2003 Mercedes Benz SL55

Owner complaints

What owners report most

1. Engine and engine cooling2
2. Service brakes, hydraulic2
3. Fuel system, gasoline2
4. Electrical system2
5. Unknown or other1
6. Fuel/propulsion system1
7. Power train1
8. Suspension1

Latest complaints

• Nov 27, 2023NEFire
  Electrical system
  The battery control module (known as the BCM or BNS) failed, triggering a fire. The incident occurred while the vehicle was parked in a garage and had not been operated for several weeks. The fire consumed the module, insulation on wiring connected to and close to the module, part of the trunk…

  The battery control module (known as the BCM or BNS) failed, triggering a fire. The incident occurred while the vehicle was parked in a garage and had not been operated for several weeks. The fire consumed the module, insulation on wiring connected to and close to the module, part of the trunk lining material, and burned through a total of five hydraulic lines (retractable roof hydraulics). It appears that the trunk seal limited air to the point that the fire was self extinguished. This is the only thing that saved the attached garage and house. The vehicle valued at $30,000 was determined to be a total loss due to the extensive repairs required to restore it to an operating condition. I have since joined a Facebook group "Mercedes BNS/BCM Fires" that has nearly 1000 members and found that this is a common issue with the Mercedes R230 model and fires have occurred dozens if not hundreds of times. We have determined that the module has undergone numerous changes, but there is no confirmation that any are safe. Mercedes refuses to provide guidance or solutions to this issue and apparently has no regard for the safety of current owners. I have retained the failed module, wiring, hydraulic lines, and burned portion of the trunk lining. It is available for inspection or analysis. I am a mechanical engineer with over 35 years experience in the automotive and industrial areas.

• Apr 29, 2023FLFire
  Electrical system

  It appears the BCM (Battery Control Module) caught fire and burned a significant portion of the trunk and associated wiring.

• Apr 28, 2023MD
  Unknown or other
  My car (the SL55 and all SL models) has a "Battery Control Module" (BCM) also referred to as the "Battery Stabilization Control Load Module" which shows signs of imminent failure which will lead to a meltdown or fire. I inspected the module after finding that this was a common problem with these…

  My car (the SL55 and all SL models) has a "Battery Control Module" (BCM) also referred to as the "Battery Stabilization Control Load Module" which shows signs of imminent failure which will lead to a meltdown or fire. I inspected the module after finding that this was a common problem with these cars online. This model of car has been documented to completely catch on fire, even when parked after driving. I have pictures of the burnt board inside my BCM. I am very concerned as it could literally burn my house down. The typical warning for this issue is a red colored warning on the dash LCD display, however I didn't have that warning as my unit is apparently still functioning even though it's compromised.

• Aug 26, 2015NC33,416 mi
  Power train
  Plastic piece on gearshift assembly broke not allowing car to be placed in gear. IS apparently a problem with 1000's of these cars based on internet search. contacted mercedes and they said not their problem. they charge $1300.00 to fix the problem. they stated to save money on this part being…

  Plastic piece on gearshift assembly broke not allowing car to be placed in gear. IS apparently a problem with 1000's of these cars based on internet search. contacted mercedes and they said not their problem. they charge $1300.00 to fix the problem. they stated to save money on this part being replaced to take a mallet and finish breaking piece thereby rendering child safety feature useless. apparently looking at the internet this IS what 1000's of people have already done. how mercedes thinks this IS a not a safety concern IS beyond me. it IS an extremely dangerous situation to all children as they will be able to put car into gear with no safety precautions. I can see many children eventually putting these cars in gear and getting hurt.

• Aug 3, 2013CA61,165 mi
  Fuel system, gasoline

  Internal gas tank baffle has come loose inside the gas tank. This causes a consistent and very annoying rattling sound. *tr

• Dec 17, 2012IL54,000 mi
  Fuel/propulsion system
  TL* the contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz SL55 AMG. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, he could hear something moving abnormally within the fuel tank. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where they advised him that he needed to replace the fuel tank. The vehicle…

  TL* the contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz SL55 AMG. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, he could hear something moving abnormally within the fuel tank. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where they advised him that he needed to replace the fuel tank. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. The failure and current mileages were approximately 54,000.

• Jul 19, 2010FL45,600 mi
  Service brakes, hydraulic
  Tl*the contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz SL55. when the vehicle was turned on noise was near the brake system and there were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic for inspection. The mechanic stated that the sbc hydraulic system was inoperable and there was no…

  Tl*the contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz SL55. when the vehicle was turned on noise was near the brake system and there were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic for inspection. The mechanic stated that the sbc hydraulic system was inoperable and there was no communication with the pump motor. Nhtsa recall 04v296000, service brakes, hydraulic was related to the failure; however, the mechanic advised him to take the vehicle to the dealer for diagnostic testing at his expense for $150. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 45,600.

• Oct 19, 2009FL23,285 mi
  Fuel system, gasoline

  Defective fuel tank baffles. Fuel tank baffle(s) come loose and bounce around inside tank banging the sides of the fuel tank. *Tr

• Apr 20, 2009RI60,000 mi
  Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system · Suspension

  Abc suspension system and intercooler pump for turbo failed on 2003 SL55 AMG. Very common problem on these vehicles as evidenced on the mb boards. Recall should be issued. *Tr

• May 13, 2008NJ22,000 miCrash1 injury
  Service brakes, hydraulic
  I was having some trouble with the brakes, I brought the car back into the shop 3 times to let them know that the brakes were failing - once I almost ran a pedestrian over as I tried to stop and the vehicle brakes appeared to not work at all - the hydraulic system they say does nothing. another…

  I was having some trouble with the brakes, I brought the car back into the shop 3 times to let them know that the brakes were failing - once I almost ran a pedestrian over as I tried to stop and the vehicle brakes appeared to not work at all - the hydraulic system they say does nothing. another time pulling into a parking space no brakes again and if it weren't for the concrete block I would have run into the store front. the last time was at my home - pulling into the driveway. after bringing the car into the mercedes dealer multiple times with the same problem they told me everything was fine until I was out one night and came to a stop sign and the brakes failed and I went into a concrete barrier. I wish I had visited this site before the accident happened - I would recommend that anyone with a 2003 mercedes SL get rid of it - bring it back to mercedes and demand a 2004 or newer car before this happens to you. mercedes came to inspect the vehicle at the autobody shop and will not release their findings to me - I am thinking of getting a lawyer involved. - I have never in my life been in a situation where you are so helpless and mercedes knows about this - what a crime. *tr

• Sep 17, 2007CA
  Engine and engine cooling

  2003 mercedes SL-55 engine stalled several times over a period of two weeks. *Kb

Defect investigations

NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.

• Air suspension system failure

  PE07042Opened Aug 14, 2007Closed Nov 20, 2007
  The subject s-class vehicles contain a compressed air suspension system that uses air struts on each of the four wheels in lieu of traditional springs and shock absorbers.these air struts use compressed air to support the weight of the vehicle and control ride height.in the event of the loss of air from the system, an…

  The subject s-class vehicles contain a compressed air suspension system that uses air struts on each of the four wheels in lieu of traditional springs and shock absorbers.these air struts use compressed air to support the weight of the vehicle and control ride height.in the event of the loss of air from the system, an alert will flash on the instrument cluster warning the driver to either drive carefully or to stop the vehicle.the vehicle ride height can be reduced by as much as 105 mm below normal ride height before the full load of the vehicle for that wheel comes to rest on a steel rod, with a rubber stop on the end, located in the shock absorber.this rest-stop condition IS designed such that there IS no impact on vehicle control.mercedes-benz (mbusa) supplied video showing a vehicle in this condition operating under several different situations including evasive maneuvers demonstrating the ability of the vehicle to be controlled effectively with a ride height reduced to the minimum.only those complaints to odi and mbusa that alleged a steering interference during a reduced ride height condition were counted in this resume failure report.some complaints alleged that with a reduced ride height and a stop now warning message there was a rubbing noise when turning, but the ability to steer the vehicle was not compromised.a sampling of warranty claims submitted by mbusa did not reveal any indicating a loss of control due to an airmatic system failure.there was one crash reported by mbusa to odi but the information available indicated that it related to suspension systems and it was not possible to verify that the incident was related to an airmatic system failure. Further use of agency resources in this matter does not appear to be warranted.the agency will continue to monitor complaints and other information relating to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles and will take further action in the future if warranted.this preliminary evaluation IS closed.

Service bulletins

Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.

• 11009122Complaint Washer fluid system leaks Cause Various possible causes: 1. Washer fluid reservoir itself. 2. Seal on washer fluid pump/washer fluid reservoir. 3. Washer fluid pump. 3.1. Distributor housing leaks. 3.2. Pump fitting leaks. 3.3. Washer fluid hose cannot be snapped into place on pump fitting. 3.4. Washer fluid hose will not stay on pump fitting, although connector OK. 4. Washer fluid line. 4.1 Connector will not stay on pump fitting because it is broken. 4.2 Sealing ring in connector missing. 4.3 Sealing ring in connector fitted, but deformed and therefore leaks. 4.4 Damage to washer line by animal. 5. Seal on heating washer fluid reservoir/washer fluid reservoir. Remedy Replace defective component parts only. Do not replace any adjacent component parts that are intact. Note: Repair kits for washer line hoses do exist to allow patches for line damage.
• 11008091Complaint During a phone call, the called party has difficulty understanding/cannot understand the driver, or interference/background noises are audible to the called party during a call. It becomes increasingly difficult to understand as the speed rises. Cause A. Seating of the microphones in the headliner. Side edges are covered by the textile cover (see picture "1") B. Assembly of microphones (B25/20 or B25/21) in the headliner. C. Dirt inside the microphone housing Remedy 1. Press finger on rear of microphone (on adhesive tape) 2. Remove microphone cap from the front 3. Eliminate protruding material residues of the microphone cutout at the headliner, e.g. with a soldering iron. The microphone must be seated in the headliner as shown in picture "2". 4. Push microphone from behind until it is firmly pressed into the headliner 5. Maintain pressure and press/clip cap into microphone from the front. Note: The cover cap must be clearly heard and felt to engage. 6. This procedure must be carried out on both microphones (B25/20 and B25/21) Note: It is recommended to replace the cover caps. The non-woven cloth in the cover cap protects the microphone from soiling and must not be removed. NOTE: The information contained in this document is intended for use by trained, professional technicians with the knowledge to properly and safely perform diagnosis and repairs on Mercedes-Benz vehicles, using Mercedes-Benz approved tools and equipment. It informs service technicians about conditions that could occur in certain vehicles and provides information that could assist in proper vehicle diagnosis, service, or repair. It does not indicate that a defect is present in any vehicle referenced in this document nor does it imply warranty coverage. DO NOT assume that a symptom or condition, or a described cause of a symptom or condition, affects any particular vehicle or groups of vehicles, or that a described repair applies to any particular vehicle or groups of vehicles. There can be multiple causes resulting in the same or similar symptoms or conditions described in this document, and trained professional service technicians must use their diagnostic skills to make evaluations on a case-by-case basis. The information contained in this document does not guarantee warranty coverage nor does it extend the vehicles warranty in any way.
• 11007974Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky headlamp, physical fogging does not result in a technical impairment of the headlamp. A leak test must be performed to determine if physical fogging exists or if the headlamp is leaky. Remedy In advance, observe LI82.10-P-078301 "Headlamps or Front Fog Lamps Leaking or Fogged". 1. Prepare headlamp/check for external damage: For headlamps with a closed system 1. Check the headlamps for any external damage and check also for correct seating of the Gore-diaphragm/correct latching of the cover caps. 2. If the headlamp exhibits any external damage, replace the headlamp. For headlamps with an open system 1. Check the headlamps for any external damage and seal off the vent then make sure the cover caps are latched correctly into place. 2. If the headlamp exhibits any external damage, replace the headlamp. Note: A headlamp with external damage is not a warranty or goodwill case. 2. Leak test of headlamp with overpressure: Connect test adapter to pressure tester. (Figure 1) Check test adapter for leak tightness. To do so, connect plug and coupling (picture 2) and apply a maximum overpressure of 30 mbar. The pressure must remain constant. If the pressure does not remain constant, use a new adapter. Seal all the outlet openings using sealing compound and the given diaphragm with the plunger (picture 3). (Picture 4) Make allowance for the different headlamp variants here (there are different outlet openings). Check if the headlamp needs to be removed to gain access to the diagnostic socket on the headlamp housing. Plug the adapter onto the diagnostic socket on the headlamp housing. (Picture 5). Apply a maximum of 30 mbar overpressure to the headlamp housing. Note: If the maximum overpressure of 50 mbar is exceeded the headlamp seal will be damaged. If a pressure drop of less than 10 mbar is measured within 30 seconds, the headlamp is not leaky and the problem is down to natural physical fogging. If a pressure drop of more than 10 mbar is measured within 30 seconds, the headlamp is leaky. Note: The leaky position can be localized with the aid of soap suds. Replace any leaky headlamps. Note: Desiccant packs can be installed for headlamps that are not leaky. See: LI82.10-P-064766 Fogged headlamp, desiccant pack installed - open ventilation system LI82.10-P-078304 Fogged headlamp, desiccant pack installed - closed ventilation system
• 11007753Complaint Headlamp or front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. Headlamps comply with all applicable standards. If a pressure compensation diaphragm is fitted in the housing cover, then the lamp unit is a "closed system". Remedy Headlamp: Remedy 1 Clearing fogged/condensed LED headlamps and LED rear lamps: 1. Drive vehicle into workshop (temperature higher than +18 C/+64.4 F) and connect the exhaust extraction. Note: Do not perform an engine wash before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine and connect battery support via a charger. 3. Open the hood or trunk. 4. Switch on the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). Clearing fogged/condensed halogen/xenon headlamps: 1. Drive the vehicle into the workshop (temperature higher than +18 C/+64.4F). Note: Do not perform an engine wash before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine. 3. Open the hood. 4. Switch off the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). Note: If there is no visible reduction in the formation of condensation, check the headlamp for a defect. (See Remedy 2) It is not physically possible to defog the headlamps completely. Fogging does not impair the operation or the service life of the headlamp. Remedy 2 A Damaged headlamp can be identified as follows: 1. Check the headlamp for external damage and that the cover caps and the diaphragm are correctly seated. 2. Check the electrical connectors of the plugs and pins. 3. Check for leak tightness in accordance with LI82.10-P-078307. The test can only be conducted on headlamps. 4. If the headlamp or the rear lamp has any external damage, replace the component part in accordance with the WIS instructions. Note: External damage to the headlamp/rear lamp or faulty seating of the cover caps does not present a warranty or goodwill case. With headlamps, it is possible to install desiccant packs if the problem occurs repeatedly. Open ventilation system: LI82.10-P-064766. Closed ventilation system LI82.10-P-078304
• 11005294Complaint Rear lamps fogged up/not leaktight. Cause Fogging of the rear lamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. This does not lead to any technical impairment of the rear lamps. Remedy Rear lamp: Remedy 1: Clearing fogged/condensed rear lamps: 1. Drive the vehicle into the workshop (temperature higher than +18 C/+64.4 F) Note: Do not wash the vehicle or subject it to high-pressure cleaning before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine and connect battery support via a charger. 3. Open the trunk. 4. Switch on the exterior lighting. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation -> a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (defogging progress).
• 11000705Battery Control Module needs replacement due to electrical overstress. Incorrect charging procedures and battery maintenance. Remedy Proper care and maintenance of the electrical system of MY2003-2012 SL-Class. Please share the below excerpts from the Owners Manual and general guidance, cautions, and suggestions regarding battery charging and maintenance with customers. Guidance and Cautions : Failure to follow these instructions can lead to severe injuries or death, damage to the vehicle or its electronic components, and/or cause a battery explosion. Following extended periods of non-operation, Mercedes-Benz AG (MBAG) recommends the use of Mercedes-Benz approved battery chargers to ensure optimal battery maintenance and performance. Do not use a quick-charge unit (jump box) and avoid jump starting after extended periods of non-operation. FOR DEALERS: For comprehensive guidelines on battery charging, please refer to document AR54.10-P-1130I. Charge vehicle batteries according to the instructions in the owners Manual. Dealers can also reference WIS document AR54.10-P-1130I. If the battery needs to be removed, please follow the instructions in the owners manual and reinstall a new or charged battery in reverse order. MY2003-2012 SL-Class vehicles are equipped with two 12V batteries. See owners manual. If both batteries are drained, never connect a charger to both batteries simultaneously. Jump Starting: The starter battery is located on the right side of the engine compartment. Jump starting may only be performed on the battery installed in the engine compartment. Never use the auxiliary battery installed in the trunk to jump start the vehicle. Do not attempt to start the engine using a battery quick-charge unit or battery charger/tender not approved by MBAG. Only jump start from batteries with the same voltage rating (12V). Jump starting with a higher voltage battery could damage the vehicles electrical system. Avoid repeated and/or lengthy starting attempts. This could result in damage to the vehicle or its electrical system, severe injuries, or death.
• 10248162Crease formation on genuine leather seat covers in vehicles with low mileage Objects left on the seats for extended periods of time (pressure marks). Objects wedged between the seat backrest and seat cushion (e.g. seat belt buckle). Light initial creases due to vehicle handling. Light creases in the outer covers originating from the production process (missing finish). Heat treatment of the seat covers using heat gun and plastic wedge. Be very careful to not overheat the seat material!
• 10205233Mobile phone cotacts are not transferred completely.
• 10181124Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D or R
• 10181123Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D
• 10167001Height adjustment of electric steering column adjustment is nonfunctional.
• 10166997The noise comes from the front axle. Vehicles without code B07 (AMG ceramic high-performance composite brake system)
• 10166976Message in instrument cluster "DISTRONIC PLUSCurrently Unavailable - See Owner's Manual"
• 10166975This Customer 1 Action has been initiated because certain mbrace subscribers were recently contacted by mbrace informing them that they need to have an i-button call performed to ensure their mbrace device has registered with the Verizon Telematics systems. If the i-button call failed or if the customer was unable to perform the i-button call, the mbrace agent instructed the customer to make an appointment with their dealer to have the issue corrected and/or i-button call performed. The vehicles impacted range from model year 2002 to 2014.
• 10166105The electrical wiring harness is trapped between the height adjustment gearing and the cushion frame.
• 10158329Oil in engine wiring harness
• 10135628iPhone mobile phone: Various complaints after software update to iOS8
• 10033070Xentry (mercedes): engine warning lamp IS currently on or was on and a delay fault of the camshaft adjust to current or stored in the engine control unit. Models 171, 203, 209, 211, 219, 221, 216, 230, 164, 251, and 403. No model years listed.
• 10030929Mercedes: corrosion protection coatings for brake components and hardware may be damaged and or stripped away if highly concentrated acid based cleaners are used. Once the corrosion protection IS damaged or removed the brake components and or hardware can begin to corrode. Include all models and model years.
• 10029945Mercedes: there IS a srs warning in the instrument cluster; this may be due to the wss control unit connection being loose or unplugged. No model years listed.
• 10028644Mercedes: vehicle fails star diagnosis test; inspect brake system for air." models 230, 219, and 211. Model years 2003-2009.
• 10028626Mercedes: the vehicle's suspension level randomly lowering while driving and/or rapid sporadic level changes shortly after stopping the vehicle, replace the body acceleration sensors. Models 215.3, 220, and 230. Model years unknown.
• 10028587Mercedes: leaks at steering gear control head connection to high or low pressure lines or leaks at internal steering lines of control head connection to steering gear housing. Models 171, 203, 204, 209, 211, 215, 216, 219, 220, 221, and 230. Model years unknown.
• 10028585Mercedes vehicles: the xenon or bi-xenon headlamp not functioning. A function description can be found in wis document gf8s.10-p-20010 (203), gf82.10-p-0003q (209); gf82.10-p-3002r (230). Model years uknown.
• 10021522Knocking noise from the front axle area.
• 10016687Abc visit workshop displayed in instrument cluster and hydraulic fluid leakage. Updated 5/14/09. Models 215, 220 and 230. Model years unknown.
• 10016670Mercedes: the fuel level indicated in the instrument cluster does not match the actual fill level. This may be caused by a fault in the fuel level sensor function chain: hydraulic and electrical lines and their connections, rear sam or instrument cluster. Updated 2/23/09. Updated 9/18/09. Model years unknown.

Every Mercedes Benz SL55 model year

Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.