2003-2008 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class: Reliability
Updated: 11/23/08
2008 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
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2003-2008 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class ▼
- Price Range: $32,100 - $131,100
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Our reliability study for this generation Mercedes-Benz SL-Class includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Mercedes-Benz SL-Class .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Air conditioner:
The A/C compressor may cycle on and off too often due to a problem in the sensor for the emission control charcoal canister, sending an erroneous signal across the multiplex bus. (2003)
Ball joints:
Noises from the upper control arm caused by bad ball joint caused by torn rubber cover on joint. (2005-07)
Battery:
Poor battery charging may be due to a bad voltage regulator in the alternator. (2003)
Blower motor:
The blower motor may quit working after a minute or so, then work momentarily and quit again due to internal circuit breaker in blower regulator which must be replaced. (2005-06)
Brakes:
Some vehicles have rotors that warp under hard use, which creates heat. New rotors are heavier and withstand more heat. (2003)
Engine noise:
During hard acceleration, there is a noise from the engine that sounds like piston slap and the noise is eliminated by replacing the motor mounts. (2003)
None:
The automatic leveling system may allow the vehicle to lower after extended sitting (approx. a week) due to leak of check valve block(s). Drooping on only one corner is due to dirty hydraulic fluid, which must be replaced along with filter. (2005-06)
None:
Vehicle may lower randomly while driving due to problem with active suspension system due to problems with the body acceleration sensors. (2005)
Transmission leak:
Fluid may leak from the electrical connector of the automatic transmission. (2003)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $1,345 |
| Alternator | $780 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $4,210 |
| Brakes | $610 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $2,420 |
| Exhaust System | $1,405 |
| Radiator | $760 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $6,340 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $1,050 |
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