I'm looking at a 2013 SL550 with a July 2012 build date. Seems unusually early ~ would this be about the first off the assembly line? Anything special I should be aware of?
Thanks.

 

I was initially looking for a 2014 but I ended up with a 2013 also. Was too good of a deal to pass up.

I think one of the more serious things to look for is the chain tensioners, check valves and timing chains in the early M278 engine.
The tensioners and check valves may have been replaced, but without the service records, you won’t know for sure. These cars are quite noisy at startup normally but the lack of oil in the tensioners on cold start should be pretty pronounced.

The timing chain was also redesigned too. You can inspect it by looking thru the oil filler cap. I never found an earlier chain on a r231, but admittedly, all the cars I looked at had later production dates.

You can read about the different chains here.
https://mbworld.org/forums/w212-amg/...rs-beware.html

When I was looking at sl550’s I tried to find an engine/car with an after Feb 2013 build date for the tensioned/valve issues. Mine was built in May 2013.
You can check your potential cars VIN here and it should give you the engine assy. #

https://www.vindecoderz.com/EN/Mercedes-Benz

For the tensioner/check valve issues.
FROM THE TSB:

Engine 278:
1) Up to engine number 278 9xx 30 073273 install check valves and chain tensioners
2) From engine number 278 9xx 30 073274 up to engine number 278 9xx 30 103675 (February 2013) install check valves only (optimized tensioners installed in this production range)
Note:
When performing repairs and only the check valves are supposed to be installed, the tensioners must still be checked according to WIS documentation. If optimized tensioner is found to be defective it must be replaced
Note:
Check valves were installed in the factory in the engines above the ranges provided above. In case of 157 engines either A 278 050 40 00 or A 278 050 33 00 check valves were installed. In engines 276 and 278 check valves A 278 050 33 00 were installed. It is important to measure the oil supply opening in cylinder heads to install correct check valve.

see full TSB at:

https://mbworld.org/forums/attachmen...gine-start.pdf


Good luck and enjoy....

 

My car has a July 2012 build date also, and it has the newer timing chain.

 

@crconsulting ... Thank you seems inadequate ~ your generosity of time and knowledge is much appreciated.