SL/R232: Ongoing Battery Issues
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,125
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From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
That's certainly not from a real/reputable source.
I've had 5 Mercedes in 10 years and all have been very close to perfect. Much better than my new (at the time) 2012 Lexus, for that matter.
Current 2019 G550 and AMG GTC have had one 1 minor issue each in 4.5 years of ownership.
I've had 5 Mercedes in 10 years and all have been very close to perfect. Much better than my new (at the time) 2012 Lexus, for that matter.
Current 2019 G550 and AMG GTC have had one 1 minor issue each in 4.5 years of ownership.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2023
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From: Occupied Palestine
2025 Maserati Grecale Folgore and 2024 Jaguar F-PACE SVR
I really don't know how legit CR is but I'm pretty sure if they had enough data for Jaguar and Land Rover those brands would be occupying the bottom-most spots.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 2,030
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From: 🇨🇦
W463 G550 / C190 GTC //prev: W204 C63 507 / R170
That's interesting, and not good news at all...
What were the main issues with your 2022 S580?
I don't think you'll have better luck with BMW. I recently rented 4 new BMWs: two X5s and one X3, and one X1. All had issues - mainly electrical glitches, although the X1 door wouldn't close and the rear seat fold down warning stayed on. One X5 kept issuing the speed warning chime, even though it was definitely off.
I found the UI/UX to be a complete mess.
I hope the i7 is better.
What were the main issues with your 2022 S580?
I don't think you'll have better luck with BMW. I recently rented 4 new BMWs: two X5s and one X3, and one X1. All had issues - mainly electrical glitches, although the X1 door wouldn't close and the rear seat fold down warning stayed on. One X5 kept issuing the speed warning chime, even though it was definitely off.
I found the UI/UX to be a complete mess.
I hope the i7 is better.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,125
Likes: 4,353
From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
It's pretty sad that after 2 years, MB hasn't a clue. My hope of buying a SL63Se is rapidly fading. I spoke to two MB employees about 3 weeks ago. I inquired if solutions were at hand......"we're working on the fixes"
Meanwhile the R232 buyers are unpaid beta testers. Others on this forum accuse buyers of "bashing" which hurts resale...........sure! Giving you a trickle charger to fix inherent flaws is insulting.
There's a reason why MB is 2nd from the bottom in reliability ratings.
Meanwhile the R232 buyers are unpaid beta testers. Others on this forum accuse buyers of "bashing" which hurts resale...........sure! Giving you a trickle charger to fix inherent flaws is insulting.
There's a reason why MB is 2nd from the bottom in reliability ratings.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 293
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From: GA
‘24 Maserati GranTurismo Trofeo;'22 AMG SL55;'23 Porsche Cayenne S Coupe;'13 Porsche Boxster S
My SL was at the dealership 3 separate times for the low battery issue. In addition to the trickle charger, the dealer had to pull log files that were requested by MBUSA. MBUSA then instructed the dealer to perform a slew of software updates (much more extensive than on your repair order). After the first two visits, the issue resurfaced. After the 3rd visit the updates seem to be working. In addition to the software updates, during the third visit the dealer relocated the negative connection for the trickle charger from the negative post on the battery to a ground on the body of the car. As others have mentioned on the forum, the additional recommendations from MB are to lock the car when not in use and to keep the key fob at least 30 feet away.
My car is currently back at the dealer to replace the fingerprint scanner module. It is the second time it has failed. The part arrived yesterday. I should have the car back in the next day or so. I will continue to monitor the battery issue to see if it resurfaces.
The problems are annoying, but each time I get back in the car with the engine barking, and take it through some twisties with the stereo playing, it stills puts a big smile on my face.
My car is currently back at the dealer to replace the fingerprint scanner module. It is the second time it has failed. The part arrived yesterday. I should have the car back in the next day or so. I will continue to monitor the battery issue to see if it resurfaces.
The problems are annoying, but each time I get back in the car with the engine barking, and take it through some twisties with the stereo playing, it stills puts a big smile on my face.
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Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 5,152
Likes: 1,766
From: Colorado
G550
Seems that they've done as much as they can to diagnose the problem. Hopefully the software updates will remedy the issue. If the battery has been run flat several times, it could be in jeopardy, and problem could persist. If problem continues, you could attach a battery monitor and see how it behaves while driving. Knowing whether the battery is experiencing insufficient charging or unusual discharging will go a long way toward identifying the cause.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,125
Likes: 4,353
From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
That's interesting, and not good news at all...
What were the main issues with your 2022 S580?
I don't think you'll have better luck with BMW. I recently rented 4 new BMWs: two X5s and one X3, and one X1. All had issues - mainly electrical glitches, although the X1 door wouldn't close and the rear seat fold down warning stayed on. One X5 kept issuing the speed warning chime, even though it was definitely off.
I found the UI/UX to be a complete mess.
I hope the i7 is better.
What were the main issues with your 2022 S580?
I don't think you'll have better luck with BMW. I recently rented 4 new BMWs: two X5s and one X3, and one X1. All had issues - mainly electrical glitches, although the X1 door wouldn't close and the rear seat fold down warning stayed on. One X5 kept issuing the speed warning chime, even though it was definitely off.
I found the UI/UX to be a complete mess.
I hope the i7 is better.
The car was a loaded “Executive Line” model and was a mess from day one. I took it back & forth to the dealer. I had like 22 days “out of service,” when one day, in heavy traffic, the car just went 100% dead. The emergency flashers wouldn’t even work. It was towed to the dealer where it sat for another, full 30 days, before they deemed it “fixed” and it was returned to me. In California where I live, 30 days out of service makes it an automatic “Lemon” and MBUSA agreed to buy it back.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 2,030
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From: 🇨🇦
W463 G550 / C190 GTC //prev: W204 C63 507 / R170
In Canada there is the Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Program (CAMVAP). Part of the resolution process is a vehicle buyback. BMW is notably the only major carmaker that doesn’t participate!
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,125
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From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 2,030
Likes: 434
From: 🇨🇦
W463 G550 / C190 GTC //prev: W204 C63 507 / R170
The i7 certainly looks cool!
I rented an EQS last summer and I actually really liked it. Handled well, good power (even with the base motor) and looks futuristic. I had no issues with brake modulation...
I rented an EQS last summer and I actually really liked it. Handled well, good power (even with the base motor) and looks futuristic. I had no issues with brake modulation...
Senior Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 293
Likes: 214
From: GA
‘24 Maserati GranTurismo Trofeo;'22 AMG SL55;'23 Porsche Cayenne S Coupe;'13 Porsche Boxster S
I traded in my Porsche Taycan for the SL. The Taycan was one of the best cars I have owned and I enjoyed the EV experience. I did several 1000 mile trips in the car from Georgia to Connecticut without any issues. My decision to trade in the Taycan was purely economic. It was still during the crazy car market and the MB dealer offered me $25k above the lease buyout price on my 3 year old Taycan. I will get back into an EV vehicle, but the offerings from MB in particular don't do it for me.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 22
Likes: 10
2022 SL63, 2020 Porsche Taycan
Per the comments about going electric above, we run the best of both worlds right now, a Taycan we've had for a few years and the SL63. The Taycan is the best car we've ever had. We love it for the daily commute and for road trips. The SL is a placeholder until something electric comes out that's a convertible, such as the next Porsche Boxter or the Maserati Folgore GranCabrio.
Per the original thread title, I escaped most of the battery shenanigans until recently on my '22 SL63. Got the lovely "Stop vehicle to charge the 12v battery do not switch off vehicle" message 3 days ago. 2 days in the shop and they say it's fixed, battery passes tests, etc. 20 minutes into the drive home and the message pops up again, so back it goes today.
Per the original thread title, I escaped most of the battery shenanigans until recently on my '22 SL63. Got the lovely "Stop vehicle to charge the 12v battery do not switch off vehicle" message 3 days ago. 2 days in the shop and they say it's fixed, battery passes tests, etc. 20 minutes into the drive home and the message pops up again, so back it goes today.
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 5
Likes: 5
SL55 AMG 2007
Starter battery
I wanted to give a f/u on my 22 SL 55. MB has agreed to the buyback and I decided to investigate purchasing a new 23 SL 55 that was built in May 23. In the service record where they installed all the software updates (which included installing a trickle charger), the starter battery faulted. They did replace it but the fault did not clear. Because of this issue and my history, I decided to cancel the order. I really wanted to give a newer model a try since I do own a second set of winter wheels/tires that was not part of the settlement. So it does appear that the early 23 lineup still is having this issue. Of note, after I had the software update regarding the cooling fan and since I put the key in a Faraday bag, I have had NO issues with the starter battery! I am at a loss as to where to look next since I love everything about this car EXCEPT the starter issue. Thanks
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,125
Likes: 4,353
From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
I wanted to give a f/u on my 22 SL 55. MB has agreed to the buyback and I decided to investigate purchasing a new 23 SL 55 that was built in May 23. In the service record where they installed all the software updates (which included installing a trickle charger), the starter battery faulted. They did replace it but the fault did not clear. Because of this issue and my history, I decided to cancel the order. I really wanted to give a newer model a try since I do own a second set of winter wheels/tires that was not part of the settlement. So it does appear that the early 23 lineup still is having this issue. Of note, after I had the software update regarding the cooling fan and since I put the key in a Faraday bag, I have had NO issues with the starter battery! I am at a loss as to where to look next since I love everything about this car EXCEPT the starter issue. Thanks
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 263
Likes: 148
SL65(R231), SL65(R230), 600SL, 560SL(86), 560SL(89),250SL(68),250SL(67), 190SL, 300SL(GW)
Streamliner nails it!!!! First year issues, especially with incredibly complex systems are somewhat expected. My "certainly not from a real/reputable source" was Consumer Reports ( mildly credible at best). Ancillary evidence: I did reference speaking with 2 MB employees with requires an elaboration.........they don't work for a dealership, they work for MBUSA. MBUSA is well aware of ALL the issues. A friend that owns a MB dealership claims he's never ever had an intro and subsequent problems ever like the R232. The dealerships are losers in this situation due to angry consumers. Goodwill takes years, a singular bad experience negates that goodwill quickly. The abysmal resale is another hint. Multifactorial analysis does indicate an overall trend......not good.
I've said it before.........fire the entire top echelon in marketing and engineering along with all the senior officials starting with the CEO.
FYI: I've been a huge SL fan for decades (the R107 and earlier were engineering masterpieces) but MB has lost it's way
I've said it before.........fire the entire top echelon in marketing and engineering along with all the senior officials starting with the CEO.
FYI: I've been a huge SL fan for decades (the R107 and earlier were engineering masterpieces) but MB has lost it's way
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,125
Likes: 4,353
From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Streamliner nails it!!!! First year issues, especially with incredibly complex systems are somewhat expected. My "certainly not from a real/reputable source" was Consumer Reports ( mildly credible at best). Ancillary evidence: I did reference speaking with 2 MB employees with requires an elaboration.........they don't work for a dealership, they work for MBUSA. MBUSA is well aware of ALL the issues. A friend that owns a MB dealership claims he's never ever had an intro and subsequent problems ever like the R232. The dealerships are losers in this situation due to angry consumers. Goodwill takes years, a singular bad experience negates that goodwill quickly. The abysmal resale is another hint. Multifactorial analysis does indicate an overall trend......not good.
I've said it before.........fire the entire top echelon in marketing and engineering along with all the senior officials starting with the CEO.
FYI: I've been a huge SL fan for decades (the R107 and earlier were engineering masterpieces) but MB has lost it's way
I've said it before.........fire the entire top echelon in marketing and engineering along with all the senior officials starting with the CEO.
FYI: I've been a huge SL fan for decades (the R107 and earlier were engineering masterpieces) but MB has lost it's way
