2008 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG is a high-performance roadster featuring a handcrafted 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 engine that produces 604 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options available for the 2008 SL-Class included a 3.5-liter V6 (SL350), a 5.0-liter V8 (SL500), a 5.5-liter V8 (SL550) and a supercharged 5.4-liter V8 (SL55 AMG). All engine options were paired with an automatic transmission. The SL65 AMG is praised for its immense power, luxurious features, and comfortable ride. Common dislikes include its complex electronics, high maintenance costs, and somewhat dated styling compared to newer models.

Engine

6.0L Twin-Turbo V12

• Coil Pack Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Misfires, rough idling, loss of power, check engine light illumination.
  • Solution: Replace faulty coil pack(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+ per coil pack (depending on location and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found
• ABC (Active Body Control) System Leaks/Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sagging, uneven ride height, warning lights, fluid leaks. The V12 models, including the SL65 AMG, place significant demands on the ABC system due to the engine’s weight and power.
  • Solution: Repair or replace leaking hydraulic lines, struts, or the ABC pump. Flush and refill the ABC system with fresh fluid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3000+ (depending on the component needing replacement and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Whining noises, loss of boost, reduced power, check engine light.
  • Solution: Diagnose the turbocharger. It might need repair or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2500-$6000+ (depending on if one or both need replacement and the 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 pan gasket, and rear main seal.
  • Solution: Replace leaking gaskets and seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1500+ (depending on the location and severity of the leak).
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic (Specifically mated to the 6.0L V12)

• Transmission Slipping/Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Delayed engagement, slipping between gears, rough or jerky shifts.
  • Solution: Perform a transmission service (fluid and filter change). If the problem persists, further diagnosis may be needed, potentially involving valve body repair or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2500+ (depending on severity and required repairs).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering at low speeds, stalling, abnormal noises coming from the transmission.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• ABC (Active Body Control) System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Uneven ride height, vehicle sagging, harsh ride, warning lights on the dash.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair or replace faulty ABC components, such as struts, pumps, accumulators, or valve blocks. Flush and refill the ABC system.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3000+ (depending on the component and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• SAM (Signal Acquisition Module) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Malfunctioning lights, wipers, or other electrical accessories; difficulty starting the car.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty SAM unit and reprogram it.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+ (depending on the location and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Dead battery, difficulty starting the car, needing frequent jump starts.
  • Solution: Diagnose the source of the parasitic draw and repair the faulty component or wiring.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (depending on the source of the drain).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Convertible Top Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Top not opening or closing smoothly, getting stuck, error messages.
  • Solution: Check hydraulic fluid level, inspect hydraulic cylinders and lines for leaks, and diagnose the top control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2000+ (depending on the complexity of the issue).
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Convertible Top Hydraulic System Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaks near the top mechanism, difficulty opening or closing the top, staining on the headliner.
  • Solution: Replace leaking hydraulic cylinders or lines.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+ per cylinder/line (depending on location and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat Heater Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Seat heater not working, overheating, or only working intermittently.
  • Solution: Replace the heating element or control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per seat.
  • Recalls: None Found
• COMAND System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Screen freezes, navigation malfunctions, audio problems.
  • Solution: Software updates, replacement of the COMAND unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary The 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG, while powerful and luxurious, is prone to several issues that can be costly to repair, especially with the complex V12 engine and ABC suspension. Common issues include coil pack failures, ABC system leaks/failures, transmission problems, and electrical gremlins. Potential buyers should be aware of these potential issues and budget accordingly for maintenance and repairs. The severity of the issues ranges from minor electrical faults to major mechanical failures, with repair costs ranging from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, making thorough inspection and maintenance records essential before purchase.