2012 Mercedes-Benz SL600

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL600 is a luxury roadster featuring a handcrafted 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 engine producing 510 horsepower and 612 lb-ft of torque. The SL range also offered other engine options, including the SL550 with a 4.7L V8 and the high-performance SL63 AMG with a 5.5L V8. All SL600s came with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the SL600 for its powerful engine, luxurious interior, comfortable ride, and retractable hardtop. Common complaints often revolve around the high cost of maintenance and repairs, complex electronics, and potential for air suspension issues.

Engine

6.0L Twin-Turbo V12

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can occur from various locations including valve cover gaskets, oil cooler lines, and the rear main seal. Symptoms include visible oil leaks on the engine, oil puddles under the car, and a burning oil smell.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking gaskets or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2000+ depending on the location of the leak and labor involved.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coil Pack Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Misfires, rough running engine, check engine light. The V12 has two coil packs per cylinder bank.
  • Solution: Replacement of faulty coil pack(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+ depending on how many need to be replaced.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, whistling sound from the engine, check engine light.
  • Solution: Diagnosis and repair or replacement of the turbocharger.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $6,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic

• Harsh Shifting/Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough or delayed shifts between gears, slipping during acceleration, transmission not engaging properly.
  • Solution: Transmission service (fluid and filter change), valve body repair or replacement, or complete transmission rebuild or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 (for fluid and filter) to $5,000+ (for rebuild/replacement).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration at low speeds, stalling, poor fuel economy.
  • Solution: Torque converter replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• ABC (Active Body Control) System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sagging or leaning to one side, stiff or uncomfortable ride, warning lights on the dashboard (e.g., “ABC Visit Workshop”).
  • Solution: Diagnosis and repair of the ABC system. This can involve replacing accumulators, hydraulic lines, the pump, valve blocks, or struts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $5,000+ depending on the component(s) needing replacement. ABC system repairs can be costly.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Air Strut Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Sagging suspension, especially after sitting overnight, rough ride, hissing sounds from the struts.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty air strut.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,500+ per strut.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Dead battery, requiring frequent jump starts, difficulty starting the car.
  • Solution: Diagnosis and repair of the source of the parasitic draw. This could be caused by a faulty module, relay, or wiring issue.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,500+ depending on the complexity of the issue.
  • Recalls: None Found
• SAM (Signal Acquisition Module) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Various electrical issues, such as lights not working, wipers malfunctioning, or issues with the central locking system.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty SAM unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Convertible Top Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Top not opening or closing properly, error messages related to the top operation, hydraulic leaks.
  • Solution: Diagnosis of the top mechanism, hydraulic system, or electrical components. Repairs may involve replacing hydraulic cylinders, sensors, or wiring.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Retractable Hardtop Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The retractable hardtop can experience problems with its intricate mechanisms. Common issues include failure to fully open or close, noises during operation, and hydraulic leaks.
  • Solution: Diagnosis of the top mechanism, hydraulic system, or electrical components. Repairs may involve replacing hydraulic cylinders, sensors, or wiring.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat Heater Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: Seat heaters not working, or only working intermittently.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the heating element or control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL600 offers exhilarating performance and luxury, but its complex systems can lead to expensive repairs. Issues with the ABC suspension, electrical components, and retractable hardtop can be particularly costly. Potential buyers should be aware of these common issues and factor in the high cost of maintenance and repairs when considering purchasing this vehicle. A thorough pre-purchase inspection by a qualified Mercedes-Benz mechanic is highly recommended.