Mercedes-Benz R 230

SL (2001-2006)

The Mercedes -Benz R 230 is a roadster in the Mercedes-Benz brand. On the German market, it was introduced on 13 October 2001 and produced at the Mercedes- Benz plant in Bremen. He joined the successor to the Mercedes -Benz R 129. As a special feature of R has 230 standard (SL 350 optional) via the so-called Active Body Control (ABC) suspension. When ABC suspension, which is based on a steel suspension, are based on sensor signals and rolling and pitching movements of the body when moving off, cornering and braking almost fully compensated using special hydraulic cylinders on the axles. This chassis was introduced with the CL-Class ( C 215 ) and was also available in the S-Class.

The Mercedes R 230 has a folding hard roof ( vario-roof ) of aluminum, which is retractable electro-hydraulically in the trunk along with glass rear window, if necessary. For an additional charge, it was also available with a glass insert.

By the end of 2009, approximately 150,000 SL of the R 230 were delivered to customers. In November 2011, the R 230 was no longer available, November 30, then ran the last R 230, an SL 350, from the band, bringing a total of 169 434 units have been produced. In March 2012, the internal R 231 called successor appeared. With a little more than ten years of production, the R 230 is one of the vehicles produced at the longest of his time.

• 2.1 SL 55 AMG
• 2.2 SL 65 AMG 2.2.1 SL 65 AMG Black Series

Facelifts

First facelift

For the year 2005/ 06, the R was subjected to 230 of its first facelift. Were discussed in advance whether the SL a " Formula 1 nose " - would get - like the little brother SLK and the super sports car SLR McLaren. However, this was rejected by potential buyers. Instead, only the following changes were made:

• New front bumper with chrome rings around the fog lights.
• New radiator grille with only three instead of four fins
• Some new alloy wheels
• New rear lights in clear glass and a white stripe ( darkened at AMG models)
• All engines (except 6.0 L V12) received a power increase from an average of about 10 %
• AMG models with new front apron; SL 65 AMG in addition to new rear bumper and new tail pipes
• Higher-quality interior with more noble materials
• A modified trunk load and (optionally ) an automatically opening and closing tailgate
• Cornering in the form of zuschaltendem to front fog lamps for the Bi - Xenon headlights

• 7G -Tronic (optional Sport) automatic transmission with shorter switching times, and (optionally ) gearshift paddles instead of paddles
• Design key with chrome trim
• Modified front suspension and more direct steering
• ABC suspension of the second generation
• Newly developed high- performance brake systems, on demand in the sports package additionally perforated rear brake discs for the SL 350 and the SL 500
• SL 500 in North America as SL 550 with the same engine as in Europe
• Moreover, since 10/ 2006 Mobiltelefonvorrüstung (code 386) with SIM Access Profile was available

The second facelift

In spring 2008 there was a larger, second facelift. The front was - similar to the CLS with single headlights - completely redesigned with a new front spoiler, a new grille with a single fin and modified air intakes; the new headlights now possessed alternatively via the Intelligent Light System, Bi - Xenon headlights were added to the standard equipment. The rear view has been refreshed with new taillights, a diffuser insert in the rear apron and redesigned tailpipes. The engines were the following changes: The 3.5-liter V6 in the SL 350 was increased performance, reduced consumption, and designed as a sports engine, the 5.5-liter supercharged V8 was the 6.2 -liter V8 in the SL 63 AMG replaced. New offer was added as a basic model of the SL 280 with a 3.0 -liter V6. All other engines remained unchanged. The interior has been slightly revised, including through a new three-spoke steering wheel and a modified instrument cluster; the seats were now available with either the Airscarf system. Finally, the SL now had the new telematics generation.

Night Edition special model

The Night Edition special model was available from 11 January 2010. It presented itself either in matt special paint " designo magno night black" and had in five-spoke design held AMG 19 -inch wheels, which were executed in two colors. The contrast increased silver brake calipers. Both the front and the rear lights were dimmed and on the fenders logos (" Night Edition " ) were installed. Identifying features in the interior were black nappa leather and shining chrome parts. The seats were redesigned and had silver contrast stitching. The Airscarf function was included in this special model.

AMG models

SL 55 AMG

In the 3rd quarter of 2001, Mercedes introduced the SL 55 AMG before the sports version of the 500 SL. That at the time power and torque strongest model of type R 230 distanced itself visually through a newly formed bumper with spoiler and additional side skirts, 18-inch multi-spoke wheels, dark tinted rear indicators and reversing lights and a four-pipe exhaust system and " V8 KOMPRESSOR " logos (on both fenders behind the front wheels ) of the standard models.

Under the hood is a newly developed V8 engine of 5.4 liters was (exactly: 5439 cm ³) a power of 350 kW developed (476 hp ) and maximum torque of 700 Nm. This increase in power was made possible by an embedded between the cylinder blocks compressor. The power transmission was done with an automatic 5-speed transmission, which gave the engine power to the rear wheels.

The interior of the SL 55 AMG were found this sporty seats with integral seat which offered good side support even during fast cornering. Optical differentiators for SL 500 were the trim from sand-cast aluminum and backed with bright dials, silver-colored symbol slices and red pointers provided instruments. Optionally, the gear change a wheel gearshift could initiate keystroke.

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

SL 65 AMG

In addition to the eight-cylinder model and a twelve-cylinder model from AMG has been offered. The SL 65 AMG was enlarged to 6.0 l Biturbo engine from the SL 600 with an output of 450 kW ( 612 hp ) and a maximum torque of 1000 Nm.

SL 65 AMG Black Series

As of November 2008, there was a new, limited edition of 350 vehicles top model for the SL-Class. It was the SL 65 AMG Black Series is not a roadster, but a coupe. It had a CFRP roof with integrated roll bar, which was lighter and flatter than the roof of the other models. The C-pillar of the hardtop was extended for aerodynamic reasons backwards. To the outer skin of the doors of each visible from outside the body part has been changed. The body was visually customized aprons, new tailpipes and widened fenders. A from 120 km / h to twelve inches ausfahrender rear wing that reduces lift on the rear axle, improves roadholding.

With an output of 493 kW ( 670 hp ) was the vehicle the hitherto strongest AMG model. It reached a power to weight ratio of 2.79 kg / hp. His strength drew it from a V12 biturbo engine with a newly developed intercooler. The maximum torque of 1200 Nm was limited to 1000 Nm. The AMG -Speed ​​Shift -Plus - Five -speed transmission transferred the power to the rear axle.

Also the coilover was a novelty in the house AMG and allowed individual adjustment of the chassis on the driver's needs. He was supported by a three stages (On, Sport, Off) switchable ESP. The appearance was rounded off by painted AMG forged wheels in size 9.5 x 19 inches with 265/35-R19-Reifen front and 11.5 x 20 inches with 325/30-R20-Reifen back. The Sport Maxx GT tires of the type supplied DTM partner Dunlop.

The interior of the SL 65 AMG Black Series carbon fiber applications and nappa leather and Alcantara seat shells made of CFRP received. Additional weight is saved by the use of carbon fiber bucket seats, which were not as yet offered the CLK 63 AMG Black Series in the North American market.

Specifications

During the entire construction period of the R 230 with six-, eight-and twelve-cylinder gasoline engines were available. All AMG versions could be ordered with an optional 300 km / h ( electronically limited ) top speed increased. The SL 65 AMG also achieved at a driving test of the magazine auto motor und sport on the test track in Nardo, without limitation, a top speed of 338 km / h

* The engine designation is encrypted as follows: M = motor, OM = oil motor, series = 3 digits, E = manifold injection, KE = port injection, DE = direct injection, ML = compressor, L = intercooler, A = exhaust gas turbocharger, red. = Reduced (r ) Power / Displacement, CB = increase