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

 

soft close trunk lid

Mercedes Electronics

fuses and relays

Mercedes Hidden Menus

Mercedes parts

Mercedes HVAC

Mercedes ambient temperature sensor

 
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

 

 

 

 HVAC

 

https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-r230/678289-air-conditioner-back-dead.html

 

There are companies who can remove the finish and replace with Matt black acrylic and I have used one in the US called StickyNoMore.

cabin air filters:

 

Soft close trunk and pneumatics

 

the 2 lift cylinders that hold the trunk open are part number A230 750 00 36 

the cheapos are just that, only last a couple of years, and often are the wrong pressure... bought genuine mercedes parts this time.

 

 

click here for the trunk latch

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