1997 Mercedes Benz SL320FACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Engine Compression

COMPRESSION SPECIFICATIONS

Application Specification
Compression Ratio
C230 10.4:1
C280, CLK230, E320, E420, E430, S320, CL500, SL320 & SL500 10.0:1
E300 Diesel & E300 Turbo Diesel 22.0:1
S420 & S500 11.0:1
SLK230 8.8:1
1997 Compression Pressure
Gasoline Engine (Normal)
2.3L 160-218 psi (11-15 bar)
2.8L, 3.2L 4.2L & 5.0L 145-203 psi (10-14 bar)
Maximum Difference Between Cylinders
2.3L, 2.8L, 3.2L & 5.0L 22 psi (1.5 bar)
1998 Compression Pressure
Gasoline Engine (Normal)
2.3L 160-218 psi (11-15 bar)
2.3L Supercharged 109-153 psi (7.5-10.5 bar)
2.8L & 4.3L 174-203 psi (12-14 bar)
3.2L V6 (1) 174-203 psi (12-14 bar)
3.2L Inline 6-Cyl. 145-203 psi (10-14 bar)
2.8L, 3.2L & 5.0L 145-203 psi (10-14 bar)
4.2L & 5.0L 145-203 psi (10-14 bar)
Gasoline Engine (Minimum)
2.8L, 3.2L (V6) & 4.3L 152 psi (10.5 bar)
Maximum Difference Between Cylinders
2.3L, 2.8L, 3.2L, 4.2L & 5.0L 22 psi (1.5 bar)
1997 Diesel Engine (3.0L)
Normal 421-508 psi (29-35 bar)
Minimum 261 psi (18 bar)
Maximum Difference Between Cylinders 44 psi (3 bar)
1998 Turbo Diesel Engine (3.0L) (2) *
(1) Specification for 3.2L does apply to ML320.
(2) Information is not available.
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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.