SL/R231: Considering a ‘13 SL550
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2013 SL550
Considering a ‘13 SL550
Hi guys! Brand new to MBworld. I’m considering buying a 13-14 SL550 and wondering if there’s anything that should scare me out of it with maintenance issues? Any problems with the convertible top?? Or anything else I need to prepare myself for? Is the magic sky control reliable?
Any info would be greatly appreciated!
Any info would be greatly appreciated!
Last edited by O S; Jan 22, 2021 at 12:22 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 512
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2023 S Class 2013 SL
Ordered 2013 new and only problems have been:
1-driver side door cover delaminated at window level and required replacement= $350
2-water leak in right rear tailight= dealer repaired
3-console driver side door spring mechanism broke hence door won't spring open=still looking for proper colored replacement console(silk beige)
4-blind side locator went out= forgot cost of repair
Overall, very pleased. Used primarily as city car. Distinctive appearance from a block away, plenty of power, great trunk capacity.
1-driver side door cover delaminated at window level and required replacement= $350
2-water leak in right rear tailight= dealer repaired
3-console driver side door spring mechanism broke hence door won't spring open=still looking for proper colored replacement console(silk beige)
4-blind side locator went out= forgot cost of repair
Overall, very pleased. Used primarily as city car. Distinctive appearance from a block away, plenty of power, great trunk capacity.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 563
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From: Nothern Georgia, U.S.A.
'17 SL450, '25 Lyriq, '25 Sonata Hybrid, '96 Corvette GS coupe
Hi guys! Brand new to MBworld. I’m considering buying a 13-14 SL550 and wondering if there’s anything that should scare me out if it with maintenance issues? Any problems with the convertible top?? Or anything else I need to prepare myself for? Is the magic sky control reliable?
Any info would be greatly appreciated!
Any info would be greatly appreciated!
I've seen very little discussion of MSC issues. One member recently inquired about some small dark splotches that have permanently appeared in the glass on his...but honestly, one reported occurrence in all that time just seems to be an outlier. I recall another instance where the switch had to be replaced. These things are nothing to worry about. My own car's mechanical sun shade, which works flawlessly, could fail at some point as well. Does that mean I should be worried about it?
The only other maintenance consideration might be if the car in question is equipped with ABC, and that would only be that the fluid should be changed every 30k or so. It appears that M-B completely redesigned the ABC for the R231s to a more reliable system than before. So much so that they specify not changing the fluid...their thinking being that its better to let the fluid age in a closed (clean), well filtered system than to chance foreign material being accidentally introduced during a fluid/filter change. They might be correct, too...but they used to feel that way about transmission fluid as well, and we all know how that turned out. Carefully flushing the fluid periodically is probably the way to go...
Last edited by Dr. Manhattan; Jan 22, 2021 at 11:10 AM.
Member
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 138
Likes: 45
From: Rhode Island
2013 SL550, 2017 GLE350, 2018 Audi Q3
Knock wood, but my 2013 SL550 has been very reliable. The only issue I've had were the trunk lid struts needed replacement.
Looking forward for winter to end for some more top down cruising
Looking forward for winter to end for some more top down cruising
Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 84
Likes: 19
C300 and SL500
Same as Jim, the only issue I've had is the trunk lid struts, which I found on sale on Amazon and replaced myself in 30 minutes.
Most of that time was spent trying to figure out the best way to compress them ready to fit. A band clamp turned out to be the answer :-)
Gary
Most of that time was spent trying to figure out the best way to compress them ready to fit. A band clamp turned out to be the answer :-)
Gary
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 660
Likes: 300
From: Franklin, TN
2019 E450 wagon: 2019 BMW 430i: 2013 Chevy Traverse: (departed)2013 SL550 & 2019 E450 cab
Owned a 2013 for just about five years, very solid car IMO. Maintained by the book, and I put about 35K miles on mine while I had it. No convertible top issues, but I also replaced trunk struts, as well as the console door spring. Also replaced pads and rotors at 48K miles, rear tires about every 12K miles, but I will admit to being a torque junkie and the SL550 delivers torque in a most pleasing manner, which I miss to this day! Had two cracked AMG wheels and finally went aftermarket with no issues; one wheel cracked with RFT, the other with non-RFT's. Also replaced both batteries when they reached five years from initial delivery. Special, and spectacular motorcar IMO, one of the best that MB has ever built. Find a good example and you will most certainly have a difficult time keeping the smile off your face!
Last edited by TennesseeZ4; Jan 23, 2021 at 11:47 AM.
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Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 480
Likes: 158
From: Philadelphia area
2014 SL65 AMG, 2018 S560
Likewise for me. I bought my 2013 SL550 a couple of years ago CPO from a local dealer. There were a couple of "bells and whistles" issues that I got fixed with the warranty. The biggest of those issues was the pneumatic system for the seats. Mechanically it's been very reliable. No issues with the top.
The driver side console lid issue is fairly common - one of the few design flaws in the car. Mine's broken right now too. No big deal, it just won't spring open when you push the button. I found an excellent post with details on how to fix that yourself. I plan to wait until it's a bit warmer in the garage to tackle that one.
Little things can add up on this car. If you're buying remotely I suggest having someone qualified (and independent) inspect the car for you before you buy, especially if it's not CPO. Also, keep in mind that a CPO warranty is good for covering things that are broken, but don't depend on it to mean that the car is perfectly detailed from an appearance standpoint.
The driver side console lid issue is fairly common - one of the few design flaws in the car. Mine's broken right now too. No big deal, it just won't spring open when you push the button. I found an excellent post with details on how to fix that yourself. I plan to wait until it's a bit warmer in the garage to tackle that one.
Little things can add up on this car. If you're buying remotely I suggest having someone qualified (and independent) inspect the car for you before you buy, especially if it's not CPO. Also, keep in mind that a CPO warranty is good for covering things that are broken, but don't depend on it to mean that the car is perfectly detailed from an appearance standpoint.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,636
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From: Hagerstown MD
2015 SL400; 2019 X5M40i
I'm happy to read that the pre-facelift R231 SLs are reliable as the CPO warranty on mine will expire next year. Still a bit nervous keeping it with no warranty as it's my first Mercedes. With the pandemic we have driven it less than 8000 miles since buying it in 2019.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 27
Likes: 1
2013 SL550
I just purchased a 2013 from Hawaii with 7900 Miles on it.
I just got if back from the local MB dealer and it needed the following
Serpentine Belt $261
278 Front Engine Cover Leak - $1215
Front Left Headlight Retainer Broken - $ 800 (front bumper needed to be removed)
Leaking Turbo Oil Return Line - $190
I just had 4 coats of Ceramic Pro put on $1550 - Magnetite Black Paint is now stunning
Both batteries were replace a few months before I purchased it as they were throwing error codes
I had a 1991 and 2001 SL and this is by far my favorite
I live in fear of convertible top problems (up to 15k to fix) but it works perfectly
Mine does not have the ABC which my favorite service advisor told me is a good thing as it is costly to maintain/repair
I just got if back from the local MB dealer and it needed the following
Serpentine Belt $261
278 Front Engine Cover Leak - $1215
Front Left Headlight Retainer Broken - $ 800 (front bumper needed to be removed)
Leaking Turbo Oil Return Line - $190
I just had 4 coats of Ceramic Pro put on $1550 - Magnetite Black Paint is now stunning
Both batteries were replace a few months before I purchased it as they were throwing error codes
I had a 1991 and 2001 SL and this is by far my favorite
I live in fear of convertible top problems (up to 15k to fix) but it works perfectly
Mine does not have the ABC which my favorite service advisor told me is a good thing as it is costly to maintain/repair
Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 113
Likes: 18
From: vero beach, FL
2014 SL 550
I bought a 2014 SL 550 with 18,157 miles on it in October and have had zero issues. Everything works perfectly, then again, it should. The original owner rarely drove it. The only advice I would give is go with the lowest mileage you can find and locate a reputable independent mechanic. The dealers' service departments are a tad expensive (note dramatic use of understatement).
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From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
The best proof of the reliability of the R231 is about 8 years of user experience on this forum. This is basically one of the most reliable Mercedes models one can buy 
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 44
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Lexus LS460 L
Watch out for the Wheels....
My 2013 has been pretty much trouble free so far (65k miles) BUT have had to repair a bent wheel and replace 2 wheels ($1600 and $800 each), so if you can get the Tire / Wheel Warranty, I would advise. Might not need it but would take the sting out of your wallet.... I truly believe the wheels are of low quality and will be replacing the wheels, or the car soon.....
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Joined: Oct 2018
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From: Washington DC
No more MB:(
Originally Posted by JGoergen
My 2013 has been pretty much trouble free so far (65k miles) BUT have had to repair a bent wheel and replace 2 wheels ($1600 and $800 each), so if you can get the Tire / Wheel Warranty, I would advise. Might not need it but would take the sting out of your wallet.... I truly believe the wheels are of low quality and will be replacing the wheels, or the car soon.....
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,556
Likes: 3,680
From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
The wheel quality is fine. It's been discussed many times that these cars are susceptible to bends/cracks on the inner barrel (for decades, including the R230 models). That is a design issue to some extend. A bit more pronounced on the R231 due to larger wheels and run flats. Smaller or stiffer sidewalls transfer more pressure.
Simple fix; increase the tire pressure over the recommendation by 2-3PSI. Better yet, get rid of the run flats
Simple fix; increase the tire pressure over the recommendation by 2-3PSI. Better yet, get rid of the run flats
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,636
Likes: 522
From: Hagerstown MD
2015 SL400; 2019 X5M40i
Same as Jim, the only issue I've had is the trunk lid struts, which I found on sale on Amazon and replaced myself in 30 minutes.
Most of that time was spent trying to figure out the best way to compress them ready to fit. A band clamp turned out to be the answer :-)
Gary
Most of that time was spent trying to figure out the best way to compress them ready to fit. A band clamp turned out to be the answer :-)
Gary
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,636
Likes: 522
From: Hagerstown MD
2015 SL400; 2019 X5M40i
Here you go - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 44
Likes: 4
Lexus LS460 L
Cracked rim class action lawsuit
Probably old news to most of you, but just in case - In 2015, the Mercedes-Benz S550 cracked rims lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey – Luppino et al. v. Mercedes-Benz USA LLC. The plaintiffs accused the car company of manufacturing and selling cars with defective rims that bent, warped and cracked in typical driving conditions.
The class-action lawsuit included nearly 1.6 million owners of Mercedes vehicles equipped with 17-inch, 18-inch or 19-inch AMG or non-AMG rims. The affected vehicles included any 2006-current models equipped with those rims.
The plaintiffs claimed the manufacturer of luxury cars began installing larger rims on its cars and the combination of the rims with low profile tires caused the rims to fail. Therefore, the rims weren’t capable of withstanding the shock and pressure of normal and off-road use.
The plaintiffs claimed the rims should have been covered under the warranty but Mercedes refused to cover their repair costs under the vehicles’ warranty.
In 2017, the Mercedes-Benz S550 cracked wheels lawsuit has been dismissed as the court ruled the Mercedes owners couldn’t prove the wheel rims were defective. This is why Mercedes-Benz doesn’t impress many buyers any longer.
The class-action lawsuit included nearly 1.6 million owners of Mercedes vehicles equipped with 17-inch, 18-inch or 19-inch AMG or non-AMG rims. The affected vehicles included any 2006-current models equipped with those rims.
The plaintiffs claimed the manufacturer of luxury cars began installing larger rims on its cars and the combination of the rims with low profile tires caused the rims to fail. Therefore, the rims weren’t capable of withstanding the shock and pressure of normal and off-road use.
The plaintiffs claimed the rims should have been covered under the warranty but Mercedes refused to cover their repair costs under the vehicles’ warranty.
In 2017, the Mercedes-Benz S550 cracked wheels lawsuit has been dismissed as the court ruled the Mercedes owners couldn’t prove the wheel rims were defective. This is why Mercedes-Benz doesn’t impress many buyers any longer.
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,556
Likes: 3,680
From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
Probably old news to most of you, but just in case - In 2015, the Mercedes-Benz S550 cracked rims lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey – Luppino et al. v. Mercedes-Benz USA LLC. The plaintiffs accused the car company of manufacturing and selling cars with defective rims that bent, warped and cracked in typical driving conditions.
The class-action lawsuit included nearly 1.6 million owners of Mercedes vehicles equipped with 17-inch, 18-inch or 19-inch AMG or non-AMG rims. The affected vehicles included any 2006-current models equipped with those rims.
The plaintiffs claimed the manufacturer of luxury cars began installing larger rims on its cars and the combination of the rims with low profile tires caused the rims to fail. Therefore, the rims weren’t capable of withstanding the shock and pressure of normal and off-road use.
The plaintiffs claimed the rims should have been covered under the warranty but Mercedes refused to cover their repair costs under the vehicles’ warranty.
In 2017, the Mercedes-Benz S550 cracked wheels lawsuit has been dismissed as the court ruled the Mercedes owners couldn’t prove the wheel rims were defective. This is why Mercedes-Benz doesn’t impress many buyers any longer.
The class-action lawsuit included nearly 1.6 million owners of Mercedes vehicles equipped with 17-inch, 18-inch or 19-inch AMG or non-AMG rims. The affected vehicles included any 2006-current models equipped with those rims.
The plaintiffs claimed the manufacturer of luxury cars began installing larger rims on its cars and the combination of the rims with low profile tires caused the rims to fail. Therefore, the rims weren’t capable of withstanding the shock and pressure of normal and off-road use.
The plaintiffs claimed the rims should have been covered under the warranty but Mercedes refused to cover their repair costs under the vehicles’ warranty.
In 2017, the Mercedes-Benz S550 cracked wheels lawsuit has been dismissed as the court ruled the Mercedes owners couldn’t prove the wheel rims were defective. This is why Mercedes-Benz doesn’t impress many buyers any longer.
It sounds like a frivolous lawsuit as well. We had wheels crack and bend well before 2006 on the W220 S-Class and R230 SL...
Mercedes has been more conservative in increasing wheel sizes as compared to Audi, BMW and Porsche. If Audi would make the SL, it would have 20's as default with options to go to 22"
MB wheels have been made by the usual companies for decades. A combination of larger wheels, lower profile tires and run flats, paired with people not paying attention to tire pressures (including at the dealerships) and swapping tires without observing load rating couples with crappy roads in the US all contribute to these damages.
Mercedes wheels are run of the mill quality unless you step up to forged wheels.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 552
Likes: 9
From: Homeless
'20 Targa 4 DD, ' 18 Volvo S60 T6
The cars or wheels would never be TUV certified especially considering people who buy these in Germany see Autobahn Gmax plus many roads in Germany are crap.
Possibly ROW gets different quality wheels? I doubt that. I agree with inflation and poor tire choices. Any time hit a huge squared off pothole that damages the tire best to get wheel x-rayed or other NDE if plan to drive fast.
Perhaps
Possibly ROW gets different quality wheels? I doubt that. I agree with inflation and poor tire choices. Any time hit a huge squared off pothole that damages the tire best to get wheel x-rayed or other NDE if plan to drive fast.
Perhaps
It sounds like a frivolous lawsuit as well. We had wheels crack and bend well before 2006 on the W220 S-Class and R230 SL...
Mercedes has been more conservative in increasing wheel sizes as compared to Audi, BMW and Porsche. If Audi would make the SL, it would have 20's as default with options to go to 22"
MB wheels have been made by the usual companies for decades. A combination of larger wheels, lower profile tires and run flats, paired with people not paying attention to tire pressures (including at the dealerships) and swapping tires without observing load rating couples with crappy roads in the US all contribute to these damages.
Mercedes wheels are run of the mill quality unless you step up to forged wheels.
Mercedes has been more conservative in increasing wheel sizes as compared to Audi, BMW and Porsche. If Audi would make the SL, it would have 20's as default with options to go to 22"
MB wheels have been made by the usual companies for decades. A combination of larger wheels, lower profile tires and run flats, paired with people not paying attention to tire pressures (including at the dealerships) and swapping tires without observing load rating couples with crappy roads in the US all contribute to these damages.
Mercedes wheels are run of the mill quality unless you step up to forged wheels.
