2017 Mercedes-Benz SL550

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz SL550 is a luxurious and stylish roadster, known for its comfortable ride, powerful engine, and retractable hardtop. The SL550 comes equipped with a 4.7-liter twin-turbo V8 engine producing 449 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission. Some owners appreciate the car’s opulent interior and smooth performance, while others find the infotainment system dated and the handling less sporty than some competitors. Common dislikes also include the high cost of maintenance and potential repairs.

Engine

4.7L Twin-Turbo V8

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can develop from various seals and gaskets, including the valve cover gaskets, oil filter housing, and rear main seal. Symptoms include visible oil leaks under the car, a burning oil smell, and low oil levels.
  • Solution: Replacing the affected seals or gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1500+, depending on the location and complexity of the repair.
• Turbocharger Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Turbochargers can experience failures, such as bearing wear or wastegate malfunction. Symptoms include reduced power, whistling noises, and fault codes.
  • Solution: Turbocharger replacement or repair.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2500 - $5000+ for replacement.

Transmission

9G-TRONIC 9-Speed Automatic

• Rough Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported experiencing rough or delayed shifting, particularly when the transmission is cold.
  • Solution: Software updates, transmission fluid flush, or valve body replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2000+
• Torque Converter Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Humming or shuddering at low speeds can indicate torque converter issues.
  • Solution: Torque converter replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+

Suspension

• Air Suspension Issues (Airmatic)
  • Description/Symptoms: The Airmatic air suspension system can develop leaks in the air struts or compressor failure, leading to a sagging vehicle, especially overnight, and a “Vehicle Too Low” warning.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty air strut(s) or the air compressor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $3000+ per strut, $800 - $2000+ for the compressor.
• ABC (Active Body Control) Suspension Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: ABC can develop leaks, pump failures, or pulsation dampener issues, causing rough ride and sagging.
  • Solution: Replacing or repairing ABC components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000-$4000+ depending on component

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The COMAND infotainment system can be prone to freezing, crashing, or displaying error messages.
  • Solution: Software updates or replacement of the COMAND unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2000+
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive battery drain can occur due to faulty modules or electrical components not shutting down properly.
  • Solution: Diagnosis and replacement of the faulty component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+

Exterior

• Retractable Hardtop Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: The retractable hardtop mechanism can experience issues, such as getting stuck, making unusual noises, or failing to open or close completely.
  • Solution: Lubrication, sensor replacement, or motor repair.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2000+

Interior

• Seat Heater Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: The seat heaters may stop working or only heat intermittently.
  • Solution: Replace faulty heating element or control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
• Dashboard Delamination
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported the dashboard delaminating over time, especially in areas exposed to direct sunlight.
  • Solution: Dashboard replacement or repair.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000-$3000+

Recalls:

• 2017110017

Summary

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz SL550, while offering luxury and performance, is not without its potential issues. Common problems include engine oil leaks, turbocharger issues, transmission roughness, air suspension problems, infotainment system glitches, and retractable hardtop malfunctions. While some issues may be minor and relatively inexpensive to fix, others, such as air suspension and turbocharger failures, can be quite costly. Potential buyers should have the car thoroughly inspected before purchase and be prepared for potentially high maintenance and repair costs.