Mercedes-benz Sl450 problems

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The Mercedes-Benz R107 and C107 are sports cars which were produced by Mercedes-Benz from 1971 until 1989, being the second longest single series ever produced by the automaker after the G-Class. They were sold under the SL (R107) and SLC (C107) model names in a variety of names indicating the displacement of the engines.

The R107/SL was a two-seat convertible with a detachable roof. It replaced the W113 SL-Class in 1971 and was replaced by the R129 SL-Class in 1989.

The predecessor W113 was notably successful in North America, with 19,440 units (40%) of 48,912 total units sold in the US. The R107 and C107 were even more focused on the American market, with specialized engines, bumper designs, headlights, and emissions management designs. The R107 and C107 sold 204,373 units in the US (68%) of 300,175 total units sold (excluding grey market sales into the US).

During its production run, the SL was the only roadster offered by Mercedes-Benz. The C107/SLC was a four-seat car with a fixed roof and an optional sliding steel sunroof. It replaced the W111 Coupé in 1971 and was in turn replaced by the C126 S-class coupé in 1981.

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Mercedes-benz Sl450 model years

mercedes-benz sl450 2020 photo
Sl450 2020
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mercedes-benz sl450 2018 photo
Sl450 2018
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Common Mercedes-benz Sl450 problems

Common Problems with Mercedes-Benz SL450 Cars

Mercedes-Benz SL450 cars are known for their luxury and performance, but they can also have some common problems that affect their reliability and cost of ownership.

  • Interior Trim and Seats: The interior trim can split, seats can collapse, and the dash can crack. These issues can affect the car's appearance and comfort, but they can also be expensive to repair.
  • Mechanical Issues: The V8 engine in the Mercedes-Benz SL450 is generally strong, but it can use plenty of petrol. Mechanical issues can arise, such as timing-chain replacement, which can cost between $500 and $1000 in labor alone.
  • Emissions Equipment: Meeting federal standards required new emissions equipment in the 1975 450SL, which can cause overheating and issues with the valves, controls, and other equipment in the climate-control system. These issues can be complex and expensive to repair.
  • Suspension and Steering: Suspension and steering issues can arise due to wear and tear or modifications. Check for worn shock absorbers, bushings, and excessive play in the control arms and ball joints. The steering box can also wear out, causing issues with the accuracy of the steering.
  • Brakes: The W107 is a heavy car, but it brakes perfectly with its brake discs all-round. Check for brake pad thickness and any screeching, which might indicate that they need replacement. A spongy feeling on the brake pedal means there's air in the brake lines, so it needs bleeding and a leak check.

In summary, Mercedes-Benz SL450 cars can have several common problems that affect their reliability and cost of ownership. These issues can include rust and dampness, interior trim and seats, mechanical problems, emissions equipment, suspension and steering, and brakes. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent or identify these issues early on, but they can still be expensive to repair.

Mercedes-benz Sl450

Is Mercedes-Benz 450sl a good car?

One of the best touring cars

It rides great and cruises better than any other car i have owned. Modern cars could learn a think or two on how to make a comfortable seat frome these old mercedes and everything still works. Its not the hotrod most people assume and its definatly not efficient, but it has style and class.

Is the Mercedes SL reliable?

The ones that are driven regularly and have been maintained well (oil, brake and transmission fluid changes) seem to be the most trouble free - regardless of age and mileage. The local MB dealer says the most expensive repairs come from SL's that have been driven very little and sit for long periods of time.

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.

What is the difference between sl450 and SL550?

The SL 450 is powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 making 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque good for 0-60 mph acceleration of 3.9 seconds. The SL 550 has a turbo V8 pumping out 449 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. It runs 0-60 mph in 4.3 seconds.

Recalls Mercedes-benz Sl450

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the Mercedes-benz Sl450.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.

  • Model: Mercedes-benz Sl450 2020
  • Report Received Date: 2022-05-20
  • Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
  • Summary: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.
  • Consequence: A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.
  • Remedy: The communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on July 8, 2022, May 17, 2024, July 29, 2024, and September 27, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers are for this recall is 2022060005 and 2023110006.
  • Model: Mercedes-benz Sl450 2018
  • Report Received Date: 2021-02-05
  • Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
  • Summary: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.
  • Consequence: Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.
  • Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020025.
  • Model: Mercedes-benz Sl450 2020
  • Report Received Date: 2021-02-05
  • Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
  • Summary: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.
  • Consequence: Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.
  • Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020025.
  • Model: Mercedes-benz Sl450 2018
  • Report Received Date: 2019-08-02
  • Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
  • Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
  • Summary: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 SL65 AMG, 2019 SL63 AMG and 2018-2019 SL450 and SL550 vehicles. The front passenger air bag may have been improperly sewn, allowing the seam to tear during deployment.
  • Consequence: A tear in the air bag may decrease performance and increase the risk of injury.
  • Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag, free of charge. The recall began December 13, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019100016.

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