421 Technical data
Engine
Model
SL 55 AMG (230.474)
1
SL 65 AMG (230.479)
1
Engine
113
275
Mode of operation
4-stroke engine, gasoline injection
4-stroke engine, gasoline injection
No. of cylinders
8
12
Bore
3.82 in (97.00 mm)
3.25 in (82.60 mm)
Stroke
3.60 in (92.00 mm)
3.66 in (93.00 mm)
Total piston displacement
331.8 cu in (5439 cm
3)
364.9 cu in (5980 cm
3)
Compression ratio
9:1
9:1
Output acc. to SAE J 1349
493 hp / 6 100 rpm
2
(368 kW / 6 100 rpm)
603 hp / 4 400-5 100 rpm
2
(450 kW / 4 800-5 100 rpm)
Maximum torque acc. to SAE J 1349
516 lb-ft / 2 750-4000 rpm
(700 Nm / 2 750-4000 rpm)
738 lb-ft / 2 000-4000 rpm
(1 000 Nm / 2 000-4000 rpm)
Maximum engine speed
6500 rpm
5 950 rpm
Firing order
1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8
1-12-5-8-3-10-6-7-2-11-4-9
Poly-V-belt
2 462 mm/1 289 mm
2 335 mm
1The quoted data apply only to the standard vehicle. See an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for the corresponding data of all special bodies and special equipment.2Premium fuel required. Performance may vary with fuel octane rating.
433 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
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 re-
quired for vehicles with Maintenance
System (U.S. vehicles) or FSS (Canada
vehicles). For a listing of approved engine
oils and oil filters, refer to the Factory Ap-
proved Service Products pamphlet, or con-
tact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Using engine oils and oil filters of specifica-
tion other than those expressly required
for the Maintenance System
(U.S. vehicles) or FSS (Canada vehicles), or
changing oil and oil filter at change inter-
vals longer than those called for by the
Maintenance System (U.S. vehicles) or
FSS (Canada vehicles) will result in engine
damage not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
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 conditioner refrigerant
R-134a (HFC) refrigerant and special PAG
lubricating oil are used in the air condition-
er system.
Never use R-12 (CFC) or mineral-based lu-
bricating oil. Otherwise damage to the
system will occur.
Brake fluid
During vehicle operation, the boiling point
of the brake fluid is continuously reduced
through the absorption of moisture from
the atmosphere. Under extremely strenu-
ous operating conditions, this moisture
content can lead to the formation of bub-
bles in the system, thus reducing the sys-
tem’s efficiency.
Therefore, the brake fluid must be re-
placed every two years, preferably in the
spring.
Only brake fluid approved by
Mercedes-Benz is recommended. Your au-
thorized Mercedes-Benz Center will pro-
vide you with additional information.
440 Technical termsCAN system
(C
ontroller A
rea N
etwork)
Data bus network serving to control ve-
hicle functions such as door locking or
windshield wiping depending on vehi-
cle settings and/or ambient condi-
tions.
Cockpit
All instruments, switches, buttons and
indicator/warning lamps in the passen-
ger compartment needed for vehicle
operation and monitoring.
Collapsible tire
An especially compact spare tire that
must be inflated with a provided air
pump before using. It should only be
used to bring the vehicle to the nearest
service station.COMAND
(Co
ckpit Man
agement and
D
ata System)
Information and operating center for
vehicle sound and communications
systems, including the radio, CD
changer and navigation system, as well
as other optional equipment (e.g. tele-
phone).
Control system
The control system is used to call up
vehicle information and to change
component settings. Information and
messages appear in the multifunction
display. The driver uses the buttons on
the multifunction steering wheel to
navigate through the system and to ad-
just settings.
Cruise control
Driving convenience system for auto-
matically maintaining the vehicle speed
set by the driver.Distronic*
A driving convenience cruise control
system which helps the driver maintain
a pre-selected speed:
If there is no vehicle directly ahead,
the system operates in the same
way as conventional cruise control.
If a slower moving vehicle is ahead,
Distronic* will reduce your vehicle
speed to the extent permitted by re-
duced throttle and up to 20% brak-
ing power to maintain the preset
minimum following distance.
DTR
(->Distr
onic*)
Engine number
The number set by the manufacturer
and placed on the cylinder block to
uniquely identify each engine pro-
duced.
442 Technical termsMemory function
Used to store three individual seat,
steering wheel and mirror positions for
each SmartKey or SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO*.
MON
The Motor Octane Number for gasoline
as determined by a standardized
method. It is an indication of a gaso-
line’s ability to resist undesired detona-
tion (knocking). The average of both
the MON (Motor Octane Number) and
RON (Research Octane Number) is
posted at the pump, also known as
ANTI-KNOCK INDEX.
Multifunction display
Two display fields in the instrument
cluster used to present information
provided by the control system.Multifunction steering wheel
Steering wheel with buttons for operat-
ing the control system.
Overspeed range
Engine speeds within the red marking
on the tachometer dial, see “Tachome-
ter” (
page 132). Avoid this engine
speed range, as it may result in serious
engine damage that is not covered by
the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Parktronic (Parking assist)*
System which uses visual and acoustic
signals to assist the driver during park-
ing maneuvers.
Poly-V-belt drive
Drives engine-components (alternator,
AC compressor, etc.) from the engine.Power train
Collective term designating all compo-
nents used to generate and transmit
motive power to the drive axles, includ-
ing
engine
clutch/torque converter
transmission
transfer case
drive shaft
differential
axle shafts/axles
Program mode selector switch
Used to switch the automatic transmis-
sion between standard operation (S)
and comfort operation (C).
SL 55 AMG with steering wheel gear-
shift control and manual shift program:
in addition to S and C (for regular S or
comfort C operation, see above), you
can use MANUAL for manual shift pro-
gram
443 Technical terms
REST
(Residual Engine Heat Utilization)
Feature that uses the engine heat
stored in the coolant to heat the vehi-
cle interior for a short time after the en-
gine has been turned off.
Retractable hardtop
Hardtop roof that can be opened and
closed at the push of a button and
stored in the trunk.
Roll bar
Occupant protection system which
consists of tubular steel sheathed in
plastic. The roll bar is lowered into the
car body during normal driving condi-
tions and raised automatically. It may
also be manually raised and lowered by
operating a button during critical driv-
ing situations.RON
The Research Octane Number for gaso-
line as determined by a standardized
method. It is an indication of a gaso-
line’s ability to resist undesired detona-
tion (knocking). The average of both
the MON (Motor Octane Number) and
RON (Research Octane Number) is
posted at the pump, also known as
ANTI-KNOCK INDEX.
SBC
(S
ensotronic B
rake C
ontrol)
Electronically controlled hydraulic
braking system for increased braking
safety and comfort.
Shift lock
When the vehicle is parked, this lock
prevents the gear selector lever from
being inadvertently moved out of posi-
tion P without SmartKey turned and
brake pedal depressed. SRS
(S
upplemental R
estraint S
ystem)
Seat belts, emergency tensioning de-
vice and airbags. Though independent
systems, they are closely interfaced to
provide effective occupant protection.
Tele Aid System
(Tele
matic A
larm I
dentification on D
e-
mand)
The Tele Aid system consists of three
types of response: automatic and man-
ual emergency, roadside assistance
and information. Tele Aid is initially ac-
tivated by completing a subscriber
agreement and placing an acquain-
tance call.
The Tele Aid system is operational pro-
vided that the vehicle’s battery is
charged, properly connected, not dam-
aged and cellular and GPS coverage is
available.
446 IndexAir conditioner refrigerant 433
Air conditioning (cooling)
Turning off 191
Turning on 191
Air pressure 305
Air pressure see Tire inflation pressure
Air pump, electric 373
Turning on 398
Air recirculation mode 187
Air volume adjustment 185
AIRBAG OFF
Warning lamp 334
Airbags 63
Children 64
Front 68
Head-thorax 68, 69
Kneebag 68
Passenger 68Alarm
Audible 78, 88
Canceling 90
Visual 88
Alignment bolt 439
Alignment bolt (vehicle tool kit) 396
Anticorrosion/antifreeze 432, 437
Anti-theft alarm system 88
Arming 89
Canceling the alarm 90
Disarming 89
Anti-theft systems
Anti-theft alarm system 88
Tow-away alarm 90
Aquaplaning see Hydroplaning
Armrest
Storage compartment 229
Ashtray 29, 233
Aspect ratio 305
At the gas station 267
ATF (automatic transmission fluid) 275Automatic climate control 29, 182
Center air vents 29
Deactivating 191
Residual heat utilization 190
Side air vents 29
Temperature sensor 31
Automatic shift program 170
Automatic transmission 164
Accelerator position 171
Comfort program mode 170
Emergency operation (Limp Home
Mode) 177
Gear ranges 167
Gear selector lever 30, 164
Gear selector lever position 164, 168
Gear shifting malfunctions 177
Kickdown 171
Manual shifting 166
One-touch gearshifting 166
Program mode selector switch 30,
170
Transmission fluid 275
451 Index
Intermittent signal tone 211
Setting a higher speed 214
Setting a slower speed 214
Setting distance 30
Setting last stored speed 215
Setting speed 214
System sensor cover 318
Warning and indicator lamps 210
Distronic* warning lamp 25
Door control panel 23, 32
Door handle 32
Doors
Message in display 354
Opening from inside vehicle 106
Storage compartments 229
DOT 305
Downhill driving
Cruise control 206
Downshifting 166
Drinking and driving 255Drive sensibly - save fuel 255
Driving 45, 50
Driving abroad 264
Driving hints
Distronic* 217
SBC brake system 87
Driving instructions 255
Driving off 258
Driving safety systems 79
ABS 79, 80
BAS 81
ESP 82
Driving systems 205
ABC 220
Cruise control 205
Distronic* 208
Parktronic* 223
Vehicle level control 221
DTR see DistronicE
Easy-entry/exit 157
Messages in display 354
Easy-entry/exit feature 113
Electric air pump 373, 397
Electrical consumer battery 277
Electrical outlet 236
Electronic Stability Program see ESP
Emergency call system*
Initiating emergency call 240
Requirements 237
Emergency engine shut-down 60
Emergency operation
Locking the vehicle 376
Lowering load assist 376
Unlocking storage
compartments 375
Unlocking the trunk 375
Unlocking the vehicle 374
Emergency operation (Limp Home
Mode) 177
Emergency Tensioning Device (ETD) 72,
440
454 IndexHeight adjustment
Head restraints 41
Height adjustments
Vehicle level 221
High beam flasher 128
High beam headlamp indicator 27
High beam headlamps 52, 123, 381
Replacing bulbs 383
Switching on 128
High-performance brake system
(SL 65 AMG only) 258
Hood 270
Messages in display 357
Horn 23
Hydroplaning 260
I
Identification labels 418
Ignition 36, 38
Switching on 36
Immobilizer 88
Activating 58, 88
Deactivating 88Indicator lamps see Lamps, indicator and
warning
Infant and child restraint systems 74
Instrument cluster 24, 131, 441
Select language 149
Instrument lighting 131
Interior lighting 129
Automatic control 129
Delayed switch-off 155
Interior lighting control 31
Manual operation 130
Intermittent wiping 53
J
Jack 373
K
Key, Mechanical 374
Key-dependent memory 158KEYLESS-GO* 441
Closing power window with 195
Closing windows with 195
Important notes 101
Key positions 35
Starting the engine 49
Turning off the engine 59
KEYLESS-GO* start/stop button 29, 37,
49
Keys
Loss of 98
Kickdown 171, 441
Kilometers/miles in speedometer 148
Kilopascal 306
Kneebag 68
L
Labels, identification 418
Lamp bulbs, exterior 380
Lamps, exterior
Delayed switch-off 154
Exterior lamp switch 23, 51
Front 381
Headlamps 317