SL/R231: Fire under the dashboard of SL 63 AMG R231
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
SL 63 AMG R231
And so to conclude the story of my SL63 with the fire under the dashboard.
The insurance company agreed to fix the car. The cost was £10K. Work started in late August and my mechanic (Klass of Fulham - been with them for 14 years and cannot recommend them enough) informed me it would take about 7-10 weeks. So off I went on holiday and came back only to be told Mercedes Germany do not stock the dashboard - it has to be made from scratch! More worryingly he confirmed the fire started with the electric loom under the dashboard but could find no reason as to why nor a precedent.
Onto eBay and I found the only dashboard in the UK that matched my VIN number. Turned out to be an almost brand new dashboard. So finally on the 6th of October my car was returned to me looking spanking new. You would never know there had been an interior electric fire. On the 9th of October I promptly drove down to Porsche (with my teeth gritted) and traded in my SL for a 911.
There was no way I was holding onto that SL after an electrical fire. And so ends my journey with Mercedes. It started 30 years ago when I bought my first Mercedes - W123 200. I have gone through a 300 CE, 200 CDI estate, CLS 500 (10 years), R231 SL 500 and then the R231 SL 63 AMG (fire cracker in more ways than one). The next car was supposed to be an AMG GT S or C. Unfortunately the fire incident has dampened my enthusiasm for Mercs. I may be back but for now the 911 drives the pants off the SL 63.
The insurance company agreed to fix the car. The cost was £10K. Work started in late August and my mechanic (Klass of Fulham - been with them for 14 years and cannot recommend them enough) informed me it would take about 7-10 weeks. So off I went on holiday and came back only to be told Mercedes Germany do not stock the dashboard - it has to be made from scratch! More worryingly he confirmed the fire started with the electric loom under the dashboard but could find no reason as to why nor a precedent.
Onto eBay and I found the only dashboard in the UK that matched my VIN number. Turned out to be an almost brand new dashboard. So finally on the 6th of October my car was returned to me looking spanking new. You would never know there had been an interior electric fire. On the 9th of October I promptly drove down to Porsche (with my teeth gritted) and traded in my SL for a 911.
There was no way I was holding onto that SL after an electrical fire. And so ends my journey with Mercedes. It started 30 years ago when I bought my first Mercedes - W123 200. I have gone through a 300 CE, 200 CDI estate, CLS 500 (10 years), R231 SL 500 and then the R231 SL 63 AMG (fire cracker in more ways than one). The next car was supposed to be an AMG GT S or C. Unfortunately the fire incident has dampened my enthusiasm for Mercs. I may be back but for now the 911 drives the pants off the SL 63.
Last edited by FrancoNero; Oct 24, 2023 at 06:54 PM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
SL 63 AMG R231
And so to conclude the story of my SL63 with the fire under the dashboard.
The insurance company agreed to fix the car. The cost was £10K. Work started in late August and my mechanic (Klass of Fulham - been with them for 14 years and cannot recommend them enough) informed me it would take about 7-10 weeks. So off I went on holiday and came back only to be told Mercedes Germany do not stock the dashboard - it has to be made from scratch! More worryingly he confirmed the fire started with the electric loom under the dashboard but could find no reason as to why nor a precedent.
Onto eBay and I found the only dashboard in the UK that matched my VIN number. Turned out to be an almost brand new dashboard. So finally on the 6th of October my car was returned to me looking spanking new. You would never know there had been an interior electric fire. On the 9th of October I promptly drove down to Porsche (with my teeth gritted) and traded in my SL for a 911.
There was no way I was holding onto that SL after an electrical fire. And so ends my journey with Mercedes. It started 30 years ago when I bought my first Mercedes - W123 200. I have gone through a 300 CE, 200 CDI estate, CLS 500 (10 years), R231 SL 500 and then the R231 SL 63 AMG (fire cracker in more ways than one). The next car was supposed to be an AMG GT S or C. Unfortunately the fire incident has dampened my enthusiasm for Mercs. I may be back but for now the 911 drives the pants off the SL 63.
The insurance company agreed to fix the car. The cost was £10K. Work started in late August and my mechanic (Klass of Fulham - been with them for 14 years and cannot recommend them enough) informed me it would take about 7-10 weeks. So off I went on holiday and came back only to be told Mercedes Germany do not stock the dashboard - it has to be made from scratch! More worryingly he confirmed the fire started with the electric loom under the dashboard but could find no reason as to why nor a precedent.
Onto eBay and I found the only dashboard in the UK that matched my VIN number. Turned out to be an almost brand new dashboard. So finally on the 6th of October my car was returned to me looking spanking new. You would never know there had been an interior electric fire. On the 9th of October I promptly drove down to Porsche (with my teeth gritted) and traded in my SL for a 911.
There was no way I was holding onto that SL after an electrical fire. And so ends my journey with Mercedes. It started 30 years ago when I bought my first Mercedes - W123 200. I have gone through a 300 CE, 200 CDI estate, CLS 500 (10 years), R231 SL 500 and then the R231 SL 63 AMG (fire cracker in more ways than one). The next car was supposed to be an AMG GT S or C. Unfortunately the fire incident has dampened my enthusiasm for Mercs. I may be back but for now the 911 drives the pants off the SL 63.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 2,297
Likes: 1,205
From: Baltimore County, MD
'13 s212 63 p30. '06 LX470
And was this verified to have been caused by incorrect aftermarket install of radio parts? Exactly what wires burned? Was the retrofit removed when rebuilding the dash? While the battery issue is known, this, as portrayed, seemingly had nothing to do with the brand but a bad install…. Regardless of the age or experience of that third party company. I know you mentioned it was in the loom, but what wire, what was the draw from what did that component and connection look like? Was it chafed during install of the part? There’s got to be some info, detail that ties itntogether
Last edited by Baltistyle; Oct 24, 2023 at 07:01 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,022
Likes: 231
From: In the minds of others rent free.
SL 400
Some story and journey. I sure hope you never have any major problem with Porsche. It would take more than a random fire to make me switch brands after years of ownership and loyalty, unless it was something I was thinking about doing anyway. Anyway, enjoy the 911, always thought it was a nice car.
And so to conclude the story of my SL63 with the fire under the dashboard.
The insurance company agreed to fix the car. The cost was £10K. Work started in late August and my mechanic (Klass of Fulham - been with them for 14 years and cannot recommend them enough) informed me it would take about 7-10 weeks. So off I went on holiday and came back only to be told Mercedes Germany do not stock the dashboard - it has to be made from scratch! More worryingly he confirmed the fire started with the electric loom under the dashboard but could find no reason as to why nor a precedent.
Onto eBay and I found the only dashboard in the UK that matched my VIN number. Turned out to be an almost brand new dashboard. So finally on the 6th of October my car was returned to me looking spanking new. You would never know there had been an interior electric fire. On the 9th of October I promptly drove down to Porsche (with my teeth gritted) and traded in my SL for a 911.
There was no way I was holding onto that SL after an electrical fire. And so ends my journey with Mercedes. It started 30 years ago when I bought my first Mercedes - W123 200. I have gone through a 300 CE, 200 CDI estate, CLS 500 (10 years), R231 SL 500 and then the R231 SL 63 AMG (fire cracker in more ways than one). The next car was supposed to be an AMG GT S or C. Unfortunately the fire incident has dampened my enthusiasm for Mercs. I may be back but for now the 911 drives the pants off the SL 63.
The insurance company agreed to fix the car. The cost was £10K. Work started in late August and my mechanic (Klass of Fulham - been with them for 14 years and cannot recommend them enough) informed me it would take about 7-10 weeks. So off I went on holiday and came back only to be told Mercedes Germany do not stock the dashboard - it has to be made from scratch! More worryingly he confirmed the fire started with the electric loom under the dashboard but could find no reason as to why nor a precedent.
Onto eBay and I found the only dashboard in the UK that matched my VIN number. Turned out to be an almost brand new dashboard. So finally on the 6th of October my car was returned to me looking spanking new. You would never know there had been an interior electric fire. On the 9th of October I promptly drove down to Porsche (with my teeth gritted) and traded in my SL for a 911.
There was no way I was holding onto that SL after an electrical fire. And so ends my journey with Mercedes. It started 30 years ago when I bought my first Mercedes - W123 200. I have gone through a 300 CE, 200 CDI estate, CLS 500 (10 years), R231 SL 500 and then the R231 SL 63 AMG (fire cracker in more ways than one). The next car was supposed to be an AMG GT S or C. Unfortunately the fire incident has dampened my enthusiasm for Mercs. I may be back but for now the 911 drives the pants off the SL 63.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
SL 63 AMG R231
And was this verified to have been caused by incorrect aftermarket install of radio parts? Exactly what wires burned? Was the retrofit removed when rebuilding the dash? While the battery issue is known, this, as portrayed, seemingly had nothing to do with the brand but a bad install…. Regardless of the age or experience of that third party company. I know you mentioned it was in the loom, but what wire, what was the draw from what did that component and connection look like? Was it chafed during install of the part? There’s got to be some info, detail that ties itntogether
Good question. The only aftermarket that was fitted by me was the apple car play. That unit is self contained and does not involve any cutting or adding to the wiring loom. It is a module within the command system. Also it works since the fix has been done. The burns were so bad my mechanic could not tell what the cause was. That was the issue. The wiring loom on the drivers side of the dashboard was burnt to a crisp. That is why I got rid of the car. I cannot know if a previous owner fitted an aftermarket that caused it (not sure what that would be as the codes indicate no interference) or is this a one off.
Last edited by FrancoNero; Oct 25, 2023 at 09:34 AM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
SL 63 AMG R231
The plan was to switch to a AMG GT S/C. I was at Les Mans this year for the Classic (first time at the Classic) and I had a long chat with the owner of an AMG GT R. Sat in the car and fell in love with it even more. I have always had my eye on one and had been watching prices. I was waiting for them to go into the 60s before making a move. AMG GTs post 2017 are notoriously reliable and I may yet switch back to one.
The reason for the switch to the Porsche is I went to Les Mans with a friend who drove his 911.1 - the last NA engine. I expected to leave him behind for dust having 585 HP etc. I led going to Les Mans and he led coming back. I struggled to keep up with him at times. That saying of control without power is so true. The road handling of that Porsche was ridiculous. Bear in mind his car is only 400HP. Following him back I had the power but the handling always left that doubt in mind to push too hard. Bear in mind that this was a SL63 AMG with the ABC. That was what tipped me over to the Porsche.
The reason for the switch to the Porsche is I went to Les Mans with a friend who drove his 911.1 - the last NA engine. I expected to leave him behind for dust having 585 HP etc. I led going to Les Mans and he led coming back. I struggled to keep up with him at times. That saying of control without power is so true. The road handling of that Porsche was ridiculous. Bear in mind his car is only 400HP. Following him back I had the power but the handling always left that doubt in mind to push too hard. Bear in mind that this was a SL63 AMG with the ABC. That was what tipped me over to the Porsche.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
SL 63 AMG R231
Some story and journey. I sure hope you never have any major problem with Porsche. It would take more than a random fire to make me switch brands after years of ownership and loyalty, unless it was something I was thinking about doing anyway. Anyway, enjoy the 911, always thought it was a nice car.
The reason for the switch to the Porsche is I went to Les Mans with a friend who drove his 911.1 - the last NA engine. I expected to leave him behind for dust having 585 HP etc. I led going to Les Mans and he led coming back. I struggled to keep up with him at times. That saying of control without power is so true. The road handling of that Porsche was ridiculous. Bear in mind his car is only 400HP. Following him back I had the power but the handling always left that doubt in mind to push too hard. Bear in mind that this was a SL63 AMG with the ABC. That was what tipped me over to the Porsche.
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
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 693
Likes: 152
From: USA
m157 SL63
The plan was to switch to a AMG GT S/C. I was at Les Mans this year for the Classic (first time at the Classic) and I had a long chat with the owner of an AMG GT R. Sat in the car and fell in love with it even more. I have always had my eye on one and had been watching prices. I was waiting for them to go into the 60s before making a move. AMG GTs post 2017 are notoriously reliable and I may yet switch back to one.
The reason for the switch to the Porsche is I went to Les Mans with a friend who drove his 911.1 - the last NA engine. I expected to leave him behind for dust having 585 HP etc. I led going to Les Mans and he led coming back. I struggled to keep up with him at times. That saying of control without power is so true. The road handling of that Porsche was ridiculous. Bear in mind his car is only 400HP. Following him back I had the power but the handling always left that doubt in mind to push too hard. Bear in mind that this was a SL63 AMG with the ABC. That was what tipped me over to the Porsche.
The reason for the switch to the Porsche is I went to Les Mans with a friend who drove his 911.1 - the last NA engine. I expected to leave him behind for dust having 585 HP etc. I led going to Les Mans and he led coming back. I struggled to keep up with him at times. That saying of control without power is so true. The road handling of that Porsche was ridiculous. Bear in mind his car is only 400HP. Following him back I had the power but the handling always left that doubt in mind to push too hard. Bear in mind that this was a SL63 AMG with the ABC. That was what tipped me over to the Porsche.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
SL 63 AMG R231
Did you switch cars for a few laps? The driver is an important part. A 911 is known for having good handling though, for sure. In real-world driving, I would use extra power (exceeding 911 capability) much more often than at-the-limit handling (exceeding SL63 capability). If you like more track focused events, there are definitely better cars for that than the SL63.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 693
Likes: 152
From: USA
m157 SL63
No we did not but I could tell following him that he was no where near the limit. I on the other hand was feeling the disconnect. When you are doing 150 mph on a public road and the car starts to feel a little light one does tend to get nervous. I don’t know if you know the route from Calais to Les Mans but if you take the auto routes the roads are as smooth as a baby’s bottom with parts of it having some great crests and bends. It was in the bends and those crests where he would leave me behind.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
SL 63 AMG R231
On the race course he would have left me for dead. The drive down from Calais to Les Mans is about 4 hours and you get plenty of opportunities to test the limits of your car.
To give you some perspective these are comparative times at the different race tracks:
Porche 991.1 - 400 bhp - https://fastestlaps.com/models/porsc...-carrera-s-991
SL63 AMG - 585 bhp - https://fastestlaps.com/models/merce...rmance-package
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,539
Likes: 3,670
From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
No we did not but I could tell following him that he was no where near the limit. I on the other hand was feeling the disconnect. When you are doing 150 mph on a public road and the car starts to feel a little light one does tend to get nervous. I don’t know if you know the route from Calais to Les Mans but if you take the auto routes the roads are as smooth as a baby’s bottom with parts of it having some great crests and bends. It was in the bends and those crests where he would leave me behind.
Germany, no problem. That said, 150mph isn't really fast for a SL63 and should feel very planted and comfortable. French peage highways have usually been very good high-speed roads; or was it a regular road?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
SL 63 AMG R231
150mph on French roads? Long time ago we would go faster on the peage but once they started with the draconian penalties, it was better to slow down. That's well above the speed to get the car confiscated.
Germany, no problem. That said, 150mph isn't really fast for a SL63 and should feel very planted and comfortable. French peage highways have usually been very good high-speed roads; or was it a regular road?
Germany, no problem. That said, 150mph isn't really fast for a SL63 and should feel very planted and comfortable. French peage highways have usually been very good high-speed roads; or was it a regular road?
Les Mans is pay day for the French cops as they fine you on the spot most times. If we had been caught at 150mph they would most likely have seized the cars. The first time I went to Les Mans cops were waiting for us at the last toll before heading to Calais (back to the UK). Pulled us all over and fined us €100 on the spot.
You are right 150 mph is no issue in the SL63 on the straight. It become squeaky bum time when you transition through a bend - I simply could not keep up with my mate's Porsche (bear in mind we are talking about a 10 year old Porsche)
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,539
Likes: 3,670
From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
I use the autoroutes going to Les Mans which are toll roads. Total cost from Calais to Les Mans and back is about €70. Hence why they are generally empty and great for fast driving. They are also exceptionally well maintained. I have driven across most of the world and France does have the best roads overall. What also helps is Waze as those ahead of you send out warnings for cops waiting for us Brits coming down for Les Mans.
Les Mans is pay day for the French cops as they fine you on the spot most times. If we had been caught at 150mph they would most likely have seized the cars. The first time I went to Les Mans cops were waiting for us at the last toll before heading to Calais (back to the UK). Pulled us all over and fined us €100 on the spot.
You are right 150 mph is no issue in the SL63 on the straight. It become squeaky bum time when you transition through a bend - I simply could not keep up with my mate's Porsche (bear in mind we are talking about a 10 year old Porsche)
Les Mans is pay day for the French cops as they fine you on the spot most times. If we had been caught at 150mph they would most likely have seized the cars. The first time I went to Les Mans cops were waiting for us at the last toll before heading to Calais (back to the UK). Pulled us all over and fined us €100 on the spot.
You are right 150 mph is no issue in the SL63 on the straight. It become squeaky bum time when you transition through a bend - I simply could not keep up with my mate's Porsche (bear in mind we are talking about a 10 year old Porsche)
