2013 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG is a high-performance luxury roadster, boasting a hand-built 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine producing 621 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options for the 2013 SL-Class include the SL550 with a 4.7-liter twin-turbo V8, and the SL63 AMG with a 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8. All engines are paired with an automatic transmission. Owners often praise the SL65 AMG for its immense power, luxurious interior, and refined driving experience. Common complaints revolve around high maintenance costs, complex electronics, and potential for expensive repairs.

Engine

6.0L Twin-Turbocharged V12

• Coil Pack Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Misfires, rough running engine, check engine light illumination.
  • Solution: Replace faulty coil pack(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+ per coil pack (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, whistling or grinding noises from the engine, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace 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 turbocharger oil lines.
  • Solution: Replace leaking gaskets and seals, repair or replace damaged lines.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2,000+ depending on the location and severity of the leak.
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

AMG Speedshift 7G-TRONIC MCT

• Torque Converter Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during gear changes, particularly at low speeds, delayed engagement, or complete failure to engage a gear.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $4,500+ (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Body Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or erratic shifting, slipping between gears, failure to shift at all, or getting stuck in a gear.
  • Solution: Replace or rebuild the valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+ (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• ABC (Active Body Control) System Leaks/Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sagging on one or more corners, harsh ride, warning lights on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair leaks in the hydraulic system (lines, struts, pump), replace faulty components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $5,000+ depending on the component needing replacement. ABC struts are especially expensive.
  • Recalls: None Found
• ABC Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loud whine from the pump, ABC malfunction warning, stiff ride, loss of suspension adjustment.
  • Solution: Replace the ABC pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,500+ (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Car battery frequently dying, difficulty starting the car.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair parasitic drains in the electrical system, replace faulty modules.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ depending on the source of the drain.
  • Recalls: None Found
• SAM (Signal Acquisition Module) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Malfunctions in various electrical systems, such as lights, wipers, windows, or door locks.
  • Solution: Replace faulty SAM unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+ (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Convertible Top Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Top failing to open or close, error messages on the dashboard, hydraulic leaks.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair hydraulic system, replace faulty sensors or motors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3,000+ depending on the complexity of the issue.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Convertible Top Seal Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Water leaks into the cabin, particularly around the windows and roof seals.
  • Solution: Replace worn or damaged seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ depending on the number and location of the seals replaced.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• COMAND System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Freezing, Crashing, GPS malfunction, Bluetooth Connectivity Issues
  • Solution: Software updates. If software updates fail, replace the COMAND unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $2,000+ depending on the issue.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG offers exhilarating performance but comes with potential reliability concerns. The most common issues involve the engine, transmission, ABC suspension, and electrical systems. Repairs can be expensive, especially for the V12 engine, turbochargers, and ABC system. While some problems may be minor, others can result in significant repair bills, reflecting the complexity and cost of maintaining a high-performance luxury vehicle. Potential buyers should factor in the higher maintenance and repair costs when considering purchasing a 2013 SL65 AMG.