SL/R232: SL63 Dead battery issue
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 15
Likes: 3
2023 SL63 AMG
Software updated on our SL63 last week. Picked the car up yesterday. No issues when I drove it home. Parked the car in the garage and ‘double clicked’ key to lock it. Put the key in our laundry room drawer about 30’ away from the car. I came back out to the garage about 90 minutes later and the door handles were extended and ILLUMINATED. No one had been near the car with keys. I suspect there is another issue with this model. To be prepared, I opened a Case with MBUSA Customer Service this morning. I shared an earlier message I had received about keeping the key away from the car and how the signal can travel through Sheetrock.
My mistake as I forgot to ask the obvious ‘How far can the signal travel through Sheetrock question before we bought the $195,000 car!’
The Agent was Great and laughed at the ‘Sheetrock’ message.
My mistake as I forgot to ask the obvious ‘How far can the signal travel through Sheetrock question before we bought the $195,000 car!’
The Agent was Great and laughed at the ‘Sheetrock’ message.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 15
Likes: 3
2023 SL63 AMG
No one should have to regularly use a trickle charger for normal/regular low mileage use. Different story if the car is stored for weeks or months. Moreover, in any case, this idiosyncrasy should be disclosed before purchase!
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
Software updated on our SL63 last week. Picked the car up yesterday. No issues when I drove it home. Parked the car in the garage and ‘double clicked’ key to lock it. Put the key in our laundry room drawer about 30’ away from the car. I came back out to the garage about 90 minutes later and the door handles were extended and ILLUMINATED. No one had been near the car with keys. I suspect there is another issue with this model. To be prepared, I opened a Case with MBUSA Customer Service this morning. I shared an earlier message I had received about keeping the key away from the car and how the signal can travel through Sheetrock.
My mistake as I forgot to ask the obvious ‘How far can the signal travel through Sheetrock question before we bought the $195,000 car!’
The Agent was Great and laughed at the ‘Sheetrock’ message.
My mistake as I forgot to ask the obvious ‘How far can the signal travel through Sheetrock question before we bought the $195,000 car!’
The Agent was Great and laughed at the ‘Sheetrock’ message.
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)
I'm still debating about eventually ordering a SL63S E...........the MB build site is still limited to 2023 models!!! Let's assume MB decided to title cars by actual calendar year, it's March. Is it possible the 2024 model year will be skipped???? Normally the first year is the beta test, this is far from old normal
I looked at Cars.com, over 450 R232 cars are for sale, mostly 2023 models. The R107 and R129 had waiting lists. The R232 is without a doubt, the worse model introduction in the 70 years of SLs in terms of sales and issues. I miss the old MB. Start by firing the entire senior management........send them to clown college.
I looked at Cars.com, over 450 R232 cars are for sale, mostly 2023 models. The R107 and R129 had waiting lists. The R232 is without a doubt, the worse model introduction in the 70 years of SLs in terms of sales and issues. I miss the old MB. Start by firing the entire senior management........send them to clown college.
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'm still debating about eventually ordering a SL63S E...........the MB build site is still limited to 2023 models!!! Let's assume MB decided to title cars by actual calendar year, it's March. Is it possible the 2024 model year will be skipped???? Normally the first year is the beta test, this is far from old normal
I looked at Cars.com, over 450 R232 cars are for sale, mostly 2023 models. The R107 and R129 had waiting lists. The R232 is without a doubt, the worse model introduction in the 70 years of SLs in terms of sales and issues. I miss the old MB. Start by firing the entire senior management........send them to clown college.
I looked at Cars.com, over 450 R232 cars are for sale, mostly 2023 models. The R107 and R129 had waiting lists. The R232 is without a doubt, the worse model introduction in the 70 years of SLs in terms of sales and issues. I miss the old MB. Start by firing the entire senior management........send them to clown college.
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)
HJPlatt:
I would drop it off at the dealer (LEMON law) and wait until the beta test is over..............ridiculous!!!! The Consumer Reports ratings appear to be correct. Fire the senior management.
I would drop it off at the dealer (LEMON law) and wait until the beta test is over..............ridiculous!!!! The Consumer Reports ratings appear to be correct. Fire the senior management.
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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
The latest software updates made by MBUSA did not fix the battery issue. In some ways it got worse. The trickle charger was all green when I went to sleep last night. This morning it was down to the second yellow light. The car is going back for the third attempt in 2 weeks. I have plenty of pictures and documentation. Given how the car market has changed from a year ago, it might make sense to Lemon Law it and recoup more in the buy back than what the car is worth in the current market.
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
The latest software updates made by MBUSA did not fix the battery issue. In some ways it got worse. The trickle charger was all green when I went to sleep last night. This morning it was down to the second yellow light. The car is going back for the third attempt in 2 weeks. I have plenty of pictures and documentation. Given how the car market has changed from a year ago, it might make sense to Lemon Law it and recoup more in the buy back than what the car is worth in the current market.
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
In Georgia, the period is the earlier of 24 months or 24,000 miles. There is a usage formula for a buy back in Georgia (purchase price x miles)/ 120,000. The miles are when the problem was first documented by the authorized service center. In my case I will be out of pocket about $6,800 based on the formula. That is still much less than the $60k or so I would lose in depreciation if I tried to sell the car. Years ago, I had a lemon law claim in Connecticut. In that instance the arbitrators gave me everything back, including finance charges, aftermarket equipment, etc.
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
E550 Convertible
Literally just returned from MB Coral Gables test driving a beautiful 2022 AMG SL63 in Monza Grey Magno. Originally $209K, now at $140K. 532 miles (yes, that's 5 hundred miles, only.) CPO with remainder of original warranty, plus CPO warranty. Hmm. Reviewed the 7 page Carfax which was a litany of battery replacements and computer reprogramming. Led me to this forum and after an hour of perusing your comments I got the answers I was (unfortunately) looking for. I have two BMWs at the condo here in Florida, (one a 2023 Competition 8) both left in the garage for 6-8 weeks at a time and they always start flawlessly, and there is nowhere to plug in a charger anyway. Bet this SL63 was one of yours!!
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)
$69K in depreciation plus taxes and fees..........over $137 per mile. Ouch!! Imagine the cost per mile for early buyers that paid a premium. It's ALL fixed except battery/electrical/fuel pumps/contaminated coolants, etc
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 876
Likes: 41
From: ST. Louis, MO
'16 SL550, '18 Porsche Macan GTS
Really sad to hear all of this! I really wanted to order a ‘24 SL55 but have been holding off due to all the bad press. Having a hard time walking it to this with my eyes wide open, knowing that I would stand a good chance of having a bunch of issues, and at best, getting a great car that’s going to depreciate like an AMC Gremlin! Problem is, what’s the alternative? At nearly 70 years old, there just aren’t any other cars that are somewhat easy to get in and out of, fairly comfortable to drive and a top down driving experience. Aston Martins have gotten stupid expensive. Porsche 911’s are still hard to get and not that comfy. What’s out the under $200k that would make me grin every time a get in it?
Member
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 108
Likes: 90
SL55 2023
Perhaps I have had good luck--providing I double click the key to lock the the car, keep the key 20 feet away, drive the car at least once a week, I do not any battery issues. I love my 2023 SL55 for the same reasons you think you might. I hope you get one and enjoy it.
Last edited by xtdoc777; Mar 11, 2024 at 08:15 PM.
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
Really sad to hear all of this! I really wanted to order a ‘24 SL55 but have been holding off due to all the bad press. Having a hard time walking it to this with my eyes wide open, knowing that I would stand a good chance of having a bunch of issues, and at best, getting a great car that’s going to depreciate like an AMC Gremlin! Problem is, what’s the alternative? At nearly 70 years old, there just aren’t any other cars that are somewhat easy to get in and out of, fairly comfortable to drive and a top down driving experience. Aston Martins have gotten stupid expensive. Porsche 911’s are still hard to get and not that comfy. What’s out the under $200k that would make me grin every time a get in it?
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
Member
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 184
Likes: 138
From: Chicago and Palm Springs
2025 BMW Z4 M40i (Manual); 2025 Lexus NXH Luxury; 2021 Porsche Macan S; 2023 Audi Q5
Perhaps I have had good luck--providing I double click the key to lock the the car, keep the key 20 feet away, drive the car at least once a week, I do not any battery issues. I love my 2023 SL55 for the same reasons you think you might. I hope you get one and enjoy it.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 42
Likes: 32
SLS
22 SL63 here with approx 1,200 mi…..have had no issues…..fantastic car….I keep it on battery maintainer connected to the charging points in the engine compartment…..leave it unlocked and keys kept away from car….I have many cars so cars on maintainers are normal for me
Member
Joined: Feb 2024
Posts: 90
Likes: 88
2023 SL63 + 2021 Cayenne e-hybrid
Sharing a thought . . . A couple years back, I had been using a trickle charger on my 2019 Vantage, the unit was a Porsche-branded CTEK (you have all seen them) and I got a bug up my butt to "upgrade" that old charger to a JMR (
), I had the CTEK for a decade and a friend of mine had a need, so I gave him the CTEK and I bought the JMR. Subsequently, I have gone to Mercedes and they gave me the Mercedes branded CTEK I have continued to use the JMR charger (AGM setting). I initially had some app warning issues, but for the past month, I haven't received a single warning (app or car) for critical starter battery condition.
NO CLUE if there is any correlation, but thought I would share a positive experience - BTW, I have no dog in the fight for CTEK or JMR, cheers! KH
NO CLUE if there is any correlation, but thought I would share a positive experience - BTW, I have no dog in the fight for CTEK or JMR, cheers! KH
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
SL63
After reading all this I’m a little bit shocked right now. I am living in Germany and my father and his wife bought a SL63 around Nov/Dec. last year. Around 3.000km, warranty, everything good so far.
when they had the appointment for the „delivery“ at the dealer, the dealer handed over the keys and my father and his wife wanted to leave but (surprise) the cat didn’t start, battery empty. The dealer was confused and got a colleague of his who jump started the car. Nearly every warning light came up after the first 5-10km but on the phone the dealer said „just drive a little bit, they will disappear“. Like he said, they disappeared after two hours… next day, everything good but after 2 days, Mercedes me app came up -> Battery low, please charge.
The dealer had no ideas but said, that he would check that. After they brought the car to the dealer and got it back, the dealer added a cigarette lighter to the trunk and said that my father could use that to load the car battery…
I saw him just a few hours ago and told him, that there must be an electronical issue because no car battery is empty after 2-3 days but right now, after I went to bed and started googleing a bit I found this topic full of broken sl63 battery’s 😄
so… greetings from Germany, you are not alone.
the next appointment is in a few days. The dealer would like to deep check the cars electric for 3 days. I will keep you updated.
christoph
when they had the appointment for the „delivery“ at the dealer, the dealer handed over the keys and my father and his wife wanted to leave but (surprise) the cat didn’t start, battery empty. The dealer was confused and got a colleague of his who jump started the car. Nearly every warning light came up after the first 5-10km but on the phone the dealer said „just drive a little bit, they will disappear“. Like he said, they disappeared after two hours… next day, everything good but after 2 days, Mercedes me app came up -> Battery low, please charge.
The dealer had no ideas but said, that he would check that. After they brought the car to the dealer and got it back, the dealer added a cigarette lighter to the trunk and said that my father could use that to load the car battery…
I saw him just a few hours ago and told him, that there must be an electronical issue because no car battery is empty after 2-3 days but right now, after I went to bed and started googleing a bit I found this topic full of broken sl63 battery’s 😄
so… greetings from Germany, you are not alone.
the next appointment is in a few days. The dealer would like to deep check the cars electric for 3 days. I will keep you updated.
christoph
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 2,515
Likes: 900
From: DFW
SL63
Welcome to the forum christoph.
Took my SL to dealer yesterday for some unscheduled maintenance.
Air conditioning weak to nil.
SOS inop message.
I was informed that as part of a recall, I was getting a trickle charger.
I haven’t had any trouble with it, because I go through the full sleep routine, but I am not complaining.
Took my SL to dealer yesterday for some unscheduled maintenance.
Air conditioning weak to nil.
SOS inop message.
I was informed that as part of a recall, I was getting a trickle charger.
I haven’t had any trouble with it, because I go through the full sleep routine, but I am not complaining.
Last edited by MB2timer; Mar 17, 2024 at 09:22 PM. Reason: Add maint.
