🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mercedes-Benz Model: SL-Class Model Variants: SL500, SL600, SL55 AMG Year: 2004 Codes Chassis Code: R230 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Luxury Grand Tourer Convertible / Roadster Competitive Analysis Competitors: Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet, BMW 6 Series Convertible, Jaguar XK Convertible, Aston Martin DB9 Volante (though higher tier). Key Features Standout Features: Retractable hardtop (Vario-roof), Active Body Control (ABC) suspension, powerful V8 and V12 engine options, luxurious interior, advanced safety systems. Target Audience: Affluent buyers seeking a high-performance, luxurious, and stylish convertible for comfortable touring and spirited driving. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (R230) SL500, SL600, SL55 AMG Page Count Estimated Pages: 500-700 Manual Type Type: Owner's Manual / User Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Printed Booklet 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Systems: Engine operation, lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, emission control, ignition system, engine management (ECU), starting system, charging system. Transmission Systems: Automatic transmission operation, gear selection, fluid checks, basic maintenance. Chassis Systems: Braking system (ABS, ESP), suspension (ABC - Active Body Control), steering system, wheels and tires. Electrical Systems: Lighting, power windows, power seats, mirrors, climate control, infotainment system, instrument cluster, warning lamps, fuses and relays. Body And Interior: Convertible top operation and maintenance, door locks, interior trim, seats, safety restraints (airbags, seatbelts), cargo area. Comfort And Convenience: Climate control (THERMOTRONIC), COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system, cruise control, power adjustments. Procedures Included Basic Maintenance: Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, basic cleaning instructions, refueling procedures. Operation And Settings: Operating the convertible top, using the COMAND system, adjusting seats, operating climate control, understanding instrument cluster displays and warnings. Safety Features: Understanding airbag deployment, proper seatbelt usage, child seat installation guidelines, emergency procedures. Technical Depth Depth: User-focused operational guidance, basic checks and fluid specifications. Does not include detailed diagnostic or repair procedures, which are found in service manuals. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Format: N/A (Printed) Print Quality Print Quality: Original OEM quality, clear text and images. Binding Type Binding Type: Stapled or Perfect Bound Paper Type Paper Type: Glossy or Semi-Gloss Paper Stock ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Sl500 Engine: M113 E50: 5.0L V8 SOHC (3 valves per cylinder) Sl600 Engine: M275 E55: 5.5L V12 SOHC Bi-Turbocharged Sl55 Amg Engine: M113 ML55: 5.4L V8 SOHC Supercharged Performance Sl500 Horsepower: 302 hp @ 5600 rpm Sl500 Torque: 339 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm Sl600 Horsepower: 493 hp @ 5000 rpm Sl600 Torque: 590 lb-ft @ 1800-3500 rpm Sl55 Amg Horsepower: 469 hp @ 6100 rpm Sl55 Amg Torque: 516 lb-ft @ 2650-4500 rpm Fuel System Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended) Fuel Delivery: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) 🔧 Transmission Standard Sl500 Transmission: 5-speed Automatic (722.6) Sl600 Transmission: 5-speed Automatic (722.6) - Reinforced Sl55 Amg Transmission: 5-speed AMG Speedshift Automatic (722.6) Features Amg Speedshift: Manual shifting mode (M) and sport modes (S), quicker shift times. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 178.5 inches Width: 73.1 inches Height: 52.1 inches Weights Curb Weight Sl500: approx. 4000 lbs Curb Weight Sl600: approx. 4300 lbs Curb Weight Sl55 Amg: approx. 4079 lbs 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Rating: Not specifically rated for this model year by NHTSA in convertible configuration for all tests. Focus is on inherent design safety. Active Features Stability Control: Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Braking Assistance: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist (BAS) Suspension Safety: Active Body Control (ABC) contributes to vehicle stability and handling. Passive Features Airbags: Driver and front passenger airbags, front side airbags, head airbags. Rollover Protection: Pop-up rollover bars behind the headrests, deployed automatically in a rollover scenario. Seatbelts: Pre-tensioning seatbelts with force limiters. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment System Name: COMAND 2.5 (Cockpit Management and Navigation) Features: CD player, AM/FM radio, GPS navigation (map DVD-based), cassette player (early units), optional CD changer. Driver Assistance Adaptive Cruise Control: Optional DISTRONIC cruise control system. Connectivity Phone Integration: Pre-wiring for hands-free telephone communication, often via a cradle and Bluetooth or proprietary Mercedes-Benz phone systems. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Variable, typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, depending on driving conditions (indicated by 'Service A' or 'Service B' on the instrument cluster). Transmission Fluid Service: Typically every 40,000-60,000 miles, though often considered 'lifetime' by manufacturers, proactive replacement is recommended by many specialists. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Sl500 Sl55: Mobil 1 Synthetic 0W-40 (MB 229.5 specification) Engine Oil Sl600: Mobil 1 Synthetic 0W-40 (MB 229.5 specification) or equivalent approved V12 engine oil. Transmission Fluid: MB 236.10 / 236.12 approved ATF (e.g., Pentosin ATF1 or equivalent). Coolant: Mercedes-Benz G48 (Blue/Green) Antifreeze/Coolant concentrate, mixed 50/50 with distilled water. Known Issues Abc System: Hydraulic leaks from ABC lines, pump failures, strut leaks, accumulator failures. Requires specialized knowledge and fluid (Pentosin CHF 11S). V12 Ignition: Coil pack failures, spark plug issues (especially on the...