2007 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG

The 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG is a high-performance roadster known for its incredible power and luxurious features. The SL65 AMG features a hand-built 6.0L twin-turbocharged V12 engine producing 604 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. While celebrated for its exhilarating performance, opulent interior, and iconic styling, the SL65 AMG has known to have some reliability issues, especially related to its complex systems and high-performance components. Common owner complaints often revolve around the high cost of maintenance, complex electrical systems, and the potential for expensive repairs.

Engine

6.0L Twin-Turbocharged V12

• Coil Pack Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Misfires, rough idling, and loss of power. Can trigger the check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace faulty coil packs. It is common to replace all 12 coil packs at once.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1,800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• ABC (Active Body Control) Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: ABC warning light, suspension sagging, ride height malfunction. This issue can cause hard rides and a lack of ability to control the suspension.
  • Solution: Replace the ABC pump and flush the ABC system.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, whistling sound from the engine, excessive smoke, and potential engine damage.
  • Solution: Replace or rebuild the faulty turbocharger(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $4,000 - $8,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Cover Gasket Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks visible on the engine, burning oil smell, and low oil levels.
  • Solution: Replace the valve cover gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Transmission Slipping or Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Delayed engagement, rough shifts, or slipping between gears.
  • Solution: Perform a transmission service (fluid and filter change). If the issue persists, further diagnosis and repair (valve body, conductor plate) or complete transmission replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 (service) - $5,000+ (replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• ABC (Active Body Control) Strut Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle leaning to one side, sagging suspension, ABC warning lights, and hydraulic fluid leaks from the struts.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking ABC struts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+ per strut
  • Recalls: None Found
• ABC (Active Body Control) System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: ABC warning lights, failure to adjust ride height, stiff or bouncy ride.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair or replace faulty ABC components (pressure sensors, accumulators, valve blocks).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3,000+ depending on the component
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Instrument Cluster Failures
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent or complete failure of the instrument cluster display.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• SAM (Signal Acquisition Module) Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Various electrical malfunctions, including lighting issues, window operation problems, and central locking failures.
  • Solution: Diagnose and replace the faulty SAM unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Frequent dead batteries, requiring jump starts.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the source of the parasitic drain (faulty module, wiring issue).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+ depending on the cause
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Convertible Top Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Failure to open or close completely, hydraulic leaks, and error messages.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the convertible top system (hydraulic pump, cylinders, sensors).

  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $4,000+ depending on the issue

  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat Motor Failures
  • Description/Symptoms: Failure of the seat motors to adjust the seat position.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty seat motors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per motor
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG is a powerful and luxurious car, but it is also known for its potential reliability issues and expensive repair costs. The most common issues involve the engine (coil packs, turbos), ABC suspension system (pump, struts), and electrical components (SAM, instrument cluster). Addressing these issues can be costly, with repair bills ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Potential buyers should be aware of these common problems and factor them into the overall cost of ownership.