system
Transmission:
Automatic transmission (7G-TRONIC), transfer case, driveline, axle components
Chassis:
Suspension (ABC - Active Body Control), steering, brakes (including SBC - Sensotronic Brake Control in earlier models), wheels and tires
Body And Interior:
Body structure, exterior panels, doors, windows, convertible roof system (Vario-roof), interior trim, seats, airbags
Electrical:
Body control modules (BCM), comfort systems, lighting (headlights, taillights), instrument cluster, infotainment system, navigation, climate control, power accessories, wiring diagrams
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, brake pad/rotor replacement, spark plug replacement
Diagnostics:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), fault finding, guided tests, component testing
Repair:
Engine assembly/disassembly, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake system repair, electrical component replacement, body panel repair, convertible top mechanism repair
Troubleshooting:
System-specific troubleshooting charts, common problem diagnosis
Special Procedures:
Convertible roof system service and calibration, Active Body Control (ABC) system service and diagnosis, Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC) system bleeding and calibration (for applicable models/years within the range)
Depth:
Complete rebuild procedures, detailed component removal and installation, torque specifications, diagnostic flowcharts, wiring diagrams
Target Audience:
Professional Mercedes-Benz technicians, experienced DIY enthusiasts
Engine Variants Covered:
SL350, SL500, SL550, SL600, SL63 AMG, SL65 AMG
Sl550 Engine:
4.7L (4663 cc) M273 V8
Sl550 Horsepower:
382 hp @ 6000 rpm
Sl550 Torque:
391 lb-ft @ 2800-4000 rpm
Sl600 Engine:
5.5L (5513 cc) M275 Twin-Turbocharged V12
Sl600 Horsepower:
510 hp @ 5000 rpm
Sl600 Torque:
612 lb-ft @ 1800-3500 rpm
Sl63 Amg Engine:
6.2L (6208 cc) M156 Naturally Aspirated V8 (AMG)
Sl63 Amg Horsepower:
518 hp @ 6800 rpm
Sl63 Amg Torque:
465 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane)
Injection System:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) or Direct Injection (DI) depending on model/year
Transmission Type:
7-speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC)
Amg Transmission:
AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed (SL63 AMG), 5-speed Automatic (SL65 AMG)
Electronic Control:
Electronically controlled, adaptive shift points
Manual Mode:
Tiptronic steering wheel shift paddles or selector lever manual mode
Length:
Approx. 178.5 inches (4534 mm)
Width:
Approx. 72.4 inches (1839 mm)
Height:
Approx. 51.6 inches (1311 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 102.4 inches (2601 mm)
Trunk Volume Hardtop Up:
Approx. 13.2 cu ft (374 liters)
Trunk Volume Hardtop Down:
Approx. 7.9 cu ft (224 liters)
Curb Weight Sl550:
Approx. 4277 lbs (1940 kg)
Curb Weight Sl600:
Approx. 4608 lbs (2090 kg)
NHTSA Front Impact:
4 Stars (Driver), 4 Stars (Passenger)
NHTSA Side Impact:
5 Stars (Driver), 5 Stars (Passenger)
IIHS Rollover:
Excellent (due to standard rollover protection system)
Electronic Stability Program:
Standard (ESP)
Antilock Braking System:
Standard (ABS)
Brake Assist:
Standard (BAS)
Tire Pressure Monitoring:
Standard
Airbags:
Front, side airbags, knee airbags
Rollover Protection:
Automatic pop-up roll bars behind headrests
Seatbelts:
Pretensioning seatbelts, belt force limiters
Command System:
COMAND APS infotainment system with navigation, radio, CD/DVD changer, and Bluetooth connectivity.
Instrument Cluster:
Advanced digital/analog display with trip computer, vehicle status, and warning messages.
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Optional DISTRONIC PLUS
Parking Assistance:
Optional PARKTRONIC parking sensors
Active Suspension:
Active Body Control (ABC) - standard on most models, providing superior ride comfort and handling dynamics.
Bluetooth Interface:
Standard for hands-free calling and audio streaming.
Optional Features:
Keyless-GO (proximity key entry and start), Ventilated/Massage Seats, Harman Kardon sound system.
Minor Service Interval:
Every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (e.g., oil and filter change)
Major Service Interval:
Approx. 30,000 miles (e.g., spark plugs, transmission fluid, brake fluid, coolant)
Engine Oil Specification:
MB Approved 229.5 or 229.51 (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40, 5W-40)
Transmission Fluid Specification:
MB Approved 236.14 (e.g., ATF MB 236.14)
Coolant Specification:
MB Approved 325.0 (Antifreeze/Coolant Concentrate)
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 Plus (MB Approved 331.0)
Abc Suspension Leaks:
Common issue: ABC hydraulic fluid leaks from lines, struts, or pump. Requires specialized diagnosis and repair.
Vario Roof Mechanism:
Potential issues with hydraulic cylinders, seals, or sensors for the convertible top. Manual provides detailed troubleshooting.
Sbc Brake System:
Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC) on early models can develop faults (e.g., pump failure, sensor issues). Manual covers testing and bleeding procedures.
Ignition Coils:
Intermittent misfires can be due to failing ignition coils, particularly on V8 and V12 engines.
Mercedes Benz Legacy:
Over a century of automotive innovation and luxury vehicle production
Sl Class Lineage:
Successor to the R129 SL, representing the sixth generation of the iconic SL-Class roadster
R230 Introduction:
Introduced in 2002 for the 2003 model year, with significant updates for 2009 (facelift/MOPF)
Manufacturing Location:
Bremen, Germany
R230 Production Years:
2002-2011 (for model years 2003-2012)
Common Accolades:
Frequently cited for luxury, performance, and advanced technology in its class.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Varied; manual provides crucial information to address potential complex issues.
Manufacturer Approval:
This manual reflects specifications and procedures approved by Mercedes-Benz for dealership service.
