🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mercedes-Benz Model: SL500 Year: 1999 Generation Chassis Code: R129 Generation Name: Third Generation (R129) Codes Engine Code: M119.982 Transmission Code: 722.602 (5G-TRONIC) 👋 Introduction Market Position Positioning: Luxury Grand Tourer Convertible Target Audience: Discerning buyers seeking performance, comfort, and cutting-edge technology of the late 1990s. Competitive Analysis Competitors: BMW 8 Series Convertible, Jaguar XJS, Porsche 911 Cabriolet, Chevrolet Corvette Convertible Key Features Luxury: High-quality materials, advanced comfort features, sophisticated design. Performance: Powerful V8 engine, advanced suspension, precise handling. Technology: Innovative features for its time, including a sophisticated convertible top mechanism and advanced safety systems. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Service and Repair Secondary Coverage: Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics, Specifications Page Count Estimated Pages: ~1500-2000 Manual Type Type: Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF (likely digital download) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine (M119.982), Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Transmission (722.602 5G-TRONIC), Drivetrain Chassis: Suspension (Active), Steering, Brakes (ABS, ESP), Wheels and Tires Electrical: Body Control Module (BCM), Engine Control Unit (ECU), SRS (Airbag) System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Audio System, Power Accessories (Windows, Seats, Top) Body: Body Construction, Exterior Trim, Interior Trim, Convertible Top System Procedures Included Maintenance: Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Service, Fluid Checks and Replacements, Belt Inspection and Replacement Diagnostics: Troubleshooting guides, Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), Electrical circuit diagrams, Component testing procedures Repair: Engine overhauls, Transmission repair, Suspension component replacement, Brake system service, Electrical component repair, Body panel repair Specifications: Torque values, Fluid capacities and types, Electrical component resistance, Dimensional data Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive; covers everything from basic preventative maintenance to in-depth diagnostic and repair procedures for all major vehicle systems. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Quality: High-resolution scans, typically searchable text within PDF. Searchability: Likely searchable text, allowing for quick access to specific information. Print Quality Printability: Designed for digital viewing, but printable by section or as a whole. Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Format) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital Format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: 4.96 L (4966 cc) V8, SOHC, 32 valves Bore X Stroke: 96.0 mm x 85.0 mm Compression Ratio: 10.0:1 Engine Management: Bosch Motronic M 2.8.3 Performance Horsepower: 302 hp @ 5500 rpm (SAE Net) Torque: 339 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm (SAE Net) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (SFI) Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded (91 octane or higher recommended) Cooling System Coolant Capacity: ~9.5 liters (2.5 US gallons) Coolant Type: Mercedes-Benz Specification 325.0 / 325.3 (Antifreeze/Coolant) 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 5-speed Automatic (722.602) Features: Electronic control, driver-adaptive programming, Comfort/Sport modes. Optional Optional Transmission: N/A for 1999 SL500 (all models featured the 5-speed automatic). Fluid Specifications Transmission Fluid Type: MB 236.10 specification (e.g., Mobil ATF 134, Pentosin ATF1) Fluid Capacities Fluid Capacity: ~8.0 liters (8.5 US quarts) for a dry fill 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 177.4 inches (4505 mm) Width: 70.5 inches (1790 mm) Height: 51.4 inches (1305 mm) Wheelbase: 101.7 inches (2585 mm) Front Track: 59.8 inches (1519 mm) Rear Track: 59.3 inches (1506 mm) Weights Curb Weight: ~4250 lbs (1928 kg) Gross Weight Rating: Approx. 5115 lbs (2319 kg) Towing Capacity: Not Recommended / Not Specified Wheels Tires Standard Wheel Size: 17 x 8.0 inch Alloy Standard Tire Size: 225/55 R17 Wheel Bolt Pattern: 5 x 112 mm Center Bore: 66.6 mm 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Overall Rating: Not Rated (Vehicle from before standardized testing) Active Features ABS: Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Traction Control: Standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Brake Assist: Standard Passive Features Airbags: Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags, Side Airbags (in seat bolsters) Rollover Protection: Automatic Pop-up Roll Bars (integrated into B-pillars) Seatbelts: Pretensioning front seatbelts with force limiters 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Bose premium sound system, likely with CD player and AM/FM radio. Optional cassette deck. Climate Control: Automatic Climate Control with dual-zone temperature settings. Navigation: Optional factory navigation system (COMAND 2.0). Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard Electronic Cruise Control Seat Memory: Standard, with multiple positions for driver and passenger seats. Connectivity Bluetooth: N/A (Not equipped with factory Bluetooth) Auxiliary Input: N/A (No factory auxiliary audio input) 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically every 7,500 - 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact intervals based on driving conditions). Transmission Fluid Service: Recommended every 40,000 - 60,000 miles. Crucial for longevity of the 722.6 transmission. Coolant Flush: Recommended every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles. Brake Fluid Change: Recommended every 2 years, regardless of mileage. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Type: SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 Synthetic (meeting MB 229.3 specification is ideal, but manual will specify exact requirement) Engine Oil Capacity: ~8.0 liters (8.5 US quarts) Power Steering Fluid: MB Specification 236.3 (e.g., Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent) Brake Fluid Type: DOT 4 (low...
Suspension (Active), Steering, Brakes (ABS, ESP), Wheels and Tires
Electrical:
Body Control Module (BCM), Engine Control Unit (ECU), SRS (Airbag) System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Audio System, Power Accessories (Windows, Seats, Top)
Body:
Body Construction, Exterior Trim, Interior Trim, Convertible Top System
Procedures Included
Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Service, Fluid Checks and Replacements, Belt Inspection and Replacement
N/A for 1999 SL500 (all models featured the 5-speed automatic).
Fluid Specifications
Transmission Fluid Type:
MB 236.10 specification (e.g., Mobil ATF 134, Pentosin ATF1)
Fluid Capacities
Fluid Capacity:
~8.0 liters (8.5 US quarts) for a dry fill
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
177.4 inches (4505 mm)
Width:
70.5 inches (1790 mm)
Height:
51.4 inches (1305 mm)
Wheelbase:
101.7 inches (2585 mm)
Front Track:
59.8 inches (1519 mm)
Rear Track:
59.3 inches (1506 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight:
~4250 lbs (1928 kg)
Gross Weight Rating:
Approx. 5115 lbs (2319 kg)
Towing Capacity:
Not Recommended / Not Specified
Wheels Tires
Standard Wheel Size:
17 x 8.0 inch Alloy
Standard Tire Size:
225/55 R17
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5 x 112 mm
Center Bore:
66.6 mm
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not Rated (Vehicle from before standardized testing)
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Brake Assist:
Standard
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags, Side Airbags (in seat bolsters)
Rollover Protection:
Automatic Pop-up Roll Bars (integrated into B-pillars)
Seatbelts:
Pretensioning front seatbelts with force limiters
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Bose premium sound system, likely with CD player and AM/FM radio. Optional cassette deck.
Climate Control:
Automatic Climate Control with dual-zone temperature settings.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system (COMAND 2.0).
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard Electronic Cruise Control
Seat Memory:
Standard, with multiple positions for driver and passenger seats.
Connectivity
Bluetooth:
N/A (Not equipped with factory Bluetooth)
Auxiliary Input:
N/A (No factory auxiliary audio input)
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 - 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact intervals based on driving conditions).
Transmission Fluid Service:
Recommended every 40,000 - 60,000 miles. Crucial for longevity of the 722.6 transmission.
Coolant Flush:
Recommended every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles.
Brake Fluid Change:
Recommended every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 Synthetic (meeting MB 229.3 specification is ideal, but manual will specify exact requirement)
Engine Oil Capacity:
~8.0 liters (8.5 US quarts)
Power Steering Fluid:
MB Specification 236.3 (e.g., Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (low viscosity recommended)
Known Issues
Common Problems:
Biodegradable wiring harnesses (requiring replacement), front SAM module issues, convertible top hydraulic leaks/failures, mass airflow sensor (MAF) issues, idle control valve issues, radiator end tank leaks.
Preventative Maintenance Focus:
Regular inspection and replacement of aging rubber components, especially the wiring insulation and suspension bushings. Thorough system checks for leaks.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Mercedes Benz Legacy:
A long and illustrious history of luxury, innovation, and engineering excellence dating back to the late 19th century.
Model Evolution
Sl Class Evolution:
The SL (Sport Leicht) lineage represents Mercedes-Benz's flagship roadsters, known for blending performance and luxury. The R129 generation replaced the R107 and was known for its advanced safety and technology.
Production
R129 Production Years:
1989-2001
1999 Model Year Updates:
Minor updates for 1999 included revised headlights, clear turn signals, and potentially updated interior trim options.
Manufacturing Location:
Sindelfingen, Germany
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Historical Awards:
While specific awards for the 1999 model year are not widely documented, the R129 SL-Class consistently received praise for its build quality, safety, and engineering prowess in automotive publications of its era.
Ratings
Reliability Reputation:
Generally considered reliable with proper maintenance, though some electrical components and the convertible top system can be sources of repair needs.
Certifications
Manufacturer Certification:
Built to strict Mercedes-Benz internal quality and safety standards.
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