1996 Mercedes-Benz SL500 Service and Repair Manual

This factory service and repair manual for the 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL500 addresses a model year listed in a single configuration. The body is a two-door convertible; the trim is Base; the engine is a 5.0L V8 with double overhead camshafts, natural aspiration and gasoline fuel. Short as that description is, the car it names carries plenty of systems to look after, and the manual gives procedures for its engine mechanical work, fuel delivery, cooling, ignition, brakes, suspension and body electrics.

Engines covered

• 5.0L V8 — DOHC, naturally aspirated, gasoline

Body styles covered

• 2-door convertible

Trims covered

• Base

Known issues on the 1996 SL500. NHTSA filed one recall against the 1996 SL-Class line. It involved certain vehicles whose headlamp wiper blade could catch in the channel beneath the lamp once its arm went out of line; washing the headlamps then left the pump spinning with no fluid, risking overheating and fire, so dealers replaced the pump. The SL500 itself has 6 complaints, three about the electrical system and two about visibility; 1 complaint reported a crash, 1 a fire and 1 an injury. Two more name the 1996 SL-Class line. Lighting procedures, wiring diagrams and diagnostics apply.