Mercedes-Benz SL R231
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
612–630 PS
6.0L V12 BiTurbo AMG Benzin
V12 Roadster — Velvet Hammer Beneath Open Sky
Legendary!408–455 PS
4.7L V8 BiTurbo Benzin
9 weaknesses
Stay Away!Generations
Engine Overview
The Mercedes-Benz SL R231 is available with 6 engine variants — from 252 to 630 hp. 2 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
The Mercedes-Benz AMG SL 63 (Benziner, 537–585 PS) comes with 2 different engines: M157 (2012–2020, Stay Away!) und M157 (2012–2014, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the AMG SL 63!
The Mercedes-Benz AMG SL 65 (Benziner, 630 PS) has the M279 (6.0L V12 BiTurbo AMG) — rated: "Be Careful", 12 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz SL 350 (Benziner, 306 PS) has the M276 (3.0-3.5L V6) — rated: "Be Careful", 10 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz SL 400 (Benziner, 333 PS) has the M276 (3.0-3.5L V6) — rated: "Be Careful", 10 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz SL 500 (Benziner, 435–455 PS) comes with 2 different engines: M278 (2012–2016, Stay Away!) und M176 (2016–2020, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the SL 500!
The Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG (Benziner, 564–571 PS) has the M157 (5.5L V8 BiTurbo) — rated: "Stay Away!", 11 known weaknesses.
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| ABC front dampers leaking Leaking front ABC dampers were documented on early R231 examples. A new damper from Mercedes costs 1,900 EUR; reconditioned units are available for half the price. Symptoms: Oil leaks on front dampers, ABC fault message, poor cornering roll compensation from 80,000 km | High | |
| ABC hydraulic fluid aged -- system contamination The ABC hydraulic oil absorbs moisture. The pH drops, rubber components dissolve and contaminate valves and lines. Annual change is mandatory. Symptoms: ABC faults, leaks at various points, valve blocks fail from 70,000 km | High | |
| ABC suspension hydraulic pressure loss Active Body Control loses hydraulic pressure through non-use or ageing. Valves become coated with deposits, pressure accumulators lose membrane tension. Regular Pentosin change every 50,000 km is essential. Symptoms: Message 'ABC - visit workshop', vehicle drops to one side, pumping noises on cold start. from 80,000 km | High |
Top Reported Issues
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Known Problems and Issues
A total of 59 weaknesses have been documented for the Mercedes-Benz SL R231 (2012–2020) — 51 engine-related and 8 vehicle-related. 2 problem engines: M157 (5.5L V8 BiTurbo), M278 (4.7L V8 BiTurbo). Typical issues affect Suspension, Body, Electronics.
SL (M276, 2012–2020) — Be Careful: Oil cooler leaking in the V-block, Camshaft adjuster leaking — wiring harness contaminated, Piston slap (early 3.5L variants). Power: 306 PS.
SL (M157, 2012–2020) — Stay Away!: Timing Chain Stretch — M157 BiTurbo V8, Oil Consumption from Piston Ring Wear, High-Pressure Fuel Pump Fails — No Fuel Pressure. Power: 585 PS.
SL (M157, 2012–2014) — Stay Away!: Timing Chain Stretch — M157 BiTurbo V8, Oil Consumption from Piston Ring Wear, High-Pressure Fuel Pump Fails — No Fuel Pressure. Power: 537 PS.
SL (M157, 2012–2020) — Stay Away!: Timing Chain Stretch — M157 BiTurbo V8, Oil Consumption from Piston Ring Wear, High-Pressure Fuel Pump Fails — No Fuel Pressure. Power: 564–571 PS.
SL (M278, 2012–2016) — Stay Away!: Timing chain tensioner failure (early production), Cylinder bore scoring (Silitec coating), Camshaft adjuster solenoid — oil destroys ECU. Power: 435 PS.
SL (M279, 2012–2020) — Be Careful: Ignition module bank failure — two potted units at ~€1,400 each, Turbocharger bearing wear — full turbo pair replacement, Oil cooler gasket leaking in the V-valley. Power: 630 PS.
SL (M276, 2014–2020) — Be Careful: Oil cooler leaking in the V-block, Camshaft adjuster leaking — wiring harness contaminated, Piston slap (early 3.5L variants). Power: 333 PS.
SL (M176, 2016–2020) — Be Careful: Timing Chain Stretch — M176 4.0L V8, Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid Draws Oil into Wiring Harness, Coolant Pump Leaking. Power: 455 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