SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: SL55 fault thread
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,148
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From: Berkshire, UK
2004 SL55, 2015 A250d, 2016 GLC250d
SL55 fault thread
Hi
Please can we use this thread to post faults/resolutions youve had with your SL55 (and not to have a discussion about them)
Sort of what/when/age-of-SL55/how-long-to-fix/why-if-it-was-a-long-time
It would be interesting to see what people are seeing
Richard
Please can we use this thread to post faults/resolutions youve had with your SL55 (and not to have a discussion about them)
Sort of what/when/age-of-SL55/how-long-to-fix/why-if-it-was-a-long-time
It would be interesting to see what people are seeing
Richard
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,148
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From: Berkshire, UK
2004 SL55, 2015 A250d, 2016 GLC250d
SL55 (UK) finally delivered 1st Sept 2002
1) Initial delivery delayed by 4 weeks because of faults being logged in various systems - caused by fuses/relays installed in wrong positions so some systems thought they were in a SL55 and some in a SL500. All kinds of things replaced before it was worked out, including cluster, engine-management and electronic ignition switch
2) At about 3 months old, Keyless go was locking me out. Replaced front passenger side SAM unit (with fuses and things in it) - car off road for around a week waiting for parts from Germany
3) At about 6 months old, car went into "very low power" mode, meaning it was like driving a SL140 :-) - caused by faulty throttle butterfly so engine management system did "safe" thing. Off road for about 4 days (all of which were sunny), again parts took a couple of days to arrive from Germany
Still an undiagnosed constant-ish pitch low volume squeal from rear when car is cold and weather is cold. Its undiagnosed because the weather has been relatively warm in the mornings around here recently.
Richard
1) Initial delivery delayed by 4 weeks because of faults being logged in various systems - caused by fuses/relays installed in wrong positions so some systems thought they were in a SL55 and some in a SL500. All kinds of things replaced before it was worked out, including cluster, engine-management and electronic ignition switch
2) At about 3 months old, Keyless go was locking me out. Replaced front passenger side SAM unit (with fuses and things in it) - car off road for around a week waiting for parts from Germany
3) At about 6 months old, car went into "very low power" mode, meaning it was like driving a SL140 :-) - caused by faulty throttle butterfly so engine management system did "safe" thing. Off road for about 4 days (all of which were sunny), again parts took a couple of days to arrive from Germany
Still an undiagnosed constant-ish pitch low volume squeal from rear when car is cold and weather is cold. Its undiagnosed because the weather has been relatively warm in the mornings around here recently.
Richard
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,447
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From: UK
SL55 AMG
SL55 (UK) delivered 30th Sept 2002
1) Misaligned bonnet/hood hinge caused the right hand bonnet edge to sit 2mm beow the front wing/fender just in front of the driver. Fixed by loosening the adjusting bolts on the hinge and adjusting the position.
1) Misaligned bonnet/hood hinge caused the right hand bonnet edge to sit 2mm beow the front wing/fender just in front of the driver. Fixed by loosening the adjusting bolts on the hinge and adjusting the position.
Member
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 86
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From: Southern Calif
2003 CL 55 2003 SL55 2000 S500 DESIGNO, 1999 SL 500 Sport, 1997 S320
1) Overheating engine warning light kept coming on, sensor was replaced.
Rattle in driver's door, it's still there they can't find it.
2) I've had it in twice for rattle in top mechanism behind passenger seat, it's
still there too.
3) Had both wiper blades replaced, only were 50% effective.
4) V60 phone system only works half the time (too much noise, even with
top up for computer to understand commands).
Breeze
Rattle in driver's door, it's still there they can't find it.
2) I've had it in twice for rattle in top mechanism behind passenger seat, it's
still there too.
3) Had both wiper blades replaced, only were 50% effective.
4) V60 phone system only works half the time (too much noise, even with
top up for computer to understand commands).
Breeze
Last edited by Breeze; Apr 29, 2003 at 08:07 PM.
Almost a Member!
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 33
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From: Houston, TX
2003 sl55 AMG
Early faults
Overall, very reliable and works well. However, a few faults so far, 4 months and 3,000 miles:
1. Quite annoying 'clunk' or 'clank' from the engine compartment intermittently around 1,500 rpm while slowly accelerating. MB Greenway in Houston says this is the supercharger clutch engaging and can't be fixed. It's not there all the time but sounds like the engine is misfiring. It isn't according to the diagnostics.
2. Driver seat squeaks. Haven't taken it in for this yet.
3. Continuing, embarassing, noisy, awful brake squeal at low speed. Again, I haven't had this looked at but I doubt there's much to be done according to other posts on this forum.
4. I did have a roof noise on the driver's rear side early on but this resolved on its own around 2,000 miles and the roof is now very stable and quiet.
5. This is not technically a fault, but I have had 2 tires replaced due to pothole incidents and another flat tire repaired after a nail injury.
Everything else is great. The engine is awesome and the power roof has been perfect. The look from inside and out draws unwanted attention many times but that is a price to be paid for such a beautiful machine.
1. Quite annoying 'clunk' or 'clank' from the engine compartment intermittently around 1,500 rpm while slowly accelerating. MB Greenway in Houston says this is the supercharger clutch engaging and can't be fixed. It's not there all the time but sounds like the engine is misfiring. It isn't according to the diagnostics.
2. Driver seat squeaks. Haven't taken it in for this yet.
3. Continuing, embarassing, noisy, awful brake squeal at low speed. Again, I haven't had this looked at but I doubt there's much to be done according to other posts on this forum.
4. I did have a roof noise on the driver's rear side early on but this resolved on its own around 2,000 miles and the roof is now very stable and quiet.
5. This is not technically a fault, but I have had 2 tires replaced due to pothole incidents and another flat tire repaired after a nail injury.
Everything else is great. The engine is awesome and the power roof has been perfect. The look from inside and out draws unwanted attention many times but that is a price to be paid for such a beautiful machine.
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Joined: Sep 2002
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From: Hilton Head Island
1999 E55 AMG
Noise behind passenger seat
The noise behing the passenger seat, heard only when the roof is closed, is caused by the auxilliary fuel pump unique to SL-55s. It is present in my car and a friend's as well as others posting here.
One owner says that M-B is has a fix, involving replacing the fuel tank (and presumably the aux. fuel pump too).
My dealer has yet to confirm a fix. His chief tech. went for training in Jacksonville and learned that M-B is aware of the source of the problem but did not yet have a fix (as of late Feb.).
One owner says that M-B is has a fix, involving replacing the fuel tank (and presumably the aux. fuel pump too).
My dealer has yet to confirm a fix. His chief tech. went for training in Jacksonville and learned that M-B is aware of the source of the problem but did not yet have a fix (as of late Feb.).
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 73
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From: St. Petersburg, FL
SL 55,S 55, M3,CL 55
After the first 3 days I started to notice a sound from the rear which I believe is the aux fuel pump. This info came from posts in this forum. Next problem occured 13 days after delivery. There were several fault messages and electrical failures in the car. It was diganoised as a rear computer failure. The car is still being repaired and 2 other parts besides the computer have been ordered. Hopefully I will pick up the car tomorrow (4/30). No word yet on the "aux fuel pump noise".
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Almost a Member!
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 73
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From: St. Petersburg, FL
SL 55,S 55, M3,CL 55
The seat module for the passenger seat failed today. This prevented me from picking up car from the computer failure. They are also ordering a new gas tank for the aux fuel pump noise. Thank god I bought a segway to get around with!
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Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: London, England
Jan. '03 SL55
1. Wipers make the most awful noise.
2. Brakes squeak - like everyone elses?
3. Bonnet set about 5mm lower at the front on one side.
4. Couple of lamps in the rear brake light blown.
5. Keyless go is very temperemental.
Other then that, all fantastic, save for the interior which, after just 2,300 miles is looking dirty - that's alpaca grey for you though.
2. Brakes squeak - like everyone elses?
3. Bonnet set about 5mm lower at the front on one side.
4. Couple of lamps in the rear brake light blown.
5. Keyless go is very temperemental.
Other then that, all fantastic, save for the interior which, after just 2,300 miles is looking dirty - that's alpaca grey for you though.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 567
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles
well my dad brought home his SL55 today and i noticed some of those problems...
1) brakes squeak
2) rattle towards the rear of the car, more noticeable at idle and low speeds
this has to do with the auxilary line? cuz the car is going back to the dealer if this needs to be fixed...
1) brakes squeak
2) rattle towards the rear of the car, more noticeable at idle and low speeds
this has to do with the auxilary line? cuz the car is going back to the dealer if this needs to be fixed...
Last edited by b4chow; May 2, 2003 at 02:42 AM.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,148
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From: Berkshire, UK
2004 SL55, 2015 A250d, 2016 GLC250d
2nd post from me.
1) Roof rubber sqeak (loud) as roof retracted - being fixed by special lubricant
2) Rattling noise being fixed by new fuel tank. This is common on SL55s, they have another one being done, and my business partner's SL55 is also making the same noises.
3) Brake noise, happens as you release your foot from the pedal (when slowing down from 30 mph, brake gently and remove your foot from pedal), makes a short squelching noise, seems like its from rear driver side caliper - caused by "microscoping air bubbles resonating in the SBS control unit under bonnet" - needs some new fixing bit to hold the SBS control unit - apparently a know problem
4) Occasionaly Clonk from roof lining - dunno what it is, but they are fixing it. (I imagine a bit of sound deadening has fallen off and is clonking on the roof lining)
5) Items (2) and (3) have always been there since new - car is 7 months old. (1) and (4) are new - I just finally got around to taking it in to be dealt with.
At least I never had any squealing brakes !
Cheers
Richard
1) Roof rubber sqeak (loud) as roof retracted - being fixed by special lubricant
2) Rattling noise being fixed by new fuel tank. This is common on SL55s, they have another one being done, and my business partner's SL55 is also making the same noises.
3) Brake noise, happens as you release your foot from the pedal (when slowing down from 30 mph, brake gently and remove your foot from pedal), makes a short squelching noise, seems like its from rear driver side caliper - caused by "microscoping air bubbles resonating in the SBS control unit under bonnet" - needs some new fixing bit to hold the SBS control unit - apparently a know problem
4) Occasionaly Clonk from roof lining - dunno what it is, but they are fixing it. (I imagine a bit of sound deadening has fallen off and is clonking on the roof lining)
5) Items (2) and (3) have always been there since new - car is 7 months old. (1) and (4) are new - I just finally got around to taking it in to be dealt with.
At least I never had any squealing brakes !
Cheers
Richard
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 12
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From: Atlantic Beach Fl
03 SL55 03 740LI 02 AMG32
Had my car three months and 3500 miles. Love the car , it makes me smile.
Two problems so far.The first was while driving home from the dealer . A microprocessor on the gas pedal went out causing the car to go into "limp mode" .Had to order part, car in shop four days. This week a red warning light came on that said :STOP THE CAR CAR TOO LOW. It was a leak in one of the shocks that caused the ABC system to go into failure mode.The car was as low as a "lowrider".
Ordered part from Germany should be here Monday.
Two problems so far.The first was while driving home from the dealer . A microprocessor on the gas pedal went out causing the car to go into "limp mode" .Had to order part, car in shop four days. This week a red warning light came on that said :STOP THE CAR CAR TOO LOW. It was a leak in one of the shocks that caused the ABC system to go into failure mode.The car was as low as a "lowrider".
Ordered part from Germany should be here Monday.
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Delivery 6 Dec 02
1. Squeaky brakes
2. Misaligned steering wheel.
3. Rattle from passenger seat.
(1) was fixed by taking it on a short track day. Brake temperature warning light came on after 10 laps (of short circuit), drove to cool it down for another few laps. After that brakes perfect - no squeal. Starting to come back after 1000 miles of UK (slow) road driving.
(2) dealer moved steering wheel and realigned front wheels on laser alignment machine.
(3) I believe this is the fire extriguisher flap, if you unclip it slightly noise disappears.
DB1
1. Squeaky brakes
2. Misaligned steering wheel.
3. Rattle from passenger seat.
(1) was fixed by taking it on a short track day. Brake temperature warning light came on after 10 laps (of short circuit), drove to cool it down for another few laps. After that brakes perfect - no squeal. Starting to come back after 1000 miles of UK (slow) road driving.
(2) dealer moved steering wheel and realigned front wheels on laser alignment machine.
(3) I believe this is the fire extriguisher flap, if you unclip it slightly noise disappears.
DB1
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,537
Likes: 3,669
From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
I have had three issues that I consider very minor:
1. Sqealing brakes, but only at low speeds and not all the time.
Status: Mercedes replaced all pads AND all rotors and then using a baking process with an Anti-Squeak compound on the pads before installing.
2. Vertical scratches in driver-side window. It appears that there was a contaminent in the window seal that scratched the window.
Status: Replaced.
3. Noise coming from the rear area. More like a light gurgling sound. I could hear it the standing at the traffic light with top up an music down.
Status: In process... Technician believes it to be aux. fuel pump or audio amplifier. Will install new amplifier first. Will keep you posted...
Btw, I am impressed with the action taken to resolve these issues. Our old SL certainly made more noises, which was just considered part of driving a convertible
Wolfman
1. Sqealing brakes, but only at low speeds and not all the time.
Status: Mercedes replaced all pads AND all rotors and then using a baking process with an Anti-Squeak compound on the pads before installing.
2. Vertical scratches in driver-side window. It appears that there was a contaminent in the window seal that scratched the window.
Status: Replaced.
3. Noise coming from the rear area. More like a light gurgling sound. I could hear it the standing at the traffic light with top up an music down.
Status: In process... Technician believes it to be aux. fuel pump or audio amplifier. Will install new amplifier first. Will keep you posted...
Btw, I am impressed with the action taken to resolve these issues. Our old SL certainly made more noises, which was just considered part of driving a convertible
Wolfman
Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 192
Likes: 0
From: Hawaii/Conneticut
2005 SLK350
I know this is an old thread, but I had similiar problems too
2003 SL picked up on 6/9/03 331 miles so far
1) Brake squealing at low speeds or when the car is going slow even without braking
2) Rattling noise from the back
So how did your fixes (getting new brake pads and the aux gas tank) turn out? Anyone in the US get this fixed by their dealer?
I will try the extinguisher fix, although I doubt that is the problem...
2003 SL picked up on 6/9/03 331 miles so far
1) Brake squealing at low speeds or when the car is going slow even without braking
2) Rattling noise from the back
So how did your fixes (getting new brake pads and the aux gas tank) turn out? Anyone in the US get this fixed by their dealer?
I will try the extinguisher fix, although I doubt that is the problem...
Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 168
Likes: 0
From: Boston
The car is 5 days old with 525 miles. None of the problems posted above have been aparent. Only can see one problem:
1) Front left Parktronic sensor goes off to constant sound randomly, while at traffic light or driving slowly with no apparent obstacle in front. I thought it might have been some left over tape glue from delivery of car, so I detailed the car and the sensors. Problem is still there! Any thoughts??
Can it be the front license plate??
1) Front left Parktronic sensor goes off to constant sound randomly, while at traffic light or driving slowly with no apparent obstacle in front. I thought it might have been some left over tape glue from delivery of car, so I detailed the car and the sensors. Problem is still there! Any thoughts??
Can it be the front license plate??
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 308
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From: UK
Completed 3500 miles in 6 months. No problems at all apart from a ticking from the rear when the fuel tank is more than two thirds full. I suppose this is the often reported fuel pump problem but its no more than a very low volume ticking sound so Ive done nothing about it.
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 73
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From: St. Petersburg, FL
SL 55,S 55, M3,CL 55
I am scheduled to have gas tank replaced this Monday(part just arrived). Hope this fixes the noise since it is loud enough to hear at highway speeds. Actually seems to be getting louder.
Almost a Member!
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 73
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From: St. Petersburg, FL
SL 55,S 55, M3,CL 55
I guess my car wants to get some more new parts. It appears the rear computer has failed again (failed first time13 days after delivery in April). I received word that my dad was having surgery and got into my car. Alarms sounded,no fuel gauge,interior lights. Upon parking in the emergency room lot, I noticed lots of people (mostly vagrants and teens) hanging around the emergency room entrance who were looking at my car. Too my shock the keyless go did not lock the car and for the first time I left without the key. Did not have time to figure anything out so had to leave car unlocked(this is 8 pm). afte an hour I rembered the $2000 I left in the side pocket and the watch in the center console. I did not leave until 12:30 Am. Thankfully everything was there and no damage.Very disappointed with problems with parts.
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Houston
2002 M5
In three months of ownership I have had a few issues as well:
1 the already documented fuel tank/auxilare fuel pump rattle
2 brakes squealing
3 steering wheel vibrates at about 60mph and car tends to pull right. -took it in for this and they did an alignment and balancing but both issues persist
4 supercharger belt was letting out a quick squeal upon initial quick acceleration- belt replaced problem 80% fixed
5 keyless go is tempermental especially when locking.
Otherwise car is a hoot to drive, sounds great and handles better than I expected. At about 120mph it starts to pull on my 996TT.
Bill
1 the already documented fuel tank/auxilare fuel pump rattle
2 brakes squealing
3 steering wheel vibrates at about 60mph and car tends to pull right. -took it in for this and they did an alignment and balancing but both issues persist
4 supercharger belt was letting out a quick squeal upon initial quick acceleration- belt replaced problem 80% fixed
5 keyless go is tempermental especially when locking.
Otherwise car is a hoot to drive, sounds great and handles better than I expected. At about 120mph it starts to pull on my 996TT.
Bill
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 308
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From: UK
Originally posted by bgomez
3 steering wheel vibrates at about 60mph and car tends to pull right. -took it in for this and they did an alignment and balancing but both issues persist
Bill
3 steering wheel vibrates at about 60mph and car tends to pull right. -took it in for this and they did an alignment and balancing but both issues persist
Bill
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: Fairhope, Alabama
2005 E55 Wagon
Supercharger
Got a check engine warning last week. Did not clear after several restarts. Took to the dealer this morning. Turns out (after hooking up to the all powerful central service computer), it is a progressing supercharger failure
. It will be in the shop for a week. Hopefully, it will be fixed without an incident. Has anyone else had a supercharger failure.
. It will be in the shop for a week. Hopefully, it will be fixed without an incident. Has anyone else had a supercharger failure.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,148
Likes: 16
From: Berkshire, UK
2004 SL55, 2015 A250d, 2016 GLC250d
Re: Supercharger
Originally posted by Fast_Bubba
Got a check engine warning last week. Did not clear after several restarts. Took to the dealer this morning. Turns out (after hooking up to the all powerful central service computer), it is a progressing supercharger failure . It will be in the shop for a week. Hopefully, it will be fixed without an incident. Has anyone else had a supercharger failure.
Got a check engine warning last week. Did not clear after several restarts. Took to the dealer this morning. Turns out (after hooking up to the all powerful central service computer), it is a progressing supercharger failure
. It will be in the shop for a week. Hopefully, it will be fixed without an incident. Has anyone else had a supercharger failure.
The question I have, is what happens to the signature on the top of it. Will you get a new signature with the new supercharger ? Or does that signature relate to the engine builder ??
Please tell us !
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: Fairhope, Alabama
2005 E55 Wagon
#1 Not hard enough. The car is driven 4 days of the week and never over 100 mph (haven't been to the track yet). I was respectful of the rpm limits during break in. It has @6000 miles. I am not amused.
#2 I get the car back tomorrow; it had better have someone's signature on it.
Robert
#2 I get the car back tomorrow; it had better have someone's signature on it.
Robert
