For the later SL350 R230 covered by the inspected 2008 Mercedes manual, the oil-change reference is 8.0 litres including the filter, with MB sheets 229.3 and 229.5 listed. This guide covers the 232 kW/316 hp M272.968 application, model 230.458.
Coverage: later 3.5-litre SL350 R230 M272.968. The earlier 3.7-litre M112.973, 272 hp M272.966 and newer R231 SL350 require their own applicable oil instructions.
Check the engine before using the quantity
| Identifier | Covered application |
|---|---|
| Model type | 230.458 |
| Engine | M272.968, 3,498 cc V6 |
| MANN output | 232 kW / 316 hp |
| MANN application dates | March 2008–March 2012 |
The Mercedes manual’s engine table identifies its SL350 as a 3,498 cc V6 producing 232 kW. MANN’s catalogue matches that output to M272.968 and 230.458. Use the engine and model details rather than the badge or registration year alone.
The earlier M272.966 is also 3.5 litres but is a separate application. The 3.7-litre M112 is another distinct engine. This page does not extend the later manual’s oil specifications to either earlier version.
Oil capacity and approval: the manual entries
| 2008 Mercedes manual entry | SL350 reference |
|---|---|
| Oil change including filter, printed page 304 | 8.0 litres |
| MB sheet numbers, printed page 303 | 229.3 / 229.5 |
The oil-capacity table groups SL280 and SL350 in one column. The neighbouring SL500 column is separate and lists a different amount. Read the column heading as well as the number when checking a screenshot or manual extract.
Eight litres is the service replacement reference. The correct filling and level-check procedure establishes the final amount; it is not a top-up quantity.
How much oil should you buy?
A five-litre container is less than the listed change amount. Five litres plus three one-litre containers provides eight litres. Two five-litre containers provide ten litres, leaving oil over rather than requiring it all to be poured in.
Compare total supplied volume and delivered price. Check the pack contents on the actual listing, particularly where a search result combines several container sizes.
Choose the declared MB approval and the right grade
A viscosity grade and an approval number are separate checks. “0W-40”, “5W-30” or “for Mercedes” alone does not establish the required approval. Read the exact product declaration and container label against the car’s applicable guidance.
The inspected table has a restriction to SAE 0W-40 against its AMG entries. That footnote is not attached to the SL350 column and should not become a claim that every SL350 must use only 0W-40.
A named option: Mobil 1 FS 0W-40
Mobil’s current UK information lists MB-Approval 229.3 and 229.5 for Mobil 1 FS 0W-40. Those sheets appear in the inspected SL350 column. Consider it where the car’s applicable approval and viscosity guidance permits.
Affiliate link: as an Amazon Associate, Unusual Cars earns from qualifying purchases.
Search Amazon for Mobil 1 FS 0W-40The link opens a search. Check the complete FS 0W-40 name, formulation, approval, container volume and seller on the item you choose. Other Mobil products can appear, and a search headline does not establish the approval of every result.
Level checks and service reminders answer different questions
Use the level-check method and conditions specified for the car. For a top-up, add the amount required by that check rather than another complete service fill. Keep a record of additions and mileage if oil is needed between services.
A service reset does not correct a level or consumption problem. Report separate warning messages, visible leaks or changes in oil use to the workshop alongside routine maintenance.
Match the filter independently
MANN lists HU 718/5 x for the M272.968 SL350 application. Retain the full reference when checking a kit or invoice. Oil approval does not establish that every filter bundled with it fits.
The SL350 filter and spark-plugs guide explains the later engine’s two-piece C 3689 air-filter requirement and the six-plug NGK entry. The R230 maintenance guide covers service planning across the three named SL350 engines.
Explore the Mercedes maintenance hub. For warning lamps, gearbox, roof or suspension investigation, see our SL R230 diagnostic scanner guide.
Sources and applicability
- Mercedes 2008 R230 manual, printed page 290 / PDF page 293: later SL350 engine identification.
- Mercedes manual, printed pages 303–304 / PDF pages 306–307: approval columns, AMG footnote and oil-change quantity, visually checked.
- Mobil UK: Mobil 1 FS 0W-40: current approvals.
- MANN HU 718/5 x: application.
Checked 20 October 2026. The Mercedes-hosted manual is the April 2008 English R230 edition, whose SL350 engine table lists the later 232 kW version. Match your car’s manual, market and equipment; catalogue dates are application ranges, not UK registration cut-offs.
