MERCEDES-BENZ SL500 2011 R230 Owner's Manual

Engine SL 65 AMGCompression
ratio9.0:1Output acc. to
SAE J 1349 29603 hp/
4 800 - 5 100 rpm
(450 kW/
4 800 - 5 100 rpm)Maximum torque
acc. to SAE J 1349738 lb-ft/
2 000 - 4 000 rpm
(1 000 Nm/
2 000 - 4 000 rpm)Maximum engine
speed5 950 rpmFiring order1-12-5-8-3-10-
6-7-2-11-4-9Poly-V-belt2 335 mmElectrical system SL 65 AMGAlternator14 V/180 AStarter motor12 V/1.7 kWStarter battery12 V/35 AhBattery for
electrical
consumers12 V/70 AhSpark plugs, typeNGK IFR 6Q-GSpark plugs,
electrode gap0.028 in (0.7 mm)Spark plugs,
tightening torque18 - 22 lb-ft
(25 - 30 Nm)Main dimensions SL 65 AMGOverall vehicle
length181.0 in (4 598 mm)187.9 in
(4 772 mm) 30Main dimensions SL 65 AMGOverall vehicle
width 3181.5 in (2
069 mm)Overall vehicle
height51.1 in (1 298 mm)66.1 in (1 680 mm) 30Wheelbase100.8 in (2
560 mm)Track, front61.8 in (1 569 mm)Track, rear61.2 in (1 555 mm)Turning circle36.3 ft (11.05 m)SL 65 AMGTrunk loadmax. 220 lb (100 kg)
Rims and tires
Notes
! Only use tires which have been tested and
approved by Mercedes-Benz. Tires
approved by Mercedes-Benz are developed
to provide best possible performance in
conjunction with the driving safety systems
on your vehicle such as the ABS or the
ESP ®
. Tires specially developed for your
vehicle and tested and approved by
Mercedes-Benz can be identified by finding
the following on the tire’s sidewall:
R MO =
Mercedes-Benz Original
equipment tires
R MO1 =
Mercedes-Benz Original
equipment tires (applicable to selected
tire sizes only)
R MOE =
Mercedes-Benz Original Extended
(tires with limited run-flat
characteristics) original equipment tires
29 Premium fuel required. Performance may vary with fuel octane rating.
30 When opening/closing hardtop.
31 Exterior rear view mirrors folded out.Rims and tires299Technical data230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 299Z

Using tires other than those approved by
Mercedes-Benz may result in damage that
is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
For information on driving with MOExtended
tires, see the “Practical hints” section
( Y page 283).
! Using tires other than those approved by
Mercedes-Benz can have detrimental
effects, such as
R poor handling characteristics
R increased noise
R increased fuel consumption
Moreover, tires and rims not approved by
Mercedes-Benz may, under load, exhibit
dimensional variations and different tire
deformation characteristics that could
cause them to come into contact with the
vehicle body or axle parts. Damage to the
tires or the vehicle may be the result.
i Further information on tires and rims is
available at any authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center. The Tire and Loading Information
placard with the recommended tire
inflation pressures for cold tires is located
on the driver’s door B-pillar. Supplemental
tire inflation pressure information for
driving at high speeds or for vehicle loads
less than the maximum loaded vehicle
condition can be found on the tire inflation
pressure label. The tire inflation pressure
label is located on the inside of the fuel fillerflap. The tire inflation pressure should be
checked regularly and should only be
adjusted on cold tires. Follow tire
manufacturer’s maintenance
recommendation included with the vehicle.
For information on recommended tire
inflation pressure and supplemental tire
inflation pressure information for special
driving situations, see ( Y page 187).
i Please keep in mind that the vehicle must
be equipped
R with wheels of identical dimensions on
each axle (left and right)
R with tires of identical characteristics all
around, i.e. summer tires, winter tires,
all-season tires, or MOExtended tires etc.
i The following pages also list the approved
rim and tire sizes for equipping your vehicle
with winter tires. Winter tires are not
available as standard or optional factory
equipment, but can be purchased from an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Equipping your vehicle with winter tires
approved for your vehicle model may
require the purchase of rims of the
recommended size for use with these
winter tires. This depends on vehicle model
and the standard or optional factory-
equipped wheel rim/tire configuration on
your vehicle. For more information contact
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.300Rims and tiresTechnical data
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Same size tiresSL 550
SL 550 (Sport Package)
SL 600
SL 600 (Sport Package)SL 63 AMG18" wheelsRims (light alloy)
Wheel offset8.5 J x 18 H2
1.38 in (35 mm)—AMG rims (light alloy)
Wheel offset—8.5 J x 18 H2
1.18 in (30 mm)Winter tires 32,33255/40 R18 95V M+S
i
or
255/40 R18 95V M+S i
MOExtended 34255/40 R18 95V
M+S iSL 63 AMG
SL 63 AMG (Performance Package)
SL 65 AMG19" wheelsAMG rims (light alloy)
Wheel offset8.5 J x 19 H2
1.18 in (30 mm)Winter tires 32,33255/35 R19 96V XL (Extra Load) M+S
i32
Radial-ply tires.
33 Not available as factory equipment.
34 Must be used in conjunction with Advanced Tire Pressure Monitoring System only.Rims and tires301Technical data230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 301Z

Mixed size tiresSL 55035SL 6003518" wheelsFront axleRims (light alloy)
Wheel offset8.5 J x 18 H2
1.38 in (35 mm)8.5 J x 18 H2
1.38 in (35 mm)Summer tires 36255/40 R18 95W
or
255/40 R18 95Y
MOExtended 37255/40 R18 95Y
or
255/40 R18 95Y
MOExtended 37Rear axleRims (light alloy)
Wheel offset9.5 J x 18 H2
1.57 in (40 mm)9.5 J x 18 H2
1.57 in (40 mm)Summer tires 36,38285/35 R18 97W
or
285/35 R18 97Y
MOExtended 37285/35 R18 97Y
or
285/35 R18 97Y
MOExtended 37SL 550 39
SL 550 (Sport Package) 35
SL 600 39
SL 600 (Sport Package) 35
SL 63 AMG
SL 63 AMG (Performance Package)
SL 65 AMG19" wheelsFront axleAMG rims (light alloy)
Wheel offset8.5 J x 19 H2
1.18 in (30 mm)Summer tires 36255/35 ZR19 96Y XL (Extra Load)
MO1Rear axleAMG rims (light alloy)
Wheel offset9.5 J x 19 H2
1.22 in (31 mm)Summer tires 36,38285/30 ZR19 98Y XL (Extra Load)
MO135 USA only.
36 Radial-ply tires.
37 Must be used in conjunction with Advanced Tire Pressure Monitoring System only.
38 Must not be used with snow chains.
39 Canada only.302Rims and tiresTechnical data
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Spare wheel
! Compare the recommended tire inflation pressure for your vehicle with the tire inflation
pressure on the yellow label located on the spare wheel rim.
If the tire inflation pressure on the yellow label on the spare wheel rim differs from the values
given in this Operator’s Manual, inflate the tire to the recommended tire inflation pressure
given on the yellow label on the spare wheel rim.
i Please note that the tire inflation pressure of the spare wheel differs from the tire inflation
pressure of the road tires.SL 550
SL 550 (Sport Package)SL 600
SL 600 (Sport Package)
SL 63 AMGRim6 B x 17 H26 B x 18 H2Wheel offset0.98 in (25 mm)0.98 in (25 mm)Collapsible tire 40185/60-17 93P175/55-18 95PRecommended tire
inflation pressure41 psi (2.8 bar)51 psi (3.5 bar)SL 63 AMG (Performance Package)
SL 65 AMGRim6.5 B x 19 H2Wheel offset0.55 in (14 mm)Collapsible tire 40175/50-19 97PRecommended tire
inflation pressure51 psi (3.5 bar)Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Capacities
Vehicle components and their respective
lubricants must match. Therefore only use
products tested and approved by Mercedes-
Benz.
For information on tested and approved
products, contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center or visit www.mbusa.com (USA
only).
GWarning!
Comply with all valid regulations with respect
to handling, storing, and disposing of service
fluids. Otherwise you could endanger persons
or the environment.
Keep service fluids out of the reach of
children.
For health reasons, you should prevent
service fluids from coming into direct contact
with your skin or clothing.
40 Must not be used with snow chains.Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.303Technical data230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 303Z

If a service fluid is swallowed, contact a
physician immediately.ModelCapacityFuels, coolants,
lubricants, etc.Engine with oil
filterSL 550
SL 65 AMG9.0 US qt (8.5 l)Approved engine
oilsSL 600
SL 63 AMG8.5 US qt (8.0 l)Automatic
transmissionSL 5509.8 US qt (9.3 l)MB Automatic
Transmission FluidSL 63 AMG9.3 US qt (8.8 l)SL 600
SL 65 AMG8.0 US qt (7.5 l)Rear axleSL 550
SL 6001.3 US qt (1.2 l)MB Hypoid Gear Oil
(SAE 85W-90)SL 63 AMGFuchs Titan
EG 5010 DSL 63 AMG 41
SL 65 AMGCastrol SAF-XJ
(SAE 75W-140)Hydraulic
system for
active body
control (ABC)All models3.7 US qt (3.5 l)MB ABC FluidPower steeringAll modelsapprox. 1.1 US qt (1.0 l)MB Power Steering
Fluid (Chevron
Texaco PSF 9109)Brake systemAll models0.53 US qt (0.5 l)MB Brake Fluid
(DOT 4+)Cooling systemSL 550approx. 12.3 US qt (11.6 l)MB 325.0
Anticorrosion/
AntifreezeSL 600approx. 15.9 US qt (15.0 l)SL 63 AMGapprox. 11.9 US qt (11.3 l)SL 65 AMGapprox. 14.8 US qt (14.0 l)Low
temperature
cooling systemSL 600approx. 2.2 US qt (2.1 l)SL 65 AMGapprox. 3.4 US qt (3.2 l)41 With Performance Package.304Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.Technical data
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ModelCapacityFuels, coolants,
lubricants, etc.Fuel tankAll models21.1 US gal (80.0 l)Premium unleaded
gasoline (Minimum
Posted Octane 91
[Avg. of
96 RON/86 MON])Fuel tank
reserveSL 550
SL 600approx. 2.6 US gal (10.0 l)SL 63 AMG
SL 65 AMGapprox. 3.7 US gal (14.0 l)Air
conditioning
systemAll models—R134a refrigerant
and special
PAG lubricant oil
(never R 12)Hydraulic
system for
retractable
hardtopAll models0.42 US qt (0.4 l)MB Hydraulic OilWasher system
and headlamp
cleaning
systemAll models7.4 US qt (7.0 l)MB Windshield
Washer
Concentrate 42
( Y page 309)
Washer fluid mixing
ratio ( Y page 309)Approved engine oils
Engine oils are specifically tested for their
suitability in our engines and durability for our
service intervals. Therefore, only use
approved engine oils and oil filters required
for vehicles with the Maintenance System.
For a listing of approved engine oils and oil
filters, contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or visit www.mbusa.com (USA only).
! Using engine oils and oil filters of a
specification other than those expressly
required for the Maintenance System, or
changing of oil and oil filter at change
intervals longer than those called for by the
Maintenance System will result in engine or
emission control system damage notcovered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
Please follow Maintenance System
recommendations for scheduled oil
changes. Failure to do so will result in
engine or emission control system damage
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
Mercedes-Benz recommends MOBIL OIL.
Use the table below to determine the
MB sheet number.ModelEngine,
typeMB sheet
numberSL 550273229.5SL 600275229.542 Mixed with water or commercially available premixed washer solvent/antifreeze.Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.305Technical data230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 305Z

ModelEngine,
type
MB sheet
number
SL 63 AMG156229.543SL 65 AMG275229.5
iMB sheet numbers are printed on the
outside of oil containers.
Viscosity grades for engine oils
Using the chart below, select oil viscosity
according to the lowest air temperature
expected before the next oil change.
Engine oil additives
! Do not blend oil additives with engine oil.
They may damage the engine. Damage or
malfunctions resulting from blending oil
additives are not covered by the Mercedes-
Benz Limited Warranty.
Air conditioning refrigerant
R134a (HFC) refrigerant and special PAG
lubricating oil are used in the air conditioning
system.
! Never use R 12 (CFC) or mineral-based
lubricating oil. Otherwise damage to the
system will occur.
Brake fluidGWarning!
During vehicle operation, the boiling point of
the brake fluid is continuously reduced
through the absorption of moisture from the
atmosphere.
Under extremely strenuous operating
conditions, this moisture content can lead to
the formation of bubbles in the system, thus
reducing the system’s efficiency.
Therefore, the brake fluid must be replaced
regularly. Refer to your vehicle’s Maintenance
Booklet for replacement interval.
Only brake fluid approved by Mercedes-Benz
is recommended. Any authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center will provide you with additional
information.
Premium unleaded gasoline
GWarning!
Gasoline is highly flammable and poisonous.
It burns violently and can cause serious
personal injury.
Never allow sparks, flames or smoking
materials near gasoline!
Turn off the engine before refueling.
Whenever you are around gasoline, avoid
inhaling fumes and any skin or clothing
contact. Extinguish all smoking materials.
Direct skin contact with fuels and the
inhalation of fuel vapors are damaging your
health.
! To maintain the engine’s durability and
performance, premium unleaded gasoline
must be used.
If premium unleaded gasoline is not
available and low octane gasoline is used,
follow these precautions:
RHave the fuel tank only partially filled
with unleaded regular gasoline and fill up
43Restriction: Only SAE 0W-40/SAE 5W-40 engine oils may be used.306Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.Technical data
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with premium unleaded gasoline as soon
as possible.
R Avoid full throttle driving and abrupt
acceleration.
R Do not exceed an engine speed of
3 000 rpm if the vehicle is loaded with a
light load such as two persons and no
luggage.
R Do not exceed 2
/ 3 of maximum
accelerator pedal position if the vehicle
is fully loaded or operating in
mountainous terrain.
Fuel requirements
Only use premium unleaded gasoline. The
octane number (posted at the pump) must be
91 min. It is an average of both the Research
Octane Number (RON) and the Motor Octane
Number (MON): (RON+MON)/2. This is also
known as the ANTI-KNOCK INDEX.
Reformulated gasolines (RFG) and/or
unleaded gasoline containing oxygenates
such as ethanol, TAME, ETBE, IPA, IBA, and
TBA can be used provided the ratio of any one
of these oxygenates to gasoline does not
exceed 10%; MTBE must not exceed 15%.
The ratio of methanol to gasoline must not
exceed 3% plus additional cosolvents.
Using mixtures of ethanol and methanol is not
allowed. Gasohol, which contains 10%
ethanol and 90% unleaded gasoline, can be
used.
These blends must also meet all other fuel
requirements, such as resistance to spark
knock, boiling range, vapor pressure, etc.
Gasoline additives
A major concern among engine
manufacturers is carbon build-up caused by
gasoline. Mercedes-Benz recommends only
the use of quality gasoline containing
additives that prevent the build-up of carbon
deposits.
After an extended period of using fuels
without such additives carbon deposits can
build up, especially on the intake valves and
in the combustion area, leading to engine
performance problems such as:
R Warm-up hesitation
R Unstable idle
R Knocking/pinging
R Misfire
R Power loss
In areas where carbon deposits may be
encountered due to lack of availability of
gasoline which contains these additives, the
use of Mercedes-Benz approved additives is
recommended.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
or visit www.mbusa.com (USA only) for a
listing of approved products. Follow
directions on the product label.
Do not blend other fuel additives with fuel.
This only results in unnecessary cost and may
be harmful to the engine operation.
! Damage or malfunction resulting from
poor fuel quality or from blending additional
fuel additives other than those tested and
approved by us for use on Mercedes-Benz
vehicles are not covered by the Mercedes-
Benz Limited Warranty or by any pre-owned
or Extended Limited Warranties.
Coolants
The engine coolant is a mixture of water and
anticorrosion/antifreeze, which provides:
R Corrosion protection
R Freeze protection
R Boiling protection (by increasing the boiling
point)
The cooling system was filled at the factory
with a coolant providing freeze protection to
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.307Technical data230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 307Z

approximately -35‡ (-37†) and corrosion
protection.
! Add premixed coolant solution only.
Adding water and MB 325.0 Anticorrosion/
Antifreeze separately from each other,
could cause engine damage not covered by
the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
If the antifreeze mixture is effective to -35‡
(-37† ), the boiling point of the coolant in the
pressurized cooling system is reached at
approximately 266‡ (130†).
The coolant solution must be used year round
to provide the necessary corrosion protection
and increase boil-over protection. Refer to
the Maintenance Booklet for replacement
interval.
Coolant system design and coolant used
determine the replacement interval. The
replacement interval published in the
Maintenance Booklet is only applicable if
MB 325.0 Anticorrosion/Antifreeze solution
or other Mercedes-Benz approved products
of equal specification are used to renew the
coolant concentration or bring it back up to
the proper level.
For information on other Mercedes-Benz
approved products of equal specification,
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
or visit www.mbusa.com (USA only).
To provide important corrosion protection,
the solution must be at least 50%
anticorrosion/antifreeze (equivalent to
freeze protection to approximately -35‡
[-37†]).
If you use a solution that is more than 55%
anticorrosion/antifreeze (freeze protection
to approximately -49‡ [-45†]), the engine
temperature will increase due to the lower
heat transfer capability of the solution.
Therefore, do not use more than this amount
of anticorrosion/antifreeze.
If the coolant level is low, water and MB 325.0
Anticorrosion/Antifreeze should be used to
bring it up to the proper level (have cooling
system checked for signs of leakage). Pleasemake sure the mixture is in accordance with
label instructions.
The water in the cooling system must meet
minimum requirements, which are usually
satisfied by normal drinking water.
If you are not sure about the water quality,
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Anticorrosion/antifreeze
Your vehicle contains a number of aluminum
parts. The use of aluminum components in
motor vehicle engines necessitates that
anticorrosion/antifreeze coolant used in
such engines be specifically formulated to
protect the aluminum parts. Failure to use
such anticorrosion/antifreeze coolant will
result in a significantly shortened service life.
Therefore, the following product is strongly
recommended for use in your vehicle:
MB 325.0 Anticorrosion/Antifreeze agent.
Before the start of the winter season (or once
a year in hot southern regions), you should
have the anticorrosion/antifreeze
concentration checked.
The coolant is also regularly checked each
time you bring your vehicle to an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center for service.
308Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.Technical data
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