This comprehensive manual provides a detailed guide to the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (SL320, SL500, and SL600) models from 1996 to 1997. It covers all aspects of your vehicle, from basic operation and maintenance to advanced features and troubleshooting. Inside you'll find detailed explanations of your car's controls, instruments, and systems, along with step-by-step instructions for everything from starting and driving to performing routine maintenance tasks. You'll also find important safety information, emergency procedures, and technical specifications. This manual is an essential resource for any owner of a 1996-1997 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, ensuring you have the knowledge and information you need to understand, operate, and maintain your vehicle safely and efficiently.

The 1996-1997 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, encompassing the SL320, SL500, and SL600 models, represented a pinnacle of luxury and performance for the German automaker. This generation, internally designated as the R129, marked a significant evolution from its predecessor. The SL-Class, known for its elegant design and sophisticated engineering, was now built on a refined platform boasting a rigid aluminum chassis and a sophisticated multi-link suspension. The exterior design, penned by Bruno Sacco, retained the classic roadster silhouette with a long hood, flowing lines, and a distinctive, retractable hardtop. This hardtop, a technological marvel for its time, provided both weather protection and the open-air driving experience, seamlessly transforming the SL-Class between a coupe and a convertible.

Under the hood, the 1996-1997 SL-Class offered a range of powerful engines. The SL320 was powered by a 3.2-liter V6 engine generating 218 horsepower, delivering a balance of performance and efficiency. The SL500 was propelled by a 5.0-liter V8 producing 315 horsepower, offering a more potent driving experience. At the top of the range was the SL600, boasting a 6.0-liter V12 engine developing 389 horsepower, providing luxurious acceleration and effortless cruising. These engines were paired with a smooth-shifting five-speed automatic transmission, further enhancing the driving experience. The SL-Class offered a host of luxurious amenities, including leather upholstery, heated seats, an advanced climate control system, and a premium sound system. The interior design exuded an air of sophistication, with meticulous attention to detail and high-quality materials. The SL-Class was renowned for its safety features, including reinforced passenger compartments, airbags, and anti-lock brakes. This generation of SL-Class solidified its position as a timeless icon of luxury and performance, setting a high standard for future generations of Mercedes-Benz roadsters.