Mercedes-Benz SL320 Repair and Maintenance - Get an online auto repair estimate for your Mercedes-Benz SL320

I have bought two bose speaker covers for the rear deck how do I remove the old ones and replace them. there are four holes on the back of new covers but are they snap-in or screw holes? Do I have ...

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replace ignition key switch

samson143, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL320, Lanexa, VA

what is approx cost to replace

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Car surging and rough gear shift (auto trans) when cold

donniejr, 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL320, Cordova, TN

My car runs great when it's warm. However, as soon as it get cold (below 60 degrees) it surges when I take off and the trans shifts slowly. I had the mass air unit replaced and trottle body clean...

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check engine light

Anonymous, 1995 Mercedes-Benz SL320, Columbia, MO

I have a check engin light on but when i check it withh the scanner it shows no codes

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Mercedes-Benz SL320 Problems

Brakes	Due to the size and materials of the brakes on these vehicles, the brakes start to squeak around the 50 percent wear point. The brake rotor surfaces become uneven, causing a lip to form at the outer edge of the rotor. Because of this, the rotors are usually replaced when the pads are worn (pad life varies depending on driving style and terrain). Brake fluid should be flushed every two years to prevent premature anti-lock brake system (ABS) failure.
Engine	Oil leaks develop from the head gasket and timing cover gasket; these leaks should be repaired before the engine oil and coolant intermix. Radiators break due to degradation of the plastic tanks and fittings. Older vehicles should have the cooling system serviced even if the mileage is low. The hoses can look good on the outside, but the rubber can degrade and erode on the inside. If not carefully checked, the hoses can burst at any time. The water pump can develop leaks. When replacing the water pump, the drive belt tensioner should be inspected and most likely replaced as well.
Exhaust & Emissions	A faulty mass air flow (MAF) sensor can cause erratic/rough engine operation and fuel economy issues. Since this sensor measures the actual amount of air entering the motor, when it fails, the engine control module (ECM) takes the wrong information and delivers incorrect volumes of fuel to the cylinders. Failed ignition coil packs or spark plug resistors can cause a rough running motor or lack of power. Emissions air injection pumps can seize up, causing a loud squealing noise possibly followed by smoke. The air pump pulley stops turning, but the drive belt does not and this friction causes the noise and smoke. If the engine is not turned off, the belt will snap, turning on the alternator/battery warning light.
Suspension & Steering	Irregular and premature tire wear can be caused by the lower control arm bushings cracking and causing excessive movement at the control arm pivot point. Ball joints can also wear out prematurely, causing similar tire wear symptoms. The tie rod ends, drag link, and idler arm in the linkage of the steering system can wear out. There is a steering dampening shock that will leak fluid when it goes bad. A knocking noise from the front end can be caused by cracked strut tower bushings. Vehicles with level control that ride harshly in the rear (no give in the suspension, like you are riding on a brick) may have bad dampening actuators. The actuators should be replaced in pairs.
Drive Train	A vibration felt through the center floor of the vehicle can be caused by driveshaft flex discs, which crack and shred, causing excessive driveshaft movement. Not repairing these can cause damage to the driveshaft center support bearing, or, in the worst case scenario, damage to the transmission or differential. High mileage vehicles can leak from the transmission oil seals. High mileage or older vehicles develop leaks at the differential seals and cover; the whole unit needs to be resealed to repair the leaks.
Electrical & Lights	The insulation degrades on the engine wiring harnesses because the insulating material falls off of the wires and leaves the conductors exposed. This can cause many problems depending on which wires are exposed and what they touch. Throttle valves can suffer electrical failure.
Heating & Air Conditioning	Other than a defective motor, a bad switch or blower motor resistor assembly can cause inoperative heater blower motors. Leaks at the AC compressor, hose manifold for the compressor, or the evaporator core can cause poor AC performance. The climate control system can fail or perform erratically due to internal wear in the climate control unit buttons.

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Mercedes-Benz SL320 Recalls and TSBs

Mercedes-Benz SL320 Recalls (Recent)

Body, Interior & Misc.: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Campaign Number: 99V327000

Dates Manufactured: 06/1996 to 07/1997

Number of Vehicles Affected: 4,402

Model Years Affected: 1997

Date Owner Notified: 01/2000

Defect Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. CORROSION OF THE ELECTRICAL IGNITION FILAMENT OF THE AIR BAG GAS GENERATOR MODULE CAN OCCUR IF THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED IN AREAS OF FREQUENTLY HIGH HUMIDITY.

Consequence Summary: CORROSION OF THE IGNITION FILAMENT CAN RESULT IN THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG BEING DEPLOYED UNINTENTIONALLY.

Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG MODULE.

Recall Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JANUARY 18,2000. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Body, Interior & Misc.: VISIBILITY

Campaign Number: 96V175000

Number of Vehicles Affected: 28,874

Model Years Affected: 1996

Date Owner Notified: 11/1996

Defect Summary: IF ONE OF THE HEADLAMP WIPER ARMS BECOMES MISALIGNED, THE WIPER BALDE CAN LODGE IN THE GROOVE UNDER THE HEADLAMP. IF THE WASHERS ARE ACTIVATED WITH THE WIPER BLADE IN THE MISALIGNED AND LODGED POSITION, THE WASHER PUMP WILL RUN CONTINUOUSLY EXPELLING ALL AVAILABLE FLUID.

Consequence Summary: PUMP OPERATION IN THE ABSENCE OF FLUID CAN CAUSE THE PUMP TO OVERHEAT AND CAUSE A VEHICLE FIRE.

Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEADLAMP WASHER PUMP ON THESE VEHICLES.

Recall Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION:OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 18, 1996. NOTE:OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.

Engine: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

Campaign Number: 96V058000

Number of Vehicles Affected: 149

Model Years Affected: 1996

Date Owner Notified: 04/1996

Defect Summary: THE DRIVE BELT PULLEY ON THE ENGINE CAN DEVELOP FATIGUE CRACKS IN THE METAL AND BREAK. IF THE DRIVE PULLEY BREAKS, THE CAR WOULD NOT HAVE ENGINE COOLING, BATTERY CHARGING, AND/OR POWER STEERING.

Consequence Summary: LOSS OF THESE SYSTEMS CAN CAUSE THE CAR TO OVER HEAT, LOSE POWER FROM THE BATTERY, AND LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE CAR INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENGINE CRANKSHAFT DAMPER-PULLEY ON THESE VEHICLES.

Recall Notes: SYSTEM: ENGINE; PULLEY; CRANKSHAFT.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 6-CYLINDER ENGINES. NOTE: OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME, SHOULD CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.

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Mercedes-Benz SL320 Technical Service Bulletins (Recent)

None reported.

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