SL-Class (R231) 2013 on: Discussion on the SL550

SL/R231: Extra weak massage

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Old Apr 16, 2025 | 04:39 PM
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m157 SL63
Extra weak massage

I had an issue a few months back where when the massage was selected, there would be a brief buzzing sound and it would turn itself off (and show 0 on the screen). That was fixed, but a new issue has started.

Now, when I select massage, it will start but I can only just barely feel it at first, then I can't feel anything. There is no buzzing sound, and the display still shows that massage is active.

A local indy pressure took apart the seat and tested the hoses in some way, and said there weren't any leaks. There aren't any codes. Any ideas?
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Old Apr 17, 2025 | 08:25 AM
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Originally Posted by billvp218
I had an issue a few months back where when the massage was selected, there would be a brief buzzing sound and it would turn itself off (and show 0 on the screen). That was fixed, but a new issue has started.

Now, when I select massage, it will start but I can only just barely feel it at first, then I can't feel anything. There is no buzzing sound, and the display still shows that massage is active.

A local indy pressure took apart the seat and tested the hoses in some way, and said there weren't any leaks. There aren't any codes. Any ideas?
Did he check the hoses at the pump in the trunk? The fittings there can leak. I had that problem with mine. It's also possible that the reservoir is cracked.
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Old Apr 17, 2025 | 12:38 PM
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Originally Posted by jmattioni
Did he check the hoses at the pump in the trunk? The fittings there can leak. I had that problem with mine. It's also possible that the reservoir is cracked.
I can ask. Where are the hoses in the trunk? I may be able to check it myself.
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Old Apr 18, 2025 | 07:17 AM
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Originally Posted by billvp218
I can ask. Where are the hoses in the trunk? I may be able to check it myself.
Pull out the trunk liner. The pneumatic pump is located on the left side, under a foam cover. Lift off the foam cover. Gently lift the pump out of its foam cradle and listen for hissing noises. If you hear air escaping, then the hose connections to the pump are leaking.
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Old Apr 19, 2025 | 01:34 PM
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Here’s a thread that may help. I posted a bunch of WIS documents a while back, they may also help you:

Location of components and functions.

https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...lfunction.html

Good Luck!


Last edited by crconsulting; Apr 19, 2025 at 02:44 PM.
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Old Jul 22, 2025 | 04:47 PM
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Sl r231
Originally Posted by billvp218
I had an issue a few months back where when the massage was selected, there would be a brief buzzing sound and it would turn itself off (and show 0 on the screen). That was fixed, but a new issue has started.

Now, when I select massage, it will start but I can only just barely feel it at first, then I can't feel anything. There is no buzzing sound, and the display still shows that massage is active.

A local indy pressure took apart the seat and tested the hoses in some way, and said there weren't any leaks. There aren't any codes. Any ideas?
Hi!
How did you fix the issue of buzzing sound and turning off?
thank you
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Old Jul 24, 2025 | 01:31 PM
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2013 SL550
I have a similar problem with my 2013 sl550. It’s never worked since I’ve owned it. My mechanic wants $450 to diagnose the problem, actual repair cost could be ????. My question is, when the massage function works correctly, is it really nice, or rather anemic? Just wondering if it’s worthwhile to have this repaired?
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Old Jul 25, 2025 | 08:13 AM
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The place to start looking for leaks is at the pump. I had an issue with my 2014 that turned out to be leaks in the hose fittings at the pump. Another common problem is that the plastic air reservoir cracks. With a minor leak the system will still operate to some extent but be anemic. There's a temperature sensor on the pump. When the pump is working too hard because of a leak it will get shut down. This may eventually damage the pump so you shouldn't ignore the problem even if you don't use a massage.

Pull the trunk liner and the pump will be on the left encased in a foam cradle. You can carefully lift the top of the cradle off to see the pump. To avoid noise the pump floats within the foam cradle and is not fastened to anything. Gently lift the pump a couple of inches out of the foam cradle and listen for air escaping. If you hear air then it's the hose fittings at the pump.

Testing the reservoir is more involved. A smoke test is one way to do it.

As I recall, there is a leak down test in Xentry that can help isolate the location of a leak.
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Old Jul 25, 2025 | 09:23 AM
  #9  
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2013 SL550
Worth fixing?

I have the same problem, massage sort of works barely but then stops. Local independent MB shop wants $450 just to start diagnosing. I don’t mind paying to fix it if it’s a great feature, but if the massage is subtle or basically worthless then why bother? Can anyone provide their thoughts on how well the seat massager works?
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Old Jul 25, 2025 | 09:35 AM
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S65
As mentioned, smoke test is the best way to find air leaks, more-so large leaks that you won't hear hissing.
But first make sure the pump isn't going out.
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Old Jul 25, 2025 | 01:09 PM
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As always, check simple stuff first, fuses etc...
Here's the part you're looking at:


R231 Lumbar/Massage bladder.



Last edited by crconsulting; Jul 25, 2025 at 01:11 PM.
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