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.
Resources for the Repair and Maintenance of your Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG
Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG Models:
Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG Problems
Pneumatic System Leaks May Cause Problems With Seats, Trunk, and Doors
Miscellaneous --
Verified
Leaks in the pneumatic system will cause problems with the dynamic seats and the trunk and/or door closing assist.
Stalling and/or "Crank no Start" Due to Failed Crankshaft Position Sensor
Engine --
Verified
The engine may develop a stalling and/or no start condition due to a failed crankshaft position sensor.
Front Thrust Arm and Control Arm Bushing Can Crack or Tear
Suspension & Steering --
Verified
Front thrust arm and control arm bushings can crack and sometimes tear completely. If this is not repaired quickly, damage to the front subframe unit will occur, which is very expensive to repair. Updated control arms (that prevent damage to the subframe when the bushings wear out) are available.
Transmission May Leak Fluid and Damage Control Module
Drive Train --
Verified
The electrical connector at the automatic transmission may leak fluid into the wiring harness. If not repaired, the oil will migrate through the wiring harness and damage the transmission control module. At that point, a new harness and control module may be necessary to correct this problem.
Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG Recalls (Recent)
Internal Failure of Front Interior Control Module
Body, Interior & Misc., May 2, 2008
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.
Sensotronic Brake Control System May Default to Basic Hydraulic Mode
Brakes, August 8, 2005
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.
The Sensotronic Brake System May Be Disabaled
Brakes, October 21, 2004
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.
Incorrect Software Calibration May Cause Fuel Pump to Remain Powered in a Collision
Electrical & Lights, August 1, 2008
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.
Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG Questions and Answers
ecn, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG, Absecon, NJ
when my car gets hot the engine performance is retarded ? not overheating
engine management retards, or super charger not switched on ? about 50% of the normal power ?
bob99, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG, Draper, UT
the top will only lift part way up trunk opens but top stay in trunk
lippu70, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG, Washington, DC
Thus the fuel pump keep working contimuosly while the engine is running even on slow running. My Email is lippu70@hotmail.com
chcrabtree, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG, Ballwin, MO
how do i get the cd's out of the changer. how do i get the changer out of its slot?
Visitor, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG, Ballwin, MO
is it normal for the trunk latch to never lock? it closes but you can manually open it with your hand and it has a tendency not to stay open. you have to be very fast or you can get brained.
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Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG Reviews
The most unreliable car I've ever owned. Here is the abbreviated version of my car's failure list since I purchased it with 42K miles about 2 years ago (now about 60K miles): Supercharger pulley bearings broke, idler pulley bearings broke, closure panel for folding hardtop failed (other roof closure trim broke and came off), ABC suspension has failed and required major work twice, shifter has failed and required replacement, transmission fluid leaks from sensor connection,engine temperature sensor failed, washer fluid leaks from fluid level sensor, shroud inside rear wheel well has broken twice(never in an accident), roof lifting button inside trunk (when roof is stowed) has failed and required replacement, various trim pieces have cracked and or rattle regularly. All this and much more in a car with less than 60K miles. INSANELY UNRELIABLE AND THE MANUFACTURER COULDN'T CARE LESS. Stick with japanese vehicles. They seem to take more pride in the quality and reliability of their vehicles.
recently purchased presents itself as an electronic castrophe.most funtions operate correctly some of the time but only when in the mood.currently in shop needing help desperately. james. 11-15-12----2007 SL55 AMG
We loved ours, until it spontaneosly set itself on fire two weeks ago-July 2012. It had not been driven in a week and was parked in a garage when an electrical fire occurred behind the passenger side and smoldered the interior. Luckily, someone happened to be in the garage and noticed it at 2AM and called the fire department. No one was injured and only our car was severely damaged. Still waiting to find out more!
I can't stop smiling. UNMATCHED beauty and performance. Several people have complimented me once, twice then a third time on how beautiful this car is. I agree. Undoubtedly destined to become a classic, this car is as docile as a kitten until called upon to perform. Then it becomes a well controlled beastly powerful driving machine! The transition is pure magic. Son - park your motorbike. You can't beat this car. Side by side with a similarly powered and equipped Corvette there is just no comparison - full power acceleration in the rain thru a curve is completely stable. The Vet - look out - your sideways in an instant. I have the factory warrantee and I WILL perform the scheduled maintenance. If you don't think a special automobile is a privilege to own and care for - don't buy this car - you just don't get it.
2005 SL55 AMG
Extremely quick, comfortable, and enjoyable to drive. If roads are bad where you live I'd stay away from Low Profile 20's on this car, as I've had to have mine repaired twice in 6 months.
it's slippery fast when you really want to go and using the paddle shifters gives you even more control - head turner and worth every dime!
Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG Model Years
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