2018 Mercedes-Benz SL500

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz SL500 is a luxury roadster known for its elegant design, powerful performance, and comfortable ride. The SL500 is equipped with a 4.7-liter twin-turbo V8 engine producing 449 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options for the 2018 SL include a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 in the SL450 and a 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 in the SL65 AMG. All engines are paired with a 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission. Owners typically praise the SL’s smooth ride, powerful engine, and luxurious interior. Some common dislikes include the dated infotainment system and relatively small trunk space.

Engine

4.7L Twin-Turbo V8

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can develop from various locations, including the valve cover gaskets, oil filter housing, and turbocharger lines. Symptoms include visible oil leaks under the vehicle, a burning oil smell, and low oil levels.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking gaskets or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,500+ (depending on the source of the leak)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported premature turbocharger failure. Symptoms include a loss of power, unusual noises from the engine, and potentially a check engine light.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty turbocharger(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+ (depending on if one or both turbos need replacing)
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

9G-TRONIC 9-Speed Automatic

• Rough or Delayed Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners report experiencing rough or delayed shifts, particularly during lower gears. This may be accompanied by a clunking noise.
  • Solution: In some cases, a software update to the transmission control module (TCM) can resolve the issue. In other cases, replacement of valve body components or even the entire transmission may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (Software Update) - $6,000+ (Transmission Replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• ABC (Active Body Control) System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The ABC suspension is prone to leaks and failures. Symptoms include a sagging suspension, uneven ride height, error messages on the dashboard, and a harsh ride.
  • Solution: Replacing leaking hoses, struts, or the hydraulic pump. Flushing the ABC fluid can sometimes help address minor issues.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3,000+ (depending on the component needing replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• COMAND Infotainment System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The COMAND system can experience various glitches, including freezing, slow response times, and connectivity issues with Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
  • Solution: Software updates may resolve some issues. In more severe cases, the COMAND unit may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (Software Update) - $2,000+ (COMAND Unit Replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported issues with excessive battery drain, particularly if the vehicle is not driven frequently.
  • Solution: Identifying the source of the parasitic draw. This may involve checking for faulty modules or improperly functioning accessories.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (depending on the complexity of the issue)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Convertible Top Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: The convertible top mechanism can experience problems, leading to difficulty opening or closing the top. Common issues include hydraulic leaks, faulty sensors, and worn-out components.
  • Solution: Repairing or replacing faulty components, such as hydraulic cylinders, sensors, or the top control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3,000+ (depending on the severity of the problem)
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat Heater Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: The seat heaters may fail to function or may only heat intermittently.
  • Solution: Replacement of the heating element or the seat heater control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz SL500 offers a luxurious driving experience but is prone to some common issues. The most concerning and potentially expensive issues involve the ABC suspension, the convertible top mechanism, and potential turbocharger failures. Electrical issues with the COMAND system and battery drain are also relatively common. While some issues can be resolved with software updates or minor repairs, others may require significant investment to address. Potential buyers should carefully inspect the vehicle and review its maintenance history to identify and address any potential problems before purchasing.