SLS/R197/C197 AMG: Question for other SLS owners?
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Member
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 79
Likes: 3
From: Suburban Philadelphia
2019 G63
Question for other SLS owners?
Soon after taking delivery a few months ago, I realized there is significant throttle hesitation on virtually every start out. The more throttle you give it, the more pronounced the hesitation is. In fact, when attempting an all out launch, literally nothing happens for perhaps a second in spite of the pedal being to the floor. Then after the pause, it kicks in and takes off. There is no way to get any wheel spin and if I was attempting a drag race from a stop light, even a Smart car would beat me for a short distance!
In Race Start mode the car does launch immediately. I recall one magazine tester stating that he recorded virtually identical 0-60 times with and without RS. No way with my SLS and no way it could record under 4 second times without RS. The car is currently at my dealer for evaluation and initially they are saying this is "normal" in C and S mode but not as much in S+ or M.
A few weeks ago I had to pull out agressively into some traffic, cross the southbound lane and turn into northbound. I found myself barely moving as I crossed the southbound, then acceleration suddenly kicked in just as I was making the turn and I almost lost control! A surprising and briefly scary moment.
With every other AMG car I own, or have owned, when you punch the pedal it launches at its maximum. Question for other owners. What are you experiencing when you start out from a dead stop, both in terms of a moderate and all out start? I am hoping this is an anomoly with my SLS and therefore correctable.
In Race Start mode the car does launch immediately. I recall one magazine tester stating that he recorded virtually identical 0-60 times with and without RS. No way with my SLS and no way it could record under 4 second times without RS. The car is currently at my dealer for evaluation and initially they are saying this is "normal" in C and S mode but not as much in S+ or M.
A few weeks ago I had to pull out agressively into some traffic, cross the southbound lane and turn into northbound. I found myself barely moving as I crossed the southbound, then acceleration suddenly kicked in just as I was making the turn and I almost lost control! A surprising and briefly scary moment.
With every other AMG car I own, or have owned, when you punch the pedal it launches at its maximum. Question for other owners. What are you experiencing when you start out from a dead stop, both in terms of a moderate and all out start? I am hoping this is an anomoly with my SLS and therefore correctable.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 6,897
Likes: 85
From: Central WI (BFE)
SL55, ML500 & Acura TL
Soon after taking delivery a few months ago, I realized there is significant throttle hesitation on virtually every start out. The more throttle you give it, the more pronounced the hesitation is. In fact, when attempting an all out launch, literally nothing happens for perhaps a second in spite of the pedal being to the floor. Then after the pause, it kicks in and takes off. There is no way to get any wheel spin and if I was attempting a drag race from a stop light, even a Smart car would beat me for a short distance!
In Race Start mode the car does launch immediately. I recall one magazine tester stating that he recorded virtually identical 0-60 times with and without RS. No way with my SLS and no way it could record under 4 second times without RS. The car is currently at my dealer for evaluation and initially they are saying this is "normal" in C and S mode but not as much in S+ or M.
A few weeks ago I had to pull out agressively into some traffic, cross the southbound lane and turn into northbound. I found myself barely moving as I crossed the southbound, then acceleration suddenly kicked in just as I was making the turn and I almost lost control! A surprising and briefly scary moment.
With every other AMG car I own, or have owned, when you punch the pedal it launches at its maximum. Question for other owners. What are you experiencing when you start out from a dead stop, both in terms of a moderate and all out start? I am hoping this is an anomoly with my SLS and therefore correctable.
In Race Start mode the car does launch immediately. I recall one magazine tester stating that he recorded virtually identical 0-60 times with and without RS. No way with my SLS and no way it could record under 4 second times without RS. The car is currently at my dealer for evaluation and initially they are saying this is "normal" in C and S mode but not as much in S+ or M.
A few weeks ago I had to pull out agressively into some traffic, cross the southbound lane and turn into northbound. I found myself barely moving as I crossed the southbound, then acceleration suddenly kicked in just as I was making the turn and I almost lost control! A surprising and briefly scary moment.
With every other AMG car I own, or have owned, when you punch the pedal it launches at its maximum. Question for other owners. What are you experiencing when you start out from a dead stop, both in terms of a moderate and all out start? I am hoping this is an anomoly with my SLS and therefore correctable.
I wonder if MB is working on a new firmware update for the throttle control to correct the hesitation. I would check with the dealer.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 259
Likes: 2
to the OP,
this seems to be a known & common issue for the SLS. i suggest u check AMG private lounge. there are few threads in the SLS section about the same problem.
http://www.mercedes-amg.com/privatelounge/
better make another thread to address the issue. i'm a future SLS buyer. but unless MB/AMG solves the problem, i guess i won't be interested.
this seems to be a known & common issue for the SLS. i suggest u check AMG private lounge. there are few threads in the SLS section about the same problem.
http://www.mercedes-amg.com/privatelounge/
better make another thread to address the issue. i'm a future SLS buyer. but unless MB/AMG solves the problem, i guess i won't be interested.
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
SLS
I am a new sls owner and have noted the identical problem. It seems less pronounced when warm, but still there. Rolling on the throttle slowly seems to help. I think this is a real issue with this transmission and am optimistic there may be a software fix.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 6,897
Likes: 85
From: Central WI (BFE)
SL55, ML500 & Acura TL
I had a similar issue with my ML only the throttle hesitation was intermittent. It did seem to happen most when I was attempting to get into traffic post haste. Not the best time to hesitate. Two firmware updates later, the problem is better.
I find it very disturbing that MB has this problem in a nearly or over $200 k car.
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
SLS
I have heard that MB is aware of the problem. It will most likely be solved with a firmware update for the ECU. If you have your car in to MB for any reason, I suggest you ask them to make sure you have the latest firmware.
I had a similar issue with my ML only the throttle hesitation was intermittent. It did seem to happen most when I was attempting to get into traffic post haste. Not the best time to hesitate. Two firmware updates later, the problem is better.
I find it very disturbing that MB has this problem in a nearly or over $200 k car.
I had a similar issue with my ML only the throttle hesitation was intermittent. It did seem to happen most when I was attempting to get into traffic post haste. Not the best time to hesitate. Two firmware updates later, the problem is better.
I find it very disturbing that MB has this problem in a nearly or over $200 k car.
So far my experience, as stated earlier, is that the issue is more pronouced at cold temperatures. Acceleration at start is almost like a high-revs clutch drop in a manual car - goes from nothing to big throttle, almost instantly. I have driven plenty of high performance cars so this is not an issue of an absence of foot control; nothing happens and then everything happens. Personally - I much prefer manual transmissions and wish the SLS was one of those.
