Mercedes-Benz SL R230
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
500–630 PS
5.5L V12 BiTurbo Benzin
V12 open — sounds like a deep-sea vessel on the motorway
Legendary!500–630 PS
5.5L V12 BiTurbo Benzin
9 weaknesses
Stay Away!Generations
Engine Overview
The Mercedes-Benz SL R230 is available with 8 engine variants — from 163 to 630 hp. 3 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
The Mercedes-Benz AMG SL 55 (Benziner, 476–517 PS) comes with 2 different engines: M113 (2001–2008, Be Careful) und M113 (2006–2008, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the AMG SL 55!
The Mercedes-Benz AMG SL 65 (Benziner, 612 PS) has the M275 (5.5L V12 BiTurbo) — rated: "Stay Away!", 9 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz AMG SL 65 Black Series (Benziner, 670 PS) has the M275 (5.5L V12 BiTurbo) — rated: "Stay Away!", 9 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz SL 350 (Benziner, 245–315 PS) comes with 3 different engines: M112 (2002–2006, Be Careful) und M272 (2006–2012, Stay Away!) und M272 (2008–2012, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the SL 350!
The Mercedes-Benz SL 500 (Benziner, 306–388 PS) comes with 2 different engines: M113 (2001–2006, Be Careful) und M273 (2006–2012, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the SL 500!
The Mercedes-Benz SL 55 AMG Kompressor (Benziner, 500 PS) has the M113K (5.4L V8 Kompressor) — rated: "Be Careful", 9 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz SL 600 (Benziner, 517 PS) has the M275 (5.5L V12 BiTurbo) — rated: "Stay Away!", 9 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG (Benziner, 525 PS) has the M156 (6.2L V8 AMG) — rated: "Stay Away!", 10 known weaknesses.
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| ABC hydraulic pump defective (pressure loss) The ABC hydraulic pump can develop cracks and lose pressure from 120 bar down to 60 bar. Suspension can no longer maintain ride height, soft and vague handling characteristics. Symptoms: Red warning 'ABC drive carefully', suspension becomes very soft, vehicle drops from 80,000 km | High | |
| ABC valve block and hydraulic lines leaking The hydraulic fluid absorbs moisture, rubber components decompose and contaminate the system. Valve block and lines develop leaks. Annual oil change prevents major damage. Symptoms: Oil leaks under vehicle, ABC fault messages, suspension goes into limp mode from 60,000 km | High |
Top Reported Issues
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Known Problems and Issues
A total of 71 weaknesses have been documented for the Mercedes-Benz SL R230 (2001–2012) — 60 engine-related and 11 vehicle-related. 4 problem engines: M272 (3.0-3.5L V6), M273 (5.0-5.5L V8), M156 (6.2L V8 AMG), M275 (5.5L V12 BiTurbo). Typical issues affect Suspension, Brakes, Body, Steering.
SL (M113, 2001–2006) — Be Careful: Vibration Damper/Pulley — Rubber Hardens, Rear Crankshaft Seal Leaking, Engine Mounts Worn Prematurely. Power: 306 PS.
SL (M113, 2001–2008) — Be Careful: Vibration Damper/Pulley — Rubber Hardens, Rear Crankshaft Seal Leaking, Engine Mounts Worn Prematurely. Power: 476 PS.
SL (M112, 2002–2006) — Be Careful: Camshaft Adjuster Leaks Oil into Wiring Harness, Intake Manifold Vacuum Hose Breaks, Valve Cover Gasket and Front Cover Gasket Leaking. Power: 245 PS.
SL (M113K, 2002–2008) — Be Careful: Supercharger Bearings — Wear at High Mileage, Cooling System — Hoses and Thermostat Age, Supercharger Magnetic Clutch — Wear and Slipping. Power: 500 PS.
SL (M275, 2003–2012) — Stay Away!: Ignition module bank failure (two banks at ~€1,400 each), Turbocharger wear and wastegate wear, ABC hydraulic lines and engine mounts — double defect. Power: 517 PS.
SL (M275, 2004–2012) — Stay Away!: Ignition module bank failure (two banks at ~€1,400 each), Turbocharger wear and wastegate wear, ABC hydraulic lines and engine mounts — double defect. Power: 612 PS.
SL (M113, 2006–2008) — Be Careful: Vibration Damper/Pulley — Rubber Hardens, Rear Crankshaft Seal Leaking, Engine Mounts Worn Prematurely. Power: 517 PS.
SL (M272, 2006–2012) — Stay Away!: Balance Shaft Sprocket Wears Prematurely, Timing Chain Stretches and Damages Timing, Camshaft Adjuster Leaks — Wiring Harness Contaminated. Power: 272 PS.
SL (M273, 2006–2012) — Stay Away!: Balance shaft sprocket — same weakness as M272, Camshaft Adjuster Leaking — Oil in Wiring Harness, Valve cover gaskets leaking on both sides. Power: 388 PS.
SL (M272, 2008–2012) — Stay Away!: Balance Shaft Sprocket Wears Prematurely, Timing Chain Stretches and Damages Timing, Camshaft Adjuster Leaks — Wiring Harness Contaminated. Power: 315 PS.
SL (M156, 2008–2011) — Stay Away!: Head Bolt Corrosion — Coolant in Combustion Chamber, Camshaft Wear — Cold-Start Lubrication Deficit, Camshaft Adjuster — Locking Plate Wears Out. Power: 525 PS.
SL (M275, 2008–2009) — Stay Away!: Ignition module bank failure (two banks at ~€1,400 each), Turbocharger wear and wastegate wear, ABC hydraulic lines and engine mounts — double defect. Power: 670 PS.
What to watch out for with the Mercedes-Benz SL? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee