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2007 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG

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By Research the Car 4 min read

The 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG is a performance roadster boasting a supercharged 5.4L V8 engine producing 493 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. The SL55 AMG offers brisk acceleration and a luxurious driving experience. The main complaint with the vehicle is its high cost of ownership and maintenance. Many appreciate the performance capabilities, while others dislike the sometimes-unreliable electronic systems. The other SL models available in 2007 include SL500, SL600, and SL65 AMG. The SL500 has a naturally aspirated 5.0L V8, the SL600 has a twin-turbo 5.5L V12, and the SL65 AMG has a twin-turbo 6.0L V12. All models came standard with a 5-speed automatic transmission except the SL65 AMG, which came with a 5-speed AMG Speedshift transmission.

Engine

5.4L Supercharged V8 (M113K)

  • Intercooler Pump Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Reduced engine performance, loss of boost, and potential overheating. This is because the intercooler coolant isn’t being circulated efficiently, leading to higher intake air temperatures.
    • Solution: Replacing the intercooler pump. Upgrading to a more robust aftermarket pump is a common solution.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Valve Cover Gasket Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks around the valve covers, leading to a burning smell and potential oil consumption.
    • Solution: Replacing the valve cover gaskets.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Supercharger Clutch Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Whining noises from the supercharger, reduced boost, and potential complete failure of the supercharger.
    • Solution: Replacing the supercharger clutch or, in severe cases, the entire supercharger.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic (722.6)

  • Conductor Plate Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Erratic shifting, getting stuck in gear, transmission slipping, and the transmission going into limp mode.
    • Solution: Replacing the conductor plate.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1200
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Valve Body Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Harsh shifting, delayed engagement, and slipping between gears.
    • Solution: Rebuilding or replacing the valve body.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • ABC (Active Body Control) System Leaks/Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Sagging suspension, especially after being parked, warning lights on the dash, and a rough ride. Leaks can occur from various components like the pump, valve blocks, accumulators (nitrogen-filled spheres), and struts.
    • Solution: Identifying and repairing the source of the leak (hoses, struts, valve blocks, pump). Replacing accumulators is common preventative maintenance. Flushing the ABC system fluid.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $5000+ (depending on the severity and component needing replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • ABC Pump Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Loud whining noise from the pump, complete loss of ABC function, and the car sitting low to the ground.
    • Solution: Replacing the ABC pump.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • SAM (Signal Acquisition Module) Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Issues with various electrical components such as lights, wipers, windows, door locks, and other seemingly unrelated systems.
    • Solution: Replacing or reprogramming the faulty SAM unit.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Battery Drain Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: The car battery draining quickly, especially if left sitting for a few days. This can be caused by a parasitic drain from a faulty module or component.
    • Solution: Diagnosing the source of the drain and repairing or replacing the faulty component.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+ (depending on the complexity of the issue)
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Convertible Top Malfunctions
    • Description/Symptoms: The convertible top failing to open or close properly, getting stuck mid-cycle, or displaying error messages. This can be caused by hydraulic leaks, faulty sensors, or issues with the top’s control module.
    • Solution: Diagnosing the source of the problem. Repairing hydraulic leaks, replacing faulty sensors, or reprogramming the control module. In some cases, complete replacement of hydraulic components is needed.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $4000+ (depending on the severity and component needing replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Instrument Cluster Pixelation
    • Description/Symptoms: Pixels in the instrument cluster display fading or disappearing, making it difficult to read information.
    • Solution: Replacing or repairing the instrument cluster.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Seat Control Module Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Seat not adjusting.
    • Solution: Replacing or repairing the seat control module
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG offers impressive performance, but it comes with a risk of expensive repairs. The ABC suspension system and various electronic components are known to be problematic and costly to fix. Potential buyers should be aware of these issues and factor them into the overall cost of ownership. The high cost of ownership is the biggest drawback to owning the vehicle.

Mercedes-Benz, SL55 AMG
Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG 2007
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