🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mercedes-Benz Model: SL-Class Trim: SL500 Year: 2000 Codes Chassis Code: R230 Engine Code: M113 E50 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Luxury Grand Tourer / Sports Car Target Audience: Affluent individuals seeking a high-performance, luxurious convertible or coupe with advanced technology for its era. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Porsche 911 Carrera, BMW 8 Series, Jaguar XK8, Chevrolet Corvette. Key Features Vehicle Highlight: The R230 SL-Class represented a significant technological leap for Mercedes-Benz roadsters, featuring a retractable hardtop (vario-roof), advanced electronic stability control, and the potent M113 V8 engine. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Main Topics: Introduction, Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Driving, Customer Assistance, Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. only), Cleaning, Maintenance and Specifications, Engine Compartment, Engine Oil, Battery, Fuel Information, Air Filter(s), Part Numbers, Refill Capacities, Lubricant Specifications, Accessories, Service Information and Specifications, Maintenance Information and Specifications. Page Count Estimated Pages: Approximately 300-400 (typical for this model year and complexity) Manual Type Type: Owner's Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine operation, fluid checks (oil, coolant), fuel recommendations, air filter maintenance, battery care. Chassis And Body: Climate control operation, lighting functions, locks and security systems, power seat adjustments, safety restraint systems (airbags, seatbelts), cleaning procedures. Electrical And Electronics: Instrument cluster indicators and warnings, entertainment system basics, driver controls. Procedures Included Maintenance: Basic owner-level maintenance checks, fluid level checks, tire pressure guidelines, cleaning recommendations. Operation: How to operate various vehicle systems including climate control, lighting, infotainment, power seats, and convertible top (if applicable). Safety: Information on safety restraints, airbag system warnings, and basic driving safety tips. Technical Depth Depth: Covers essential operation, user-level maintenance, and system familiarization. Does not include in-depth diagnostic procedures, repair instructions, or component-level troubleshooting found in a Service Manual. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchability: Likely searchable text-based PDF, allowing keyword searching. Print Quality Quality: Digital compilation of factory original, quality will depend on source scan, but generally high for factory manuals. Binding Type Type: Not Applicable (Digital Download) Paper Type Type: Not Applicable (Digital Download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Naturally Aspirated V8 Displacement: 4.973 cc (5.0 Liters) Bore X Stroke: 97.0 mm x 84.0 mm Compression Ratio: 10.0:1 Performance Horsepower: 302 hp @ 5600 rpm Torque: 339 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm Fuel System Induction: Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (SFI) Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended) Lubricant Specifications Engine Oil Type: MB 229.5 (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40 Synthetic) Refill Capacities Engine Oil Capacity: 8.0 Liters (8.5 US Quarts) with filter change Engine Compartment Engine Placement: Front Longitudinal 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 5-Speed Automatic (722.6 '7G-TRONIC' predecessor, often called 5G-TRONIC) Transmission Features: Electronic control, manual shifting mode (TouchShift). Optional Transmission Type: None for SL500 in 2000. Fluid Specifications Transmission Fluid Type: MB 236.10 (e.g., ATF MB 236.10) Refill Capacities Transmission Fluid Capacity: Approximately 8.0 Liters (8.5 US Quarts) for a complete overhaul, check manual for fill procedure. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 4537 mm (178.6 in) Width: 1815 mm (71.5 in) Height: 1301 mm (51.2 in) Wheelbase: 2560 mm (100.8 in) Front Track: 1559 mm (61.4 in) Rear Track: 1550 mm (61.0 in) Weights Curb Weight: 1805 kg (3980 lbs) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 2160 kg (4762 lbs) Cargo Trunk Volume: Approx. 300 Liters (10.6 cu ft) with roof up, significantly reduced with roof down. Wheels And Tires Standard Wheel Size: 17-inch Alloy Standard Tire Size: 225/45 R17 Front, 245/40 R17 Rear Bolt Pattern: 5x112 Center Bore: 66.6 mm 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Impact: 5-Star (for driver and passenger, though official ratings for this era can be less comprehensive than modern standards) IIHS Side Impact: Good (likely, based on design and typical Mercedes-Benz safety focus) Active Features Electronic Stability Control: Standard (ESP - Electronic Stability Program) Traction Control: Standard (ASR - Acceleration Slip Regulation) Brakes: Front: Ventilated Discs, Rear: Solid Discs (ABS standard) Passive Features Airbags: Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags, Side Airbags integrated into seats, Roll-over protection system (pop-up bars). Seat Belts: Pre-tensioners and force limiters, automatic seat-belt extenders for front occupants. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Premium sound system (e.g., Bose or Harman Kardon), with CD player and AM/FM radio. Navigation system was optional. Display: Central display for climate control, audio, and vehicle settings. Driver Assistance Parking Assistance: Optional Parktronic parking sensors (front and rear). Adaptive Cruise Control: Optional Distronic adaptive cruise control system. Connectivity Cellular Integration: Optional integrated cellular phone system. Vehicle Systems Convertible Top System: Vario-roof (retractable hardtop) with electro-hydraulic operation. Includes rollover protection system with automatically deploying hoops. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, utilizing synthetic oil meeting MB 229.5. (Refer to manual for precise recommendations...
Affluent individuals seeking a high-performance, luxurious convertible or coupe with advanced technology for its era.
Competitive Analysis
Key Competitors:
Porsche 911 Carrera, BMW 8 Series, Jaguar XK8, Chevrolet Corvette.
Key Features
Vehicle Highlight:
The R230 SL-Class represented a significant technological leap for Mercedes-Benz roadsters, featuring a retractable hardtop (vario-roof), advanced electronic stability control, and the potent M113 V8 engine.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Main Topics:
Introduction, Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Driving, Customer Assistance, Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. only), Cleaning, Maintenance and Specifications, Engine Compartment, Engine Oil, Battery, Fuel Information, Air Filter(s), Part Numbers, Refill Capacities, Lubricant Specifications, Accessories, Service Information and Specifications, Maintenance Information and Specifications.
Page Count
Estimated Pages:
Approximately 300-400 (typical for this model year and complexity)
Climate control operation, lighting functions, locks and security systems, power seat adjustments, safety restraint systems (airbags, seatbelts), cleaning procedures.
Electrical And Electronics:
Instrument cluster indicators and warnings, entertainment system basics, driver controls.
How to operate various vehicle systems including climate control, lighting, infotainment, power seats, and convertible top (if applicable).
Safety:
Information on safety restraints, airbag system warnings, and basic driving safety tips.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Covers essential operation, user-level maintenance, and system familiarization. Does not include in-depth diagnostic procedures, repair instructions, or component-level troubleshooting found in a Service Manual.
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags, Side Airbags integrated into seats, Roll-over protection system (pop-up bars).
Seat Belts:
Pre-tensioners and force limiters, automatic seat-belt extenders for front occupants.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Premium sound system (e.g., Bose or Harman Kardon), with CD player and AM/FM radio. Navigation system was optional.
Display:
Central display for climate control, audio, and vehicle settings.
Driver Assistance
Parking Assistance:
Optional Parktronic parking sensors (front and rear).
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Optional Distronic adaptive cruise control system.
Connectivity
Cellular Integration:
Optional integrated cellular phone system.
Vehicle Systems
Convertible Top System:
Vario-roof (retractable hardtop) with electro-hydraulic operation. Includes rollover protection system with automatically deploying hoops.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, utilizing synthetic oil meeting MB 229.5. (Refer to manual for precise recommendations based on driving conditions).
Major Service:
Refer to the 'Service A' and 'Service B' indicators on the instrument cluster, which correspond to specific mileage or time intervals for more comprehensive checks (e.g., spark plugs, transmission fluid, brake fluid, coolant).
Fluid Specifications
Coolant Type:
MB 325.0 (Antifreeze/Coolant, blue color)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 PLUS (MB Spec 331.0)
Power Steering Fluid Type:
MB Spec 343.0 (Hydraulic Fluid)
Known Issues
Common Wear Items:
Suspension components (e.g., ABC suspension hydraulic leaks, control arms), ignition coils, mass airflow sensor, O2 sensors, retractable roof hydraulic pump and cylinders, catalytic converters, window regulators.
Part Numbers Reference
Part Number Indication:
Manual provides general guidance and likely mentions that specific part numbers should be confirmed with a Mercedes-Benz dealer or parts specialist based on VIN.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Marque Legacy:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing heritage in producing high-quality, luxurious, and technologically advanced vehicles, with the 'SL' designation representing a line of flagship luxury sports convertibles dating back to the iconic 300 SL 'Gullwing' of the 1950s.
Model Evolution
R230 Generation:
The R230 generation replaced the R129 SL-Class. It marked a significant departure with its introduction of the retractable vario-roof, moving from a soft-top or removable hardtop to a fully automated metal folding roof.
Production
Production Years:
The R230 generation was produced from 2001 (for the 2002 model year) through 2008.
Manufacturing Location:
Bremen, Germany
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Historical Acclaim:
While specific awards for the 2000 SL500 might not be readily available, the SL-Class as a nameplate has consistently been recognized for its luxury, performance, and technological innovation by various automotive publications and awards throughout its history.
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