SL/R230: CD/Radio Hesitation - 2005 SL600
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,604
Likes: 125
2026 Mercedes CLE53A4 AMG Cabriolet and 2025 MAYBACH EQS680V4
CD/Radio Hesitation - 2005 SL600
On my 2005 SL600 when I am playing a CD or radio and the roof is either opened or closed just before the final moments of the opening or closing the CD or radio hesitates.
It is almost like at the final stages of the opening or closing of the roof top that there is a little extra power needed and this draw causes a slow down or hesitation in the playing of the CD or radio.
I was wondering if anyone has experienced that problem and if they haven't and you have a 2005 SL600 could you please try to create this situation and see if the CD or radio that is playing hesitates. The CD and radio hesitation would be just before the final stage of the roof either opening or closing.
Thanks and Happy New Year to all.
It is almost like at the final stages of the opening or closing of the roof top that there is a little extra power needed and this draw causes a slow down or hesitation in the playing of the CD or radio.
I was wondering if anyone has experienced that problem and if they haven't and you have a 2005 SL600 could you please try to create this situation and see if the CD or radio that is playing hesitates. The CD and radio hesitation would be just before the final stage of the roof either opening or closing.
Thanks and Happy New Year to all.
Last edited by LovinMercedes; Jan 1, 2005 at 03:49 PM.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,604
Likes: 125
2026 Mercedes CLE53A4 AMG Cabriolet and 2025 MAYBACH EQS680V4
Originally Posted by JackStraw
I believe it is the audio system automatically compensating for the change in ambient noise when you open/close the roof. It is normal.
Not sure you are right. We need someone with a 2005 SL600 to check their car. I could see a change in the sound level but we are talking about same sound level, just a slight hesitation.
Last edited by LovinMercedes; Jan 1, 2005 at 06:36 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 911
Likes: 1
From: Wichita
2005 SL600, 2011 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite
This is from mbusa.com under specifications for the SL600:
Bose® Cabin Surround ™ multichannel digital sound system features: 8 speakers, including a dash-mounted center fill speaker and a 4x6" woofer, Cabin Surround sound architecture, with independent front and rear channels for a 360° sound field and a proprietary channel assignment algorithm for a balanced, accurate surround-sound experience for playback of audio CDs and optional SIRIUS Satellite Radio2 at each seating position, Bose Centerpoint™ signal processing, which processes stereo and matrix surround CDs to five independent channels, delivering a multichannel surround-sound experience, even from conventional stereo CDs. Bose AudioPilot™ digital processing, which monitors sound within the cabin and helps compensate for unwanted ambient noise with no perceived change in audio volume.
This link will take you to the Bose website that describes AudioPilot:
http://www.bose.com/controller;jsessionid=BXg461YMqb9JCJGFP4svDrWTJKPf ljMhmGn22lTHXyBN2F6pDXdw!1735365011!736317803?even t=VIEW_STATIC_PAGE_EVENT&url=/automotive/innovations/audiopilot.jsp&pageName=/automotive/innovations/index.jsp
Bose® Cabin Surround ™ multichannel digital sound system features: 8 speakers, including a dash-mounted center fill speaker and a 4x6" woofer, Cabin Surround sound architecture, with independent front and rear channels for a 360° sound field and a proprietary channel assignment algorithm for a balanced, accurate surround-sound experience for playback of audio CDs and optional SIRIUS Satellite Radio2 at each seating position, Bose Centerpoint™ signal processing, which processes stereo and matrix surround CDs to five independent channels, delivering a multichannel surround-sound experience, even from conventional stereo CDs. Bose AudioPilot™ digital processing, which monitors sound within the cabin and helps compensate for unwanted ambient noise with no perceived change in audio volume.
This link will take you to the Bose website that describes AudioPilot:
http://www.bose.com/controller;jsessionid=BXg461YMqb9JCJGFP4svDrWTJKPf ljMhmGn22lTHXyBN2F6pDXdw!1735365011!736317803?even t=VIEW_STATIC_PAGE_EVENT&url=/automotive/innovations/audiopilot.jsp&pageName=/automotive/innovations/index.jsp
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,604
Likes: 125
2026 Mercedes CLE53A4 AMG Cabriolet and 2025 MAYBACH EQS680V4
Originally Posted by JackStraw
This is from mbusa.com under specifications for the SL600:
Bose® Cabin Surround ™ multichannel digital sound system features: 8 speakers, including a dash-mounted center fill speaker and a 4x6" woofer, Cabin Surround sound architecture, with independent front and rear channels for a 360° sound field and a proprietary channel assignment algorithm for a balanced, accurate surround-sound experience for playback of audio CDs and optional SIRIUS Satellite Radio2 at each seating position, Bose Centerpoint™ signal processing, which processes stereo and matrix surround CDs to five independent channels, delivering a multichannel surround-sound experience, even from conventional stereo CDs. Bose AudioPilot™ digital processing, which monitors sound within the cabin and helps compensate for unwanted ambient noise with no perceived change in audio volume.
This link will take you to the Bose website that describes AudioPilot:
http://www.bose.com/controller;jsessionid=BXg461YMqb9JCJGFP4svDrWTJKPf ljMhmGn22lTHXyBN2F6pDXdw!1735365011!736317803?even t=VIEW_STATIC_PAGE_EVENT&url=/automotive/innovations/audiopilot.jsp&pageName=/automotive/innovations/index.jsp
Bose® Cabin Surround ™ multichannel digital sound system features: 8 speakers, including a dash-mounted center fill speaker and a 4x6" woofer, Cabin Surround sound architecture, with independent front and rear channels for a 360° sound field and a proprietary channel assignment algorithm for a balanced, accurate surround-sound experience for playback of audio CDs and optional SIRIUS Satellite Radio2 at each seating position, Bose Centerpoint™ signal processing, which processes stereo and matrix surround CDs to five independent channels, delivering a multichannel surround-sound experience, even from conventional stereo CDs. Bose AudioPilot™ digital processing, which monitors sound within the cabin and helps compensate for unwanted ambient noise with no perceived change in audio volume.
This link will take you to the Bose website that describes AudioPilot:
http://www.bose.com/controller;jsessionid=BXg461YMqb9JCJGFP4svDrWTJKPf ljMhmGn22lTHXyBN2F6pDXdw!1735365011!736317803?even t=VIEW_STATIC_PAGE_EVENT&url=/automotive/innovations/audiopilot.jsp&pageName=/automotive/innovations/index.jsp
If this hesitation were due to this feature it would be happening all the time when sound levels change. That is not what is happening. It only happens at the end of the cycle of the opening and closing of the roof.
With all due respect, I do not believe what you are saying has anytihng to do with this issue which may or may not be normal for this car. That is what I am trying to find out.
Think about it, if this hesitation were due to ambient noice the stereo would be hesitating all the time and that would be an impossibility from a quality point of view.
Thanks for the idea but what you are suggesting, in my humble opinion, is not the cause of the problem.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 911
Likes: 1
From: Wichita
2005 SL600, 2011 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite
Originally Posted by LovinSL600
I understand this feature and what this spec and article are saying. I think you would see a lowering or raising of a sound level and not a hesitation.
If this hesitation were due to this feature it would be happening all the time when sound levels change. That is not what is happening. It only happens at the end of the cycle of the opening and closing of the roof.
With all due respect, I do not believe what you are saying has anytihng to do with this issue which may or may not be normal for this car. That is what I am trying to find out.
Think about it, if this hesitation were due to ambient noice the stereo would be hesitating all the time and that would be an impossibility from a quality point of view.
Thanks for the idea but what you are suggesting, in my humble opinion, is not the cause of the problem.
If this hesitation were due to this feature it would be happening all the time when sound levels change. That is not what is happening. It only happens at the end of the cycle of the opening and closing of the roof.
With all due respect, I do not believe what you are saying has anytihng to do with this issue which may or may not be normal for this car. That is what I am trying to find out.
Think about it, if this hesitation were due to ambient noice the stereo would be hesitating all the time and that would be an impossibility from a quality point of view.
Thanks for the idea but what you are suggesting, in my humble opinion, is not the cause of the problem.
I think the AudioPilot is set to recalibrate on the opening/ closing of the roof. The 500 msec delay you hear is the system recalibrating. AudioPilot does not recalibrate for minor changes in ambient noise such as normal conversation. If it did, it would be a pretty worthless feature. On the other hand, going from top down to top up (or vice versa) is a pretty big change in the noise level, and probably worthy of a recalibration (if you buy what Bose says).
Could I be wrong? Sure. Do I care? No. Does the delay bother me? No.
If it bothers you, call the service department on Monday and get to the bottom of this. You could enlighten all of us with what you learn.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,604
Likes: 125
2026 Mercedes CLE53A4 AMG Cabriolet and 2025 MAYBACH EQS680V4
Originally Posted by tiggerfink
LovingSL600,
Is your hesitation a slight pause of silence?
Is your hesitation a slight pause of silence?
Interestingly, I kinda played with things and found out if you only open the roof half way and then go to close it then the slight pause of silence in the radio or CD does not happen. If you open the roof all the way it happens both when it is at the end of the cycle of being fully opened and then again fully closed.
Wonder why it does not happen if you only open the roof half way and then decide to close it?
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,604
Likes: 125
2026 Mercedes CLE53A4 AMG Cabriolet and 2025 MAYBACH EQS680V4
Originally Posted by JackStraw
What you are experiencing happens in my car as well and I attribute it to the AudioPilot. The AudioPilot was changed for 2005 and that is why you might not have heard this "hesitation" in your '03 and '04.
I think the AudioPilot is set to recalibrate on the opening/ closing of the roof. The 500 msec delay you hear is the system recalibrating. AudioPilot does not recalibrate for minor changes in ambient noise such as normal conversation. If it did, it would be a pretty worthless feature. On the other hand, going from top down to top up (or vice versa) is a pretty big change in the noise level, and probably worthy of a recalibration (if you buy what Bose says).
Could I be wrong? Sure. Do I care? No. Does the delay bother me? No.
If it bothers you, call the service department on Monday and get to the bottom of this. You could enlighten all of us with what you learn.
I think the AudioPilot is set to recalibrate on the opening/ closing of the roof. The 500 msec delay you hear is the system recalibrating. AudioPilot does not recalibrate for minor changes in ambient noise such as normal conversation. If it did, it would be a pretty worthless feature. On the other hand, going from top down to top up (or vice versa) is a pretty big change in the noise level, and probably worthy of a recalibration (if you buy what Bose says).
Could I be wrong? Sure. Do I care? No. Does the delay bother me? No.
If it bothers you, call the service department on Monday and get to the bottom of this. You could enlighten all of us with what you learn.
The way you have explained it this time I do understand and agree it could possibly be the recalibration at that point. That would make sense to me.
I only care if it is broken otherwise, it is fine.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 433
Likes: 9
From: Phoenix, AZ
2007 CL600
Originally Posted by LovinSL600
Jack,
The way you have explained it this time I do understand and agree it could possibly be the recalibration at that point. That would make sense to me.
I only care if it is broken otherwise, it is fine.
The way you have explained it this time I do understand and agree it could possibly be the recalibration at that point. That would make sense to me.
I only care if it is broken otherwise, it is fine.
Last edited by WIldcat465; Jan 2, 2005 at 12:52 PM.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,604
Likes: 125
2026 Mercedes CLE53A4 AMG Cabriolet and 2025 MAYBACH EQS680V4
Originally Posted by WIldcat465
My car does the same. It's as if the volume dropped for 1/2 or so as the roof neared it cycle end.
I did also notice that they eliminated the A/C bursts of air buttons on the middle top of the dash.
Too bad, I rather enjoyed that feature.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 433
Likes: 9
From: Phoenix, AZ
2007 CL600
Originally Posted by LovinSL600
Hey, thanks Wildcat. It is nice to know my car is not broken.
I did also notice that they eliminated the A/C bursts of air buttons on the middle top of the dash.
Too bad, I rather enjoyed that feature.
I did also notice that they eliminated the A/C bursts of air buttons on the middle top of the dash.
Too bad, I rather enjoyed that feature.
Our--errr, I mean my new CL500 is a little more comfortable and spacious--it also has all options--except for the V12. My wife is so selfish, I can only drive her car when she wants to be driven around.
By the way, I wear the pants at my house.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,604
Likes: 125
2026 Mercedes CLE53A4 AMG Cabriolet and 2025 MAYBACH EQS680V4
Spoke with my mechanic today. The SL has two different antennas. When the top goes up and down the car switches from one antenna to the other.
That is what is causing this slight pause in the stereo unit.
That is what is causing this slight pause in the stereo unit.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,604
Likes: 125
2026 Mercedes CLE53A4 AMG Cabriolet and 2025 MAYBACH EQS680V4
Originally Posted by ricky.agrawal
Shouldn't do that for the CD though.
