Problem Reports
Problem with your car? See what our experts say or submit your own.
1998 Mercedes-Benz SL500 Problems
Hard/Soft Tops May Develop Problems Due to Age
As vehicles age, various problems may develop with the hard and soft tops. If problems are encountered, it would be recommended to have a technician familiar with these tops perform the diagnoses.
The Differential May Develop Leaks From the Seals or Cover
Leaks may develop from the differential cover and/or seals on high mileage or older vehicles. Our technicians recommend a complete reseal of the differential unit if these leaks are addressed.
ABS Modulator Failure Due to Dirty Brake Fluid
As brake fluid becomes dirty over time, it can cause a failure of the anti-lock brake system (ABS) modulator assembly. Our technicians recommend a complete brake system flush every two years to help prevent this issue.
Premature Tire Wear Due to Cracked Lower Control Arm Bushings
The lower control arm bushings can wear and crack, resulting excessive movement at the control arm pivot point, leading to irregular and premature tire wear. Worn Ball joints can also cause similar tire wear symptoms. I some cases it may be necessary to replace the lower control arm, including bushings & ball joint to correct this concern.
Excess Free Play in Steering and/or Alignment Issue
One or more of the following steering linkage components may wear prematurely; tie rod ends, drag link, or idler arm. Our technicians remind us the wheel alignment should be checked and adjusted if any of these items are replaced.
Cracked Driveshaft Flex Discs May Cause Driveshaft Movement/Vibration
A vibration felt through the center floor of the vehicle can be caused by cracked and/or shredded driveshaft flex discs, resulting in excessive driveshaft movement. If not repaired, damage to the driveshaft center support bearing, transmission, or differential can occur.
Fluid Leak From Front of Vehicle
A fluid leak from the front of the vehicle may be a result of a worn steering dampening shock. Our technicians tell us that if a leak is noted from the dampening shock it should be replaced.
Climate Control System Problems Due to Wear in Climate Control Buttons Contacts
The climate control system can fail or perform erratically due to internal problems with the climate control button electrical contacts. Replacement of the climate control assembly is commonly required to correct this problem.
Squeaking/Worn Brake Pads May Require Rotor Replacement Also
The brakes may begin to squeak at about the 50 percent wear point. This is due to the size and material used for the brake pads and rotors. The brake rotor surfaces become uneven, causing a lip to form at the outer edge. This will generally require replacement of the rotors when the pads are worn (pad life varies depending on driving style and terrain).
Poor AC Performance Due to Refrigerant Loss
A refrigerant leak may develop from one or more of the following AC components: AC compressor, hose manifold for the compressor, or the evaporator core. The loss of refrigerant can cause poor AC performance. Our technicians tell us that proper leak diagnoses should be performed in order to determine the cause of any refrigerant loss.
Head Light Lenses Become Cloudy/Opaque
Due to exposure to the sun, lenses for head lights may become opaque (cloudy or hazy). This reduces the effectiveness of the lights. Our technicians tell us plastic polishes can improve the clarity of the lenses, but replacement of the lamp housings is the only way to regain the full intensity of the lights.
Transmission Oil Seals May Leak on High Mileage Vehicles
High mileage vehicles may develop a leak from one or more of the transmission oil seals.
Bad Switch/Blower Motor Resistor Assembly May Cause Inoperative Heater Blower Motor
Other than a defective motor, a bad switch or blower motor resistor assembly can cause an inoperative heater blower motor.
Cracked strut tower bushings may cause knocking noise on front end
Automatic car washes can damage head lamp wipers
The head lamp wipers are easily damaged, especially by automatic car washes.