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Mercedes-Benz · Convertible / Roadster · 2021–2025

Mercedes-Benz SL R232

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
4.0 / 5.0 · Based on 2 engine variants

Generations

Engine Overview

The Mercedes-Benz SL R232 is available with 3 engine variants — from 381 to 612 hp.

AMG SL 55 · Benziner· 476 PS
2021 2025
Be Careful 8 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
AMG SL 63 · Benziner· 585 PS
2021 2025
Be Careful 8 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
AMG SL 43 · Benziner Mild-Hybrid· 381 PS
2022 2025
Good Choice 6 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

The Mercedes-Benz AMG SL 55 (Benziner, 476 PS) has the M177 (4.0L V8 BiTurbo AMG) — rated: "Be Careful", 8 known weaknesses.

The Mercedes-Benz AMG SL 63 (Benziner, 585 PS) has the M177 (4.0L V8 BiTurbo AMG) — rated: "Be Careful", 8 known weaknesses.

The Mercedes-Benz AMG SL 43 (Benziner Mild-Hybrid, 381 PS) has the M139 (2.0L Turbo AMG) — rated: "Good Choice", 6 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
✖Recall: wiring harness on driveshaft -- fire risk (V8)

On the R232 with V8 engine, the starter-generator wiring harness can be damaged by friction against the driveshaft. Fire risk and drive loss. 12,341 vehicles affected.

Symptoms: Drive suddenly fails, smoke from engine bay
Ad wiring loom R232 AMG
 Low
✖Recall: roof frame trim detaches while driving

The roof frame trim above the windscreen was not adequately secured on 795 vehicles and could detach while driving -- risk of accident.

Symptoms: Trim above windscreen wobbles or detaches, rattles at speed
Ad Dachrahmenblende R232
 Low
✖Recall: roof frame trim insufficiently secured

On 795 vehicles worldwide, the roof frame trim above the windscreen was not adequately secured. The trim could detach while driving and endanger other road users.

Ad Dachrahmenblende SL R232 A2327230302Klebstoff Dachrahmen SL 232
 Low
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Above Average
9 complaints · 2021–2025
Electrical
5 ⚠ 1
Engine
4
Lane Departure
1
Backup Camera/Sensors
1
Other
1

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Electrical (5 complaints)
⚠ Engine (4 complaints)
⚠ Lane Departure (1 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 20 weaknesses have been documented for the Mercedes-Benz SL R232 (2021–2025) — 14 engine-related and 6 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Other, Electronics, Gearbox. Considered reliable: M139 (2.0L Turbo AMG).

SL (M177, 2021–2025) — Be Careful: MCT Gearbox — Clutch Wears in City Traffic, Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid Draws Oil into Wiring Harness, Camshaft Cover Gasket Leaking — Hot-V Area. Power: 476 PS.

SL (M177, 2021–2025) — Be Careful: MCT Gearbox — Clutch Wears in City Traffic, Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid Draws Oil into Wiring Harness, Camshaft Cover Gasket Leaking — Hot-V Area. Power: 585 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

What problems and weaknesses does the Mercedes-Benz SL R232 have? +
The Mercedes-Benz SL R232 has 14 known engine weaknesses and 6 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Mercedes-Benz SL R232? +
faq.watch_a_solid
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: M139 (2.0L Turbo AMG). The most reliable engine is the M139 (2.0L Turbo AMG) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the M177 (4.0L V8 BiTurbo AMG).
Which Mercedes-Benz SL R232 engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Mercedes-Benz SL R232. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 6 known weaknesses to be aware of.
Which Mercedes-Benz SL R232 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Mercedes-Benz SL R232 — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} The SL55 is the more relaxed entry into the R232 world. 476 hp suffice for composed cruising, the V8 sounds more present with the fabric roof open than expected. Active rear-wheel steering makes the nearly 2 tonnes feel lighter. No more Vario hard-top like the R230 — soft-top only, but 60 kg lighter. Wind noise at higher speeds, electronics issues on early examples. For those who want V8 open-top without the radicalism of the SL63.
Is the Mercedes-Benz SL R232 worth buying used? +
The Mercedes-Benz SL R232 is a good choice as a used car — 1 of 2 engine variants are rated 'Good Choice'.
What horsepower variants are available for the Mercedes-Benz SL R232? +
The Mercedes-Benz SL R232 is available with engine variants from 381 to 612 hp. Petrol: M139 (2.0L Turbo AMG), M177 (4.0L V8 BiTurbo AMG).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee