2019 Mercedes-Benz SL500

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz SL500 is a luxurious roadster known for its refined driving experience and elegant styling. The SL500 is equipped with a 4.7L Twin-Turbo V8 engine, producing 449 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options for the 2019 SL lineup include a 3.0L V6 in the SL450 and a 6.0L V12 in the SL65 AMG. People generally appreciate the SL500 for its comfortable ride, powerful engine, and retractable hardtop. Common complaints often revolve around the high cost of maintenance and potential electrical glitches.

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 rear main seal. Symptoms include visible oil leaks under the car, a burning oil smell, and low oil levels.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking gaskets or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1500+ depending on the location and severity of the leak.
• Turbocharger Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The turbochargers may experience issues such as bearing failure or boost leaks. Symptoms include reduced engine power, whistling noises from the engine, and potentially engine misfires.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty turbocharger(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2500 - $5000+

Transmission

9G-Tronic 9-Speed Automatic

• Rough Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported rough or delayed shifting, particularly when the transmission is cold. This can manifest as harsh upshifts or downshifts.
  • Solution: A software update or transmission fluid change may resolve the issue in some cases. In other cases, valve body replacement is required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2000+ depending on the solution.
• Torque Converter Shudder
  • Description/Symptoms: Torque converter shudder, felt as a vibration or shaking during light acceleration, can occur at certain speeds.
  • Solution: Transmission flush and fluid replacement with updated fluid. In severe cases, torque converter replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2500+

Suspension

• ABC (Active Body Control) Suspension Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: The ABC suspension system is prone to leaks from the hydraulic lines, struts, or pump. Symptoms include a sagging suspension, warning lights on the dashboard, and hydraulic fluid leaks.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking components, such as hydraulic lines, struts, or the pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3000+ per component.
• ABC Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The ABC pump is responsible for keeping the pressure in the Hydraulic system. It can fail over time or due to fluid contamination.
  • Solution: Replacing the ABC pump
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3500

Electrical

• COMAND System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: The COMAND infotainment system can experience glitches, including screen freezes, Bluetooth connectivity issues, and navigation problems.
  • Solution: Software updates, resetting the system, or replacing the COMAND unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2000+ depending on the solution.
• Battery Drain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported issues with excessive battery drain, especially when the car is not driven regularly. This can lead to difficulty starting the car or a completely dead battery.
  • Solution: Identifying and addressing the source of the battery drain, which may involve faulty modules or parasitic drain from aftermarket accessories.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the source of the drain.
• Convertible Top Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: The retractable hardtop can experience issues with its operation, including getting stuck, making unusual noises, or failing to open or close completely.
  • Solution: Diagnosing and repairing the hydraulic system, sensors, or mechanical components of the convertible top mechanism.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $3000+

Exterior

• Convertible Top Seal Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Water leaks around the convertible top seals, particularly in heavy rain or car washes. This can lead to water ingress into the cabin.
  • Solution: Replacing or adjusting the convertible top seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $800+

Interior

• Seat Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The seat motors that control seat positioning can fail, resulting in the inability to adjust the seats.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty seat motor or the entire seat mechanism.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1500+

Recalls:

• 2019120018 (NHTSA ID: 19V759000) - Emergency Call System may not function
• 2019070011 (NHTSA ID: 19V505000) - Front Airbags may not deploy correctly
• 2019090005 (NHTSA ID: 19V649000) - Fuel Pump may shut down

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz SL500, while offering a luxurious driving experience, is not without its potential issues. Owners should be aware of potential problems with the engine (oil leaks, turbocharger issues), the transmission (rough shifting, torque converter shudder), the suspension (ABC leaks), electrical systems (COMAND malfunctions, battery drain, convertible top issues), the exterior (convertible top leaks), and interior (seat motor failures). The severity and cost of these issues can vary widely, with some being relatively minor and inexpensive to fix, while others can be more significant and costly. Careful inspection and regular maintenance are crucial to mitigating these risks.