Generation Hub
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class 2003-2012
Overview
The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class from 2003 to 2012 represents a remarkable blend of performance, luxury, and advanced technology in grand touring convertibles. This generation featured a sleek, timeless exterior design characterized by its iconic retractable hardtop, muscular lines, and classic Mercedes-Benz front grille. The SL-Class exuded an air of sophistication and prestige, appealing to buyers who desired the ultimate open-top driving experience. Inside, the cabin offered an upscale and technologically advanced environment, boasting premium materials, meticulous craftsmanship, and a strong emphasis on comfort. The interior design successfully combined luxury with practicality, integrating advanced infotainment systems, comfortable seating, and innovative features for a refined and immersive driving experience.
In terms of performance, the SL-Class aimed to deliver exhilarating driving dynamics. It offered a range of potent engines, including high-performance AMG variants, designed to provide exceptional acceleration and a thrilling on-road presence. The suspension and chassis were expertly tuned to deliver a sporty yet comfortable ride, making it a true grand touring convertible.
Specifications
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class specification, engine oil capacity, spark plug gap, safety rating, fuel consumption, transmission, and light bulb sizes.
Chassis
- Type: R230
Engine 5.5L 8-Cylinder DOHC
- Recommended Oil viscosity: 0W-30
- Drain Plug Torque: 22FT-LBS
- Oil capacity: 9.0 qt
Spark Plug Gap
- 5.5L 8-Cylinder: 0.032”
Automatic transmission
- Type: MB Automatic Transmission Fluid
- Capacity:
- SL500: 10.3 US qt. (9.7 l)
- SL 600: 8.0 US qt. (7.5 l)
- SL 55 AMG: 9.1 US qt. (8.6 l)
- SL 65 AMG: 8.0 US qt. (7.5 l)
Rear axle
- Type:
- SL500: Hypoid gear oil SAE 85 W 90
- SL 600:Hypoid gear oil SAE 85 W 90
- SL 55 AMG: Hypoid gear oil SAE 85 W 90
- SL 65 AMG: Hypoid gear oil SAE 75 W 140
- Capacity:
- SL500: 1.5 US qt. (1.4 l)
- SL 600: 1.3 US qt. (1.2 l)
- SL 55 AMG: 1.5 US qt. (1.4 l)
- SL 65 AMG: 1.3 US qt. (1.2 l)
Front axle
- Type: Hypoid gear oil SAE 85 W 90
- Capacity:
- S 430 4MATIC: 0.63 US qt. (0.6 l)
- S 500 4MATIC: 0.63 US qt. (0.6 l)
Hydraulic system for Active Body Control
- Type: MB Hydraulic Fluid
- Capacity: 4.3 US qt. (4.0 l)
Power steering
- Type: MB Power Steering Fluid (Pentosin CHF 11S)
- Capacity: approx. 1.1 US qt. (1.0 l)
Front wheel hubs
- Type: High-temperature roller bearing grease
- Capacity: approx. 3.5 oz. (100 g) each
Fuel
- Capacity: 21.1 US gal (80.0 l)
Brake system
- Type: MB Brake Fluid (DOT 4+)
- Capacity: 1.1 US qt. (1.05 l)
Cooling system
- Type: MB 325.0 Anticorrosion/Antifreeze
- Capacity:
- S 3504: approx. 11.1 US qt. (10.5 l)
- S 430, S 430 4MATIC: approx. 12.1 US qt. (11.5 l)
- S 500, S 500 4MATIC: approx. 12.1 US qt. (11.5 l)
- S 55 AMG: approx. 14.3 US qt. (13.5 l)
- S 600: approx. 15.85 US qt. (15.0 l)
- S 65 AMG: approx. 15.96 US qt. (15.1 l)
Low-temperature cooling system
- Type: MB 325.0 Anticorrosion/Antifreeze
- Capacity:
- SL 600: 2. US qt. (2.1 l)
- SL 65 AMG: 3.4 US qt (3.2 l)
Air conditioning system
- Type: MB Hydraulic Oil
- Capacity: 0.42 US qt (0.4 l)
Hydraulic system for retractable hardtop
- Type: R-134a refrigerant and special PAG lubricant oil (never R-12)
Windshield washer and headlamp cleaning system
- Type: MB Windshield Washer Concentrate
- Capacity: 7.42 US qt (0.4 l)
Powertrain
Engine
- 3.0 L 170 kW (228 hp) V6
- 3.5 L 200–232 kW (268–311 hp) V6
- 3.7 L 180 kW (241 hp) V6
- 5.0 L 225–285 kW (302–382 hp) V8
- 5.4 L 350–380 kW (469–510 hp) Supercharged V8
- 5.5 L 285 kW (382 hp) V8
- 5.5 L 368–380 kW (493–510 hp) BiTurbo V12
- 6.0 L 368–493 kW (493–661 hp) BiTurbo V12
- 6.2 L 386 kW (518 hp) V8
Transmission
- 5-speed automatic
- 7-speed automatic
Fuel Consumption

Warning Lights & Bulb Sizes
Front Lights
- Front Fog Light Bulb: H11-55W
- Front Sidemarker Light Bulb: 2825
- Front Turn Signal Light Bulb: 5200
- High Beam Headlight Bulb: H7-55W
- Low Beam Headlight Bulb: HID-D1S
Rear Lights
- Back Up Light Bulb: 7506L
- Brake Light Bulb: 7506L
- Center High Mount Stop Light Bulb: LED
- License Plate Light Bulb: 6418
- Parking Light Bulb: W5WB
- Rear Sidemarker Light Bulb: LED
- Rear Turn Signal Light Bulb: 12496
- Tail Light BulbTail Light Bulb: LED
Interior Lights
- Courtesy Light Bulb: 6418
- Dome Light Bulb: 3886X
- Glove Box Light Bulb: 6418
- Map Light Bulb: 2825
Repair & Diagnostic Guides 8

Red & Yellow Park Brake Light Stays On Mercedes-Benz
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Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Check Add Brake Fluid
Sep 10, 2021

Mercedes-Benz SL-Class R230 Add Windshield Washer Fluid
Sep 10, 2021

Mercedes-Benz SL-Class R230 Open Hood
Sep 10, 2021

Battery Location Mercedes-Benz SL-Class R230 SL500 SL550
Sep 10, 2021

Mercedes-Benz Replace Engine Air Filter | S SL CL CLK | 320 430 500
Sep 10, 2021

Mercedes-Benz SL Top Opens, Won’t Close – Vario Roof
Sep 1, 2021

Mercedes-Benz Hood Won’t Stay Up – Replace Hood Struts Supports
Feb 15, 2021
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