SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: 2014 SL65 Issues
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
S550 4matic / SL65
2014 SL65 Issues
I have a 2014 SL65 which I took delivery of Sept of last year. I am interested to know if anyone has had experience with the ongoing issues I am having. There are two:
1. After start and idle the car hesitates until warm. I was told this was not resolvable.
2. The transmission exhibits jerky shifts. It's software was updated and the wet clutch was set to relearn after doing so. This shift behavior is noticeable under daily driving or hard acceleration; in 'eco' mode or sport mode. The car when combined with the hesitation feels like it "hops" as it does it's low speed shifts when cold. I would compare it to a poorly shifted manual transmission jerkiness. The update made it better but it did not take it away.
MB had a trouble shooter drive the car for a couple of weeks and he thought it was ok but acknowledged the behavior when we drove it together. Says they have been pushing the car toward the track and away from grand touring.
This is my 3rd 12 cyclinder SL and my 2nd AMG. I am familiar with what I expect the car to do as I had driven them daily for 7 years.
I want to love the car but these problems will likely lead me to buy something else. It appears to me like MB themselves just don't care. The dealer has tried but can only do so much.
Any Suggestions?
1. After start and idle the car hesitates until warm. I was told this was not resolvable.
2. The transmission exhibits jerky shifts. It's software was updated and the wet clutch was set to relearn after doing so. This shift behavior is noticeable under daily driving or hard acceleration; in 'eco' mode or sport mode. The car when combined with the hesitation feels like it "hops" as it does it's low speed shifts when cold. I would compare it to a poorly shifted manual transmission jerkiness. The update made it better but it did not take it away.
MB had a trouble shooter drive the car for a couple of weeks and he thought it was ok but acknowledged the behavior when we drove it together. Says they have been pushing the car toward the track and away from grand touring.
This is my 3rd 12 cyclinder SL and my 2nd AMG. I am familiar with what I expect the car to do as I had driven them daily for 7 years.
I want to love the car but these problems will likely lead me to buy something else. It appears to me like MB themselves just don't care. The dealer has tried but can only do so much.
Any Suggestions?
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
2009 SL63
the shifting issues only occur when the transmission is "cold"? when the transmission warms up to 80 degrees Celsius it goes away? i have the older version of this transmission, the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT (aka 722.9) & when cold exhibits the same issues. just one of the quirks of this transmission. i let mine warm up before i do any spirited driving ;-). there are many threads on this forum about this transmission. hope this helps
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,934
Likes: 387
From: Kenilworth, il usa
GT63S ePerformance 4dr, '25 Bentayga Black Ed.(wife), Wrangler and 250 MLB(kids)
Only SL63 has wet clutch, SL65 has regular slushbox, a 7 speed automatic with torque converter, don't let them BS you and do not accept their word "it's normal".
Ask politely to either fix the car or replace it immediately otherwise you are going to employ services of a "lemon law" attorney in which case the damage to MB will be even higher.
Unacceptable in a $200k+ car.........
Ask politely to either fix the car or replace it immediately otherwise you are going to employ services of a "lemon law" attorney in which case the damage to MB will be even higher.
Unacceptable in a $200k+ car.........
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
Only SL63 has wet clutch, SL65 has regular slushbox, a 7 speed automatic with torque converter, don't let them BS you and do not accept their word "it's normal".
Ask politely to either fix the car or replace it immediately otherwise you are going to employ services of a "lemon law" attorney in which case the damage to MB will be even higher.
Unacceptable in a $200k+ car.........
Ask politely to either fix the car or replace it immediately otherwise you are going to employ services of a "lemon law" attorney in which case the damage to MB will be even higher.
Unacceptable in a $200k+ car.........
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Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 314
Likes: 1
From: Malibu, Ca
SL65, 427 COBRA (CSX-3127)73 911S, 246GTS (DINO SPYDER), CORNICHE,1962 PORSCHE TWIN GRILLE ROADSTER+
MB-USA Part Line... That is "NORMAL.... THEY ALL DO THAT"
If your engine fell out and was dragging on the ground, the factory rep would tell you "That is Normal for this model"... "They ALL do that"
Ture Story...
When My SL55 had the SBC Brakes Fade Severely and Fail to Stop the car without applying full force on the pedal, the local MB Dealer said that was "within factory specs for the AMG"... "They ALL have Failing brakes"... "By AMG design!!!"
The very next day in the mail I received a Recall Notice from MB-USA for SBC Brake Failure. The recall described EXACTLY what I told the MB Dealer was wrong and the recall said the failing brakes could cause "injury and/or death".
Apparently over a million MBs were recalled for defective SBC brakes months prior to my complaint but the local So Calif MB dealer insisted they had no knowledge about any SBC Brake recall.
Ture Story...
When My SL55 had the SBC Brakes Fade Severely and Fail to Stop the car without applying full force on the pedal, the local MB Dealer said that was "within factory specs for the AMG"... "They ALL have Failing brakes"... "By AMG design!!!"
The very next day in the mail I received a Recall Notice from MB-USA for SBC Brake Failure. The recall described EXACTLY what I told the MB Dealer was wrong and the recall said the failing brakes could cause "injury and/or death".
Apparently over a million MBs were recalled for defective SBC brakes months prior to my complaint but the local So Calif MB dealer insisted they had no knowledge about any SBC Brake recall.
Last edited by EXECMALIBU; Sep 15, 2014 at 05:28 PM.
