Mercedes SL55 AMG supercharger problem

Subscribe
Aug 16, 2019 | 11:24 AM
  #1  
Supercharger problems

I've got a SL55 AMG 2003 model. It recently developed a problem: If I push it a bit too hard, it loses most of its power for like 1-2 mins. I assume it switches off the kompressor for whatever reason. It happens if I push it over 120 mph or do it a few times a row close to 100 mph. It seems to happen more often with hot weather.

I assume that this costs a small fortune and I'd rather figure out how bad the problem is. Anyone has any ideas?


Wetterhus
Reply 0
Aug 16, 2019 | 12:04 PM
  #2  
moved to R230 AMG forum...
did you upgrade IC pump?
Reply 0
Aug 16, 2019 | 12:35 PM
  #3  
IC pump would be first guess. There is a diy with step by step instructions stickied in the forum. Also a ton of YouTube videos. Just type in m113k IC pump upgrade and you’ll be able to read all about it.
Reply 0
Aug 16, 2019 | 01:18 PM
  #4  
The problem started after I changed the pully on the supercharger from original to 83,5mm. I have not changed/modified the IC pump. Have no idea what is going on. Maybe an idea to start With the IC pump mod then?
Reply 0
Aug 16, 2019 | 04:58 PM
  #5  
Look up your part number on the pump. If it hasn’t been replaced, it is definitely shot or underpowered. The new Bosch pump ends with part number 010.
Reply 0
Aug 16, 2019 | 05:29 PM
  #6  
It's a very common problem and most need to upgrade. I upgrade it 10 years ago and never had the same problem again.

Just google Johnson CM30 pump E55, you can find many info. Part only $140.

https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/...cm30-pump.html
Reply 0
Aug 18, 2019 | 09:50 PM
  #7  
FCPEURO

IC Pump
Reply 0
Sep 28, 2019 | 08:21 PM
  #8  
Taken from my post in New member section:

Issue 1 - RESOLVED - During the test drive I was sure at one point I put my foot down and there was very little power, I mentioned it to the seller who tried to make me think it was in my head until it happened again. The issue was this, after 2/3 stong pulls I would give it some and the car seemed to perform like a 2.0ltr non-turbo - 90% power loss. After a few mins of normal driving and trying again it would work again. From other online I was pretty certain it was the Intercooler Pump and a build-up of heat causing the ecu to reduce power to preserve the engine. So this was changed for the newer Bosch one. On removal it seems it had never been changed, and after testing was found to be completely dead. New pump in and all the power is back plus some! happy days!

Pretty sure this is your issue, I got the new Bosch pump on amazon at £111 next day.

Easy fix on the drive, would take about 1 hour.
Reply 0

MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

Explore
story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Jul 18, 2023 | 02:05 AM
  #9  
ic
Quote: It's a very common problem and most need to upgrade. I upgrade it 10 years ago and never had the same problem again.

Just google Johnson CM30 pump E55, you can find many info. Part only $140.

https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/...cm30-pump.html
hi, I have a SL 55AMG 03 I recently replaced the ic pump with the upgraded Jonson CM 30 pump. It has definitely improved the problem of the supercharger cutting out but has not eliminated the problem. It still happens but just not as frequent. Does anybody have any idea on what this could be thank you
Reply 0
Jul 18, 2023 | 03:14 PM
  #10  
sounds like the car going into limp mode due to excessive heat, If you modify the supercharger to make more power without upgrading the colling to the SC you will have this problem repeatedly. My car had a bad supercharger coolant pump, the upgeaded "010" pump is an easy diy, no electrical mods, plug and play. Look to VRP for a selection of cooling mods to upgrade the cooling to the supercharger. There are other companies that also make mods but for the new person to this platform their selection is easy to peruse and straightforward.
Reply 0
Jul 18, 2023 | 03:57 PM
  #11  
Quote: sounds like the car going into limp mode due to excessive heat, If you modify the supercharger to make more power without upgrading the colling to the SC you will have this problem repeatedly. My car had a bad supercharger coolant pump, the upgeaded "010" pump is an easy diy, no electrical mods, plug and play. Look to VRP for a selection of cooling mods to upgrade the cooling to the supercharger. There are other companies that also make mods but for the new person to this platform their selection is easy to peruse and straightforward.
thank you for the advice I have not upgraded the supercharger for modified the car anyway other than changing the icPomp to the Jonson one, as I seen online, it was recommended. I also have the Bosch 010 pump as I bought both in case one did not work. I just didn’t know if there was another common problem, a sensor or something like that.
also, I don’t think the vehicle is going into limp mode as there is no engine, warning, lights or anything. If you back off the throttle for a couple of minutes the supercharger kicks back in
Reply 0
Jul 18, 2023 | 04:10 PM
  #12  
Coolant pump failed. Hook the car up to Xentry, go to motor electronics, and try to activate it. Most likely you will feel nothing because the pump is dead. No codes, no check engine light. The joys and mysteries of a Mercedes.
Reply 1
Jul 18, 2023 | 04:38 PM
  #13  
Quote: Coolant pump failed. Hook the car up to Xentry, go to motor electronics, and try to activate it. Most likely you will feel nothing because the pump is dead. No codes, no check engine light. The joys and mysteries of a Mercedes.

thank you very much I thought it was a cooling problem. Do you know the part number for the pump? Thanks
Reply 0
Jul 18, 2023 | 08:19 PM
  #14  
Quote: hi, I have a SL 55AMG 03 I recently replaced the ic pump with the upgraded Jonson CM 30 pump. It has definitely improved the problem of the supercharger cutting out but has not eliminated the problem. It still happens but just not as frequent. Does anybody have any idea on what this could be thank you
most likely, you'll need heat exchanger...
Reply 0
Jul 19, 2023 | 01:53 AM
  #15  
Quote: most likely, you'll need heat exchanger...
thank you very much for the advice so it’s looking like one of two problems possibly both water pump and heat exchanger. This is the first sl55 have owned and this is all quite new are they?
easy repairs, or is this a major job?
Reply 0
Jul 19, 2023 | 02:49 AM
  #16  
Quote: thank you very much for the advice so it’s looking like one of two problems possibly both water pump and heat exchanger. This is the first sl55 have owned and this is all quite new are they?
easy repairs, or is this a major job?
pretty easy repair/mod...
Reply 0
Jul 19, 2023 | 04:24 AM
  #17  
Quote: Coolant pump failed. Hook the car up to Xentry, go to motor electronics, and try to activate it. Most likely you will feel nothing because the pump is dead. No codes, no check engine light. The joys and mysteries of a Mercedes.
hi, when you say coolant pump when I type in coolant pump on eBay, there are two types a mechanical pump and an electric pump. I am sure the electric pump is the one I’ve changed the Jonson CM 30. Do you think it is the mechanical pump that has failed on this time?
Reply 0
Jul 19, 2023 | 11:34 PM
  #18  
The CM30 is junk. Don't use it. Bosch 010 is far superior. There's 2 electric pumps, one for the supercharger coolant, and the other handles the HVAC stuff I believe.

You can split the cooling system, and look at replacing the IAT sensor. which may or may not help. If the car is legit heat soaking then the supercharger is disengaging as a safety measure. This isn't implausible if its been exceptionally hot in your area.
Reply 1
Jul 20, 2023 | 01:29 PM
  #19  
[QUOTE=herpderp;8817607]The CM30 is junk. Don't use it. Bosch 010 is far superior. There's 2 electric pumps, one for the supercharger coolant, and the other handles the HVAC stuff I believe.

You can split the cooling system, and look at replacing the IAT sensor. which may or may not help. If the car is legit heat soaking then the supercharger is disengaging as a safety measure. This isn't implausible if its been exceptionally hot in your area. [/QUOTE

I have the feeling that the Jonson pump is not working correctly, but I have a new Bosch pump 010 I think I’m going to put this on and see how it goes. Hopefully that solves the problem.
Reply 0
Jul 21, 2023 | 01:31 PM
  #20  
Quote:
I have the feeling that the Jonson pump is not working correctly, but I have a new Bosch pump 010 I think I’m going to put this on and see how it goes. Hopefully that solves the problem.
You are asking the supercharger to do more then stock. This means more heat is added to the intake charge. OEM charge cooling is barely adequate at stock boost.

Charge coolant is best when not mixed with engine coolant as MB did. Do this mod.
It needs more ability to get heat out. Add a heat exchanger in front of the stack. Search... this is has been done many times.
The Bosch charge coolant pump will be enough.
Reply 0
Jul 21, 2023 | 05:34 PM
  #21  
Quote: You are asking the supercharger to do more then stock. This means more heat is added to the intake charge. OEM charge cooling is barely adequate at stock boost.

Charge coolant is best when not mixed with engine coolant as MB did. Do this mod.
It needs more ability to get heat out. Add a heat exchanger in front of the stack. Search... this is has been done many times.
The Bosch charge coolant pump will be enough.
thank you very much I will look into having another heat exchanger. In the meantime I’m changing the pump back to the Bosch
Reply 0
Subscribe
Currently Active Users (1)
 
story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE