SL/R232: SL63 Dead battery issue
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
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All that huge money paid and all the huge inconvenience. The R232’s, W223’s & some other post 2020 models were launched without proper testing or sorting. Someone in another forum here noted the absence of the “Mercedes-Benz: The Best Or Nothing” slogan in current MB advertisements. I’m not sure of that, but it does seem apropos, considering all the issues these newer models are experiencing. What a shame.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2002
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SL65(R231), SL65(R230), 600SL, 560SL(86), 560SL(89),250SL(68),250SL(67), 190SL, 300SL(GW)
and some claimed owners were "bashing" the R232 I wonder how much evidence is required to state the car is a disaster MB is lost I suspect this is the last SL
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
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From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 64
Likes: 6
From: Riverview, Fl.
2006 IWC Ingenieur CLS 55 AMG
This SL 63 is ridiculous! Picked up year ago 3500 miles on it. First time died was getting ceramic coating and Ppf on front. They put rear trunk battery on tender but didn’t realize the one under hood has to charge separately which is idiotic! Have to use alligator clips on it too. Also if don’t close hood it can draw more than charger can keep up with. So that battery and 48 volt system discharged. It would start but threw up all these messages about safety stuff not available and had a check engine light. Benz replaced the 48 volt system and took week to get parts. Would been 6K if not under warranty they said. Yesterday had is washed here by mobile guy. Left it unlocked but ignition off. They opened doors just long enough to vacuum etc. maybe 10-15 mins. I get in after and car says start to charge battery. I start it and pull on garage and put both batteries on fenders/chargers. Back was ok but front said 27%. I get up today and garage smells like electrical fire and battery says 0% on me 150.00 charger! Start it up and starts but same **** again with messages about safety stuff not available and check engine light again. So I’m sure 48 volt system failed again. From washing it? Unbelievable. I’m about done with it unless they fix quick under warranty and find a fix for this BS!
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 64
Likes: 6
From: Riverview, Fl.
2006 IWC Ingenieur CLS 55 AMG
Fixed finally
After 3 weeks at the dealer I think it’s fixed finally. According to MB they did a lot of software updates and they also found in data log that the passenger door module was bad and kept looking for the key 24/7 which in turn caused car to be awake and kill battery fast. The part came from Germany. And I mean would kill battery fast. I had it washed one day and left key in garage near it. In 20 minutes or so battery was critical. Seems all good now. I was skeptical could be fixed from reading all the others with similar issues. These things built during Covid had lots issue it seems.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,222
Likes: 6,281
After 3 weeks at the dealer I think it’s fixed finally. According to MB they did a lot of software updates and they also found in data log that the passenger door module was bad and kept looking for the key 24/7 which in turn caused car to be awake and kill battery fast. The part came from Germany. And I mean would kill battery fast. I had it washed one day and left key in garage near it. In 20 minutes or so battery was critical. Seems all good now. I was skeptical could be fixed from reading all the others with similar issues. These things built during Covid had lots issue it seems.
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 10
Likes: 11
S580
After 3 weeks at the dealer I think it’s fixed finally. According to MB they did a lot of software updates and they also found in data log that the passenger door module was bad and kept looking for the key 24/7 which in turn caused car to be awake and kill battery fast. The part came from Germany. And I mean would kill battery fast. I had it washed one day and left key in garage near it. In 20 minutes or so battery was critical. Seems all good now. I was skeptical could be fixed from reading all the others with similar issues. These things built during Covid had lots issue it seems.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 64
Likes: 6
From: Riverview, Fl.
2006 IWC Ingenieur CLS 55 AMG
Was the software update the one that others have mentioned in this thread that resolves the battery drain issue? If there's truly a fix for it I'm more than happy to keep the car. Otherwise, I'm inclined to get something else. The problem seems to be wildly unpredictable. I was about to leave my MY22 SL55 alone for a few months so I took it out for one last drive (about 30 minutes) but when I went to put a trickle charger on it the battery was already half dead and wouldn't take a charge. It last happened over 6 months ago.
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Newbie
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 13
Likes: 2
From: Toronto, CANADA🇨🇦
2023 E-450 Cabriolet, 2022 GLE 53 AMG Coupe
Car had been locked at the condo for over two weeks and found out that the Mercedes Me wouldn't connect because of low(dead)battery and that the Smart key wouldn't unlock the door or extend the door handle.
The manual was of course in the glove box--Had the mechanical key but didn't know where to put it. Thankfully because it was outside hours of the dealer I found the SL's digital manual thanx to Google (and Mercedes for having it there)
I was able to get access to the mechanical lock UNDER the drivers door handle (read your manual) but my small lithium booster battery was in the trunk which of course wouldn't open.--I now store it under the passenger seat with elastic cord.
I read in the manual that even when the car is locked there is battery drain as it searches for a signal from Mercedes Me or Smart key. Manual says you can deactivate the Smart key by pushing the lock button on the Smart key twice in rapid succession. That saves battery life on the key but does it do the same for the car battery??
Waiting to hear.--BTW there is no access to power for a trickle charger.at the condo .Key question is how to stop the battery drain in the car when shut and locked. Pleased to find out
Thnx
JP
On a side note the manual says to deactivate your Smart key from accidental use when going thro a car wash! Pays to read the manual.
The manual was of course in the glove box--Had the mechanical key but didn't know where to put it. Thankfully because it was outside hours of the dealer I found the SL's digital manual thanx to Google (and Mercedes for having it there)
I was able to get access to the mechanical lock UNDER the drivers door handle (read your manual) but my small lithium booster battery was in the trunk which of course wouldn't open.--I now store it under the passenger seat with elastic cord.
I read in the manual that even when the car is locked there is battery drain as it searches for a signal from Mercedes Me or Smart key. Manual says you can deactivate the Smart key by pushing the lock button on the Smart key twice in rapid succession. That saves battery life on the key but does it do the same for the car battery??
Waiting to hear.--BTW there is no access to power for a trickle charger.at the condo .Key question is how to stop the battery drain in the car when shut and locked. Pleased to find out
Thnx
JP
On a side note the manual says to deactivate your Smart key from accidental use when going thro a car wash! Pays to read the manual.
Are 2025 R232 "fixed" for this battery drain problems ?
I was in my MB dealership checking out a 2024 SL63 which had been sitting in their lot for > 1 year and the manager already told me they had already replaced the battery once !
At least he was honest in explaining what happens to these luxury roadsters if they are NOT being driven more than a little while
Any comments are welcomed .
I am lurking around for a replacement of my 2005 SL65 AMG roadster which I enjoyed for 7 years before trading her in 2018 for a E-400 cabriolet......but still is very find of the new R232
Thanks.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,124
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From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Folks: if you were to start all over, would you have spent that kind of your money on a R232 (2022 or later SL63) ?
Are 2025 R232 "fixed" for this battery drain problems ?
I was in my MB dealership checking out a 2024 SL63 which had been sitting in their lot for > 1 year and the manager already told me they had already replaced the battery once !
At least he was honest in explaining what happens to these luxury roadsters if they are NOT being driven more than a little while
Any comments are welcomed .
I am lurking around for a replacement of my 2005 SL65 AMG roadster which I enjoyed for 7 years before trading her in 2018 for a E-400 cabriolet......but still is very find of the new R232
Thanks.
Are 2025 R232 "fixed" for this battery drain problems ?
I was in my MB dealership checking out a 2024 SL63 which had been sitting in their lot for > 1 year and the manager already told me they had already replaced the battery once !
At least he was honest in explaining what happens to these luxury roadsters if they are NOT being driven more than a little while
Any comments are welcomed .
I am lurking around for a replacement of my 2005 SL65 AMG roadster which I enjoyed for 7 years before trading her in 2018 for a E-400 cabriolet......but still is very find of the new R232
Thanks.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 2,515
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From: DFW
SL63
I discovered the hard way, that if you charge the front battery, when you disconnect the charger, you can’t close the car hood. If you do, once you start driving, you get a hood open alarm that won’t go off.
You have to put the car in accessory mode, then close the hood, or wait until after you start, then close the hood.
You have to put the car in accessory mode, then close the hood, or wait until after you start, then close the hood.
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Toronto, 🇨🇦
2022 GLE 53 AMG Coupe, 2023 E-450 Cabriolet
Obviously a total change in driving style, available BHP and performance on the Hwy and side street. The SL65 was beating all those young Porsche drivers who wish to do straight drag racing at red light stops but usually they were in my rear view mirror in no time! So I miss my SL roadster and now lurking for a replacement. Sounds like the R232 are having lots of electric and battery issues……
(comments?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,124
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From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 85
Likes: 10
From: New Zealand
2023 SL63
I ran my charger cable so it was by the windscreen wipers so I did not have to open the bonnet to remove the charger and it still told me the bonnet was open even though I had not opened it to plug in the charger.
Car giving Battery low and then Battery critical messages just two days after a 430Km drive, car now been back at the service shop longer than I have owned it.
Car giving Battery low and then Battery critical messages just two days after a 430Km drive, car now been back at the service shop longer than I have owned it.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 2,515
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From: DFW
SL63
I ran my charger cable so it was by the windscreen wipers so I did not have to open the bonnet to remove the charger and it still told me the bonnet was open even though I had not opened it to plug in the charger.
Car giving Battery low and then Battery critical messages just two days after a 430Km drive, car now been back at the service shop longer than I have owned it.
Car giving Battery low and then Battery critical messages just two days after a 430Km drive, car now been back at the service shop longer than I have owned it.
To prevent it, you must wait to close the hood AFTER you put the car in accessory mode(by pushing engine start switch WITHOUT the brake pedal depressed).
It is even better to wait to close the hood AFTER you start the car.
That’s because sometimes in accessory mode, hood closing doesn’t always register.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,124
Likes: 4,353
From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
That hood open warning is a royal pain.
To prevent it, you must wait to close the hood AFTER you put the car in accessory mode(by pushing engine start switch WITHOUT the brake pedal depressed).
It is even better to wait to close the hood AFTER you start the car.
That’s because sometimes in accessory mode, hood closing doesn’t always register.
To prevent it, you must wait to close the hood AFTER you put the car in accessory mode(by pushing engine start switch WITHOUT the brake pedal depressed).
It is even better to wait to close the hood AFTER you start the car.
That’s because sometimes in accessory mode, hood closing doesn’t always register.
Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 85
Likes: 10
From: New Zealand
2023 SL63
I got a very very good deal on it after it had been sitting for 2 years in NZ and possibly a year in Germany!!!
Was going to order a CLE53 Cabriolet but got temped by the SL63, I just hope it will be good when it's sorted.
Was going to order a CLE53 Cabriolet but got temped by the SL63, I just hope it will be good when it's sorted.
Member
Joined: Feb 2024
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2023 SL63 + 2021 Cayenne e-hybrid
Your disdain for the R232 is well documented, what amazes me is how often you frequent and post in the R232 forum. Some of us actually like our cars and have had a trouble-free experience, carry on . . . KH
Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 96
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From: Baltimore
2015 S550 4matic
Agreeableness
These forums have not been from my limited perspective a complainers commentary. It’s understood that these are machines made by imperfect people prone to break. Predominately the talk has been supportive, and understanding. I hear folks talk about what we love about these vehicles and the happiness they bring. In my experience we haven’t allowed the imperfections we don’t like to dominate the commentary and that’s a good thing. C’mon @Streamliner join in the more the merrier!
