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Mercedes-Benz · Sports Car · 2010–2015

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG C197

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 1 engine variants

Body Variants

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG C197 is available as Coupé and Cabrio — choose your body type for specific insurance data:

Coupé
1 Engines
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Cabrio
1 Engines
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Engine Overview

engines.variants_same_ps

SLS AMG · Benziner· 571 PS
2010 2014
Be Careful 9 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
SLS AMG GT · Benziner· 591 PS
2012 2015
Be Careful 9 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
SLS AMG Roadster · Benziner· 571 PS
2011 2014
Be Careful 9 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG (Benziner, 571 PS) has the M159 (6.2L V8) — rated: "Be Careful", 9 known weaknesses.

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT (Benziner, 591 PS) has the M159 (6.2L V8) — rated: "Be Careful", 9 known weaknesses.

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster (Benziner, 571 PS) has the M159 (6.2L V8) — rated: "Be Careful", 9 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!Gullwing door hinges wear out

The gas struts and hinges of the gullwing doors lose strength over time. Doors open more slowly or no longer stay up.

Symptoms: Gullwing doors open sluggishly, fall down, squeak when opening
from 50,000 km
Ad SLS AMG GasdruckdamperC197 gullwing strut
 High
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Above Average
15 complaints · 2010–2015
Airbags
11
Fuel System
2
Cruise Control
1
Other
1
Fuel System
1

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Airbags (11 complaints)
⚠ Fuel System (2 complaints)
⚠ Cruise Control (1 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 15 weaknesses have been documented for the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG C197 (2010–2015) — 9 engine-related and 6 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Body, Suspension, Brakes, Electronics.

SLS AMG (M159, 2010–2014) — Be Careful: Hydraulic Tappets — Thermal Overload on Front Cylinders, Head Bolt Corrosion — M156 Legacy (Early Build Dates), Valve Spring Break — Rare High-rpm Risk. Power: 571 PS.

SLS AMG (M159, 2012–2015) — Be Careful: Hydraulic Tappets — Thermal Overload on Front Cylinders, Head Bolt Corrosion — M156 Legacy (Early Build Dates), Valve Spring Break — Rare High-rpm Risk. Power: 591 PS.

What to watch out for with the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG? 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 SLS AMG C197 have? +
The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG C197 has 9 known engine weaknesses and 6 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG C197? +
faq.watch_a_none
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: M159 (6.2L V8). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the M159 (6.2L V8).
Which Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG C197 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG C197 — rated: "Legendary!". {description} The SLS is not a car, it's an experience. Open the gullwing doors, start the V8, the growl fills the garage. 571 hp naturally aspirated with dry sump — throttle response like a light switch. Only 7,000 coupés built, every one a future classic. Sensationally balanced on country roads despite the long wheelbase. Anyone who has felt the throttle response at 5,000 rpm understands why turbo fans get jealous.
Is the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG C197 worth buying used? +
The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG C197 requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG C197? +
The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG C197 is available with engine variants from 571 to 571 hp. Petrol: M159 (6.2L V8).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee