Mercedes-benz Sl550 problems
The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (marketed as Mercedes-AMG SL since 2022) is a grand touring sports car manufactured by Mercedes-Benz since 1954. The designation SL derives from the German Sport-Leicht (English: Sport Light).
Initially, the first 300 SL was a racing sports car built in 1952 with no intention of developing a street version. In 1954, an American importer Max Hoffman suggested the street version of 300 SL for the wealthy performance car enthusiasts in the United States where the market for the personal luxury car was booming after the Second World War.
Abbreviation of SL
Whether the abbreviation SL was derived from a 1931 Mercedes-Benz SSKL (Super Sport Kurz Leicht—Super Sport Short Light) isn't known. At the public introduction of 300 SL in 1952, Mercedes-Benz did not define the abbreviation SL.
The German magazine, auto motor und sport, declared in its 2012 special edition issue of Mercedes-Benz SL that Rudolf Uhlenhaut—in his notarised letter—indicated the abbreviation meant Super Leicht. This contradicted with the abbreviation proposed by Engelen, Riedner, and Seufert who worked with Rudolf Uhlenhaut: they indicated the abbreviation means Sport Leicht. On 15 March 2021, auto motor und sport published a photocopy of an undated "Informations-Unterlage" (press release) from 1952 in its issue, showing the definition of SL as super-leicht.
Mercedes-Benz used Sport Leicht and Super Leicht interchangeably until 2017 when a chance discovery in its corporate archive clarified the abbreviation stood for "Super Leicht".
According to the German definition, Leicht means light (as in weight, amount, and feeling, for instance) or easy (as in little effort). For this abbreviation in English language, the definition light is used.
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Mercedes-benz Sl550 model years
Common Mercedes-benz Sl550 problems
Mercedes-Benz SL550 owners often report several common problems, including expensive maintenance and repair costs, engine misfiring, oil leaks, differential leaks, rust issues, low brake pressure, worn-out catalytic converters, thrust link bushing failures, air suspension failures, and engine misfires.
- Expensive Maintenance and Repair Costs: Mercedes-Benz SL550 owners often face high repair and maintenance costs. The average annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Mercedes-Benz SL550 is $1,055, which is higher than the average for luxury fullsize cars and all vehicle models. These costs are attributed to the frequency and severity of repairs, which are both much higher than the average vehicle.
- Engine Misfiring: Some Mercedes-Benz SL550 owners experience engine misfiring before reaching 100,000 miles on their vehicle. This issue can be fixed by changing the spark plugs, but it often occurs earlier than expected, leading to additional costs.
- Oil Leaks: Mercedes-Benz models made after 1995, including the SL550, are prone to oil leaks due to the electronic transmission system. These leaks can lead to graphite build-up, causing further issues with the electronic transmission system.
- Differential Leaks: High-mileage Mercedes-Benz SL550 vehicles, particularly those in the E class lineup, are susceptible to differential leaks. These leaks typically originate from pinion seals, axle seals, or differential covers, and are more common in Mercedes-Benz models than in vehicles from other brands.
- Rust Issues: Mercedes-Benz vehicles, including the SL550, are known to rust quickly and easily, even on newer models. Rust can accumulate in various areas, such as floorboards, wheel wells, bumpers, front fenders, underneath seats, and behind license plates.
- Low Brake Pressure: Mercedes-Benz vehicles equipped with Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC) may experience low brake pressure, causing the car to suddenly slow and stop instead of braking when instructed. This issue is common and can lead to safety concerns.
- Worn-Out Catalytic Converters: Some SL550 owners report catalytic converter failure after only 60,000 miles. This issue can lead to engine misfires, hesitations, and the illumination of the check engine light.
- Thrust Link Bushing Failure: Mercedes-Benz SL550 vehicles are known to have thrust link bushings that can crack open, leading to the leakage of hydraulic fluid and potential tire wear. This issue can cause a bumpier ride and can lead to additional maintenance costs.
- Air Suspension Failure: Mercedes-Benz vehicles, including the SL550, have experienced issues with air suspension, particularly with air suspension bags and relays. These failures can lead to a less refined ride and handling experience.
- Engine Misfires: As engines in Mercedes-Benz vehicles wear down due to usage, spark plugs may need to be replaced. However, some SL550 owners experience engine misfires earlier than expected, requiring additional maintenance and repair costs.
Is the Mercedes SL550 reliable?
Severity. The probability of a repair being a severe or major issue is 20% for the Mercedes-Benz SL550, compared to an average of 14% for luxury fullsize cars and 12% for all vehicle models. The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of a vehicle.
What is the most reliable year of the SL500?
Thus the best years for drivers are 1996, 1997 and 1998, which have both the quad-cam engine and the 5-speed transmission. They are the best SL500s ever made and are real Mercedes, not watered down Daimler-Chryslers. The 1996 is the least expensive as a driver's car.
What is the problem with the 2008 Mercedes SL550?
Most Common 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL550 Problems
The active body control system can leak fluid from numerous areas, including the tandem pump, hydraulic lines,... Leaks in the pneumatic system will cause problems with the dynamic seats and the trunk and/or door closing assist.
What is the problem with the 2014 Mercedes SL 550?
Some known faults of the 2014 Mercedes Benz SL550 are hydraulic leaks, camshaft solenoid failure and brake rotor also causing brake pads to wear very quickly. There are some other issues like pneumatic system leaks causing problems with seats, but they are not that common.
Recalls Mercedes-benz Sl550
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the Mercedes-benz Sl550.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Mercedes-benz Sl550 2017
- 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.
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