🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mercedes-Benz Model: W113 SL Year: 1959 (This manual covers a range, but 1959 is the indicated starting point for this specific offering) Codes Chassis Code: W113 Model Designation: SL (Sport Leicht - Sport Light) 👋 Introduction Market Position Target Audience: Mercedes-Benz W113 SL owners and independent repair shops seeking authentic, detailed factory repair information. Competitive Analysis Authenticity: Emphasizes being 'vehicle specific' and the 'exact same manual used by technicians at the dealerships,' differentiating it from generic repair guides. Key Features Ease Of Use: Presented as an 'easy-to-use PDF-manual' with no need to 'flip through books,' enabling users to print only necessary pages. Comprehensive Coverage: Covers 'ALL MODELS & ALL REPAIRS A-Z,' providing 'everything you will ever need'. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas All Models Covered: Yes, explicitly stated as covering all models and all repairs A-Z within the W113 SL series. Page Count Estimated Page Count: Extensive, typical of factory service manuals. While not specified, the depth of coverage suggests several hundred pages. Manual Type Type: Factory Service and Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital (PDF) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Comprehensive coverage including maintenance, diagnostics, repair, fuel system, intake, exhaust, cooling, lubrication, ignition, starting, and charging systems. Transmission: Detailed information on automatic transmission and manual transmission service, clutch, transfer case, propeller shaft, drive shaft, and differential. Brakes: Includes brake control, hydraulic systems, parking brake, and associated components. Suspension Steering: Axle, suspension, tire & wheel, steering column, and power steering systems are thoroughly covered. Electrical Electronics: Extensive electrical system coverage including wiring schematics, multiplex/CAN communication, instrument panel, lighting, horn, meter, audio/visual, and accessory systems. Body Chassis: Covers bodywork, doors, engine hood, glass, mirrors, interior trim, seats, and exterior components. Climate Control: Air conditioning system service and repair. Safety Features: Supplemental restraint systems (SRS), seat belts, and potentially engine immobilizer and cruise control systems. Procedures Included Maintenance: Complete scheduled maintenance procedures, fluid checks, lubrication points, and filter replacement guidelines. Diagnostics Troubleshooting: Detailed diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving issues across all vehicle systems. Repair Overhaul: Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, repair, reassembly, and installation. Wiring Schematics: Included, crucial for diagnosing and repairing electrical faults. Technical Depth Depth: Factory-level, providing the exact information used by dealership technicians for all repairs, from basic maintenance to complete overhauls. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Digital Format: PDF Compatibility: Windows (Vista 32/64, XP, ME, 98, NT, 2000) and Mac OS compatible. Print Quality Printability: All pages are printable, allowing users to print specific sections or the entire manual. Image Enhancement: Images and diagrams can be blown up for detailed viewing and printing of enlarged copies. Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital PDF format) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital PDF format, user selects print paper) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type Early W113: Inline-six cylinder, naturally aspirated (common in early W113 models, though the specific engine for a '1959' listing might imply earlier SL models before W113 introduction, or a very early W113 model. W113 models were introduced in 1963. The '1959' in the product name likely refers to the *era* or available models the business *also* supports, or a specific early reference point for manual content relevant to this platform's origins.) Engine Displacement Early W113: Typically 2.3 liters (230 SL), 2.5 liters (250 SL), and 2.8 liters (280 SL) for the W113 series. Specifics would be in the manual. Performance Horsepower Early W113: Approximately 105-150 hp depending on the specific engine variant. Torque Early W113: Torque figures varied by engine, typically in the range of 140-185 lb-ft. Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Fuel injection (Bosch mechanical fuel injection) was standard on most W113 models, replacing carburetors from earlier Mercedes sports cars. Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded Gasoline 🔧 Transmission Standard Standard Transmission: 4-speed manual transmission was standard on earlier models, with a 4-speed automatic becoming a popular option. Optional Optional Transmission: 4-speed automatic transmission (e.g., Mercedes-Benz 4G-Tronic or similar era automatic) Features Clutch Type: Single dry plate clutch (for manual transmission variants) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: Approximately 2,350 mm (92.5 inches) for the W113 chassis. Length: Approximately 4,280 mm (168.5 inches) for the W113 chassis. Weights Curb Weight: Typically around 1,300 - 1,450 kg (2,866 - 3,197 lbs) depending on model and options. Gross Vehicle Weight: Specified in the manual, essential for load capacity. 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Safety Ratings: Vehicle safety standards of the era. Modern crash test ratings are not applicable to vehicles of this vintage. The manual would detail passive safety features of the time. Passive Features Body Construction: Reinforced chassis and body structure, a hallmark of Mercedes-Benz engineering. Seat Belts: Lap belts were standard. Three-point retractable seat belts became available as an option or were retrofitted. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Original Infotainment: Analog radio, often with push-button tuning. The manual would detail its operation...
Detailed diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving issues across all vehicle systems.
Repair Overhaul:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, repair, reassembly, and installation.
Wiring Schematics:
Included, crucial for diagnosing and repairing electrical faults.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Factory-level, providing the exact information used by dealership technicians for all repairs, from basic maintenance to complete overhauls.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Digital Format:
PDF
Compatibility:
Windows (Vista 32/64, XP, ME, 98, NT, 2000) and Mac OS compatible.
Print Quality
Printability:
All pages are printable, allowing users to print specific sections or the entire manual.
Image Enhancement:
Images and diagrams can be blown up for detailed viewing and printing of enlarged copies.
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital PDF format)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital PDF format, user selects print paper)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type Early W113:
Inline-six cylinder, naturally aspirated (common in early W113 models, though the specific engine for a '1959' listing might imply earlier SL models before W113 introduction, or a very early W113 model. W113 models were introduced in 1963. The '1959' in the product name likely refers to the *era* or available models the business *also* supports, or a specific early reference point for manual content relevant to this platform's origins.)
Engine Displacement Early W113:
Typically 2.3 liters (230 SL), 2.5 liters (250 SL), and 2.8 liters (280 SL) for the W113 series. Specifics would be in the manual.
Performance
Horsepower Early W113:
Approximately 105-150 hp depending on the specific engine variant.
Torque Early W113:
Torque figures varied by engine, typically in the range of 140-185 lb-ft.
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Fuel injection (Bosch mechanical fuel injection) was standard on most W113 models, replacing carburetors from earlier Mercedes sports cars.
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Standard Transmission:
4-speed manual transmission was standard on earlier models, with a 4-speed automatic becoming a popular option.
Optional
Optional Transmission:
4-speed automatic transmission (e.g., Mercedes-Benz 4G-Tronic or similar era automatic)
Features
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate clutch (for manual transmission variants)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase:
Approximately 2,350 mm (92.5 inches) for the W113 chassis.
Length:
Approximately 4,280 mm (168.5 inches) for the W113 chassis.
Weights
Curb Weight:
Typically around 1,300 - 1,450 kg (2,866 - 3,197 lbs) depending on model and options.
Gross Vehicle Weight:
Specified in the manual, essential for load capacity.
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Safety Ratings:
Vehicle safety standards of the era. Modern crash test ratings are not applicable to vehicles of this vintage. The manual would detail passive safety features of the time.
Passive Features
Body Construction:
Reinforced chassis and body structure, a hallmark of Mercedes-Benz engineering.
Seat Belts:
Lap belts were standard. Three-point retractable seat belts became available as an option or were retrofitted.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Original Infotainment:
Analog radio, often with push-button tuning. The manual would detail its operation and any available upgrades or diagnostics.
Driver Assistance
Driver Assistance Systems:
None in the modern sense. Features like power steering and disc brakes (front) were considered advanced for the era.
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
N/A (No integrated digital connectivity)
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or annually. Specific recommendation is detailed in the manual.
Tune Up Interval:
Spark plug replacement, ignition timing adjustments, and carburetor/fuel injection checks at intervals specified in the manual, often every 10,000-20,000 miles.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Specification:
API SF or SG classification, viscosity typically 20W-50 or 10W-40 depending on climate. Refer to manual for precise MB approval.
Coolant Specification:
A mixture of ethylene glycol-based antifreeze and distilled water. Manual will specify the correct Mercedes-Benz coolant type and mix ratio.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron II or equivalent fluid for automatic transmissions. Exact specification is crucial and found in the manual.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid, depending on original specifications and subsequent upgrades. Manual will specify.
Known Issues
Common Wear Items:
Rubber components (hoses, seals, bushings), suspension bushings, brake system components, and potential fuel injection system maintenance for fuel-injected models.
Engine Specifics:
Overheating on early 230SL models due to cooling system design; potential for timing chain wear on higher mileage engines.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Manufacturer:
Mercedes-Benz, known for luxury, engineering excellence, and performance sports cars since its inception.
Model Evolution
Predecessor:
The W113 SL succeeded the iconic 300 SL (Gullwing and Roadster) and 190 SL models.
Series Name:
The W113 chassis is commonly referred to as the 'Pagoda' SL due to its distinctive optional hardtop roof shape.
Production
Production Years:
The W113 SL series was produced from 1963 to 1971, encompassing the 230 SL, 250 SL, and 280 SL models. The '1959' in the product name likely refers to the era of support or a common point of reference for enthusiasts.
Key Variants:
230 SL, 250 SL, 280 SL
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Automotive Prestige:
The W113 SL is widely regarded as a design icon and a benchmark for sports car engineering and luxury of its time. It is highly collectible.
Collectible Status:
Highly sought-after classic car, often featured in automotive publications and concours events.
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