2003-2012

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.

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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

MERCEDES-BENZ R230 SL-CLASS FUEL CONSUMPTION

Lights

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