SL/R231: 2013-2020 SL Reliability issues: CRICKETS!
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2013-2020 SL Reliability issues: CRICKETS!
You know, I just realized, for a vehicle that came out in 2013, there are a phenomenally small number of “problem” posts here on R231 and most all of them are for very minor issues. The R231’s are turning out to be darn near bulletproof as far as reliability goes. Isn’t that nice, for a change?
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2015 SL400; 2019 X5M40i
I sure hope this is true. My SL is my first Mercedes and I was and still am a bit nervous about future costly repairs as I have no warranty since the CPO extension expired last year.
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Low sample size and low annual mileage mean definitive statements cannot be made on 231 reliability.
M278 and M157 used across the MB product lineup have a host of well-known serious issues with higher mileage.
The widely-used M276 in the SL450 is a solid engine.
Because of low production volume and low annual mileage it’s premature to say anything about the movable roof system.
M278 and M157 used across the MB product lineup have a host of well-known serious issues with higher mileage.
The widely-used M276 in the SL450 is a solid engine.
Because of low production volume and low annual mileage it’s premature to say anything about the movable roof system.
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8,000 trouble free miles on my 2019 SL550. Local MB dealer keeps sending me "deals" to trade it in for a 2023 SL whatever. No thanks.
Last edited by Bill Julyan; 08-15-2023 at 07:05 AM.
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2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Low sample size and low annual mileage mean definitive statements cannot be made on 231 reliability.
M278 and M157 used across the MB product lineup have a host of well-known serious issues with higher mileage.
The widely-used M276 in the SL450 is a solid engine.
Because of low production volume and low annual mileage it’s premature to say anything about the movable roof system.
M278 and M157 used across the MB product lineup have a host of well-known serious issues with higher mileage.
The widely-used M276 in the SL450 is a solid engine.
Because of low production volume and low annual mileage it’s premature to say anything about the movable roof system.
Low production volume or not, if there was a failure rate for the car, it would show up as a percentage. And if there are no significant observed failures, that may mean the components have been manufactured and assembled to keep the car's reliability high. I believe the R231 improves on the lessons learned from the R230, which did have significant reliability problems when it came to the roof, the ABC suspension, and the SBC braking system. Of course, those problems do seem to have shown up as the R230 aged beyond 10 years.
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2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
I have 41,000 miles on my 2015 SL400 with 19,000 being mine. I religiously change the oil and filter every 5,000 miles with Mobil 1 0W-40 as prescribed. When the time comes to do the tranny fluid, I will do that ahead of the recommended mileage. I flush the brake fluid every two years, as well.
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AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
Low sample size and low annual mileage mean definitive statements cannot be made on 231 reliability.
M278 and M157 used across the MB product lineup have a host of well-known serious issues with higher mileage.
The widely-used M276 in the SL450 is a solid engine.
Because of low production volume and low annual mileage it’s premature to say anything about the movable roof system.
M278 and M157 used across the MB product lineup have a host of well-known serious issues with higher mileage.
The widely-used M276 in the SL450 is a solid engine.
Because of low production volume and low annual mileage it’s premature to say anything about the movable roof system.
If a 10 year old car has been driven no issues, even or especially with a low mileage, it is reliable.
One only had to wait a few months on the R230 to be flooded with issues and they multiplied quickly due to high failure rates. Our SL55 only needed a few weeks until we started with the first replacement; all brakes/rotors… $10k
Same with ABC; those revision made the Archilles heel of the R230 SL a non-issue.
Last edited by Wolfman; 08-17-2023 at 09:31 AM.
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I've had my 2013 SL550 for about a year and a half and other than having to change the aux battery and an oil change, it has been flawless. I got it with approximately 58,000 miles and now have roughly 66,000 miles. Fingers crossed it remains solid, I have been extremely happy and absolutely love this car.
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PFL205.064 with M276.823 (Oil pump solenoid defeated)
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2019 E450 wagon: 2019 BMW 430i: 2013 Chevy Traverse: (departed)2013 SL550 & 2019 E450 cab
Our R231 was a 2013 SL550, CPO with 15K miles on it. We kept it almost five years, put just about 40K miles on it, and other than rear tires every 12K miles, we simply performed routine maintenance. IMO one of the best vehicles MB ever produced.
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I remember when you put those wheels on her. What a stunner!
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Other than the vario roof there is nothing I would ever worry about with the R231 SL. Hell most of these didn’t even come with ABC so that’s a huge worry off owners shoulders.
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Vario roof?
Pulling out of the recording studio gate in my 2014 SL550
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2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
If you are considering a Vehicle Service Contract (VSC) (or whatever they will call them), you could ask the service manager what companies pay well and which are problematic. Of course, if yours is still CPO eligible, the Mercedes dealership may not tell you. When I selected a VSC for my car, which was ineligible for a Mercedes extended warranty, I asked around. The service manager said they never had problems with Endurance (which is what I have), Fidelity, or Freedom. Fidelity and Freedom are sold through a sponsor here (Trenton at http://www.highline-autos.com/).
Again, check with the shop you plan to use.
Again, check with the shop you plan to use.
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rfb3 (10-15-2023)
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Seats
What about the seats? My 2017 SL550’s massaging seat motor crapped out - or whatever is going on, it sounds like a motor. It was under warranty but I saw the bills at the dealership to even simply remove a seat. I’m thinking I get an extended warranty because of non negotiable but expensive aspects like the seats and the vario roof- or- I can find an actual mechanic who knows how to fix a 30K roof repair for $1200 and same with the seats. It’s just right on the line of do it or don’t do it with the warranty. But it really is crickets. Hydraulic Tops sells a replacement kit for the roof for like 600$ but I really don’t know if that’s a solution were it to crap out. Argh!
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I think we worry a bit too much about the future with our cars. We should just enjoy them in the here and now.
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agree Streamliner and/but with your portfolio- it sounds like you can worry less than some of us. A massaging seat malfunction cost almost or maybe the same the price of a 10 year warranty when mine broke less than a year in. I grew up in crap shacks in the Midwest and my rationale for owning , finally , ONE of these cars is what you say- enjoy them , and life, now. Having said that- don’t sell that gorgeous 450
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agree Streamliner and/but with your portfolio- it sounds like you can worry less than some of us. A massaging seat malfunction cost almost or maybe the same the price of a 10 year warranty when mine broke less than a year in. I grew up in crap shacks in the Midwest and my rationale for owning , finally , ONE of these cars is what you say- enjoy them , and life, now. Having said that- don’t sell that gorgeous 450
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Correction
Thank you for politely correcting the record! I didn’t mean to imply that it was handed to you but I wouldn’t have typed something so presumptuous sounding if I’d been more thoughtful.
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Streamliner (07-09-2024)
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BUT...if you do ever decide to sell, don't trade. Instead, contact ME as I'm currently looking for one in the brilliant blue metallic. They are rare, so I'm currently "turning over every stone!" Just now selling my2009 SL550 black and looking to upgrade to 2017-2020.
Enjoy!
Reid C
Enjoy!
Reid C
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Enjoy!
Reid C.
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