2003 Mercedes SL500

I've had this for some time, and let it sit for about 4 years. Getting it going again has cost a bit, but I've learned a few things

FSS Reset:

Get in car, close the doors, and turn key to position 1

IMMEDIATELY hit the rest button three times (You have to do this within 3 seconds)

You should see the multi-function display show voltage now.

Scroll down using the button on the steering wheel and get to the page showing oil measurement (Can't recall exactly what it says but it will be obvious this is a service menu)

Turn key to position 2 (You must do this at this time)

You should now be able to scroll to where it will ask for oil type (I believe I only had one choice like Oil 1.0 or something to that effect.

Work your way thru that menu and it will ask you to hold reset for 3 seconds on the multi-function display. If you do that it will reset and you will see your next service interval.

The main thing is getting the voltage to come up by turning to position 1 and hitting reset 3 times in less than 3 seconds. Once you are there you will be able to intuitively work your way thru the menus. Just remember to turn it to position 2 only when you get to the service menu screen.

rear plastic trim panels

Audio

Thread in replacing radio / head unit:

https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-r230/803680-upgrade-2003-sl500-radio.html

Spiral audio bezel to fit JVC head unit

http://www.spiralaudio.com/index.php?route=product/search&filter_tmdmake=56&filter_tmdmodel=498&filter_tmdengine=0&filter_firstyear=2003

https://www.ebay.com/str/xisedocaraudio?_trksid=p2047675.m3561.l2563

https://www.seicane.com/for-2001-2004-mercedes-sl-r230-sl350-sl500-sl55-sl600-sl65-gps-navigation-radio-h2a132

Electrical fuses/relays

Theres quite a few fuse and relay panels:

2 under the hood, one behind the seats and more

note that many systems will go offline if there is a problem, and even if the problem is cleared, often you have to reset it by pulling power, or a service tool

click here for my page on fuse/relay locations and assignments

Comprehensive site for fuses and relays:

https://benzbits.com/R230/Fuses/

Left engine fuses

https://benzbits.com/R230/Fuses/LeftEngineFuses/2003_09_01_Through_2004_05_3_LeftEngineFuses.pdf

Left engine relays:

https://benzbits.com/R230/Fuses/LeftEngineRelays/Through_MY2008_LeftEngineRelays.pdf

Right engine fuses:

https://benzbits.com/R230/Fuses/RightEngineFuses/2003_09_01_Through_2004_05_31_RightEngineFuses.pdf

https://www.mercedesmedic.com/sl-class-r230-fuse-chart/

mb parts online:

https://mbparts.mbusa.com/v-2003-mercedes-benz-sl500--base--5-0l-v8-gas