2024 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG is a high-performance luxury roadster known for its powerful engine and sporty handling. It features a handcrafted AMG 4.0L V8 biturbo engine producing 577 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. The SL lineup also includes the SL55 AMG, which utilizes a slightly detuned version of the same engine. Both models utilize the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9-speed transmission. Owners generally praise its performance, luxurious interior, and striking design. Common complaints often revolve around its high price point, complex infotainment system, and potentially firm ride quality, especially with the performance suspension options.

Engine

AMG 4.0L V8 Biturbo (M177)

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Whining noise from the engine, loss of power, check engine light illumination. This can occur due to oil starvation, overheating, or bearing failure within the turbocharger unit.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty turbocharger. It is often recommended to replace both turbochargers simultaneously to ensure balanced performance.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $4,000 - $8,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks (Valve Cover and Rear Main Seal)
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil drips under the car, burning oil smell, low oil level warning light. Leaks commonly originate from the valve cover gaskets or the rear main seal.
  • Solution: Replacement of the valve cover gaskets and/or rear main seal.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Valve Cover Gaskets: $800 - $2,000; Rear Main Seal: $1,500 - $3,000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Fuel Injector Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, rough idling, decreased fuel economy, and potential check engine light with codes related to fuel injector performance. Faulty fuel injectors can cause an imbalance in the air-fuel mixture in the cylinders.
  • Solution: Diagnosis to identify the faulty injector(s). Replacement of the affected fuel injectors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800 per injector
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9-speed

• Rough Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifts, particularly between lower gears. This can be caused by valve body issues or software glitches.
  • Solution: Transmission software update, valve body replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Software update: $200 - $400; Valve body replacement: $2,000 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Transmission Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine RPMs increase without a corresponding increase in vehicle speed. This indicates the transmission is not properly engaging the gears.
  • Solution: Replacement of worn clutch packs or, in severe cases, complete transmission replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Clutch pack replacement: $3,000 - $6,000+; Transmission Replacement: $8,000 - $12,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Compressor Failure (If Equipped with Air Suspension)
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sits unevenly, compressor runs continuously, “Vehicle Level Too Low” warning message.
  • Solution: Replacement of the air suspension compressor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Adaptive Damper Malfunctions (If Equipped with Adaptive Dampers)
  • Description/Symptoms: Stiff or bouncy ride, uneven handling, error message related to the adaptive damping system.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty damper(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000 per damper
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing (MBUX)
  • Description/Symptoms: System freezes, unresponsive touchscreen, unexpected reboots.
  • Solution: Software update. If that doesn’t fix it, replacement of the head unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Software update: $0 - $200 (dealer service); Head unit replacement: $2,000 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sensor Malfunctions (Parking Sensors, Blind Spot Monitoring)
  • Description/Symptoms: False alarms, system inoperability, error messages.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800 per sensor
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Car is slow to start, battery dies frequently. Caused by parasitic drain.
  • Solution: Diagnose the cause and either fix or replace the affected electrical part, or replace the battery.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150-$600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Convertible Top Mechanism Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Slow or incomplete operation of the convertible top, unusual noises during operation, error messages.
  • Solution: Inspection and repair of the hydraulic system (pump, lines, cylinders), motor replacement, or sensor adjustment.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3,000+ depending on the component needing repair/replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat Motor/Adjustment Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Seat does not move in one or more directions, clicking noises, error messages.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty seat motor or repair of the seat adjustment mechanism.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Dashboard/Trim Rattles
  • Description/Symptoms: Annoying rattling or squeaking noises emanating from the dashboard or interior trim, particularly on rough roads.
  • Solution: Tightening loose trim pieces, adding sound dampening material, or replacing damaged components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG, while lauded for its performance and luxury, can suffer from several issues. Engine problems such as turbocharger failures and oil leaks are potentially costly. Transmission issues like rough shifting can also lead to significant repair expenses. Electrical problems with the infotainment system and sensors are also a concern. Interior rattles and issues with the convertible top add to the list. The severity of these issues varies, but overall, potential owners should be aware of the higher maintenance and repair costs associated with this high-performance vehicle.