Resources for the Repair and Maintenance of your Mercedes-Benz SL600
Mercedes-Benz SL600 Models:
Mercedes-Benz SL600 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.
Tandem Hydraulic Pumps May Leak From Either Section
Some models have tandem hydraulic pumps—one section for power steering and the other for suspension adjustment. These pumps are prone to leakage from either section.
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).
Throttle Valves May Experience Electrical Failure
The electronic throttle assembly may suffer an electrical failure. It is often cheaper to send the valve to a service center for repair that to purchase a new part.
Transmission May Leak Fluid and Damage Control Module
The electrical connector at the automatic transmission may leak fluid. Over time leaking fluid could migrate through the wiring harness and damage the transmission control module. If that happens a new harness and control module may be necessary to correct the problem.
Mercedes-Benz SL600 Recalls (Recent)
Internal Failure of Front Interior Control Module
RepairPal Expert Overview:
Transistors used in the front signal acquisition and actuation module (SAM-F) may have been damaged during module assembly. As a result, the module could fail without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will inspect and replace the affected modules as necessary. This recall is scheduled to begin on May 2, 2008. The Mercedes-Benz recall number is 2008 030005.
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 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 »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 SL600 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 SL600 Questions and Answers
A couple of weeks ago it would take a little playing with to get it to go in to reverse. Now it just won't at all. The shifter works fine, just no go. All forward gears are fine. Someone to...
All the forward gears are working fine, it won't engage in to reverse.
can the convertable top go up manualy. if so how? the pump is broke. i replaced the 2 front pumps. 4 more am told need replacement . 4500 estimate, seems like a lot?
when starting accelarate to high rpm not all ways disconect air flow meter on passenger side very little change in rpm disconect air fiow meter on driver side rough idle loss of power accelerate fa...
to Lawrence Kansas with no problems or leaks. I then had all of the fluids replaced (car had 31,000 certified miles on it). After one day a large tranny fluid leak showed up on the floor. The de...
Mercedes-Benz SL600 Reviews
1995 SL600 a fun to drive car, great traveling the interstate. Can't handle long back-ups without temp climbing....needs movement to cool. Lots of power and braking, world class handling. Only real problem is the wiring breaks down and could need expensive parts to replace..ie throttle bodys, e-gas computer 15k to replace new. ( 2k rebuilt )If you are looking for a weekend driver this is it.
Hello everyone.
This is my view on these machines. I have a 1998 SL600 and her name is Lisa (as in Mona Lisa and yes, I name my automobiles).
Please, remember that these cars are not simple Ford Mustangs or Mazda Miatas with hood stars. Mercedes SLs are cars for people that understand and/or enjoy complex machines (or that have mechanics that do if they don't). Think Swiss timepiece - Not something you just buy to tell time with. If that's what you're after, get the Mazda.
You also shouldn't buy one if you are bargain shopping or trying to impress someone - especially if you can't afford the fuel costs or maintenance. You'd be better of training on a simpler, cheaper automobile. Personally, I love them to death and I'm very mechanically inclined yet I still get goose bumps when I think of changing the plugs or playing with the hydraulic suspension on this V12.
However, if you are ready for one of these beauties, they are a real pleasure to have and just like anything else that is well made, they were designed by engineers that know their stuff and these cars were built to last with expensive materials and highly skilled labor.
You are making an investment with a Mercedes S-class or SL. Buy one that was taken care of properly by someone who loved it then you do the same. Keep in mind that this is a machine designed and built by humans - not gods. There will be problems. There always are. It's just a matter of perspective.
I drive MBZ SL600 R (2000). Drives like a dream. Soft top works flawlessly. AC (Indeed it's climate control) - no complains, cabin cools in seconds. I monitor gas mileage every time I fill the gas tank (only premium fuel, of course). gas mileage stays pretty consistent averaging 15-17 miles/gal in the city. Really fun to drive car.
JUNK...Any Sl600, SL65, Sl55 under the year 2009 per the dealership.
I was told if you purchase any of these nightmaeres (which I DID) be p0repard to put in an additional $20k, of which I'm at the half-way mark in less than a year.
Love Mercedes, hate their Junk.
Stop BETA-TESTING on the public; and charging us for it!!!!!
This is just a car with problems. Very power full, yet simple stuff don't work properly. ABC for one. A/C takes a long time to cool off a small cabin. I've a big SUV and considering the size of the cabin it does a much better job cooling. Strange noises heard when the car is cold, gone when the car is warm.