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

SL/R230: SL550 starting problems

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Old Mar 15, 2020 | 07:59 PM
  #1  
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From: Hilton Head Isalnd, SC
2011 Jaguar XF, 2007 SL 550
SL550 starting problems

Seeking suggestions on where the starting problem might lie. The engine will turn over well but won't fire. Was waiting an hour for a tow and tried numerous times to see if it would fire up. It did in about 45 mins of intermittent attempts and drove it to the shop which usually works on it. They couldn't find anything in the fault codes but on a hunch replaced the crankshaft position sensor with my approval. The car started but has failed again and is sitting in my garage DOA. I'll need to have it towed but not sure if I should tow to the same shop (they do some imports and close by), and independent import shop 20 miles away, or to a MB dealer 18 miles away?

Fuel filter was changed about 15, 000 miles ago and there is a full tank of gas from a reliable gas station.

Ideas and suggestions welcomed. I realize the shop location is my call. Thanks
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Old Mar 15, 2020 | 08:49 PM
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2005 SL55 AMG
Check fuel pump and fuses.
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Old Mar 16, 2020 | 11:07 AM
  #3  
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SL500, Miata
Originally Posted by MNMM
I'll need to have it towed but not sure if I should tow to the same shop (they do some imports and close by), and independent import shop 20 miles away, or to a MB dealer 18 miles away?
I wouldn't send it to the shop that replaced the crank sensor. With a $15 diagnostic device I think they ought to have been able to crank the non-starting engine and see that it was spinning at about 60 RPMs. If so, then that would have proved the cranks sensor was fine.
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Old Mar 26, 2020 | 08:09 AM
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From: Hilton Head Isalnd, SC
2011 Jaguar XF, 2007 SL 550
Latest update. I had the car towed (flat bed) to the independent mechanic (MB, BMW and Audi). He found the fuel pump had seized so replaced the pump and filter. Still had starting issues. Further examination found an issue with the engine computer not sending power to the fuel pump, intermittently.

I'm told this is a reported problem with the 2007 SL550? Input on this please.

Now at the decision point to buy new engine computer (expensive), buy used computer and reprogram, or try fo have the bad board repaired in the engine computer (long lead time, weeks).

I'd appreciate any input/advice please and thank you
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Old Mar 26, 2020 | 08:10 AM
  #5  
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From: Hilton Head Isalnd, SC
2011 Jaguar XF, 2007 SL 550
Latest update. I had the car towed (flat bed) to the independent mechanic (MB, BMW and Audi). He found the fuel pump had seized so replaced the pump and filter. Still had starting issues. Further examination found an issue with the engine computer not sending power to the fuel pump, intermittently.

I'm told this is a reported problem with the 2007 SL550? Input on this please.

Now at the decision point to buy new engine computer (expensive), buy used computer and reprogram, or try fo have the bad board repaired in the engine computer (long lead time, weeks).

I'd appreciate any input/advice please and thank you
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Old Mar 26, 2020 | 10:01 AM
  #6  
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CL
Originally Posted by MNMM
Latest update. I had the car towed (flat bed) to the independent mechanic (MB, BMW and Audi). He found the fuel pump had seized so replaced the pump and filter. Still had starting issues. Further examination found an issue with the engine computer not sending power to the fuel pump, intermittently.

I'm told this is a reported problem with the 2007 SL550? Input on this please.

Now at the decision point to buy new engine computer (expensive), buy used computer and reprogram, or try fo have the bad board repaired in the engine computer (long lead time, weeks).

I'd appreciate any input/advice please and thank you
used module, virginize with KTAG (50$) and load the firmware from old to new
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Old Mar 26, 2020 | 06:47 PM
  #7  
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From: Dallas, TX
2008 CL63 AMG
Sorry so late on this. I'm new to the forum and have been on-and-off. Anyway, I have a 2009 SL550 by which I'd experienced the same issue. The car has about 95,000 miles on it, and started perfectly fine when I bought it last year. However, over a course of time, I'd begun to realize that the car started to turn over more than usual to fire up. It continued to do so periodically during times of shopping and other errands. I didn't know why it kept doing that, but I'd assumed it had something to do with timing. I had it diagnosed and found that an "injection pump" was the issue. I replaced the injection pump and the problem still exists except one good thing, when I put the key in the ignition, rather than using the one on the gear shifter (handsfree), it starts better. If you have found the solution to your issue since your last post in January, please share. I'm curious. Thanks a bunch.
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Old Mar 26, 2020 | 06:54 PM
  #8  
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From: Hilton Head Isalnd, SC
2011 Jaguar XF, 2007 SL 550
Yesterday I found out that the ECU was faulty and was not feeding current to the fuel pump. Was told this is an issue with 2007 SL550's. They are sending my ECU out to be repaired and should have it back in a week or so.

I'm hoping that is the issue...thanks for looking into this.
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Old Mar 27, 2020 | 11:11 AM
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ECU Reply

Thanks for the update. I’ll do the same. I have a friend at MB that could point me in the right direction
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