Mercedes-Benz R230

Fifth generation

Manufacturer	Mercedes-Benz
Production	Bremen, Germany Santiago Tianguistenco, Mexico
Predecessor	Mercedes-Benz R129
Platform	Mercedes-Benz R230
Engine	5.5L 382 hp (285 kW) V8 5.4L 510 hp (380 kW) V8 5.5L 510 hp (380 kW) V12 6.0L 604 hp (450 kW) V12
Transmission	5-speed automatic 7-speed automatic
Wheelbase	100.8 in (2,560 mm)
Length	178.5 in (4,534 mm)
Width	2005-present: 71.5 in (1,816 mm) 2003-04: 72.0 in (1,829 mm)
Height	51.0 in (1,295 mm)

The Mercedes-Benz R230 automobile was introduced in 2001. It was sold as the SL-Class convertible, replacing the R129.

First generation

The safety car originally appeared in 2001 German Grand Prix in Hockenheim. Street version was unveiled in IAA 2001.^[1]

Engines

Model	Years	Type/code	Power@rpm	Torque@rpm
SL 350	2003–2006	3,724 cubic centimetres (227.3 cu in) V6 (M112)	245 PS (180 kW; 242 hp)@5700	350 N·m (260 ft·lbf)@3000-4500
SL 500	2001–2006	4,966 cubic centimetres (303.0 cu in) V8 (M113)	306 PS (225 kW; 302 hp)@5600	460 N·m (340 ft·lbf)@2700-4250
SL 55 AMG	2002–2006	5,439 cubic centimetres (331.9 cu in) V8 supercharged (M113)	476 PS (350 kW; 469 hp)@6100	700 N·m (520 ft·lbf)@2650-4500
SL 600	2003–2006	5,513 cubic centimetres (336.4 cu in) V12 BiTurbo (M275)	500 PS (368 kW; 493 hp)@5000	800 N·m (590 ft·lbf)@1800-3600
SL 65 AMG	2004-	5,980 cubic centimetres (365 cu in) V12 BiTurbo (M275 AMG)	612 PS (450 kW; 604 hp)@4800-5100	1,000 N·m (740 ft·lbf)@2000-4000

2006 facelift

2003–2006 Mercedes-Benz SL 350 (Australia)

2006–2008 Mercedes-Benz SL 350 (Australia)

Changes include new engines for SL 350 and SL 500, with improved performance on SL 55 AMG and SL 600, as well as a new top-of-the-line SL 65 AMG.^[2] ABC (Active Body Control) was improved to reduce body movements in dynamic driving by up to 60%.

Exterior styling changes include a new bumper with three large cooling air intakes and a more pronounced V-shape as well as fog lamps with chrome surrounds emphasise the power of the two-seater and give it a wider look, new light-alloy wheels, new rear light. Interior changes include softer leather upholstery, new interior colours, high-quality metal door sills with Mercedes-Benz lettering and embossed aluminium trim elements, removable luggage cover, optional remote boot-lid release.

The vehicle was unveiled in 2006 Geneva Motor Show. Production version began sale in 2006-03.^[3]

Engines

Model	Years	Type/code	Power@rpm	Torque@rpm
SL 350	2006–2008	3,498 cubic centimetres (213.5 cu in) V6 (M272)	272 PS (200 kW; 268 hp)@6000	350 N·m (260 ft·lbf)@2400–5000
SL 500, SL 550	2006–2008	5,461 cubic centimetres (333.3 cu in) V8 (M273)	388 PS (285 kW; 383 hp)@6000	530 N·m (390 ft·lbf)@2800–4800
SL 55 AMG	2006–2008	5,439 cubic centimetres (331.9 cu in) V8 supercharged (M113)	517 PS (380 kW; 510 hp)@6100	720 N·m (530 ft·lbf)@2600–4000
SL 600	2006–2008	5,513 cubic centimetres (336.4 cu in) V12 BiTurbo (M275)	517 PS (380 kW; 510 hp)@5000	830 N·m (610 ft·lbf)@1900–3500
SL 65 AMG	2004–	5,980 cubic centimetres (365 cu in) V12 BiTurbo (M275 AMG)	612 PS (450 kW; 604 hp)@4800–5100	1,000 N·m (740 ft·lbf)@2000–4000

SL 500 was sold as SL 550 in North America.

Transmissions

7G-TRONIC Sport option allows shifting to be performed up to 30% faster in manual "M" mode, and added steering-wheel shift paddles.

Handling

ABC (Active Body Control) active suspension system is standard on SL 500 and SL 600, optional in SL 350.

Common Faults

In early models a piece of metal can fall off in fuel tank causing clanking - tank has to be removed and replaced - Seal at bottom of rear window starts to leak. It can be stuck back with silicon sealant or replaced for $100 part - failure to catch this leak can cause serious and expensive failure of roof electronics and actuator in the bottom of the boot.^{[citation needed]}

2008 Facelift

Facelift

Facelift

The facelifted 2008 SL model was revealed in the Geneva Motor Show in March. The 2008 SL gets a new, more aggressive front end reflecting Mercedes's new design philosophy, with a pair of long powerdomes on the bonnet and a single-bar grille replacing the old three-bar effort. Improvements have been made also on the engines. The 3.5L V6 is uprated to 311 PS (229 kW; 307 hp) at 6500 rpm. Compared to the previous 3.5-litre engine, the output has been boosted by 16 percent. Torque has also been improved adding 10 N·m (7.4 lb·ft) to the previous 350 N·m (260 lb·ft) making it 360 N·m (270 lb·ft). this engine now can rev up to a max of 7200 rpm for a period as the oil temperature and other engine parameters permitting, a higher compression ratio, a new intake manifold and extensively modifying and lightening the valve train. In this case, however, the extra power does not come at the expense of fuel economy: with a consumption figure of 9.9 litres per 100 kilometres, the new SL 350 undercuts the previous model developing 200 kW (272 PS; 268 hp) by 0.4 litres per 100 kilometres. Mercedes-Benz is extending the SL-Class line-up by introducing an attractive entry-level model in the shape of the SL 280 developing 170 kW (231 PS; 228 hp). The six cylinder powerplant delivers its peak torque of 300 N·m (220 lb·ft) from 2500 rpm and accelerates the roadster from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.8 seconds, whilst fuel consumption (NEDC) is just 9.4 L/100 km (30 mpg_-imp; 25 mpg_-US). It will feature the AIRSCARF heating system used in the SLK.

AMG

The facelifted SL loses AMG's 5.4L M113 in favour of the newer M156 6.2L V8 used in the S63 AMG, CLK63 AMG and C63 AMG. It produces 525 PS (386 kW; 518 hp) at 6800 rpm and 630 N·m (460 lb·ft) of torque at 5200 rpm. It can accelerate from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.6 seconds going up to a limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). The SL63 AMG also includes the new AMG-developed 7-speed MCT "Multi Clutch Technology" automatic transmission.

The new MCT transmission is essentially the 7G-Tronic transmission without a torque converter. Instead of a torque converter, it uses a compact wet startup clutch to start the car off, and also supports computer-controlled double declutching. The MCT (Multi-Clutch Technology) acronym refers to a planetary (automatic) transmission’s multiple clutches and bands for each gear.^[4]

The MCT is fitted with four drive modes: “C” (Comfort), “S” (Sport), “S+” (Sport plus) and “M” (Manual) and boasts 100 millisecond shifts in "M" mode. The new car features the new AMG DRIVE UNIT with innovative Race Start function. The AMG DRIVE UNIT is the central control unit for the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission and all driving dynamics functions. The driver can change gears either using the new AMG selector lever with its leather/ carbon-fibre finish, or by nudging the AMG steering-wheel shift paddles. The new Race start Function is a launch control system which enables the SL 63 AMG driver to call on maximum acceleration, while ensuring optimum traction of the driven wheels. A modified version of the SL 63 is the safety car for the 2008 Formula One season.

The new SL65 AMG Black Series coupe features a carbon-fiber fixed roof, front fenders, hood, trunk lid, and front and rear aprons. With the absence of retractable roof hardware, the car is more than 550 pounds lighter than the standard SL. AMG placed a modified version of the 6.0-liter AMG V12 engine that now delivers 670 PS (493 kW) and 1,000 N·m (740 lb·ft) of torque. This is the same 6.0L engine as used in the previous SL65 model with remapped timing and fuel curves to produce 58 PS more. Torque remains the same, as the previous model, due to transmission limitations. This engine has been labeled as the engine with the largest output that will be made by AMG. Its twin turbochargers are 12 percent larger, passages for intake air and the turbo wastegates have been modified, and the intake air intercooler is 30 percent more efficient. The result is 0-to-60 mph (97 km/h) acceleration of 3.8 seconds, and an electronically limited top speed of 198 mph (319 km/h).^[5]

SL 63 AMG Edition IWC (2008-)

It is a limited (200 units) version of SL 63 AMG. It included designo magno Kashmir white finish, AMG Exterior Carbon package with matte surface, interior Carbon matte trim with Tobago Brown nappa leather upholstery, AMG Performance package, 'Grosse Ingenieur' (Big Engineer) watch from Swiss watchmaker IWC Schaffhausen.^[6]

The vehicle went on sale beginning in fall 2008, with deliveries began in November 2008.^[7]

SL 65 AMG Black Series (2008-)

It is a performance version of the SL 65 AMG. The turbochargers were 12% larger, and the optimised wastegate ducts permit increased air throughput. Intake air ducting and exhaust system were modified to improve response and reduce the exhaust gas backpressure. Vehicle was 250 kilograms (550 lb) lighter than regular SL 65 AMG by the use of light carbon fibre composites (CFRP) parts. Another big item on weight reduction was removing the foldable hardtop roof, replacing it with a fixed roof. Not only did this save much weight, it also made room available for the retractable rear spoiler.

The AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS five-speed automatic transmission include "C", "S", "M1" and "M2" which has gearshift times 25 percent quicker than the "M1" mode. Black Series front axle track width is 97 millimetres wider and the rear axle track width 85 millimetres wider over regular model.

Other changes include retractable rear spoiler and the rear apron with diffuser fins, 265/35R19 front tyres with 19x9.5 inch AMG light-alloy wheels and AMG 20x11.5-inch light-alloy wheels with 325/30R20 tyres (Dunlop Sport Maxx GT tyres), 6-piston front calipers with 390x36mm discs and 4-piston calipers with 360x26mm discs.

The vehicle was unveiled in Monterey in 2008.^[8]

Production vehicle began delivery in 2008-11.^[9]

Engines

Model	Years	Type/code	Power@rpm	Torque@rpm
SL 280	2008–2009	2,996 cubic centimetres (182.8 cu in) V6 (M272)	231 PS (170 kW; 228 hp)@6000	300 N·m (220 ft·lbf)@2500-5000
SL 300	2009-	2,996 cubic centimetres (182.8 cu in) V6 (M272)	231 PS (170 kW; 228 hp)@6000	300 N·m (220 ft·lbf)@2500-5000
SL 350	2008-	3,498 cubic centimetres (213.5 cu in) V6 (M272)	316 PS (232 kW; 312 hp)@6500	360 N·m (270 ft·lbf)@6500
SL 500, SL 550	2006-	5,461 cubic centimetres (333.3 cu in) V8 (M273)	388 PS (285 kW; 383 hp)@6000	530 N·m (390 ft·lbf)@2800-4800
SL 63 AMG	2008-	6,208 cubic centimetres (378.8 cu in) V8 (M156.984)	525 PS (386 kW; 518 hp)@6800	630 N·m (460 ft·lbf)@5250
SL 600	2006-2009	5,513 cubic centimetres (336.4 cu in) V12 BiTurbo (M275)	517 PS (380 kW; 510 hp)@5000	830 N·m (610 ft·lbf)@1900-3500
SL 65 AMG	2004-	5,980 cubic centimetres (365 cu in) V12 BiTurbo (M275 AMG)	612 PS (450 kW; 604 hp)@4800-5100	1,000 N·m (740 ft·lbf)@2000-4000
SL 65 AMG Black Series	2008-	5,980 cubic centimetres (365 cu in) V12 BiTurbo (M275 AMG)	670 PS (493 kW; 661 hp)@5400	1,000 N·m (740 ft·lbf)@2200-4200

Transmissions

SL 63 AMG includes AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission, which included 'C' (Comfort), 'S' (Sport), 'S+' (Sport plus) and 'M' (Manual) modes, AMG DRIVE UNIT, Race Start launch control.

Production

The SL 63 AMG engine was built in Mercedes-AMG.^[10]

Models

SL500

In 2007, Mercedes created a 75 limited-edition 50th Anniversary SL550s.^[11] According to another article, Mercedes created 550 of these cars, all pewter in colour with burgundy leather, black ash wood trim, 18-inch double five-spoked wheels, and matching 50th Anniversary Edition luggage.^[12]

SL600

The SL600 is the highest-output version of the non-AMG SL-Class models. It uses a V12 engine which produced 493 hp (368 kW) and 590 ft·lbf (800 N·m) from 2003 through 2006 and was uprated to 510 hp (380 kW) and 612 ft·lbf (830 N·m) for 2007. It accelerates from 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds, according to Mercedes-Benz. However Car and Driver achieved extremely impressive acceleration test figures with 60 mph (97 km/h) achieved in just 3.6 seconds, 100 mph (160 km/h) in 8.6 seconds and a Quarter Mile run in 11.9 seconds at 120 mph (190 km/h). The article can be subject to argument that the car's performance was tested after several modifications were made to the vehicle itself, hence the impressive 0-60 timing.

SL55 AMG

SL55 AMG (2002 - 2006)

The SL55 AMG version was released in 2002.

The new model has only slight visual differentiators, the most noticeable is the three-slat grille rather than the four-slat version used previously. The top speed is limited to 155 mph (249 km/h), but can be extended to 186 mph (299 km/h) for an additional cost.^[13] The 6.3 litre V8 replaced the current engine for the 2009 model year. Upon release in 2002 this was for its time the fastest automatic car in the world. This was before the SLR Mclaren hit the market in 2003–present. The news that the SL55 AMG will not be in production has upset thousands of car fans, including Top Gear presenters. Jeremy Clarkson owned one of the very first SL55 AMG's.^{[citation needed]}

SL65 AMG

SL65 AMG

The SL65 AMG Black Edition

The SL65 AMG version offers 604 hp (450 kW) from its twin-turbocharged 6.0 litre, 5,980 cc V12 engine at 5500 rpm. It retailed for $179,720 as of 2005. Mercedes-Benz listed a 0-60 mph time of 4.2 seconds on their official website, though several road tests show that it actually takes under 4 seconds to reach 60 mph (97 km/h). Car and Driver achieved 60 mph (97 km/h) from a standstill in 3.6 seconds, 100 mph (160 km/h) in 7.5 seconds and recorded a Quarter Mile-time of 11.6 seconds at 123 mph (198 km/h).

Motorsports

Mercedes-Benz SL-Class was used as an FIA Safety Car.^[14]

Promotion

Main article: Lucky Star (advert)

Notes

1. ^ "The most Powerful Mercedes-Benz is Ready for Launch: World Premiere of the new SL 55 AMG at the IAA 2001". Media.daimler.com. http://media.daimler.com/dcmedia/0-921-658574-1-792565-1-0-0-0-0-1-11701-854934-0-1-0-0-0-0-0.html. Retrieved 2010-09-26. 
2. ^ [1]
3. ^ 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL 600^{[dead link]}
4. ^ Tan, Paul (2008-02-11). "New 7-speed AMG Speedshift MCT debuts". Paultan.org. http://paultan.org/archives/2008/02/11/new-7-speed-amg-speedshift-mct-debuts/. Retrieved 2010-09-26. 
5. ^ Auto Express News^{[dead link]}
6. ^ Neff, John (2008-05-07). "Time is Money: Mercedes-Benz reveals SL 63 AMG Edition IWC". Autoblog.com. http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/07/time-is-money-mercedes-benz-reveals-sl-63-amg-edition-iwc/. Retrieved 2010-09-26. 
7. ^ "Limited edition model offered in cooperation with IWC Schaffhausen: SL 63 AMG Edition IWC: Exclusive AMG Roadster with Choice Interior Appointments and Compelling Technological Features". Media.daimler.com. 2008-05-07. http://media.daimler.com/dcmedia/0-921-1039664-1-1079838-1-0-0-0-0-1-11701-854934-0-1-0-0-0-0-0.html. Retrieved 2010-09-26. 
8. ^ Lavrinc, Damon (2008-07-10). "Monterey 2008: SL65 AMG Black Series in the flesh!". Autoblog.com. http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/10/shnell-mercedes-benz-sl65-amg-black-series-previewed/. Retrieved 2010-09-26. 
9. ^ "Continuing the highly successful Black Series strategy: The Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG Black Series - the exclusive high-performance coupé for the discerning motorist". Media.daimler.com. 2008-07-11. http://media.daimler.com/dcmedia/0-921-1039664-1-1103874-1-0-0-0-0-1-11701-854934-0-1-0-0-0-0-0.html. Retrieved 2010-09-26. 
10. ^ "AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine: High-revving design plus large displacement: naturally aspirated V8 made by Mercedes-AMG". Media.daimler.com. 2008-03-10. http://media.daimler.com/dcmedia/0-921-658574-1-1052850-1-0-0-0-0-1-11702-854934-0-1-0-0-0-0-0.html. Retrieved 2010-09-26. 
11. ^ http://www.mbusa.com/models/special-edition/2007/SL550/index.do
12. ^ Neff, John (2006-05-08). "Happy 50th 300SL". Autoblog.com. http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/08/happy-50th-300sl/. Retrieved 2010-09-26. 
13. ^ [2]^{[dead link]}
14. ^ Formula One Safety Car now based on the new SL-Class^{[dead link]}

References

• "More Muscle: The big changes come under the hood for the new SL55 AMG". AutoWeek. http://autoweek.com/. Retrieved February 27, 2006. 
• "A Visceral Difference: SL upgrade focuses on performance". AutoWeek. http://autoweek.com/. Retrieved February 27, 2006. 
• "Revealed: New Mercedes SL". Autocar. http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/AllCars/230424/. Retrieved January 23, 2008. 

External links

• SL-Class on Mercedes-Benz USA website

Press kit:

• Press Kit: The new Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
• Press Kit: Mercedes-Benz SL - 50 years of Roadster tradition
• Press Kit: The new generation Mercedes-Benz SL-Class