Mercedes-Benz SL R129 Operator's Manual

Mercedes-Benz SL R129 Operator's Manual | PDF

Operator's manual dedicated to the Mercedes-Benz SL 500 and SL 600 from the final production phase of the R129 Series.

Introduced in 1989 as the successor to the R107, the Mercedes-Benz R129 remained in production until 2001. During that period, it received several updates to its design, engines, safety systems and equipment. The models covered by this document belong to the final phase of the series, when the roadster incorporated more advanced electronic systems and a range focused on high-performance versions.

The SL 500 combined the 5.0-liter M113 V8 engine with an automatic transmission, while the SL 600 used the 6.0-liter M120 V12. Both retained the characteristic R129 electrohydraulic soft top, removable hardtop and automatically deploying roll bar.

This Operator's Manual explains vehicle operation from the driver's perspective. It covers the controls, central locking, seats, restraint systems, climate control, telephone, roof operation and electronic driving aids. It also contains emergency procedures, basic maintenance, vehicle-care guidance and technical specifications.

Models included in this R129 Series Operator's Manual

• Mercedes-Benz SL 500, type 129.068, equipped with the 4,966 cc M113 V8 engine.
• Mercedes-Benz SL 600, type 129.076, equipped with the 5,987 cc M120 V12 engine.

Access, comfort and personalization

• Remote-control keys and selectable unlocking modes.
• Central locking and emergency unlocking.
• Anti-theft alarm and tow-away protection.
• Power seats with memory, heating and multicontour support.
• Stored steering-column and mirror positions.
• Automatic climate control.
• Power windows and separately lockable storage compartments.
• Telephone, audio system and garage-door opener.

Safety and restraint systems

The documentation explains the correct use of the seat belts, emergency tensioning retractors, front airbags and side-impact airbags. It also describes the BabySmart system for detecting a compatible child seat and deactivating the passenger airbag.

Additional guidance covers the roll bar, SRS warning lamps and the precautions required when transporting infants and children.

Soft top, hardtop and roadster equipment

The manual shows how to lower and raise the soft top, install the wind screen and remove or attach the hardtop. It also covers the panorama roof and explains the manual soft-top closing procedure if normal operation is unavailable.

Illustrations identify the switches, attachment points and operating sequences, helping the owner avoid procedures that could damage the mechanism.

Driving and electronic assistance

• Automatic transmission and driving-program selection.
• Cruise control.
• ABS antilock braking system.
• BAS brake assist system.
• ESP electronic stability program.
• Level control and ADS adaptive damping.
• Winter driving, snow chains and aquaplaning.
• Emission control and onboard diagnostics.

The manual also covers the initial break-in period, fuel-efficient driving, braking, parking, tire use and recommendations for traveling abroad.

Tele Aid, warnings and indicators

An important difference from earlier manuals is the inclusion of the Tele Aid system. The documentation explains emergency calls, roadside assistance and the related vehicle-communication functions.

It also identifies warning lamps for the brakes, ABS, BAS, ESP, SRS, engine oil, coolant, battery, exterior lighting, roll bar and adaptive suspension.

Routine checks and practical procedures

• Engine-oil, coolant and automatic-transmission-fluid checks.
• Vehicle tools, jack and spare wheel.
• Tire pressure, replacement and rotation.
• Battery, fuses and jump starting.
• Vehicle towing.
• Bulb and wiper-blade replacement.
• Remote-control battery replacement and synchronization.
• Manual fuel-filler-flap release.

These instructions provide useful assistance for routine situations but do not replace workshop-manual diagnostics or repair procedures.

Cleaning and preservation

The manual provides specific recommendations for the bodywork, trim, light-alloy wheels, lamps, windows, instrument cluster, steering wheel, seat belts and leather upholstery. It also covers care of the soft top, wind screen, antenna and plastic or rubber components.

Technical data and service products

The documentation identifies the vehicle labels and provides information about the engines, transmission, Poly-V-belt routing, electrical system, dimensions, weights, wheels and tires. Capacities and service products are differentiated by engine version.

The engine-oil, fuel, brake-fluid, coolant and air-conditioning-refrigerant specifications reflect the standards applicable when the manual was published and should be checked before modern equivalents are used.

File details

• Format: PDF.
• Language: English.
• Pages: 297.
• File size: 15.9 MB.
• Content: digital reproduction of the manual.
• Delivery: instant download link.