Resources for the Repair and Maintenance of your Mercedes-Benz SL500
Mercedes-Benz SL500 Models:
Mercedes-Benz SL500 Problems
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.
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.
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.
Mercedes-Benz SL500 Recalls (Recent)
Mercedes-Benz SL500 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 »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 to 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 »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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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 Recall 96V058000
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.
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...
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...
Mercedes-Benz SL500 Reviews
JUST PURCHASED MY 2003 SL-500 W/49,000 MILES JULY 2012....SINCE HAVE REPLACED A ABS/SBC/AND NOW THE ABC NEEDS REPLACED ..THEY DIDN'T TELL ME THAT MY WALLET HAD A PUMP IN IT ..LOVE THE CAR BUT TOTALLY DISSAPOINTED IN THE CUSTOMER SATISFACTION....MERCEDES YOU HAVE LET ME DOWN ! IF YOU BUY A MERCEDES YOUR REPAIR BILLS IS MORE THAN YOUR PAYMENTS!
I bought this from the first owner who put a whopping 55,000 miles on it in 15 years. The biggest problem showed up after I got it home and removed the hardtop-the pillar cylinders started leaking. [Tow #1]. I had all 12 replaced and so far, so good. This was likely because the owner did not remove the hardtop and exercise the convertible top. I had another incident when the instruments died and the brake lights ceased working. After I replaced fuses twice, MB towed it in [#2], gave me a loaner and repaired the problem-the insulation on some of the wires for the 3rd brake light were worn and causing the short. This car is beautifully styled, handles great and runs like a rocket.
Bought this car one year old in 2004 with 7k miles on it. Has been a fairly good ride. Lots of fun when it isn't cost you at every turn. If you buy this car, set up a saving account to cover all the consistent costs. Good luck
Worse car I have ever owned. Something on it breaks at least once a month sometimes more. I've owned it almost a year and have put maybe 6k miles on it and have spent about 12k on maintenance.
She's like a hot super model, beautiful to look at, fun to ride but every time I get in her she cost me money.
Well, I purchased my SL500 new in 2003 and it has not had any issues. I just have it periodically serviced with the A and B schedules. You guys must have purchased vehicles that had a hard life.