🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mercedes-Benz Model: SL-Class Model Variant: SL55 AMG Model Year: 2003 Generation R Chassis Code: R230 Codes Engine Code: M113 ML55 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: High-performance luxury grand tourer (GT) convertible. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors 2003: Porsche 911 Carrera, Ferrari 360 Spider, Aston Martin DB7 Vantage Volante, BMW Z8. Key Features Performance Focus: Supercharged V8 engine, advanced AMG tuning, sophisticated active suspension (ABC - Active Body Control). Luxury Appointments: Premium interior materials, advanced climate control, sophisticated infotainment system, power-operated retractable hardtop. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas General Information: Introduction, Customer Assistance, Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. only) Instrumentation And Controls: Instrument Cluster, Driver Controls, Climate Controls Comfort And Convenience: Entertainment Systems, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Cleaning, Accessories Driving And Operation: Driving Maintenance And Technical: Maintenance and Specifications, Engine compartment, Engine oil, Battery, Fuel information, Air filter(s), Refill capacities, Lubricant specifications, Service Information and Specifications, Maintenance Information and Specifications Page Count Estimated Page Count: Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for this model and year) Manual Type Type: Owner's Manual (Factory Equivalent) Language Language: English Format Digital Format: PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine operation, lubrication, fuel system, cooling system, exhaust system overview. Chassis: Suspension system basics, braking system operation, steering system overview. Electrical And Electronics: Instrument cluster functionality, lighting controls, basic electrical system warnings, entertainment system operation. Body And Interior: Locks, security, seating, safety restraints, climate control operation, convertible top operation (if applicable to specific manual content). Procedures Included Routine Maintenance: Checking and topping up fluids (engine oil, coolant, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, basic cleaning. Operational Procedures: Starting and driving the vehicle, operating climate control, using the infotainment system, engaging security features. Emergency Procedures: Information on warning indicators, basic troubleshooting guidance. Technical Depth Depth: Owner-level operation and maintenance guidance. Does not typically include detailed diagnostic procedures or full repair instructions, which are found in service manuals. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Format: PDF Searchability: Likely searchable text if converted properly from original factory PDF. Print Quality Quality: Digital reproduction of factory original, quality dependent on source scan/conversion. Binding Type Binding: Not Applicable (Digital PDF) Paper Type Paper: Not Applicable (Digital PDF) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Supercharged V8 Displacement: 5.4 Liters (5439 cc) Engine Code: M113 ML55 Performance Horsepower: 493 hp @ 6100 rpm Torque: 516 lb-ft (700 Nm) @ 2650-4500 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection with supercharger. Recommended Fuel: Premium Unleaded (91+ Octane) Cooling System Coolant Type: Approved Antifreeze/Coolant concentrate (MB specification 325.0 or 326.0), mixed 50/50 with distilled water. 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 5-speed AMG SpeedShift Automatic Transmission Features Shifting Modes: Comfort and Sport modes. Fluid Specifications Transmission Fluid: MB Specification 236.10 (e.g., Pentosin ATF1 or equivalent). 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 177.4 inches (4506 mm) Width: 72.9 inches (1852 mm) Height: 52.5 inches (1333 mm) Weights Curb Weight: Approximately 4150 lbs (1882 kg) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Impact Driver: 5 Stars NHTSA Front Impact Passenger: 5 Stars Active Features Electronic Stability Program: Standard (ESP - Electronic Stability Program) Braking System: AMG high-performance braking system with internally ventilated and perforated discs. Passive Features Airbags: Front airbags, front side airbags, rollover protection system. Seat Belts: Pre-tensioning seat belts with force limiters, automatic height adjustment. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Bose premium sound system with CD player, AM/FM radio. Navigation: Optional COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard cruise control, possibly adaptive cruise control (Distronic) on some models. Parking Assistance: Parking sensors (front and rear) may be optional. Connectivity Phone Integration: Optional integrated Bluetooth hands-free calling system (e.g., UHI interface). 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. Consult manual for specific conditions. Brake Fluid Change: Every 2 years, regardless of mileage (DOT 4 specification). Coolant Change: Initial change at 15,000 miles, then every 30,000 miles or 2 years. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Specification: MB 229.5 (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40, Pentosin High Performance II 0W-40). Fluid Capacities Engine Oil Capacity: Approximately 8.5 Liters (8.9 US Quarts) with filter change. Coolant Capacity: Approximately 9.5 Liters (10.0 US Quarts). Known Issues Common Wear Items: ABC suspension hydraulic lines and accumulators, ignition coils, electronic throttle body, MAF sensors. Convertible Top Actuators: Potential issues with hydraulic pump and actuators for the retractable hardtop. Part Numbers Oil Filter Example: Mann-Filter HU831z, Mahle OX354D, Mercedes-Benz A1131800109. 📚 Vehicle History Brand Heritage Heritage Context: Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for luxury, engineering excellence, and performance, particularly with its AMG division. Model Evolution Sl Class Lineage: The SL-Class represents the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz roadster design, evolving from iconic models like the 300SL Gullwing and Pagoda. Production R230 Generation Years: 2001-2011 (Facelifted in 2008) Amg Development: The SL55 AMG was developed by Mercedes-AMG GmbH, incorporating significant powertrain and chassis...
Entertainment Systems, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Cleaning, Accessories
Driving And Operation:
Driving
Maintenance And Technical:
Maintenance and Specifications, Engine compartment, Engine oil, Battery, Fuel information, Air filter(s), Refill capacities, Lubricant specifications, Service Information and Specifications, Maintenance Information and Specifications
Page Count
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for this model and year)
Manual Type
Type:
Owner's Manual (Factory Equivalent)
Language
Language:
English
Format
Digital Format:
PDF
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Powertrain:
Engine operation, lubrication, fuel system, cooling system, exhaust system overview.
Chassis:
Suspension system basics, braking system operation, steering system overview.
Electrical And Electronics:
Instrument cluster functionality, lighting controls, basic electrical system warnings, entertainment system operation.
Body And Interior:
Locks, security, seating, safety restraints, climate control operation, convertible top operation (if applicable to specific manual content).
Procedures Included
Routine Maintenance:
Checking and topping up fluids (engine oil, coolant, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, basic cleaning.
Operational Procedures:
Starting and driving the vehicle, operating climate control, using the infotainment system, engaging security features.
Emergency Procedures:
Information on warning indicators, basic troubleshooting guidance.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Owner-level operation and maintenance guidance. Does not typically include detailed diagnostic procedures or full repair instructions, which are found in service manuals.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Format:
PDF
Searchability:
Likely searchable text if converted properly from original factory PDF.
Print Quality
Quality:
Digital reproduction of factory original, quality dependent on source scan/conversion.
Binding Type
Binding:
Not Applicable (Digital PDF)
Paper Type
Paper:
Not Applicable (Digital PDF)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type:
Supercharged V8
Displacement:
5.4 Liters (5439 cc)
Engine Code:
M113 ML55
Performance
Horsepower:
493 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque:
516 lb-ft (700 Nm) @ 2650-4500 rpm
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection with supercharger.
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded (91+ Octane)
Cooling System
Coolant Type:
Approved Antifreeze/Coolant concentrate (MB specification 325.0 or 326.0), mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
5-speed AMG SpeedShift Automatic Transmission
Features
Shifting Modes:
Comfort and Sport modes.
Fluid Specifications
Transmission Fluid:
MB Specification 236.10 (e.g., Pentosin ATF1 or equivalent).
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
177.4 inches (4506 mm)
Width:
72.9 inches (1852 mm)
Height:
52.5 inches (1333 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approximately 4150 lbs (1882 kg)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5 Stars
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5 Stars
Active Features
Electronic Stability Program:
Standard (ESP - Electronic Stability Program)
Braking System:
AMG high-performance braking system with internally ventilated and perforated discs.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side airbags, rollover protection system.
Seat Belts:
Pre-tensioning seat belts with force limiters, automatic height adjustment.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Bose premium sound system with CD player, AM/FM radio.
Navigation:
Optional COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control, possibly adaptive cruise control (Distronic) on some models.
Parking Assistance:
Parking sensors (front and rear) may be optional.
Connectivity
Phone Integration:
Optional integrated Bluetooth hands-free calling system (e.g., UHI interface).
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. Consult manual for specific conditions.
Brake Fluid Change:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage (DOT 4 specification).
Coolant Change:
Initial change at 15,000 miles, then every 30,000 miles or 2 years.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Specification:
MB 229.5 (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40, Pentosin High Performance II 0W-40).
Fluid Capacities
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 8.5 Liters (8.9 US Quarts) with filter change.
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for luxury, engineering excellence, and performance, particularly with its AMG division.
Model Evolution
Sl Class Lineage:
The SL-Class represents the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz roadster design, evolving from iconic models like the 300SL Gullwing and Pagoda.
Production
R230 Generation Years:
2001-2011 (Facelifted in 2008)
Amg Development:
The SL55 AMG was developed by Mercedes-AMG GmbH, incorporating significant powertrain and chassis upgrades for enhanced performance.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Performance Accolades:
Consistently praised by automotive press for its potent performance and luxury blend. Often cited in 'best performance cars' lists of its era.
Ratings
Reliability Perception:
While a high-performance vehicle, Mercedes-Benz generally maintains good reliability perceptions, though AMG models can have higher maintenance costs. The manual is key to proper upkeep.