SL/R230: Having major problems with my 03 SL500
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 24
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From: San Antonio, Texas
2003 SL 500
Having major problems with my 03 SL500
just wanted to check with this forum regarding any problems that any owner is experiencing with their SL. I have so many problems that I am about to blow loose my cool. I would appreciate hearing from Sl owners as to any problems with their cars. rather than me posting ny problems I want to see if others are having problems with their $100,000 + auto.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 28,933
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Originally posted by mbtech208
What kind of problems exactly are you having?
What kind of problems exactly are you having?
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 37
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From: Europe
R230
In my car there are some problems with driver's side airbag sensor - it indicates that there is something wrong with SRS on the dashboard, and my steering wheel and driver seat doesn't always get back to my memorized position after gettin into the car. But some days ago i have been to my local MB dealer and they told me that it is a problem with almost all new SL's and they are working now in Germany to solve it and that surely they will call me to bring the car to the service to change something in my seat in next couple of weeks. Maybe some of you guys have the same problem?
Maciek
Maciek
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Joined: Mar 2002
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From: State College, pennsylvania
2007 CLS550 (White w/black interior);2008 smart CABRIO
only one minor problem in 11 months-
I have a new 2003 Launch Edition -del 03/2003-SL500 - one driver car-currently have 11,000 miles -both mixed local driving and longer Interstate trips-have 4 snow tires and rims--used every day for last 11 months in all kinds of Pennsylvania Allegheny Mountain Weather-warm,cold,snow,ice.,etc.
Garaged every night. Top up and down a lot during nice weather. Only one problem so far- at 10,000 miles SRS light appeared--needed to have drivers seat belt (unit)replaced-under warranty. Very pleased with overall performance and trouble free. dependable driving. Giff Albright, State College, PA
Garaged every night. Top up and down a lot during nice weather. Only one problem so far- at 10,000 miles SRS light appeared--needed to have drivers seat belt (unit)replaced-under warranty. Very pleased with overall performance and trouble free. dependable driving. Giff Albright, State College, PA
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Member
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 129
Likes: 0
From: State College, pennsylvania
2007 CLS550 (White w/black interior);2008 smart CABRIO
CORRECTION delivery date--
my Launch Edition 2003 SL 500 del 03/2002 --NOT 2003 as stated in message above- Giff Albright, State College, PA
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 37
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From: Europe
R230
so it looks like it is a common problem in SL. my SL was bought in december 2001 so it's one of the first SLs and the literally first one here in Poland and no other problems till now excluding this SRS thing. maybe it's condition is so good because of the low mileage - i have done only 4600 km in 14 months.
Maciek
Maciek
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 24
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From: San Antonio, Texas
2003 SL 500
SL Problems
The problems are too numerous to list and it was not my intent to ***** about the problems. But I guess it would be unfair since others are sharing their experiences not to mention some of the recurring or most common ones
ABC went out in the middle of nowhere
SRS light has come on several times
Tire pressure monitor reads wrong pressure have to reset system
Gas gauge says I am on empty when I know I have gas
Irratic in retracting the steering wheel and seat when exiting
Several times keyless go wont work cant start car
Command blanks out
Command freezes on telephone mode
No sound at all from radio or CD player not to mention verbal commands
on and on.....
I just wanted to see if there have been others. Based on the replies as I suspected most SL's have been performing well. Mine it just a lemon!!!!!!!! Both MB and the local dealer have been working hard to get the car fixed, but I am just geting tired of taking the car in to the dealership and not be able to enjoy the car.
ABC went out in the middle of nowhere
SRS light has come on several times
Tire pressure monitor reads wrong pressure have to reset system
Gas gauge says I am on empty when I know I have gas
Irratic in retracting the steering wheel and seat when exiting
Several times keyless go wont work cant start car
Command blanks out
Command freezes on telephone mode
No sound at all from radio or CD player not to mention verbal commands
on and on.....
I just wanted to see if there have been others. Based on the replies as I suspected most SL's have been performing well. Mine it just a lemon!!!!!!!! Both MB and the local dealer have been working hard to get the car fixed, but I am just geting tired of taking the car in to the dealership and not be able to enjoy the car.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,425
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2000 W210 E55->2003 R230 SL500->2004 W211 E55->2007 997TT+2007 E63->2010 GLK350->2012 E550 4matic
SL500 issues
My SRS light problem had been a headache but was finally fixed.
I use the V60 phone several times a day without any problems whatsoever. Is your version CDMA or TDMA?
My experience is that most problems on the SL can be fixed by a good dealer. If the servicing becomes too annoying, talk to the regional rep in your area and get a nicer loaner car when you drop off your SL. I have been driving CL500s when the SL was serviced.
MB service is hard to beat in Canada.
I use the V60 phone several times a day without any problems whatsoever. Is your version CDMA or TDMA?
My experience is that most problems on the SL can be fixed by a good dealer. If the servicing becomes too annoying, talk to the regional rep in your area and get a nicer loaner car when you drop off your SL. I have been driving CL500s when the SL was serviced.
MB service is hard to beat in Canada.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 443
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You've listed a ton of problems, more than we have ever seen. IF it were me, I would have just given the car back and ordered another one. Dealers are experts when it comes to "patching" things up. Sure, eventually they may get it working, but I am more than positve than even more problems are soon to surface. Don't let the dealer stall you until the Lemon law is inneffective!!!
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 28,933
Likes: 12
Originally posted by internet_mafia
You've listed a ton of problems, more than we have ever seen. IF it were me, I would have just given the car back and ordered another one. Dealers are experts when it comes to "patching" things up. Sure, eventually they may get it working, but I am more than positve than even more problems are soon to surface. Don't let the dealer stall you until the Lemon law is inneffective!!!
You've listed a ton of problems, more than we have ever seen. IF it were me, I would have just given the car back and ordered another one. Dealers are experts when it comes to "patching" things up. Sure, eventually they may get it working, but I am more than positve than even more problems are soon to surface. Don't let the dealer stall you until the Lemon law is inneffective!!!
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 443
Likes: 0
When you buy a new from a dealer, you have the right to return it for a full refund if you believe you have been sold a defective car. The guy who posted this thread is definitely a candidate. However, you only have a certain window of opportunity to exercise your right(ie., 30 days). After this period, the standard manufacturer's warranty kicks in. Dealers try to get around the law by attempting to stall the owner by doing patchwork, knowing that the car is seriously flawed.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 56
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SL 500
I personally love my new 03 SL 500. The only thing i don't like is the way i feel the transmission downshift when i'm braking. Also could use a little more pep. My 94 SL 500 feels like it has more power on the top end.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,061
Likes: 326
From: 2000 ft over the FL coast in a B-17
Various
Originally posted by Godfather
I personally love my new 03 SL 500. The only thing i don't like is the way i feel the transmission downshift when i'm braking. Also could use a little more pep. My 94 SL 500 feels like it has more power on the top end.
I personally love my new 03 SL 500. The only thing i don't like is the way i feel the transmission downshift when i'm braking. Also could use a little more pep. My 94 SL 500 feels like it has more power on the top end.
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 5
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Major problems with SL55AMG
Hi,
I just bought my 03 SL55AMG and am having major problems with it the car does not lock and the roof does not go down it keeps saying "close boot separator" but this is allready closed also the air con has stopped working the SRS light is on!!! Thsi has all happened at the same time when I drove it from Gemany to Spain where I live. The car is now with Mercedes but they dont have a solution at the momment anyone had this problem before and know of a solution??
All help appreciated.
I just bought my 03 SL55AMG and am having major problems with it the car does not lock and the roof does not go down it keeps saying "close boot separator" but this is allready closed also the air con has stopped working the SRS light is on!!! Thsi has all happened at the same time when I drove it from Gemany to Spain where I live. The car is now with Mercedes but they dont have a solution at the momment anyone had this problem before and know of a solution??
All help appreciated.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,111
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From: Memphis
SL500 and A-CLASS
Originally Posted by uag
The problems are too numerous to list and it was not my intent to ***** about the problems. But I guess it would be unfair since others are sharing their experiences not to mention some of the recurring or most common ones
ABC went out in the middle of nowhere
SRS light has come on several times
Tire pressure monitor reads wrong pressure have to reset system
Gas gauge says I am on empty when I know I have gas
Irratic in retracting the steering wheel and seat when exiting
Several times keyless go wont work cant start car
Command blanks out
Command freezes on telephone mode
No sound at all from radio or CD player not to mention verbal commands
on and on.....
I just wanted to see if there have been others. Based on the replies as I suspected most SL's have been performing well. Mine it just a lemon!!!!!!!! Both MB and the local dealer have been working hard to get the car fixed, but I am just geting tired of taking the car in to the dealership and not be able to enjoy the car.
ABC went out in the middle of nowhere
SRS light has come on several times
Tire pressure monitor reads wrong pressure have to reset system
Gas gauge says I am on empty when I know I have gas
Irratic in retracting the steering wheel and seat when exiting
Several times keyless go wont work cant start car
Command blanks out
Command freezes on telephone mode
No sound at all from radio or CD player not to mention verbal commands
on and on.....
I just wanted to see if there have been others. Based on the replies as I suspected most SL's have been performing well. Mine it just a lemon!!!!!!!! Both MB and the local dealer have been working hard to get the car fixed, but I am just geting tired of taking the car in to the dealership and not be able to enjoy the car.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,023
Likes: 1
From: Chicago, IL
W215 CL600
No problems with the 03 SL500 I'm currently driving while I wait to get my E55 back. Really like the car a lot, but like the E55 more. Perhaps if I was driving an SL55 my feelings would change. 
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,604
Likes: 125
2026 Mercedes CLE53A4 AMG Cabriolet and 2025 MAYBACH EQS680V4
Originally Posted by MBAMGPWR
No problems with the 03 SL500 I'm currently driving while I wait to get my E55 back. Really like the car a lot, but like the E55 more. Perhaps if I was driving an SL55 my feelings would change.
