KNOWN FAULTS · Mercedes-Benz
Known faults for the Mercedes-Benz SL (R232).
2021–2026 · Petrol
Sources are not verified in real time and no entry confirms that your car is affected.
Buying it used?Which engine has the fewest documented faults, which recalls to ask the seller about and what to look for on the test drive.Before you buy
2 known faults with sources
Engines: SL 43 AMG (2.0) (Petrol) · SL 55 / 63 AMG (4.0 V8) (Petrol)
Applies if: Only the engine-ECU software campaign (2024–2025) affects the SL 43.
Starter harness, fuse box and engine-ECU software on the SL and AMG GT (from 2022)Electrical and electronic systems
- Engine / equipment
- Mercedes-AMG SL R232 and AMG GT C192
- Period mentioned
- 2022–2025
- Symptoms
- Sudden loss of drive; a battery drained while parked; in the worst case, fire risk.
- Possible cause described
- NHTSA 23V-676: on about 5,300 2022–2023 SLs with the M177 V8 the starter/alternator harness could rub on the driveshaft and short-circuit (it is secured with a cable tie). In Australia the fuse box was replaced on 2023 SL 63s. In Qatar the 2024–2025 SL and AMG GT were recalled because the engine-ECU software can greatly increase the quiescent current.
- Check for the garage
- Check by VIN at the dealer that the campaign has been done.
- Cost cited in the source
- Free under the recall.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.
Sources from the original database
NHTSA 23V-676: SL starter harnessAustralianCar.Reviews: Mercedes-AMG R232 SL recalls and faultsThe Peninsula (Qatar): recall of 2024–2025 AMG SL and AMG GT
View full entryEngines: SL 43 AMG (2.0) (Petrol)
Applies if: US bulletin (XENTRY LI27.60-P-076554) for the C 43, SL 43 and C 63 S E Performance with the M139 engine and 725.1 gearbox; in Europe, ask the dealer.
Harsh shifts from 1st to 4th and jolts when pulling away (AMG 43 and C 63 S E Performance with M139)Automatic gearbox
- Engine / equipment
- Mercedes-AMG C 43, SL 43 and C 63 S E Performance (M139, 2.0) with the 725.1 gearbox
- Period mentioned
- 2022–2025 (US model years)
- Symptoms
- Harsh 1st-to-2nd, 2nd-to-3rd and 3rd-to-4th shifts, jerky shifting and a jolt when accelerating from a stop.
- Possible cause described
- The gearbox software learns clutch fill times and torque values that are too high. In the E Performance, shifting also gets worse when the high-voltage battery drops below 25 %. Mercedes-Benz describes it in technical note LI27.60-P-076554.
- Check for the garage
- Ask the garage to check the gearbox software level (VGS) and apply note LI27.60-P-076554 (update, oil level and valve flushing) before replacing parts.
- Cost cited in the source
- No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.
Sources from the original database
View full entryEngines for this model
- SL 43 AMG (2.0)Petrol
- SL 55 / 63 AMG (4.0 V8)Petrol