Mercedes-Benz R 230

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Mercedes Benz
SL (2001-2006)
SL (2001-2006)
R 230
Sales designation: SL class
Production period: 10 / 2001–11 / 2011
Class : Sports car
Body versions : Cabriolet
Engines:
Petrol engines : 3.0–6.2 liters
(170–493 kW)
Length: 4535 mm
Width: 1827 mm
Height: 1295-1298 mm
Wheelbase : 2560 mm
Empty weight : 1755-2120 kg
Previous model Mercedes-Benz R 129
successor Mercedes-Benz R 231
Mercedes-Benz SL 500 (R 230) - front view, March 3, 2014, Hilden.jpg
Mercedes-Benz SL 500 (R 230) - rear view, March 3, 2014, Hilden.jpg


SL (2001-2006)

The Mercedes-Benz R 230 is a roadster from the Mercedes-Benz brand . It was launched on the German market on October 13, 2001 and produced in the Mercedes-Benz plant in Bremen . He succeeded the Mercedes-Benz R 129 . As a special feature, the R 230 has the Active Body Control (ABC) active suspension as standard (SL 350 optional ). With the ABC chassis, which is based on a steel suspension , rolling and pitching movements of the body when moving off, cornering ( roll stabilization ) and braking are almost completely compensated for on the basis of sensor signals and with the help of special hydraulic cylinders on the axles . The ABC chassis was introduced with the S-Class (W220) as an option for Airmatik and was already standard in the CL-Class (C 215) .

The Mercedes R 230 has a hinged hard roof (vario roof) made of aluminum, which, if necessary , can be electro-hydraulically retracted into the trunk together with the glass rear window . It was also available with a glass insert for an extra charge.

Around 150,000 SL of the R 230 had been delivered to customers by the end of 2009. As early as November 2011, the R 230 could no longer be ordered; on November 30, the last R 230, an SL 350, rolled off the assembly line, producing a total of 169,434 units. In March 2012, the internally named R 231 successor appeared. With a production time of just over ten years, the R 230 is one of the longest-produced vehicles of its time.

Model maintenance

First facelift

At the turn of the year 2005/06 the R 230 underwent its first facelift. It was discussed in advance whether the SL would get a "Formula 1 nose" - like its little brother SLK and the super sports car SLR McLaren . However, this met with rejection from potential buyers. Instead, only the following changes were made:

  • New front apron with chrome rings around the fog lights.
  • New grille with only three instead of four slats
  • Partly new alloy wheels
  • New rear lights in clear glass look with a white stripe (darkened on AMG models)
  • All engines (except 6.0 l V12) received an increase in power of around 10% on average
  • AMG models with new front apron; SL 65 AMG additionally with a new rear apron and new tailpipes
  • High-quality interior with noble materials
  • A modified luggage compartment loading and (optional) an automatically opening and closing luggage compartment lid
  • Cornering light in the form of switching on fog lights for the bi-xenon headlights
Mercedes R230 front 20071129.jpg
Mercedes R230 rear 20071129.jpg


SL (2006-2008)
  • 7G-Tronic (optional Sport) automatic transmission with shorter shift times and (optional) shift paddles instead of shift paddles
  • Design key with chrome applications
  • Modified front axle and more direct steering
  • Second generation ABC chassis
  • Newly developed high-performance braking systems, with additional perforated rear brake discs for the SL 350 and SL 500 in the sports package.
  • SL 500 in North America as SL 550 with the same engine as in Europe
  • In addition, a mobile phone pre-installation (Code 386) with SIM Access Profile was available since 10/2006

Second facelift

Mercedes SL II.Facelift front.jpg
Mercedes SL II.Facelift rear.jpg


SL (2008-2011)

In spring 2008 there was a larger, second facelift. Similar to the CLS with single headlights, the front has been completely redesigned with a new front apron, a new radiator grille with only one lamella and modified air inlets; the new headlights now had the Intelligent Light System as an alternative , while bi-xenon headlights were included in the standard equipment. The rear view has been freshened up with new taillights, a diffuser insert in the rear apron and newly designed tailpipes. The engines were as follows: The 3.5-liter V6 in the SL 350 was enhanced in performance, reduced consumption and designed as a sports engine, the 5.5-liter V8 compressor was replaced by the 6.2-liter V8 in the SL 63 AMG replaced. A new addition to the range was the SL 280 with a 3.0-liter V6 as the basic model. All other engines remained unchanged. The interior has been slightly redesigned, including a new three-spoke steering wheel and a modified instrument cluster; the seats were now optionally available with the Airscarf system. After all, the SL now had the new telematics generation.

AMG models

SL 55 AMG

First generation SL 55 AMG (2001-2006) with standard 18-inch multi-spoke rims
Cockpit of a SL 63 AMG
(2008-2011)

In the 3rd quarter of 2001, Mercedes presented the SL 55 AMG, the sports version of the SL 500. At the time, the most powerful and high-torque model of the R 230 model set itself apart visually with a newly shaped bumper with front spoiler and additional side skirts , 18-inch multi-spoke rims , dark-tinted rear indicators and reversing lights as well as a four-pipe exhaust system and "V8 KOMPRESSOR" -Lettering (on both fenders behind the front wheels) from the standard models.

Under the bonnet was a newly developed V8 engine (type M113 E55 ML), which developed an output of 350 kW (476 hp) and a maximum torque of up to 700 Nm from a displacement of 5.4 liters (exactly: 5439 cm³) . This increase in performance was made possible by a compressor embedded between the cylinder blocks . The power was transmitted by an automatic 5-speed gearbox that delivered the engine power to the rear wheels .

The interior of the SL 55 featured sporty AMG integral seats that offered good lateral support even when cornering quickly. Optical distinguishing features from the SL 500 were the sand-cast aluminum trim and the silver-colored symbol disks and red pointers with bright dials. As an option, gear changes can be initiated by pressing a button on the steering wheel .

From May 2002, the engine output was increased to 368 kW (500 hp) and a performance package with a modified chassis, an enlarged oil cooler, as well as the brake system and the front apron of the SL 65 AMG was offered. For the model upgrade, the output was increased again to 380 kW (517 PS). With the second facelift, the SL 55 AMG was replaced by the SL 63 AMG.

SL 63 AMG

The SL 63 AMG was presented with the 2008 facelift. In addition to the 6.2 liter naturally aspirated M156 engine, numerous design changes distinguish it from the series. These include darkened headlights and taillights, redesigned body parts (bonnet, front and rear apron, side skirts, air intakes, exterior mirrors, rims). The 7-speed MCT transmission is installed exclusively in the SL 63. MCT stands for Multi Clutch Transmission, a multiple clutch with double-declutching function that enables quick gear changes when the automatic transmission is operated manually.

A special AMG instrument cluster with modified menus shows, among other things, the engine oil temperature and supports the Race Start function reserved for this model. Another exclusive extra are carbon trim parts for the interior and optionally also for the external attachments (side air intakes, mirror caps, front spoiler, rear spoiler, rear apron).

In order to be able to convert the output of 525 hp into propulsion, there was an optional self-locking differential (LSD).

The suspension setup has also been changed compared to the production version. In addition to the regular AMG chassis, there is an AMG sports variant that is even tighter in terms of tuning. Upon request, AMG also offered to raise the top speed limit from 250 to 300 km / h.

SL 65 AMG

In addition to the eight-cylinder model, a twelve-cylinder model was also offered by AMG. The SL 65 AMG had the biturbo engine from the SL 600 enlarged to 6.0 l with an output of 450 kW (612 hp) and a maximum torque of 1000 Nm (electronically limited to protect the transmission). The SL65 has exclusive upholstery in a diamond design and is equipped as standard with the otherwise optional multi-disc limited slip differential from the supplier Drexler.

SL 65 AMG Black Series

SL 65 AMG Black Series

From November 2008 there was a new top model for the SL-Class, limited to 350 vehicles. The SL 65 AMG Black Series was not a roadster, but a coupé. It had a CFRP roof with a built-in roll bar, which was lighter and flatter than the roof of the other models. The C-pillar of the hardtop was extended to the rear for aerodynamic reasons. Except for the outer skin of the doors, every externally visible part of the body was changed. The body received visually adapted aprons, new tailpipes and widened fenders. A rear wing that extends by twelve centimeters from 120 km / h, which reduces lift on the rear axle, improves road holding.

With an output of 493 kW (670 hp), the vehicle was the most powerful AMG model to date. It achieved a power to weight ratio of 2.79 kg / hp. It drew its power from a V12 biturbo engine with a newly developed charge air cooler. The maximum torque of 1200 Nm was limited to 1000 Nm. The AMG Speedshift Plus five-speed transmission transferred the power to the rear axle.

The coilover suspension was also a novelty at AMG and enabled the suspension to be individually adjusted to the needs of the driver. It was supported by an ESP that could be switched in three stages (On, Sport, Off) . The appearance was rounded off by painted AMG forged wheels measuring 9.5 × 19 inches with 265/35 R19 tires at the front and 11.5 × 20 inches with 325/30 R20 tires at the rear. The Sport Maxx GT tires were supplied by DTM partner Dunlop .

In the interior, the SL 65 AMG Black Series has CFRP applications in the doors and weight-saving CFRP seat shells covered with nappa leather and Alcantara.

As with the CLK 63 AMG Black Series, the latter were not offered for the North American market.

Special models

Mercedes SL Edition 50 (R230) front 20100717.jpg
Mercedes SL Edition 50 (R230) rear 20100717.jpg
Special Edition 50 (2004; limited to 500 copies)

Mille Miglia (2003)

To commemorate the legendary Italian car race “Mille Miglia”, Mercedes-Benz presented a special model of the 180 kW (245 hp) SL 350, which was released in a limited series of twelve. Special features of the “Mille Miglia Edition 2003” include, for example, a special “Silver Arrow” metallic paintwork, beltline trim strips made of matt-finished aluminum, 18-inch alloy wheels, wide tires in sizes 255/40 ZR 18 (front) and 285/35 ZR 18 (rear) and “Mille Miglia” badges in the ventilation grilles on the front fenders and on the trunk lid. In the special model, the vario-roof is made of glass and gives passengers a panoramic view.

Edition 50 (2004)

With the SL special model "Edition 50" Daimler celebrated the 50th anniversary of the 300 SL, which was first presented in 1954 at the International Motor Sports Show in New York. The special model was available as an SL 500 with a V8 or as an SL 350 with a V6 engine. The SL 350 “Edition 50” has an output of 180 kW (245 hp) and is equipped with a five-speed automatic as standard. The ex-works price was 91,814 euros. Under the bonnet of the SL 500 “Edition 50”, the 225 kW (306 hp) V8 engine works in conjunction with the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission. The ex-works price was 109,156 euros. Mercedes-Benz offered the SL special model in 2004 in a limited number of 500 vehicles.

Night Edition (2010)

SL 350 Night Edition

The Night Edition special model was available from January 11, 2010. It was optionally available in the special matt “designo magno night black” paintwork and had five-spoke AMG 19-inch wheels with a two-tone design. The contrast was enhanced by silver brake calipers. Both the front and rear lights were darkened and logos ("Night Edition") were attached to the fenders. Identifying features in the interior were black nappa leather and shiny chrome parts. The seats were redesigned and had silver contrasting topstitching. The Airscarf function was included in this special model.

Grand Edition (2011)

The special model was available as SL 300, 350 and 500.

Additional standard equipment:

  • Exclusive interior with special colors
  • 19 ″ AMG light alloy wheels with “Grand Edition” markings
  • Shift paddles
  • Airscarf
  • Keyless Go
  • Seats in nappa leather
  • Floor mats with Edition print

Technical specifications

During the entire construction period, the R 230 was available with six, eight and twelve-cylinder petrol engines. All AMG versions could optionally be ordered with a top speed increased to 300 km / h (limited). The SL 65 AMG also achieved an unlimited top speed of 338 km / h in a test run by the magazine auto motor und sport on the test track in Nardò .

*The engine designation is coded as follows: M = engine, OM = oil engine, series = 3 digits, E = manifold injection, KE = port injection, DE = direct injection, ML = compressor, L = charge air cooling, A = exhaust gas turbocharger, red. = reduced performance / displacement, LS = performance increase

literature

  • Christof Vieweg: Everything about the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class. SL 500 and SL 55 AMG . Mercedes-Benz, Stuttgart (2001), ISBN 3932786173
  • Günther Fischer: Mercedes-Benz SL-Class . Heel Verlag , Königswinter (2008), ISBN 3898808149
  • Helmut Baaden; Matthias Röcke: The new big Mercedes SL book . Heel Verlag , Königswinter (2002), ISBN 3898800849
  • Mercedes Benz Introductory Guide SL 63 AMG (paper and electronic edition)

Individual evidence

  1. Mercedes SL production stopped ( Memento of the original from July 31, 2012 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was automatically inserted and not yet checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. . In: autogenau.de . @1@ 2Template: Webachiv / IABot / www.autogenau.de
  2. DaimlerChrysler AG, Stuttgart : Price list - SL-Class roadsters (230 series) - valid from August 6, 2001 (PDF; 67 kB) At: www.jesmb.de , accessed November 30, 2009.
  3. ^ Frank Wald: Mercedes SL 55 AMG - With timpani and trumpets . In: Spiegel Online . December 14, 2001, accessed August 16, 2009.
  4. Horst von Saurma: Test of the Mercedes SL 55 AMG on the Nordschleife . In: Sports Car Online . April 26, 2002, accessed August 16, 2009.
  5. Daimler Global Media Site> Mercedes-Benz Cars> AMG from August 6, 2001: The most powerful Mercedes-Benz is at the start: World premiere of the new SL 55 AMG at the IAA 2001  ( page no longer available , search in web archives )@1@ 2Template: Dead Link / media.daimler.com
  6. Award for the innovative power transfer of the SL 63 AMG

Web links

Commons : Mercedes-Benz R 230  - Collection of Pictures, Videos and Audio Files