Mercedes-benz 600sl problems
The Mercedes-Benz R129 SL is a roadster which was produced by Mercedes-Benz from 1988 until 2001. The R129 replaced the R107 in 1989 and was in its turn replaced by the R230 SL-Class in 2002 for the 2003 model year.
The R129 was offered as a two-door roadster with an automated (electro-hydraulic), fabric convertible roof; colour-matched, automated tonneau cover; and a manually detachable hardtop that could be fitted over the stored fabric convertible roof and tonneau. It was available with a variety of powertrains across its twelve-year production, including a V12 option used in the SL600.
Development and launch
Designed in 1984, the R129 was based on the shortened floorpan of the Mercedes-Benz W124. The new SL-class was presented at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1989, with left-hand drive sales beginning that summer and right-hand drive sales in the autumn. It came runner-up behind the Citroen XM for the European Car of the Year accolade.
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Mercedes-benz 600sl model years
Common Mercedes-benz 600sl problems
The Mercedes-Benz 600SL, produced between 1989 and 2001, is a high-performance luxury car equipped with a powerful V12 engine. While many owners enjoy their 600SLs, there are common problems that have been reported by some owners.
- Oil Leaks: The M120 engine found in the 600SL is prone to oil leaks, particularly from the timing cover and oil level sending unit O-rings. The timing cover seals, made of black rubber, tend to harden and seal poorly over time. The front timing cover upper seals were redesigned at some point, and those with the green seal material are less likely to leak.
- ADS II Suspension: The Active Damping System II (ADS II) suspension, standard on the 600SL, is considered the biggest maintenance weakness on this car. Listen for any suspension clunking/noise on acceleration, deceleration, and going over bumps. The front accumulators are now difficult to source outside of going through local Mercedes-Benz dealers in the US. Some ADS small parts are now discontinued, but eBay can be a good source sometimes. It's recommended not to buy used accumulators, as they may not function properly if not replaced recently.
- Transmission Issues: In 1995, the transmission of the SL-Class models changed from hydraulic to electronic. The 320 has a five-speed transmission, while the 500 has a six-speed. It's essential to be aware of the transmission type and its maintenance requirements when considering an SL-Class model.
- Engine Performance: The 600SL's V12 engine is known for its power and performance, but it can also be finicky and pricey to maintain. It requires high-octane fuel, which can add to the overall cost of ownership. However, many owners find the performance and luxury of the 600SL worth the investment.
- AC and Other Systems: Some owners have reported issues with the air conditioning system, transmission, and other components. Regular maintenance and inspections can help identify and address these issues before they become significant problems.
In summary, the Mercedes-Benz 600SL is a high-performance luxury car with a powerful V12 engine. However, it's essential to be aware of common problems, such as oil leaks, ADS II suspension issues, transmission changes, and engine performance concerns. Regular maintenance and inspections can help ensure the longevity and enjoyment of this iconic vehicle.
What is the most common problem with Mercedes?
Engine Misfiring Issues
Engine misfires constitute one of the most prevalent problems that Mercedes-Benz cars face. This is a common occurrence in cars that have not received periodic maintenance to replace components such as ignition coils and spark plugs.
How many miles per gallon does a r129 600sl get?
Mercedes-Benz SL 600 (R129) specs
| Price in US | $132,190 |
|---|---|
| Curb weight | 1902-2052 kg (4193-4524 lbs) |
| Years built | 1992 - 2001 |
| Origin country | Germany |
| Gas mileage | 21.9-11.4 l/100 km (11-21 mpg US / 13-25 mpg UK) |
Which Mercedes has less problems?
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
These luxury sedans earn high safety ratings and cost less than the brand overall annually to repair. RepairPal estimates the cost of repairs to be around $788, with 0.6 visits to the shop every year. Highly ranked years include 2008, 2009, and 2012.
What are Mercedes-Benz weaknesses?
One of the main weaknesses of the Mercedes business is after-sales service. Indeed, maintenance can be very expensive, and it is an essential factor in the purchase of a vehicle. The after-sales service offered by Mercedes is much more expensive than that of other players in the automotive industry.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Mercedes-benz 600sl years
We have researched Mercedes-benz problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Mercedes-benz 600sl cars and compiled the top 1 most problematic Mercedes-benz 600sl model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Mercedes-benz 600sl model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Mercedes-benz 600sl years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Mercedes-benz 600sl car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Mercedes-benz 600sl , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Mercedes-benz 600sl vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Mercedes-benz 600sl . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Mercedes-benz 600sl vehicles.
List of Mercedes-benz 600sl complaints
Mercedes-benz 600sl 1993
- Date Of Incident: 2017-11-04
- Date Complaint: 2017-12-05
- VIN: WDBFA76E7PF
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: I HAVE OWNED THIS CAR FOR 10 YEARS NOW WITH NO WIRING PROBLEMS. RECENTLY THE CAR HAS INTERMITTENT ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS DUE TO THE INSULATION ON THE WIRING. THE WIRING TO THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSORS THE INSULATION IS COMPLETELY GONE ON THE WIRING CAUSING THE CAR TO ACCELERATE BY ITSELF OR STOP RUNNING COMPLETELY, THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM. THERE ARE TWO MASS AIR FLOW SENSORS ON THE CAR EACH HARNESS COST APPROXIMATELY $1500. THE UPPER WIRING HARNESS FOR THE TIMING AND FUEL INJECTORS COST $900.00 THIS IS DUE TO MERCEDES INSTALLING BIO DEGRADABLE INSULATION ON THEIR WIRING FOR THIS YEAR, THE INSULATION GETS HOT AND JUST FALLS OFF THE WIRING. ALSO THE WIRES FOR THE FUEL INJECTORS ARE CRACKED EVERY INCH ALONG THE WIRING AS WELL AS THE WIRING TO THE TIMING. I CAN'T DRIVE THE CAR NOW BECAUSE OF THE WIRING ISSUES, CAN'T GET THE CAR OVER 30 MILES AN HOUR AND I'M AFRAID OF THE POSSIBILITY OF A FIRE. MERCEDES HAS BUILT MILLIONS OF OTHER MODELS WITH THE SAME CONDITION IN THE MID90S AND I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT THEY HAVE NOT HAD A RECALL.
Mercedes-benz 600sl 1993
- Date Of Incident: 2014-08-13
- Date Complaint: 2014-09-02
- VIN: WDBFA76EXPF
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WIRE HARNESS IS DISINIGRATING CAUSING MULTIPLE FAULTS. *TR
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