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Mercedes-Benz SL500 Repair and Maintenance

Image for Mercedes Benz 1994 1995 Mercedes Benz SL Image for Mercedes Benz 1996 1997 Mercedes Benz SL Image for Mercedes Benz 1998 2000 Mercedes Benz SL
Image for Mercedes Benz 2001 2002 Mercedes Benz SL Image for Mercedes Benz 2003 2007 Mercedes Benz SL500

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Mercedes-Benz SL500 Questions and Answers

Squeaky Breaks
Alex1, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL500, Brandon, FL

I just brought an 2006 SL500 and I just noticed that at times my breaks squeak. I'm not sure if this is normal for this car when it reaches 50 percent wear or is this a problem in that my breaks ar...

DVD faded out
Alex1, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL500, Brandon, FL

I put a DVD movie into the command Centers DVD player. I can hears the movie playing, but the screen prompted with picture is faded for safety reasons. Can I get the dealer to bypass it to enable t...

Should I replace oil separtor
gchard, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500, Pasadena, CA

My car has 72k on it and every time I go to the dealer service there's something else wrong. It's always a small inexpensive part that cost $300 in labor to replace. In thi case an oil separator an...

cannot start or open doors after battery was changed
mudfrogger, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL500, Brooksville, FL

i have tried to start my car after i changed the battery and now it wont start nor will the windows go up basically no power

hard top release
sharony, 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL500, Jersey City, NJ

I need to replace the cluster in my 1991 sl500 and now I can't release the hard top, it makes a click and then nothing happens could this have something to do with the cluster?

Retractable hardtop is stuck
lisacarlo, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL500, Novato, CA

It got stuck half way and will not go up or down. I tried resetting with the roll bar as I had done before and nothing. Any ideas?

hydraulic fluid leak
awd, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL500, Blaine, WA

I drove 1000+ miles at highway speeds on a right rear tire with severe tread separation before I could get the tires replaced, would this cause a problem. Also I ran over an unidentified bump in th...

AC/Heater Controls
Shawn94SL500, 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL500, Lakewood, CA

Can I replace the manual a/c / heater control in my '94 SL500 with the newer ('99+) electronic control unit? I really like the look and use-ability of the newer unit. Is this a "plug & pla...

Leaking hydraulic cylinders
cinfire53, 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL500, San Diego, CA

How much would it be to fix the front hydraulic cylinders that work the convertible top? They are the ones that are by the sun visors.

Steering Fluid
ldallas, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL500, Fairport, NY

Can you please tell me where to check the power steering fluid? Please be specific!! Thank you so much.

Headlight and ABC
thavy12, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500, Long Beach, CA

Lately, i experiencing the headlight does not turn on and my ABC is not work properly... Normally, at night time , the light will turn on automatically, but it is not work now.. What is the proble...

Troubleshoot inoperative trunk tail light bar
srconner, 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL500, Gilbert, AZ

The trunk lid stop light bar no longer operates when the other brake light come on. I did not see a specific fuse for the trunk light bar.

How do I troubleshot the problem? How do I remove the...

oil change 2003 sl 500 problems
zakrerabbit, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500, Punta Gorda, FL

I have put the plactic tube all the way down in the dip tube and I can only suck out 1 gal, or approx 4 liters of oil before the oil stops and the air begins. I am rather certin that the motor was ...

engine kills at stop signs or when I slow down
rgreiter, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL500, Fort Myers, FL

I have changed the flywheel sensor 3 times and the car still kills when I come to a stop sign. It has killed at 55 mph but starts itself after I slow down or step on the gas. the wire harness seem...

replacing hydrolics that controll the convertable top going up and down
jakenmolly, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL500, Murrells Inlet, SC

How hard is it to change the hydrolic cyclinders that put the convertable top up and down and where can I get instructions

ABC system
lemonlover, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500, Brooklyn, CT

I purchased a 03 MB SL500. I've had to bring the car to the Dealer 7 times over the past 1 1/2 years to repair the ABC system. In total the car was at the dealers shop for over 40 days. It appears ...

hydraulic suspension and drop top
01010, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL500, Brimfield, MA

my sl 500 has a problem with the suspension. the hydraulics are not working?? has it got anything to do with the control unit?? i was told thats where my problem is.. and the drop top does not work...

right rear strut????
clcouts, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500, Mount Juliet, TN

I was told that my right rear strut needs to be replaced as soon as possible. I' alittle confused because I can't find information here or other sites discussing this problem....Is it referred to ...

engine/motor loose
clcouts, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500, Mount Juliet, TN

I had several repairs and services done and when i picked up my car they had listed many things needing attention one of which was to tighten down my engine . He ask me if i had noticed it to be lo...

roll bar and soft top light stays on
Anonymous, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL500, Newburyport, MA

my battery was low and when I tried to start the car this happened

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Mercedes-Benz SL500 Car Reviews (2)

1998 Mercedes-Benz SL500, scott martin, Old Town, FL, December 22, 2009 17:56

very good condition, low miles
1999 Mercedes-Benz SL500, cinfire53, San Diego, CA, August 11, 2009 10:50

I love everything about this car. It is a sports car but with a little more room. The ride could be a little smoother, but I think if you have the right tires the ride becomes better. I really like the turning radius and for being a convertible it is pretty quiet with the top up. The Bose stereo is great, I just wish it had an ipod adapter. I have had only minor problems with this car and highly recommend it to any one that is thinking of buying one.

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Mercedes-Benz SL500 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.
  • Oil feed tubes break and fall into the crankcase (engine) and the tappet becomes noisy (ticking), resulting in degraded idle quality. Our technicians recommend replacing all of the tubes at the same time, broken or not.
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.
  • 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 SL500 Recalls and TSBs

Mercedes-Benz SL500 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.

Brakes: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Campaign Number: 05V133000
Dates Manufactured: 06/2001 to 03/2005
Number of Vehicles Affected: 204,000
Model Years Affected: 2003, 2004, 2005
Date Owner Notified: 08/2005

Defect Summary: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE SENSOTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL (SBC) SYSTEM MAY PREMATURELY SHIFT TO THE HYDRAULIC BACK-UP FUNCTION MODE, DUE TO DETERIORATION OF THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTION, OR DUE TO PREMATURE FAILURE OF THE HYDRAULIC PUMP.

Consequence Summary: IN THE HYDRAULIC BACK-UP MODE, THE DRIVER HAS BRAKING POWER SUFFICIENT TO STOP THE VEHICLE, ALTHOUGH GREATER BRAKE PEDAL PRESSURE IS REQUIRED AND THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL WILL BE NOTICEABLY LONGER.

Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A BRACKET AND REPLACEMENT GROUND WIRE TO THE SBC PUMP UNIT ON ALL VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. ADDITIONALLY DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE SBC PUMP UNIT IN SL VEHICLES PRODUCED DURING A LIMITED PRODUCTION PERIOD. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 8, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.

Recall Notes: MERCEDES-BENZ RECALL NO. 2005070007 AND 2005110001. CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

Brakes: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Campaign Number: 04V296000
Dates Manufactured: 10/2001 to 05/2004
Number of Vehicles Affected: 143,387
Model Years Affected: 2003, 2004
Date Owner Notified: 10/2004

Defect Summary: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE ELECTRONIC MONITORING SYSTEM OF THE SENSOTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL (SBC) IS DESIGNED TO MONITOR THE PRESSURE GRADIENT WITHIN THE HIGH PRESSURE LINE OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM. IF AN UNACCEPTABLE PRESSURE GRADIENT IS DETECTED, THE SYSTEM WILL SWITCH, AS IT IS DESIGNED TO DO, INTO THE HYDRAULIC FUNCTION MODE.

Consequence Summary: IF VEHICLES ARE NOT ROUTINELY SERVICED AND HAVE EXTREMELY HIGH MILEAGE COMBINED WITH A HIGH NUMBER OF BRAKE ACTUATIONS, OR A HIGH BRAKE ACTUATION FREQUENCY, THE PUMP MOTOR OF THE SBC MAY RUN OUT OF PERMISSIBLE TOLERANCES, THEREBY TRIGGERING THE HYDRAULIC FUNCTION MODE.

Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SBC HYDRAULIC UNIT, REPLACING IT IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 21M 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.

Recall Notes: MERCEDES-BENZ RECALL NO. 2004 050014.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION¿S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Drive Train: WHEELS
Campaign Number: 06E014000
Number of Vehicles Affected: 31,422
Model Years Affected: 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001
Date Owner Notified: 01/2006

Defect Summary: CERTAIN ZF TRADING NORTH AMERICA AFTERMARKET WHEEL BEARING KITS, LEMFOERDER P/N 1402301, SOLD FOR INSTALLATION ON 1992-2001 MERCEDES BENZ SL500 (R129) VEHICLES AFTER APRIL 1, 2005. THE CALIPER MOUNTING BOLTS USED IN THE WHEEL BEARING KIT MAY BE DEFECTIVE, SHEAR OFF AND BREAK. IF BOTH CALIPER MOUNTING BOLTS BREAK, THE BRAKE CALIPER MAY BECOME UNFIXED AND, WHEN THE VEHICLE IS BRAKED, THE BRAKE ROTOR COULD DRAG THE CALIPER, CAUSING THE BRAKE HOSE TO RUPTURE AND THE VEHICLE'S SUSPENSION TO BE DAMAGED.

Consequence Summary: THIS COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF A PORTION OF THE VEHICLE'S BRAKING ABILITY, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Corrective Summary: ZF TRADING WILL NOTIFY ITS OWNERS AND REPAIR THE WHEEL BEARING KITS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 27, 2006.

Recall Notes: THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET LEMFOERDER WHEEL BEARING KITS, P/N 14023010 AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON MERCEDES BENZ SL500 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BY MERCEDES BENZ.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

Electrical & Lights: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Campaign Number: 08V303000
Dates Manufactured: 11/2002 to 05/2008
Number of Vehicles Affected: 404
Model Years Affected: 2003, 2004, 2006

Defect Summary: MERCEDES-BENZ IS RECALLING MY 2006-2008 M-CLASS, R-CLASS, MY 2005-2009 SLK-CLASS, MY 2005-2008 C-CLASS, MY 2003-2004 AND 2006-2008 CLK-CLASS, MY 2003-2008 E-CLASS, MY 2004 AND 2008 CL-CLASS, MY 2008 CLS-CLASS, MY 2004 AND 2007-2008 S-CLASS, MY 2003 G-CLASS, AND MY 2003-2004, 2006 AND 2009 SL-CLASS VEHICLES. A SOFTWARE CALIBRATION NUMBER (SCN) CODING RECEIVED ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES DURING A RECENT WORKSHOP VISIT WAS INCORRECT. DEPENDING ON THE MODEL YEAR AND MODEL AFFECTED, THE RESULTS OF AN INCORRECT SCN CODING CAN AFFECT A NUMBER OF VEHICLE SAFETY AND EMISSION FUNCTIONS INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF FUNCTIONS: (1) THE FUEL GAUGE READINGS MAY BE INCORRECT; (2) A STUCK FUEL-LEVEL SENSOR MAY NOT BE DISPLAYED IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER; (3) THE OBD SYSTEM MAY CAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE INCORRECTLY; AND, (4) THE SPEEDOMETER MAY BE OUT OF TOLERANCE.

Consequence Summary: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE ELECTRICAL FUEL PUMP MAY NOT RECEIVE A CRASH SIGNAL THAT IS REQUIRED FOR THE FUEL PUMP TO DISCONNECT AND PREVENT FUTURE FUEL DELIVERY AS DESIGNED.

Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL RECODE THE SCN FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING AUGUST 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.

Recall Notes: MERCEDES-BENZ RECALL NO. 2008 070001.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

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 SL500 Technical Service Bulletins (Recent)

None reported.

 

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Recent Mercedes-Benz Repair Estimates

Brake Pad(s) Replacement
1999 Mercedes-Benz SL500 in Monroe Township, NJ
$128 - $204
EGR Valve Replacement
1999 Mercedes-Benz SL500 in Staten Island, NY
$211 - $244
Brake Pad(s) Replacement
1999 Mercedes-Benz SL500 in Monroe Township, NJ
$128 - $204
Brake Pad(s) Replacement
1999 Mercedes-Benz SL500 in Monroe Township, NJ
$128 - $204
Rotate Tires
2006 Mercedes-Benz SL500 in Las Vegas, NV
$28 - $36

Most Common Mercedes-Benz Repair Estimates

Maintenance Service B
$356 - $664
Maintenance Service A
$211 - $300
Brake Pad and Rotor Replacement
$490 - $722
Oil and Filter Change
$69 - $119
Brake Pad(s) Replacement
$171 - $259