2005 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG
The 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG is a high-performance roadster boasting a hand-built 6.0L Twin-Turbo V12 engine producing 604 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. While celebrated for its immense power and luxurious features, the SL65 AMG is also known for its potential maintenance costs and complex systems. It also comes with a 5.0L Supercharged V8 making 493 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque in the SL55 AMG. The vehicle is equipped exclusively with a five-speed automatic transmission. Many owners love the car’s incredible acceleration and comfortable ride, while some dislike the car’s complex electronics, high maintenance costs, and tendency for certain components to fail.
Engine
6.0L Twin-Turbo V12 (M275)
- Coil Pack Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Rough running engine, misfires, check engine light illumination. Often triggered by heat soak in the engine bay.
- Solution: Replacement of faulty coil packs.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ per coil pack replaced.
- Recalls: None Found
- ABC (Active Body Control) System Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Sagging suspension, harsh ride, warning lights on the dashboard, fluid leaks.
- Solution: Replacement of accumulators, pumps, struts, or valve blocks. Flushing the ABC system can also help.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $5000+ depending on the component and extent of damage.
- Recalls: None Found
- Turbocharger Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, whistling sounds, excessive smoke from the exhaust, turbocharger failure.
- Solution: Replacement or rebuild of the turbochargers.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $3000 - $8000+ depending on whether one or both turbos need repair.
- Recalls: None Found
- Oil Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Oil spots under the car, burning oil smell, low oil level warning. Common leak areas include valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, and turbocharger oil lines.
- Solution: Replacement of leaking gaskets and seals.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1500+ depending on the location and complexity of the repair.
- Recalls: None Found
5.0L Supercharged V8 (M113K)
- Supercharger Clutch Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Loud rattling noises, loss of power
- Solution: Replacement of the supercharger clutch or the supercharger unit.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $4000+ depending on labor
- Recalls: None Found
- Intercooler Pump Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Loss of power during warm days.
- Solution: Replacement of the intercooler pump
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
5-Speed Automatic (722.6)
- Conductor Plate Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Erratic shifting, getting stuck in a single gear (limp mode), inability to shift, transmission fault codes.
- Solution: Replacement of the conductor plate inside the transmission.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Torque Converter Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during acceleration, slipping between gears, unusual noises from the transmission.
- Solution: Replacement of the torque converter.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1200 - $2500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Valve Body Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Hard shifting, delayed engagement, slipping.
- Solution: Valve body replacement or rebuild.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000-$2000+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- ABC (Active Body Control) System Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Sagging suspension, harsh ride, warning lights on the dashboard, fluid leaks.
- Solution: Replacement of accumulators, pumps, struts, or valve blocks. Flushing the ABC system can also help.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $5000+ depending on the component and extent of damage.
- Recalls: None Found
- ABC Hose Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Hydraulic fluid leaks, sagging suspension.
- Solution: Replacement of ABC hoses.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+ per hose.
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- SAM (Signal Acquisition Module) Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Various electrical issues including lighting problems, malfunctioning wipers, issues with the central locking system, and other electronic malfunctions.
- Solution: Replacement of the faulty SAM unit.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+ depending on the specific SAM unit.
- Recalls: None Found
- Battery Drain
- Description/Symptoms: Car battery frequently dying, especially after short periods of inactivity.
- Solution: Diagnosis and repair of the parasitic drain (often caused by a faulty module).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ for diagnosis, plus the cost of repairing the faulty component.
- Recalls: None Found
- Convertible Top Malfunctions
- Description/Symptoms: Top not operating properly, getting stuck halfway, error messages on the dash.
- Solution: Diagnose and repair of hydraulics, sensors, or top mechanism.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3000+ depending on the issue.
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Convertible Top Hydraulic Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Leaks in the trunk area, non-operation of the convertible top.
- Solution: Repair or replacement of hydraulic cylinders or hoses.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $3000+
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Instrument Cluster Pixelation
- Description/Symptoms: Pixels fading or disappearing on the instrument cluster display, making it difficult to read information.
- Solution: Replacement or repair of the instrument cluster.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Seat Heater Malfunction
- Description/Symptoms: Seat heaters not functioning properly, either not heating up or overheating.
- Solution: Replacement of the seat heating element or control module.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG offers exhilarating performance but comes with a price. The most significant issues revolve around the ABC suspension, engine (especially coil packs and turbochargers), transmission (conductor plate), and electrical systems (SAM modules). These issues can be costly to repair, ranging from a few hundred dollars for minor fixes to several thousand for major component replacements. Owners should be prepared for potentially high maintenance costs when considering this vehicle.