Mercedes-Benz SL R129 Owner's Manual

Mercedes-Benz SL R129 Owner's Manual | PDF

Owner's manual covering the operation, driving and routine checks of the Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster from the R129 Series.

Presented at the 1989 Geneva Motor Show, the R129 succeeded the long-running R107 and began a new era for Mercedes-Benz SL roadsters. Its clean body design was combined with major advances in comfort and safety, including an automatically deploying roll bar, seat-integrated safety belts and an electrohydraulically operated soft top.

This generation remained in production until 2001, although the manual applies to the first phase of the series. It provides instructions for using the vehicle equipment and explains the operating differences between the six-cylinder and V8 versions.

In addition to controls and driving procedures, the SL Owners Manual pays particular attention to the removable hardtop, soft top, roll bar, restraint systems and available electronic driving aids. It also contains maintenance checks, guidance for unexpected situations and specifications for each version.

Models included in this R129 Series Owner's Manual

• Mercedes-Benz 300 SL, type 129.061, equipped with the 3.0-liter six-cylinder M104 engine.
• Mercedes-Benz 500 SL, type 129.066, equipped with the 5.0-liter M119 V8 engine.

Controls, comfort and safety

• Dashboard instruments, indicators and warning lamps.
• Automatic climate control.
• Keys, infrared remote control and central locking.
• Anti-theft alarm system.
• Power seats, heated seats and orthopedic backrest.
• Adjustable steering column.
• Seat belts, emergency tensioning retractors and airbags.
• Mirrors, interior lighting and power windows.
• Automatically deploying roll bar.

Soft top, hardtop and roadster equipment

The manual shows how to attach and remove the hardtop, operate the soft top and install the wind screen. It also explains how to lock both tops manually if normal operation is unavailable.

Its illustrations help identify the switches and attachment points, providing useful guidance for owners who no longer have the printed copy originally supplied with the car.

Driving and assistance systems

The documentation explains engine starting, manual and automatic transmission operation and correct gear selection. It also covers cruise-control operation and recommendations for the initial break-in period.

• ABS antilock braking system.
• ASR acceleration slip control.
• ASD automatic locking differential.
• ADS adaptive damping system.
• Winter driving and snow-chain use.
• Oil, coolant, brake, battery and exterior-light warnings.
• Emission control and onboard diagnostics.

Routine checks and practical guidance

The manual explains how to inspect the engine-oil, coolant and automatic-transmission-fluid levels. It also includes information about wheels, tires, the battery, spark plugs, fuses, bulbs and windshield-wiper blades.

Additional procedures cover wheel changing, jump starting, towing, manual release of the fuel-filler flap and cleaning of the bodywork, interior and soft top. These instructions are useful as an owner's reference but do not replace the repair procedures contained in a workshop manual.

Technical data and service products

The documentation identifies the vehicle data plates and data card. It provides separate specifications for each engine, together with dimensions, wheels, tires, electrical-system information, capacities and service products.

The fuel, engine-oil, brake-fluid and coolant recommendations reflect the specifications available when the manual was published and should be checked before equivalent modern products are used.

File details

• Format: PDF.
• Language: English.
• Pages: 151.
• File size: 4.7 MB.
• Delivery: instant download link.