SL-Class (R230) 2003 -- 2012: Discussion on the SL500, SL550, SL600

SL/R230: SL500 Slow to start

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Jun 1, 2019 | 03:45 PM
  #1  
Mattleycrue76's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 31
Likes: 4
2003 MB SL500
SL500 Slow to start

Ever since I purchased my 2003 SL500 I have noticed that the car often cranks for quite a bit before it fires up. We are usually talking about 3-5 seconds, which isn't too bad, but it feels like forever compared to most other cars. It doesn't bother me that much but I don't want to get stranded if this is the sign of something going out. A few times the car has actually "timed out" and I was forced to start a second time. It has however never actually failed to start on me.

I have recently replaced all the spark plugs. Starter battery is good and cranks with plenty of motivation. There are no error codes or messages (I checked with STAR).

For that reason I do not suspect the coils, since I'm pretty sure they would pop a misfire code if they weren't working properly.

My best guess is that it might have something to do with the fuel supply?

Has anyone experienced this or have any ideas on what would cause this?

Cheers,

Matt
Reply
Old Jun 1, 2019 | 04:20 PM
  #2  
MarkCan's Avatar
Member
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 168
Likes: 21
From: Mississauga, CA
Sl500
Hey Matt,
I think you are going in the right direction.
I your case I would first like to confirm the fuel pressure.
Next time after starting the car, confirm there is no error messages on the instrument panel. Let it run for a minute or two,let it settle to it’s pace and shut it off. Wait 5 seconds and try starting it back up. Now, does it start quicker?
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 01:14 PM.

story-0
New Mercedes-AMG SUVs Arrive With NEW V8 Engine: 12 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes-AMG's updated GLE 63 S and GLS 63 bring a new-generation V8, subtle design revisions, and familiar supercar-rivaling performance figures.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-17 12:52:51


VIEW MORE
story-1
8 Oddball Mercedes Ideas That Actually Made it to Production

Slideshow: Mercedes has never been afraid to experiment, and some of its strangest ideas turned out to be surprisingly successful.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-10 17:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-2
Dubai Tuner Gives the Mercedes G-Class An Entirely New Look

Sideshow: A Middle Eastern tuner has transformed the Mercedes-AMG G 63 into an open-top special, replacing nearly every exterior panel in the process.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-10 15:29:50


VIEW MORE
story-3
Six Gift Ideas Your AMG Loving Dad or Grad Will Cherish

Slideshow: Six gift ideas your AMG loving dad or grad will cherish.

By | 2026-06-03 17:26:18


VIEW MORE
story-4
7 Craziest Things AMG Gas Ever Built

Slideshow: Sometimes AMG builds fast sedans. Other times, it builds twin-turbo V12 land missiles and six-wheeled off-road monsters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-26 17:59:58


VIEW MORE
story-5
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes-AMG's new electric GT 4-Door Coupe trades combustion for software, synthetic noise, and more than 1,100 horsepower.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 20:08:15


VIEW MORE
story-6
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-7
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE