2006 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG

The 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG is a high-performance roadster boasting a hand-built 6.0L Bi-Turbo V12 engine producing 604 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options for the SL-Class in 2006 included various V6 and V8 engines. The SL65 AMG was only available with a 5-speed automatic transmission. People generally like the SL65 AMG for its immense power, luxurious features, and retractable hardtop. Common dislikes include high maintenance costs, complex electronics, and potential for expensive repairs.

Engine

6.0L Bi-Turbo V12 (M275)

• Coil Pack Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Misfires, rough running engine, check engine light illuminated. Typically, one or more coil packs fail, causing a cylinder to stop firing.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty coil pack(s). It’s often recommended to replace all coil packs at the same time to prevent future failures.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ per coil pack (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found
• ABC (Active Body Control) System Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The ABC system pump provides pressure to the suspension struts and can fail, leading to a loss of suspension height and a rough ride. Warning messages may appear on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Replace the ABC pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+ (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced power, whistling noises from the engine, check engine light. These engines have two turbochargers, and they can develop leaks or experience internal failures.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the faulty turbocharger(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $6,000+ per turbocharger (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil spots under the car, burning oil smell, low oil level. Common leak points include valve cover gaskets, oil cooler lines, and the rear main seal.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking gaskets or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,500+ depending on the location of the leak (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic (722.6)

• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during acceleration, especially at low speeds, slipping between gears, harsh shifting.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+ (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Body Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifting, slipping between gears, getting stuck in a gear, transmission not shifting correctly.
  • Solution: Replace or rebuild the valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+ (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• ABC (Active Body Control) Strut Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Sagging suspension, especially after the car has been sitting, uneven ride height, “ABC Visit Workshop” message on the dashboard. ABC struts are prone to leaking hydraulic fluid.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking strut(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+ per strut (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found
• ABC System Hoses Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Sagging suspension, especially after the car has been sitting, uneven ride height, “ABC Visit Workshop” message on the dashboard. The ABC hydraulic hoses can leak hydraulic fluid.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking hose(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,500+ depending on which hose needs replaced (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• SAM (Signal Acquisition Module) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Various electrical issues, including malfunctioning lights, wipers, windows, or central locking. The SAM modules control many of the car’s electrical functions and can fail due to water intrusion or electrical surges.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty SAM module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+ (parts and labor). Programming of the new module will also be required.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Dead battery, difficulty starting the car, especially after it has been sitting for a few days. This can be caused by a faulty component that is drawing power even when the car is off.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the source of the battery drain.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ depending on the source of the drain (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Convertible Top Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: The convertible top may fail to open or close properly, or it may stop working altogether. This can be due to problems with the hydraulic system, sensors, or control module.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the convertible top system.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3,000+ depending on the nature of the problem (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Convertible Top Seal Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Water leaks into the cabin during rain or washing. The seals around the convertible top can dry out and crack over time.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty top seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+ depending on location of the leaks (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• COMAND System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The COMAND system (navigation, audio, climate control) may freeze, malfunction, or fail to boot up. This can be due to software glitches or hardware failures.
  • Solution: Software update or replacement of the COMAND unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2,000+ depending on the issue (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Instrument Cluster Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The instrument cluster may display incorrect information or fail altogether.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+ (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG, while offering exhilarating performance and luxury, is known for its potential for expensive repairs. The most significant issues often involve the engine (coil packs, turbochargers, oil leaks), transmission (torque converter, valve body), ABC suspension (strut leaks, pump failure), and electrical systems (SAM module, battery drain). Many repairs can cost upwards of $1,000, and some engine or ABC-related repairs can easily exceed $3,000. Potential buyers should be aware of these common problems and factor in the cost of maintenance and potential repairs when considering purchasing this vehicle.