1997 Mercedes-Benz SL320 Service and Repair Manual

This factory service and repair manual for the 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL320 centers on the 3.2L inline-six that powers it, a naturally aspirated gasoline engine with double overhead camshafts. The body is the 2-door convertible, and Base is the only trim. A convertible of this age may well have seen earlier repairs, and factory specifications and procedures help a technician confirm what is original and what has been changed.

Engines covered

• 3.2L inline-six — DOHC, naturally aspirated, gasoline

Body styles covered

• 2-door convertible

Trims covered

• Base

Known issues on the 1997 SL320. There is one recall for the 1997 SL320 in the federal record. On certain cars, the igniter filament inside the driver's air bag inflator module could corrode when the car was used where humidity runs high, and the bag could then go off unexpectedly; dealers swapped in a new module. Four owner complaints exist, three naming the electrical system and three engine and engine cooling, with one on seat belts, and one complaint reported a fire. Two further complaints concern the 1997 SL-Class line, on air bags and visibility. Restraint system wiring diagrams, cooling specifications and diagnostics are part of this manual.