2006 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG

The 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG is a high-performance roadster featuring a handcrafted 5.4-liter supercharged V8 engine producing 493 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options for the SL include the SL500 with a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 and the SL600 with a twin-turbo 5.5-liter V12. All engine options came standard with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the SL55 AMG for its immense power, luxurious features, and retractable hardtop, but potential downsides include high maintenance costs, complex electronics, and potential for expensive repairs.

Engine

5.4L Supercharged V8 (M113K)

• Intercooler Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced engine performance, especially during hot weather or extended periods of hard driving. Can trigger a check engine light.
  • Solution: Replacement of the intercooler pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
• Supercharger Clutch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Whining or rattling noise from the supercharger area, noticeable reduction in power, potential for complete supercharger failure.
  • Solution: Replacement of the supercharger clutch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
• Valve Cover Gasket Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks around the valve covers, burning oil smell, visible oil on the engine.
  • Solution: Replacement of the valve cover gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700
• Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Stalling, rough running, difficulty starting, or a no-start condition.
  • Solution: Replacement of the crankshaft position sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic (722.6)

• Conductor Plate Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic shifting, transmission stuck in a single gear (limp mode), failure to shift at all.
  • Solution: Replacement of the conductor plate and potentially the valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during acceleration, slipping between gears, abnormal noises coming from the transmission.
  • Solution: Replacement or rebuild of the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3500+
• Solenoid Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Hard or delayed shifting, transmission stuck in gear, incorrect gear selection.
  • Solution: Replacement of faulty solenoids.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500-$1500

Suspension

• ABC (Active Body Control) System Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sagging on one or more corners, especially after sitting, “ABC Visit Workshop” message on the dash, hydraulic fluid leaks. This is the most common and expensive issue.
  • Solution: Identify and repair the source of the leak (often hoses, struts, or the pump). Strut replacement is common. Flushing the system and replacing the filter is recommended after repairs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3000+ (per strut)
• ABC Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loud whining noise from the pump, stiff or non-existent suspension adjustments, “ABC Visit Workshop” message on the dash.
  • Solution: Replacement of the ABC pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+
• ABC Accumulator Failure (Pulsation Dampener)
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh ride, especially over bumps, jerky suspension movements.
  • Solution: Replacement of the ABC accumulators.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+

Electrical

• SAM (Signal Acquisition Module) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Various electrical malfunctions, including lighting issues, wiper problems, central locking failure, and starting problems.
  • Solution: Diagnosis to determine the affected SAM and replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery frequently dying, especially after the car sits for a few days.
  • Solution: Diagnosis to identify the parasitic drain (often a faulty module or component).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+ (depending on the source of the drain)
• Instrument Cluster Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Pixels missing from the LCD screen, gauges malfunctioning, intermittent power loss to the cluster.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1200+

Exterior

• Retractable Hardtop Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Hardtop failing to open or close, getting stuck mid-cycle, error messages on the dash. This is often related to hydraulic components or sensors.
  • Solution: Diagnosis to identify the cause (hydraulic pump, cylinders, sensors, or wiring) and repair or replacement of the faulty components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3000+ (depending on the complexity of the issue)
• Headlight Condensation
  • Description/Symptoms: Moisture buildup inside the headlight lenses.
  • Solution: Replacement of the headlight assembly, resealing the headlight assembly, or drilling small drain holes.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1500+

Interior

• Seat Heater Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Seat heaters not working, or only working intermittently.
  • Solution: Replacement of the heating element or control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
• Center Console Buttons/Switches Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Buttons or switches on the center console becoming unresponsive or malfunctioning.
  • Solution: Replacement of the affected switch or button.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+

Recalls:

• Recall Number: 05V479000
  • Description: DaimlerChrysler Corporation is recalling 220 MY 2003-2006 C, CLK, E, CLS, and SL-Class vehicles equipped with the 722.9 transmission. The screw connecting the park pawl to the transmission case may not have been properly tightened. As a result, the pawl may not engage when the shift lever is placed in the “P” position. If the parking brake is not applied, the vehicle could move from the parked position and a crash could occur.
  • Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten the screw to the proper specification. The recall began on November 14, 2005. Owners may contact DaimlerChrysler at 1-800-367-6372.
• Recall Number: 07V023000
  • Description: DaimlerChrysler Corporation is recalling 77,000 MY 2005-2007 C, CLK, E, and SLK-Class vehicles. A weld on the driver or passenger side airbag inflator housing may crack during deployment. This could result in the separation of the gas generator housing from the airbag module.
  • Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver and passenger airbag modules. The recall began on February 9, 2007. Owners may contact DaimlerChrysler at 1-800-367-6372.
• Recall Number: 13V587000
  • Description: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2005-2006 C-Class, CLK-Class, E-Class, and SLK-Class vehicles manufactured May 20, 2004, through July 11, 2006. Due to a production error, the steering shaft coupling may not meet the hardness requirements. This could cause the bolts of the steering shaft coupling to fracture.
  • Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering shaft coupling, free of charge. The recall began on January 21, 2014. Owners may contact MBUSA at 1-800-367-6372.

In summary, the 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG, while offering exhilarating performance and luxury, can be prone to several issues, especially related to its complex ABC suspension system and electrical components. Repairs can be expensive due to the specialized parts and labor required. Potential buyers should thoroughly inspect the vehicle and be prepared for potential maintenance costs.