Review: Mercedes-Benz R230 SL-Class (2002-12)

Review: Mercedes-Benz R230.I SL-Class (2002-06)

Overview

Released in July 2002, the Mercedes-Benz R230 Series I (R230.I) SL-Class was a two-seat roadster with a retractable metal roof. Manufactured in Bremen, Germany, the rear-wheel drive R230 SL range initially consisted of the SL 500 model, but was subsequently expanded by the SL 600 (July 2003) and SL 350 (August 2003).

Please note that the Mercedes R230 SL 55, SL 63 and SL 65 AMG have been reviewed separately.

Dimensions and body

Compared to its R129 predecessor, the Mercedes-Benz R230 SL was 65 mm longer (at 4535 mm), 3 mm wider (1815 mm), 5 mm lower (1298 mm) and had a 45 mm longer wheelbase (2560 mm). The R230 SL-Class was also significantly lighter due to the extensive use of aluminium components and the body structure achieved a 20 per cent increase in torsional rigidity. Furthermore, the power-operated, three-piece ‘Vario Roof’ could be lowered or raised in 16 seconds.

Suspension and Active Body Control

The Mercedes-Benz R230 SL had four-link front suspension and five-link rear suspension, the latter made from aluminium to reduce mass.

As standard, the suspension of the SL 500 and SL 600 models included Mercedes-Benz’s ‘Active Body Control’ (ABC) which used hydraulically controlled servo cylinders – known as plunger pistons – in the suspension struts. The servo cylinders consisted of a moving capsule which the coil spring used for vertical support. When driving, hydraulics would activate the plunger to exert additional force, thereby modifying the effect of the coil springs. As the vehicle experienced body pitch, roll or lift, the movement of the spring plate would alter the tension in the coil spring, counteracting body movement. Signals from sensors – which recorded the current level of the car above the ground and its acceleration – determined the magnitude of pressure that should be applied on the springs and its duration. With ABC, the driver could also select from ‘Comfort’ or ‘Sport’ drive modes.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Mercedes-Benz R230 SL-Class included dual front airbags (with two-stage deployment), front door-mounted side airbags with head and thorax protection, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, automatically deploying roll-over bars and front seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters.

The SL was also fitted with Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC). By monitoring throttle release and brake pedal pressure, SBC could detect emergency braking operations and react by increasing pressure in the brake connectors to increase braking force. Other functions of SBC included:

• When cornering, SBC could apply greater braking force to the outer wheels to increase lateral forces to maintain the vehicle’s path and provide more stable braking; and,
• When the windscreen wipers had been operating (i.e. wet weather), SBC would apply short brake impulses to remove the film of water on the brake discs (automatic brake drying).

Features: Mercedes-Benz R230 SL 350

Standard features for the Mercedes-Benz R230 SL 350 included 17-inch alloy wheels, COMAND (Cockpit Management and Data System) with an eight speaker sound system, ten-disc CD player and satellite navigation, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, leather upholstery, power adjustable front seats, cruise control, xenon headlights, front fog lamps, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, a cooled glovebox, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, automatically dipping door mirrors on reverse, a power adjustable steering column (height and reach), memory settings (front seats, mirrors and steering column), tinted windows, an anti-glare review mirror, tinted glass, a wind deflector, trip computer, an alarm and immobiliser.

Features: Mercedes-Benz R230 SL 500 and SL 600

Compared to the SL350, the Mercedes-Benz SL 500 was further equipped with ventilated and heated front seats, bi-xenon headlights and front and rear parking sensors. Beyond this, the SL 600 added 18-inch alloy wheels, Bose sound system, Nappa leather upholstery, multi-contour front seats with active bolsters and a TV tuner.

Brochure

• Brochure: Mercedes-Benz R230 SL-Class (International) (November 2005)

Review: Mercedes-Benz R230.II SL-Class (2006-08)

Overview

Released in April 2006, the Mercedes-Benz R230 Series II (R230.II) SL-Class introduced mechanical upgrades and additional features. The SL 350 and SL 500 were fitted with new engines, upgraded brakes and a new seven-speed automatic transmission for the latter, while the SL 55 AMG and SL 600 provided greater performance. Furthermore, the steering ratio was quickened for more responsive steering and the Active Body Control system was enhanced to further reduce body roll.

Visually, the R230.II SL-Class could be identified by its revised grille with a more pronounced V-shape, new front bumper with three cooling intakes, front fog lamps with chrome surrounds and tail-lights. Inside, there was softer leather upholstery and aluminium switchgear.

Features: R230.II SL-Class

Compared to its R230.I predecessor, standard features for the R230.II SL were extended to include parking sensors and bi-xenon headlights made standard across the range. Furthermore, the SL 500 was fitted with a Bose sound system (previously available on the SL600), and the SL 600 gained voice recognition (Mercedes-Benz’s ‘Linguatronic’).

August 2007: SL-Class update

In August 2007, the SL-Class underwent a minor update as standard features were extended to include steering wheel gearshift paddles, power folding mirrors and an interior motion-sensing alarm. Furthermore, the SL 350 received 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, ‘Luxury’front seats (i.e. heated and ventilated) and a digital/analogue TV tuner. The SL 500 was fitted with a Bose surround sound sound system and voice recognition for audio, telephone and navigation systems.

Brochure

• Brochure: Mercedes-Benz R230.II SL-Class (International) (November 2007)

Review: Mercedes-Benz R230.III SL-Class (2008-12)

Overview

Released in June 2008, the Mercedes-Benz R230 Series III (R230.III) SL-Class introduced a revised range, additional features and styling changes. Furthermore, the SL 350 was also fitted with a seven-speed automatic transmission with double-declutching, while the ‘Active Body Control’ system also underwent further revisions.

Visually, the Mercedes-Benz R230.III SL-Class could be identified by its more aggressive front end with a wider single-bar grille, single cluster headlights (previously twin headlight clusters) and bonnet ‘power domes’. Inside, there was a new instrument cluster, steering wheel, upholstery and woodgrain trim.

Features: R230.II SL-Class

Compared to its R230.II predecessor, standard features for the Mercedes-Benz R230.III SL were extended to include a ten speaker Harman Kardon Logic7 surround sound system with USB input and iPod integration, voice recognition (‘Linguatronic’), directional bi-xenon headlights and ‘Airscarf’ neck-level heating.

2010 Mercedes-Benz SL 350 Night Edition

In July 2010, a limited-run ‘Night Edition’ of the SL 350 was released. The SL 350 Night Edition featured 19-inch five-spoke AMG alloy wheels with a titanium grey finish, upgraded brakes, painted front brake calipers, stainless steel door sills, black leather upholstery with contrasting silver stitching and Mercedes-Benz’s ‘Distronic’cruise control (which used a radar-based system to maintain a distance from the vehicle ahead). The SL350 Night Edition was available in either a ‘Night Black’matt or Obsidian metallic black paint finishes.

Brochure

• Brochure: Mercedes-Benz R230.III SL-Class (International) (September 2009)
• Brochure: Mercedes-Benz R230.III SL-Class (April 2011)

Related links

• Press Kit: Mercedes-Benz R230.II SL-Class (June 2008)
• Wikipedia.org: Mercedes-Benz R230 SL-Class