Service A / Service B
About 25,000 km or 1 year (ASSYST)
25 000 km
12 months
Oil and filter at each service; Service B adds filters and wider checks. The ASSYST indicator prevails.
Source [1]R231 · 2012–2020
Mercedes SL SL 500 R231 · 455 hp (2012 to 2020)
The Mercedes SL SL 500 of the R231 generation uses the M278 4.7 V8 petrol engine with 455 hp.
Choose an engine
Identify the car and prepare its maintenanceTechnical specifications
- Fuel
- Petrol
- Power
- 455 PS / 335 kW
- Displacement
- 4 663 cm³
- Cylinders
- 8
- Engine code
- M278 4.7 V8
- Period covered
- 2012–2020
- Documented market
- Europe
Transmission
- Automatic · 9 speeds
Figures apply to the cited configuration and market; equipment and transmissions may vary by production date.
Specification source : [1] AutoKarnet
This version
455 hp (335 kW), rear-wheel drive, 9-speed automatic. Built from 2012 to 2020.
AutoKarnet advice
In the range
It is the most powerful petrol version of this generation. The M278 4.7 V8 engine is also fitted to: Mercedes Classe E (W212), Mercedes CLS (C218), Mercedes Classe S (W221), Mercedes Classe S (W222), Mercedes GLE / ML (ML / GLE W166), Mercedes GLS (X166).
AutoKarnet advice
Maintenance and records
Brake fluid
Every 24 months
24 months
Time-based replacement, whatever the mileage.
Source [1]Questions about this version (2)
Which engine is in the Mercedes SL SL 500 R231?
The M278 4.7 V8 petrol engine (4 663 cc), 455 hp (335 kW).
AutoKarnet advice
Which oil for the Mercedes SL SL 500?
A MB 229.5 / 229.51 / 229.52-approved oil suited to the M278 4.7 V8 engine.
AutoKarnet advice
Documentary sources
- [1] Rédaction AutoKarnet
AutoKarnet · FR · Europe · Synthèse éditoriale AutoKarnet · Accessed 09/10/2026