🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mercedes-Benz Model: SL320 Model Code: R129 Year: 1997 Chassis Code: R129 Generation Generation Identifier: R129 Facelift (Post-1996) Codes Engine Code Common: M104.992 👋 Introduction Market Position Vehicle Segment: Luxury Grand Tourer / Sports Roadster Target Audience: Affluent buyers seeking sophisticated design, performance, and open-air motoring Competitive Analysis Primary Competitors: Porsche 911 Carrera, BMW 8 Series, Jaguar XJS, Chevrolet Corvette Key Features Convertible System: Power-operated retractable soft top with integrated hardtop option Safety Features: Integrated Roll-Over Protection System (ROPS), Advanced ABS Build Quality: Renowned Mercedes-Benz build quality, extensive use of high-grade materials Manual Value Proposition Cost Savings: Enables DIY repairs, reducing reliance on expensive dealership labor Empowerment: Empowers owners to understand vehicle maintenance, diagnose issues, and verify shop recommendations 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage Scope: 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL320 and 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL320 (All Models) Page Count Estimated Page Count: >1000 Manual Type Manual Classification: Service and Repair Manual Language Language Of Manual: English Format Digital Format: PDF (Divided into over 70 sections) Accessibility: Viewable and Printable via Adobe Acrobat Reader Operating Systems: Windows, Mac 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine (M104, 3.2L Inline-6), Transmission (5-Speed Automatic 722.6 '5G-Tronic') Chassis: Suspension (Independent Front/Rear, Multi-link Rear), Steering (Hydraulic Power Steering), Brakes (ABS, Ventilated Discs Front/Rear) Electrical: Engine Control Unit (ECU), Ignition System, Fuel Injection System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Body Control Modules, Convertible Top Hydraulics, Power Windows/Locks/Seats Body: Exterior Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Convertible Soft Top, Hardtop Installation/Removal, Interior Trim Procedures Included Routine Maintenance: Oil Change, Filter Replacements (Oil, Air, Fuel, Cabin), Spark Plug Replacement, Coolant Flush, Brake Fluid Flush, Power Steering Fluid Flush, Drive Belt Inspection/Replacement Mechanical Repair: Engine Overhaul/Rebuild, Cylinder Head Gasket Replacement, Fuel Injector Service, Exhaust System Repair, Transmission Service/Overhaul, Driveshaft/CV Joint Repair, Suspension Component Replacement (Bushings, Ball Joints, Shocks/Struts), Brake System Overhaul (Calipers, Rotors, Lines) Electrical Diagnosis And Repair: Wiring Schematic Interpretation, Sensor Testing/Replacement (MAF, O2, Crankshaft Position), Actuator Testing (Injectors, Ignition Coils), Module Diagnostics, Troubleshooting Electrical Faults Body And Trim Repair: Door Panel Removal, Seat Removal, Convertible Top Mechanism Adjustment/Repair, Hardtop Sealing, Interior Trim Piece Replacement Troubleshooting: Diagnostic Flowcharts, Symptom-Based Troubleshooting Guides Technical Depth Diagnostic Capability: Advanced Diagnostics, On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) interpretation for the era Repair Scope: Complete Repair and Overhaul Procedures for all major systems Documentation Type: Detailed Step-by-Step Procedures, Torque Specifications, Special Tool Requirements 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: Portable Document Format (PDF) Print Quality Print Capability: High-Resolution, Printable Pages Binding Type Digital Binding: N/A (Digital, Printable Sections) Paper Type Digital Paper Emulation: N/A (Digital, Print to User's Choice of Paper) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Naturally Aspirated, Inline 6-Cylinder Displacement: 3199 cc (3.2 Liters) Bore X Stroke: 89.9 mm x 84.0 mm Compression Ratio: 10.0:1 Valvetrain: DOHC, 4 Valves per Cylinder Performance Horsepower: 228 hp @ 5500 rpm Torque: 232 lb-ft @ 3750 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic M1.5.5 or M1.5.4N) Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher) 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 5-Speed Automatic Transmission Model: 722.6 '5G-Tronic' Features Shift Modes: Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes Electronic Control: Electronically controlled gear selection and shifting points 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 179.1 in (4550 mm) Width: 70.5 in (1790 mm) Height: 51.0 in (1295 mm) Wheelbase: 104.5 in (2654 mm) Weights Curb Weight: approx. 4057 lbs (1840 kg) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test Availability: Older vehicle, comprehensive modern crash test data may be limited or unavailable. Active Features Braking System: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Traction Control: Acceleration Slip Regulation (ASR) - where equipped Passive Features Rollover Protection: Automatic Deploying Roll-Over Protection System (ROPS) Airbags: Driver and Passenger Airbags Seatbelts: Three-point Inertial Reel Seatbelts with Pretensioners 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory Premium Sound System (e.g., Becker Grand Prix/Mexico), often with cassette player and optional CD changer. Climate Control: Automatic Climate Control (ECC - Electronic Climate Control) Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard Cruise Control Memory Seats: Power Adjustable Seats with Memory Function Connectivity Phone Integration: Optional factory-installed tele-aid or hands-free communication systems (often requiring specific interfaces or adapters for modern phones). 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically every 7,500 - 10,000 miles or 12 months (refer to manual for precise guidance based on driving conditions). Major Service Interval: Refer to 'Service A', 'Service B', etc. in the manual, typically around 15,000-30,000 mile intervals for more comprehensive checks and fluid changes. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Specification: Refer to MB-Approval 229.1 or 229.3 specification, typically SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 synthetic. Transmission Fluid: MB-Approval 236.10 (ATF 3.5) Coolant: MB-Approval 325.0 or 326.0 (Ethylene Glycol based, typically blue or green color) Brake Fluid: DOT 4 (refer to manual for specific MB approval) Power Steering Fluid: MB-Approval 236.3 (ATF DEXTRON II/III equivalent) Known Issues Common Complaints: Can include aging wiring harnesses (especially insulation), distributor-less ignition system (coil pack...