SL/R230: Is This SBC Failure?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 25
Likes: 2
From: St Paul, MN; Tavares, FL
2005 SL 500
Is This SBC Failure?
Looking for confirmation of my best guess after reading several threads:
My new-to-me 2005 SL500 with 54,600mis (less than 25 from me!) started displaying the warnings shown in the photo below, along with a non-stop alarm. Also, the car would not upshift automatically, and while I could manually upshift it would almost immediately drop back down into low gear.
VERY DISAPPOINTED to have this happen after I had waited patiently to get a (relatively) low miles one-owner car!!!
Does this sound like the SBC failure that's covered by the 25 year warranty? That would at least reduces the sting.
If this is an SBC failure, is there any other maintenance that should be done while the SBC repair is underway?
Thanks for your help and advice!
My new-to-me 2005 SL500 with 54,600mis (less than 25 from me!) started displaying the warnings shown in the photo below, along with a non-stop alarm. Also, the car would not upshift automatically, and while I could manually upshift it would almost immediately drop back down into low gear.
VERY DISAPPOINTED to have this happen after I had waited patiently to get a (relatively) low miles one-owner car!!!
Does this sound like the SBC failure that's covered by the 25 year warranty? That would at least reduces the sting.
If this is an SBC failure, is there any other maintenance that should be done while the SBC repair is underway?
Thanks for your help and advice!
Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 233
Likes: 101
From: San Francisco
Current: '07 SL550 & '14 GLK350. Previously owned: '06 ML350, '05 SL500, '99 ML320 & '98 SLK230 (RI
It certainly looks like it.
I too bought my 07 SL550 with relatively low miles (68K miles) earlier last year, only to have the SBC go out about 8000 miles later.
And yes, I took the car into the Mercedes dealership, and they replaced the SBC unit and a few other related parts for free.
As for as other maintenance is concerned, Mercedes of San Francisco ran a "79 point" check and told me my engine mounts needed to be replaced. They also suggested the transmission mount be replaced while they were at it. The cost would be $1600 from the engine and an additional $800 for the transmission. They'll probably do something similar in your case (the 79 point diagnostic).
I too bought my 07 SL550 with relatively low miles (68K miles) earlier last year, only to have the SBC go out about 8000 miles later.
And yes, I took the car into the Mercedes dealership, and they replaced the SBC unit and a few other related parts for free.
As for as other maintenance is concerned, Mercedes of San Francisco ran a "79 point" check and told me my engine mounts needed to be replaced. They also suggested the transmission mount be replaced while they were at it. The cost would be $1600 from the engine and an additional $800 for the transmission. They'll probably do something similar in your case (the 79 point diagnostic).
Last edited by Dudeman; Jan 7, 2020 at 04:13 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 520
Likes: 203
From: Scottsdale AZ
2015 SL550 & 2012 S550 4matic
CF: Sorry to hear of early troubles, it looks like SBC malfunction. Dealer should pay to replace. Unless you have $$$$ and like free loaner cars and pastries, you can save $$ by using Indies and DIY over dealers.
CF and Dudeman: I had Motor mounts and tranny mount replaced with OEM parts for $950 by Indy near me. 2007 SL550 28k miles.
CF and Dudeman: I had Motor mounts and tranny mount replaced with OEM parts for $950 by Indy near me. 2007 SL550 28k miles.
Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 233
Likes: 101
From: San Francisco
Current: '07 SL550 & '14 GLK350. Previously owned: '06 ML350, '05 SL500, '99 ML320 & '98 SLK230 (RI
The other repairs, absolutely go the an independent. Just use what MB tells might be wrong with the car (if anything) as the starting point of discussion with the indie mechanic.
Best price I was able to get here for doing the engine and tranny mounts was about $1350. $1000 labor + $350 for OEM parts
Last edited by Dudeman; Jan 7, 2020 at 06:49 PM.
Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 233
Likes: 101
From: San Francisco
Current: '07 SL550 & '14 GLK350. Previously owned: '06 ML350, '05 SL500, '99 ML320 & '98 SLK230 (RI
Oh, one other thing. If you do take your car in to an indie shop to get a second opinion on the SBC, DO NOT let them clear the codes, because if you got to the dealer and the car doesn't show any codes, they won't do anything with it, and they'll charge you like $200 for the diagnostic.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 25
Likes: 2
From: St Paul, MN; Tavares, FL
2005 SL 500
Oh, one other thing. If you do take your car in to an indie shop to get a second opinion on the SBC, DO NOT let them clear the codes, because if you got to the dealer and the car doesn't show any codes, they won't do anything with it, and they'll charge you like $200 for the diagnostic.
Called the local dealer tonight and they already flat-bedded the car in free of charge to diagnose the problem. Now just keeping my fingers crossed it's warranty covered.
Thanks all for the feedback!
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Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 25
Likes: 2
From: St Paul, MN; Tavares, FL
2005 SL 500
Hallelujah!
Dealer just called to confirm SBC pump was bad and will be replaced under warranty. Though I have to wait 4-5 days for them to get parts from Germany.
In the meantime, they suggested they replace both batteries which tested under strength---only $600 bucks!!! I passed on that kind offer; got to be lower cost options out there!
Thanks again for the advice!
Dealer just called to confirm SBC pump was bad and will be replaced under warranty. Though I have to wait 4-5 days for them to get parts from Germany.
In the meantime, they suggested they replace both batteries which tested under strength---only $600 bucks!!! I passed on that kind offer; got to be lower cost options out there!
Thanks again for the advice!
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Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 233
Likes: 101
From: San Francisco
Current: '07 SL550 & '14 GLK350. Previously owned: '06 ML350, '05 SL500, '99 ML320 & '98 SLK230 (RI
$600 is high, but not that high. expect the Starter battery to cost about $200 and the Consumer battery $250-300. Yes you can get cheaper batteries, but they will no be the same quality or last as long.
$600 for both OEM batteries, installed is not actually that terrible.
$600 for both OEM batteries, installed is not actually that terrible.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 520
Likes: 203
From: Scottsdale AZ
2015 SL550 & 2012 S550 4matic
Thanks Dudeman for your perspective on pricing. Spoken with SF and CA lens. No doubt accurate within certain zip codes. Meanwhile us residents of often termed "fly-over country" operate with a different lens. If you can fix it your self, do it. If not shop around and spend wisely. E>G> Interstate/Autozone/ ** batteries have same specs (or greater as in Cold Cranking power) as MB batteries, they will start your car and maintain electronics if properly installed and MAINTAINED. (and you don't need a C-tek/MB badged to do it). We in fly-over country are grateful to have lower cost alternatives. Meanwhile, please support your local DEALERSHIPS in CA, and let us know how your next "dealership experience" goes. Less there be no confusion, all MB owners should take recalls, extended warranties, particularly BRAKING and SAFETY issues to the dealer as they are they BEST and ONLY solution in may cases.
Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 233
Likes: 101
From: San Francisco
Current: '07 SL550 & '14 GLK350. Previously owned: '06 ML350, '05 SL500, '99 ML320 & '98 SLK230 (RI
Thanks Dudeman for your perspective on pricing. Spoken with SF and CA lens. No doubt accurate within certain zip codes. Meanwhile us residents of often termed "fly-over country" operate with a different lens. If you can fix it your self, do it. If not shop around and spend wisely. E>G> Interstate/Autozone/ ** batteries have same specs (or greater as in Cold Cranking power) as MB batteries, they will start your car and maintain electronics if properly installed and MAINTAINED. (and you don't need a C-tek/MB badged to do it). We in fly-over country are grateful to have lower cost alternatives. Meanwhile, please support your local DEALERSHIPS in CA, and let us know how your next "dealership experience" goes. Less there be no confusion, all MB owners should take recalls, extended warranties, particularly BRAKING and SAFETY issues to the dealer as they are they BEST and ONLY solution in may cases.
O-Reilley Auto Parts (same as AutoZone), sells the starter battery for $200, and the consumer battery for $290. That's just $10 shy of $500, and if you ever did install the starter battery, in the Sl500, you would know it's not an easy one to do, in fact it's a pain the ***.
https://www.oreillyauto.com/shop/b/b...4/31624da3221a
So yes, I think $600 for genuine Mercedes parts, with installation is a damn good deal. But by all means, please show show US how much money you would save on these batteries in your neck of the woods.
Last edited by Dudeman; Jan 8, 2020 at 10:26 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 520
Likes: 203
From: Scottsdale AZ
2015 SL550 & 2012 S550 4matic
Made a call to a local dealer, quoted $800 + tax for both batteries installed. Save $300 if DIY, instructions available on these boards. Perhaps CA dealers have sharper pencils on batteries? Didn't mean to come off sarcastic, just not a fan of dealers, for things other than recalls, warranties, and complex repairs.
Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 233
Likes: 101
From: San Francisco
Current: '07 SL550 & '14 GLK350. Previously owned: '06 ML350, '05 SL500, '99 ML320 & '98 SLK230 (RI
Made a call to a local dealer, quoted $800 + tax for both batteries installed. Save $300 if DIY, instructions available on these boards. Perhaps CA dealers have sharper pencils on batteries? Didn't mean to come off sarcastic, just not a fan of dealers, for things other than recalls, warranties, and complex repairs.
So it doesn't have anything to do with California prices or anything like it. The OP is Minnesota, or Florida, I'm not sure.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 520
Likes: 203
From: Scottsdale AZ
2015 SL550 & 2012 S550 4matic
His profile says St. Paul, MN, and FL. I assumed MN, as many MN residents have winter homes in FL, but only a guess. The dealer nearest me quoted $200 more than OP dealer on other side of Twin Cities. It would be like a SF dealer quoted you a price and an Oakland dealer quoted a lower price. They do it all the time around here. I guess that is why I have a choice of 5 Indies to work on my cars and save.
