Resources for the Repair and Maintenance of your Mercedes-Benz SL500
Mercedes-Benz SL500 Models:
Mercedes-Benz SL500 Problems
Stalling and/or "Crank no Start" Due to Failed Crankshaft Position Sensor
The engine may develop a stalling and/or no start condition due to a failed crankshaft position sensor.
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.
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.
Active Body Control System Can Leak Hydraulic Fluid
The active body control system can leak fluid from numerous areas, including the tandem pump, hydraulic lines, struts, and/or seals. If it is not repaired, the vehicle ride height could drop too low and cause damage to the undercarriage.
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.
Mercedes-Benz SL500 Recalls (Recent)
Mercedes-Benz SL600 Recall 99V327000
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.
Learn more »Mercedes-Benz SL320 Recall 96V175000
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.
Learn more »Sensotronic Brake Control System May Default to Basic Hydraulic Mode
RepairPal Expert Overview:
Due to deterioration of the wiring harness connection or failure of the hydraulic pump, the sensotronic brake control (SBC) system may default to the hydraulic back-up mode. In the back-up mode, the driver has braking power sufficient to stop the vehicle, but greater brake pedal pressure is required and brake pedal travel will be noticeably longer. Dealers will install a bracket and replacement ground wire to the SBC pump unit on all affected vehicles. Additionally, dealers will inspect and replace the SSC pump unit in certain SL models. The Mercedes-Benz recall numbers are 2005070007 AND 2005110001.
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The Sensotronic Brake System May be Disabaled
RepairPal Expert Overview:
High mileage combined with a high number of brake actuations, or a high brake actuation frequency, can cause the pump motor of the SBC may run out of permissible tolerances. As a result, excessively high pressure may build the high pressure line of the brake system. If this occurs the system will switch into the hydraulic function mode as designed. Sensotronic brake control is disabled when the brake system is functioning in the hydraulic mode.Dealers will inspect the SBC hydraulic unit and replace it if necessary to correct this concern. The Mercedes-Benz recall number is 2004 050014.
Learn more »Incorrect Software Calibration May Cause Fuel Pump To Remain Powered In A Collision
RepairPal Expert Overview:
There is a faulty software calibration that affects several areas including shutting off the fuel supply in a collision. This could cause a fire hazard during an accident. Dealers will reprogram this software. The Mercedes-Benz recall number is 2008 070001. This recall began during August, 2008.
Learn more »Mercedes-Benz SL500 Questions and Answers
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?
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 & play" switch...
How can I access the dashboard area to reach the rear of the radio of my 1994 SL500 to add my Sony 10-disc CD player? I would like to add this to my car as it is still a very good useable unit and...
I put new battery in 6 mths ago. Car was not driven for3 months during which time battery went dead. Now battery won't jump start or charge. What could cause this and/or fix this?
Sometimes if I simply turn the car off and then back on it starts blowing cold again.
At time it may take a week to 10 days for it to start working again & it will work fine for 2-4 weeks. What cou...
Mercedes-Benz SL500 Stories
Nothing but problems. I own that car for 8 months. It has 65000 miles and I had to put 8000.00$ in repairs in. Now it has to go back to fix the sbc system cost 1600.00$. Who knows what comes next, Its not funny any more. I can't bring it to a reg. mechanic only Merc.dealer can fix it.
Car is in great condition, with what I consider not excessive milage (115,000). Everything goes out at once; the power steering leaks, the air conditioner went out (all the way - blower assembly, compressor, etc.) to the tune of $5000, and the a couple of hydraulic cylinders to lift the convertable top started leaking. In this car there are 13 of them (maybe 16 I forget), and you have to practically disassemble the car interior to get to them. And if you just replace a couple the rest start to fail pretty much in series so had to replace them all. Rebuilt ones save a thousand or more. Basically put $10,000+ in it to get it back to like new...until something else goes. I believe I am putting my mechanic's kids through college.
Car is very fun to drive - handling, acceleration, and braking are all superior. Mercedes styling is second to none. Bought the car 9 months ago with 55,000 miles. No mechanical problems to date. Brakes have occasional squeak which dealer attributes to metallic pads. Bought a full warranty for peace of mind.
Love it.. Fast, Sleek, Low, Lots of torque and the hardtop/softtop combo is a win in any situation.
THIS CAR BLOWS!! and i dont mean like a supercharger....nothing but problems on an 03 with 44k miles from private dealer:
1)battery control module = replaced
2)200amp "pre-fuse" = replaced
3)gas tank = needs to be replaced (spot weld baffle breaks and starts making clanging noise)
4)motor mount BROKEN = needs to be replaced
5)brakes wore down in 5000 iles = replaced
6) moisture causes ESP, ABS & BAS lights to illuminate for afew minutes..when its humid out (twice already)
7)roadster top failed to operate = fixed by pushing in micro-switch on both sides of roof from inside trunk
ALL THIS IN LESS THAN 2 MONTHS!!!!!!!!! mercedes service SUCKS and wont stand behind any manufacturers defect