SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: Compressor issue? 03 SL55
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2003 SL55 AMG
Compressor issue? 03 SL55
I've owned my '03 SL55 for two months and have put just under 6K miles on it. I initially had a coolant issue which, through use, has rectified itself. My guess is that as the car had been driven so few miles througout its life, things were a little gummed up.
I've driven the car to Canada and back, up into the rockies (mountains) and everywhere in between. The car is a wonderful beast and reminds me of my old Suzuki GSX 1100 in terms of shock and awe! An issue though is that the SL only likes to go at 7/10ths and not much more...
This new problem has manifested itself over the past few thousand miles, and I figure it has to do with the compressor, its pulley, or the intercooler - let me explain. After all fluids are up to temp, and I've driven agressively for a short while, the engine feels as though it has gone into limp-home mode, with very little power available. After driving "nicely' for a few minutes, I've got full power back. While the car is "limping", none of the idiot lights are flashing, the water temperature gauge is at ~90C, and the transmission is shifting normally. Everything looks fine in the engine room, and there are no foul smells. I don't want to go to the dealer and spend $$ if there is a fix that I can perform.
Anyone with insight into this issue and potential fixes that I may be able to perform?
Thanks guys!
Note that I had posted this in the wrong forum earlier today - sorry
I've driven the car to Canada and back, up into the rockies (mountains) and everywhere in between. The car is a wonderful beast and reminds me of my old Suzuki GSX 1100 in terms of shock and awe! An issue though is that the SL only likes to go at 7/10ths and not much more...
This new problem has manifested itself over the past few thousand miles, and I figure it has to do with the compressor, its pulley, or the intercooler - let me explain. After all fluids are up to temp, and I've driven agressively for a short while, the engine feels as though it has gone into limp-home mode, with very little power available. After driving "nicely' for a few minutes, I've got full power back. While the car is "limping", none of the idiot lights are flashing, the water temperature gauge is at ~90C, and the transmission is shifting normally. Everything looks fine in the engine room, and there are no foul smells. I don't want to go to the dealer and spend $$ if there is a fix that I can perform.
Anyone with insight into this issue and potential fixes that I may be able to perform?
Thanks guys!
Note that I had posted this in the wrong forum earlier today - sorry
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 53
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2004 SL55
Measure your IAT. If it is much more than 30 degrees above ambient when driving normally you lost your intercooler pump. The motor brushes wear out very quickly. Mine wore out in 12K miles. I use an UltraGauge to monitor all critical functions real time.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 372
Likes: 1
From: CT
CTS-V
Yeah..been watchng the temps on my 65. I am consistantly 45-55deg over ambient...even last night when it was 50deg out. IAT's do seem to fluxuate with rpm's, so I figured it was working.
I just found out my 60k mile car has the original IC pump in it, or at least another one with a 10/04 date code on it.
Probably gonna go ahead and put the Bosch 010 pump in it. Bought one to have "in stock" but looks like I might acutally need it now?
I just found out my 60k mile car has the original IC pump in it, or at least another one with a 10/04 date code on it.
Probably gonna go ahead and put the Bosch 010 pump in it. Bought one to have "in stock" but looks like I might acutally need it now?
Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 103
Likes: 7
From: South Australia
2004 (MY05) SL55
It's your intercooler circulation pump. Replace the old unit with the new Bosch model 0392 022 010
I was having the same problems you describe and recently did the upgrade. Everything is working as it should now.
Do a search and you will find plenty of posts describing the procedure and even a video. If you're handy is a straightforward DIY job.
I was having the same problems you describe and recently did the upgrade. Everything is working as it should now.
Do a search and you will find plenty of posts describing the procedure and even a video. If you're handy is a straightforward DIY job.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2013
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2003 SL55 AMG
Thanks for the information. I incorrectly posted this in the "S" room as well, and the consensus of both rooms is that its the IC pump.
I will begin the DIY search and let you know how it goes.
Thanks again.
I will begin the DIY search and let you know how it goes.
Thanks again.
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From: Arizona
SL55AMG, Ferrari 348, Ferrari Testarossa, Ferrari F40, Ferrari Mondial t, Ducati 916, Indycar
I've owned my '03 SL55 for two months and have put just under 6K miles on it. I initially had a coolant issue which, through use, has rectified itself. My guess is that as the car had been driven so few miles througout its life, things were a little gummed up.
I've driven the car to Canada and back, up into the rockies (mountains) and everywhere in between. The car is a wonderful beast and reminds me of my old Suzuki GSX 1100 in terms of shock and awe! An issue though is that the SL only likes to go at 7/10ths and not much more...
This new problem has manifested itself over the past few thousand miles, and I figure it has to do with the compressor, its pulley, or the intercooler - let me explain. After all fluids are up to temp, and I've driven agressively for a short while, the engine feels as though it has gone into limp-home mode, with very little power available. After driving "nicely' for a few minutes, I've got full power back. While the car is "limping", none of the idiot lights are flashing, the water temperature gauge is at ~90C, and the transmission is shifting normally. Everything looks fine in the engine room, and there are no foul smells. I don't want to go to the dealer and spend $$ if there is a fix that I can perform.
Anyone with insight into this issue and potential fixes that I may be able to perform?
Thanks guys!
Note that I had posted this in the wrong forum earlier today - sorry
I've driven the car to Canada and back, up into the rockies (mountains) and everywhere in between. The car is a wonderful beast and reminds me of my old Suzuki GSX 1100 in terms of shock and awe! An issue though is that the SL only likes to go at 7/10ths and not much more...
This new problem has manifested itself over the past few thousand miles, and I figure it has to do with the compressor, its pulley, or the intercooler - let me explain. After all fluids are up to temp, and I've driven agressively for a short while, the engine feels as though it has gone into limp-home mode, with very little power available. After driving "nicely' for a few minutes, I've got full power back. While the car is "limping", none of the idiot lights are flashing, the water temperature gauge is at ~90C, and the transmission is shifting normally. Everything looks fine in the engine room, and there are no foul smells. I don't want to go to the dealer and spend $$ if there is a fix that I can perform.
Anyone with insight into this issue and potential fixes that I may be able to perform?
Thanks guys!
Note that I had posted this in the wrong forum earlier today - sorry
We use to recommend the Johnson pump, but the upgraded OEM works great. I have had it in mine for years and it has been flawless.
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Newbie
Joined: Aug 2013
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2003 SL55 AMG
Fix Works
Thanks for the tip - it was the IC pump. Bought a new one from one of the parts stores found in an earlier link. Cheap, easy to do and done!
Don't care what breaks next...the car is such fun to drive. Regretably the cold snowy weather has arrived and will be able to drive it on the few nice days between now and spring time.
Thanks again for the help.
Don't care what breaks next...the car is such fun to drive. Regretably the cold snowy weather has arrived and will be able to drive it on the few nice days between now and spring time.
Thanks again for the help.
