2005 Mercedes Benz SL600

Owner complaints

What owners report most

1. Air bags1
2. Electrical system1
3. Power train1
4. Service brakes1

Latest complaints

• Mar 9, 2016CA65,000 mi
  Service brakes
  This IS a complaint on the sbc sensotronic braking system. this should be a recall from mercedes and it IS not. it IS listed as an "issue" that they have specifically extended the warranty to 10 years just for this system. it IS extremely dangerous. the braking system failed out of nowhere…

  This IS a complaint on the sbc sensotronic braking system. this should be a recall from mercedes and it IS not. it IS listed as an "issue" that they have specifically extended the warranty to 10 years just for this system. it IS extremely dangerous. the braking system failed out of nowhere while I was exiting the freeway! an alert came on and told me to depress the brake fully which I was unable to do! I was pressing it as hard as I could and the car was not stopping. I had to pull the car into the ditch next to the ramp to avoid hitting the car that was stopped in front of me. luckily I had already slowed down where it would stop running into the shrubs on the side. this IS extremely dangerous! mercedes should definitely deal with this! I had no idea about any of this and now looking it up online I see hundreds of people with very similar stories about this system. I am surprised there isn't a class action lawsuit yet on this. I may attempt to file one as this IS an extremely dangerous product. clearly merdedes as a company knows this as they have listed it as a "problem" for my vin #, but they have not issued it as a recall, which I believe IS a gross abuse of power from a huge company. this IS a safety issue and IS probably causing accidents right now as hundreds of thousands of cars with this defective system are on the road.

• Mar 8, 2010CA35,200 miCrash1 injury
  Air bags · Electrical system
  Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). Sometime ago I wrote you about computer problems in my mercedes benz. You responded that you will investigate it and share the result with me. Have not heard from you since. Anything new? *Tr the consumer…

  Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). Sometime ago I wrote you about computer problems in my mercedes benz. You responded that you will investigate it and share the result with me. Have not heard from you since. Anything new? *Tr the consumer stated he was experiencing computer problems. The consumer wanted to know the status of his complaint. The consumer checked the injury box and crash box, but did not indicate any type of accident in the complaint. updated ivoq 04/28/10.*jb updated 09/01/10

• Nov 7, 2005CA15,000 mi
  Power train › Automatic transmission

  Dt: contact stated while driving her vehicle on the freeway the transmission failed. The vehicle did act up a couple of times in the past. The vehicle lost power. The vehicle was taken to the dealership, and they will not take it back or fix the transmission under warranty. The repairs will have to be paid by the contact. *Ak

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.
• 10252770As previously reported, to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, avoid further costs of litigation and return focus to its core businesses, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) has entered into a Settlement regarding claims relating to allegations that the 590 Mars Red paint available as an original, exterior color option for certain models of Mercedes-Benz vehicles may experience peeling, flaking, or bubbling of the exterior paint or clear coat. This Mars Red paint is sometimes referred to as Fire Opal. The purpose of this update is to alert you that: 1. The Settlement has received final approval. The Settlement will go into effect on March 11, 2024. As of that date, customers are eligible to receive extended warranty coverage under the Settlement. 2. Under the Settlement, an eligible customer might receive extended warranty coverage as of the date the vehicle is presented to your dealership OR certain customers might have validated Qualified Future Repair claims, making them eligible for a different level of coverage. To determine if a customer: (a) is eligible for extended warranty coverage; and (b) what level of warranty coverage is available to them, please refer to the Service Packages section in VMI/Netstar. 3. Damage code 21800 (damage type 00) must be used for warranty claims covered pursuant to the Settlement. Please note that you should only claim for the percentage of warranty repair cost reflected in VMI/Netstar (see below, e.g., for Period Two, claim only 50% of warranty repair cost). 4. Before the dealership agrees to perform any work: The customer should be given a Repair Order containing: (1) an estimate for the repair, (2) the portion covered under the extended warranty; and (3) the customers contribution amount for the repair, if applicable. The customer must agree to pay their contribution amount for the repair and sign the Repair Order before the repair is performed.
• 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!
• 10205293Tire Pressure Sensors.
• 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
• 10048279Mercedes: camshaft adjustment solenoid may leak oil due to settling properties of seal and the engine wiring harness will be retrofitted with four adapter harnesses as a precautionary measure. Models 2005-2011 164, 171, 203, 204, 207, 209, 211, 212, 216. 219, 221, 230, 251, 463. Updated 12/18/12. Updated 3/18/2013
• 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.
• 10030904Mercedes benz: models 203, 209, 211, 219,230, and 463; model years 2005-2007. Replace pilot bushing at electrohydraulic unit. Daimler ag has determined that on affected vehicles the transmission pilot bushing may leak. Dealer will replace transmission pilot bushing .
• 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.
• 10024362Mercedes-benz - check catalytic converters and replace if necessary - models 203, 209, 211, 215, 230 - model years 2004-2005. Update 8/7/2008.
• 10021522Knocking noise from the front axle area.
• 10021246Install software for navigation system. Updated 3/5/09.
• 10020181The tirefit hose connector may not screw onto the tire valve with an air tight seal. In case of a flat tire, the customer may not be able to inflate the spare tire using tirefit.
• 10018931Learning in selection range sensor not possible after ehs replacement.
• 10018832Inspect sbc suction hose, replace if necessary, to improve the brake bleeding process.
• 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.
• 10012832Sd flash telematics cd stuck in comand head unit when performing a software update.
• 10012831Comand head unit hangs at the star symbol when booting up. Updated

Every Mercedes Benz SL600 model year

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