Parts Spotlight: Mercedes-Benz R230 SL

Parts Spotlight: Mercedes-Benz R230 SL

20th Jul 2023

For all those R230 fans and aficionados, we’ve assembled a list of top Mercedes-Benz R230 SL parts which are popular, useful, interesting, or all three, alongside some extra interesting information for your perusal.

Use this list to stay in the loop over what’s best for your R230 and don’t forget to come to The R129 Co for your original genuine R230 SL parts, as we are always adding them to our wide stock range. We ship worldwide and our customer service is well trained to assist you.

Happy motoring R230-heads!



1. Mercedes 2305401045 ECU Battery Stabilization Module Control Unit | R230 SL (link)




This module is integral to the electrical system of your R230 SL, regulating the voltage to both front and rear batteries. Correct voltage is vital to keeping the cars ancillary electronics operational.


2. Mercedes 2308000030 Roof Hydraulic Pump | R230 SL (link)




A highly complex electro-hydraulic pump with an integrated valve block, this dictates the correct flow rate and hydraulic pressure for operation of the R230's vario-roof. Guaranteed to fail on most cars during their lifetime.


3. Mercedes 2308300185 Climate Heater AC Control Switch Panel | R230 SL 350 500 (link)




The mainframe of your R230 SL's climate control system, communicating with all aspects of the heating and ventilation elements of the car. Sticky buttons are a common complaint as these cars age. A common error is mistaking a faulty cabin temperature sensor in the dome light for a faulty climate control unit. MB-approved diagnostic tools are key.


4. Mercedes 2203200358 ABC Hydraulic Valve Block | R230 SL (link)




Over time leaks are prone to occurring in various areas of the ABC suspension system - these valve blocks can be a key problem area. As with many systems of the R230 SL, rigorous maintenance is vital.


5. Mercedes 2309001600 ECU SAM Module Control Unit | R230 SL (link)




The router which links all of the electrical sensors, switches, controllers etc. of your R230 - the SAM module is how these different components communicate. There are three SAM modules in every R230 SL.


6. Mercedes 2307500806 Boot Trim Flaps & Motor | R230 SL (link)




Sensors monitor the positions of these flaps. If the flaps are not sitting correctly or if the motor itself fails, this will cause the vario-roof to stop working.


7. Mercedes 2307500085 Boot Trunk Lock Actuator | R230 SL (link)




All R230 SLs have a soft close boot and the vacuum actuator in the lock assembly is prone to failure.


8. Mercedes 2305420417 Fuel Tank Level Sender Unit Sensor | R230 SL (link)




A common symptom of a failed sender unit is unsurprisingly an incorrect fuel gauge reading. However, this data is routed to the cluster via the rear SAM module, so it is always advisable to plug the car in for a clear diagnosis.


9. Mercedes 230820... Headlight - Xenon | R230 SL (link)




As with all xenon or HID headlights the ballast units commonly fail. Be sure to keep the lenses polished and protected as they cloud up quickly.


10. Mercedes 230820... Rear Tail Light | R230 SL (link)




SAM failure and water ingress are common fault causes. As usual, proper diagnosis tools are key.


11. Mercedes 230820... Door Speaker | R230 SL (link)




Replacing these is a door-card-off job. The BOSE systems are fantastic.


12. Mercedes 2308000648 Central Locking Vacuum Pump PSE | R230 SL (link)




Water ingress into the boot (and therefore into the well which this vital part is housed within) is one of the best documented design flaws on the R230 SL (particularly early models without the revised boot seal). In this scenario the only option is to replace the PSE pump.


13. Mercedes Engine ECU Selector Key Coded Kit | R230 SL 500 (link)




If the gear selector or EIS fail on your R230 SL you must swap out all of these components at once as a single kit. As all of the elements are coded together, replacing them individually is not possible.


14. Mercedes 230320... ABC Strut | R230 SL (link)




Contrary to advice from Mercedes themselves, a regular flush of your ABC fluid is vital to keeping costly components like these hydraulic struts in good working order.


15. Mercedes 230720… Door Lock | R230 SL (link)




The vacuum actuators can fail and the lock itself can seize; the entire central locking system needs careful attention on these cars.


16. Mercedes 230820..89 Comand Head Unit | R230 SL (link)




Many owners choose to swap these out with modern aftermarket solutions. As the original units can be problematic this is understandable.


17. Mercedes 2304703801 Fuel Tank | R230 SL (link)




A common fault on these cars is the internal baffle within the fuel tank getting loose - this can cause a knocking noise if the tank is running low on fuel.


18. Mercedes 230821.... Vario Roof Convertible Switch Control Unit | R230 SL (link)




These switch units can get grubby and worn over time. It is also common for the switch covers themselves to break off.


19. Mercedes 2308800583 Front Radiator Bonnet Grille Grill | R230 SL 350 500 (link)




The later second facelift cars have a drastically different front end. Front grilles on the SL 55 AMG cars are also slightly different.


20. Mercedes 230690.... Rear Compartment Panel Roof Flap | R230 SL (link)




It's very common for the small flap to break off. Best option is to purchase the part complete.


As a dedicated R230 SL parts supplier we can assist you with fitment information and supply your genuine R230 parts for you. Our aim is to provide the best customer experience out there when it comes to buying original parts for classic, modern classic and luxury Mercedes-Benz vehicles like the R230.

Get in touch today and The R129 Co will be more than happy to help.


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