1996 MERCEDES-BENZ SL500
1 recalls — 9 complaints — 28 TSBs
06E014000 Feb 6, 2006
WHEELS
Defect Description
CERTAIN ZF TRADING NORTH AMERICA AFTERMARKET WHEEL BEARING KITS, LEMFOERDER P/N 1402301, SOLD FOR INSTALLATION ON 1992-2001 MERCEDES BENZ SL500 (R129) VEHICLES AFTER APRIL 1, 2005. THE CALIPER MOUNTING BOLTS USED IN THE WHEEL BEARING KIT MAY BE DEFECTIVE, SHEAR OFF AND BREAK. IF BOTH CALIPER MOUNT... Read more
Consequence
THIS COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF A PORTION OF THE VEHICLE'S BRAKING ABILITY, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
ZF TRADING WILL NOTIFY ITS OWNERS AND REPAIR THE WHEEL BEARING KITS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 27, 2006.
Complaint Statistics
9 total complaints
1 crashes 3 fires 3 injuries
Top Reported Components
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 2 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD | 2 |
| VISIBILITY | 1 |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | 1 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL | 1 |
| VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:INTERIOR | 1 |
| ENGINE | 1 |
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
Jun 29, 2015
Incident date: May 15, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 MERCEDES BENZ SL500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER, LIFTED UP THE HOOD, AND NOTICED FIRE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE... Read more
Fire
1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jun 29, 2015
Incident date: May 15, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 MERCEDES BENZ SL500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER, LIFTED UP THE HOOD, AND NOTICED FIRE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE... Read more
Fire
1 injured
ENGINE
Jun 29, 2015
Incident date: May 15, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 MERCEDES BENZ SL500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER, LIFTED UP THE HOOD, AND NOTICED FIRE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE... Read more
Fire
1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
Jan 28, 2007
Incident date: Jan 25, 1996
1996 MERCEDES BENZ SL 500 ENGINE STALL WHEN DRIVE ON HIGHWAY DUE TO FAULTY WIRING HARNESS. *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jul 14, 2004
Incident date: Jul 14, 2004
WHILE DRIVING, THE CONSUMER SMELLED A BURNING ODOR, THEN SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM THE INTERIOR REARVIEW MIRROR. *AK THE FAULTY DEVICE WAS DUE TO A TRANSISTOR THAT HAD GONE BAD ON THE ELECTRIC BOARD ON THE INSIDE OF THE REAVIEW MIRROR. *SC *JB
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:INTERIOR
Jul 14, 2004
Incident date: Jul 14, 2004
WHILE DRIVING, THE CONSUMER SMELLED A BURNING ODOR, THEN SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM THE INTERIOR REARVIEW MIRROR. *AK THE FAULTY DEVICE WAS DUE TO A TRANSISTOR THAT HAD GONE BAD ON THE ELECTRIC BOARD ON THE INSIDE OF THE REAVIEW MIRROR. *SC *JB
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
Oct 27, 2003
Incident date: Oct 23, 2003
SUDDEN ACCELERATION CAUSED A CRASH INTO THE REAR WALL OF MY GARAGE.*AK
Crash
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Dec 11, 2002
Incident date: Dec 5, 2002
FUEL LINE LEAKAGE AT FUEL PUMP-SECOND OCCURANCE. DT
VISIBILITY
Apr 11, 2002
PUMPS RUNS OUT OF WATER, AND WINDSHIELD WIPER KEEPS GOING ON HEADLAMPS. DEALER CONTACTED. *AK
EPA Fuel Economy — 1996 MERCEDES-BENZ SL500
| Trim / Engine | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG | Fuel Type | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.0L 8-cyl, Automatic 5-spd (Rear-Wheel Drive) | 15.0 | 22.0 | 17.0 | Premium | $4,800 |
CO2 Emissions: -1.0 g/mile (Two Seaters)
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.
Technical Service Bulletins — 1996 MERCEDES-BENZ SL500
28 manufacturer communications from 15 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.
Most Affected Components
| Component | Bulletins |
|---|---|
| 110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 2 |
| 010000 STEERING | 2 |
| 020000 SUSPENSION | 2 |
| 100000 POWER TRAIN | 2 |
| 121000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS | 1 |
| 013000 STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION) | 1 |
| 034000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS | 1 |
| 034100 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER | 1 |
LI27.50-P-071658
Sep 30, 2020
100000 POWER TRAIN
Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D or R
LI27.50-P-049281
Sep 22, 2020
103300 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D
LI82.70-P-060004
Oct 14, 2014
353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
iPhone mobile phone: Various complaints after software update to iOS8
LI27.00-P-051451
Jul 14, 2014
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Shift quality complaints on TRANSMISSION 722.9 (7G-TRONIC and 7G-TRONIC PLUS)
LI27.55-P-058976
Jul 10, 2014
100000 POWER TRAIN
Possible minor leakage at described components or oil transfer from assembly plant.
LI42.10-P-058535
Feb 21, 2014
020000 SUSPENSION
The noise comes from the front axle. Vehicles without code B07 (AMG ceramic high-performance composite brake system)
LI46.15-P-057157
Feb 20, 2014
010000 STEERING
Height adjustment of electric steering column adjustment is nonfunctional.
GI88.40-P-057430
Feb 3, 2014
350000 EQUIPMENT
Message in instrument cluster "DISTRONIC PLUSCurrently Unavailable - See Owner's Manual"
40-P-052794
Apr 20, 2012
150000 SEAT BELTS
MERCEDES BENZ: FRONT OR REAR SEAT BELT DOES NOT ROLL UP CORRECTLY. DIRT DEPOSITS ON THE SEAT BELT GUIDE DUE TO SOILED SEAT BELT. ALSO INCLUDED MODELS 169, F CELL, 246, AND 231. NO MODEL YEARS GIVEN. *JS
LI-58-40
Dec 16, 2009
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
XENTRY (MERCEDES): ENGINE WARNING LAMP IS CURRENTLY ON OR WAS ON AND A DELAY FAULT OF THE CAMSHAFT ADJUST TO CURRENT OR STORED IN THE ENGINE CONTROL UNIT. MODELS 171, 203, 209, 211, 219, 221, 216, 230, 164, 251, AND 403. NO MODEL YEARS LI
LI-58-40
Dec 16, 2009
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
XENTRY (MERCEDES): ENGINE WARNING LAMP IS CURRENTLY ON OR WAS ON AND A DELAY FAULT OF THE CAMSHAFT ADJUST TO CURRENT OR STORED IN THE ENGINE CONTROL UNIT. MODELS 171, 203, 209, 211, 219, 221, 216, 230, 164, 251, AND 403. NO MODEL YEARS LI
TSB-42-10-109
Jun 15, 2009
034510 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
MERCEDES: CORROSION PROTECTION COATINGS FOR BRAKE COMPONENTS AND HARDWARE MAY BE DAMAGED AND OR STRIPPED AWAY IF HIGHLY CONCENTRATED ACID BASED CLEANERS ARE USED. ONCE THE CORROSION PROTECTION IS DAMAGED OR REMOVED THE BRAKE COMPONENTS AN
TSB-42-10-109
Jun 15, 2009
034530 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
MERCEDES: CORROSION PROTECTION COATINGS FOR BRAKE COMPONENTS AND HARDWARE MAY BE DAMAGED AND OR STRIPPED AWAY IF HIGHLY CONCENTRATED ACID BASED CLEANERS ARE USED. ONCE THE CORROSION PROTECTION IS DAMAGED OR REMOVED THE BRAKE COMPONENTS AN
TSB-42-10-109
Jun 15, 2009
034520 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS
MERCEDES: CORROSION PROTECTION COATINGS FOR BRAKE COMPONENTS AND HARDWARE MAY BE DAMAGED AND OR STRIPPED AWAY IF HIGHLY CONCENTRATED ACID BASED CLEANERS ARE USED. ONCE THE CORROSION PROTECTION IS DAMAGED OR REMOVED THE BRAKE COMPONENTS AN
TSB-42-10-109
Jun 15, 2009
034500 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
MERCEDES: CORROSION PROTECTION COATINGS FOR BRAKE COMPONENTS AND HARDWARE MAY BE DAMAGED AND OR STRIPPED AWAY IF HIGHLY CONCENTRATED ACID BASED CLEANERS ARE USED. ONCE THE CORROSION PROTECTION IS DAMAGED OR REMOVED THE BRAKE COMPONENTS AN
TSB-42-10-109
Jun 15, 2009
034430 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:DRUM
MERCEDES: CORROSION PROTECTION COATINGS FOR BRAKE COMPONENTS AND HARDWARE MAY BE DAMAGED AND OR STRIPPED AWAY IF HIGHLY CONCENTRATED ACID BASED CLEANERS ARE USED. ONCE THE CORROSION PROTECTION IS DAMAGED OR REMOVED THE BRAKE COMPONENTS AN
TSB-42-10-109
Jun 15, 2009
034420 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:SHOES/LININGS
MERCEDES: CORROSION PROTECTION COATINGS FOR BRAKE COMPONENTS AND HARDWARE MAY BE DAMAGED AND OR STRIPPED AWAY IF HIGHLY CONCENTRATED ACID BASED CLEANERS ARE USED. ONCE THE CORROSION PROTECTION IS DAMAGED OR REMOVED THE BRAKE COMPONENTS AN
TSB-42-10-109
Jun 15, 2009
034410 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:WHEEL CYLINDERS
MERCEDES: CORROSION PROTECTION COATINGS FOR BRAKE COMPONENTS AND HARDWARE MAY BE DAMAGED AND OR STRIPPED AWAY IF HIGHLY CONCENTRATED ACID BASED CLEANERS ARE USED. ONCE THE CORROSION PROTECTION IS DAMAGED OR REMOVED THE BRAKE COMPONENTS AN
TSB-42-10-109
Jun 15, 2009
034400 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM
MERCEDES: CORROSION PROTECTION COATINGS FOR BRAKE COMPONENTS AND HARDWARE MAY BE DAMAGED AND OR STRIPPED AWAY IF HIGHLY CONCENTRATED ACID BASED CLEANERS ARE USED. ONCE THE CORROSION PROTECTION IS DAMAGED OR REMOVED THE BRAKE COMPONENTS AN
TSB-42-10-109
Jun 15, 2009
034300 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DIFFERENTIAL PROPORTIONAL VALVE
MERCEDES: CORROSION PROTECTION COATINGS FOR BRAKE COMPONENTS AND HARDWARE MAY BE DAMAGED AND OR STRIPPED AWAY IF HIGHLY CONCENTRATED ACID BASED CLEANERS ARE USED. ONCE THE CORROSION PROTECTION IS DAMAGED OR REMOVED THE BRAKE COMPONENTS AN
TSB-42-10-109
Jun 15, 2009
034200 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
MERCEDES: CORROSION PROTECTION COATINGS FOR BRAKE COMPONENTS AND HARDWARE MAY BE DAMAGED AND OR STRIPPED AWAY IF HIGHLY CONCENTRATED ACID BASED CLEANERS ARE USED. ONCE THE CORROSION PROTECTION IS DAMAGED OR REMOVED THE BRAKE COMPONENTS AN
TSB-42-10-109
Jun 15, 2009
034100 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
MERCEDES: CORROSION PROTECTION COATINGS FOR BRAKE COMPONENTS AND HARDWARE MAY BE DAMAGED AND OR STRIPPED AWAY IF HIGHLY CONCENTRATED ACID BASED CLEANERS ARE USED. ONCE THE CORROSION PROTECTION IS DAMAGED OR REMOVED THE BRAKE COMPONENTS AN
TSB-42-10-109
Jun 15, 2009
034000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
MERCEDES: CORROSION PROTECTION COATINGS FOR BRAKE COMPONENTS AND HARDWARE MAY BE DAMAGED AND OR STRIPPED AWAY IF HIGHLY CONCENTRATED ACID BASED CLEANERS ARE USED. ONCE THE CORROSION PROTECTION IS DAMAGED OR REMOVED THE BRAKE COMPONENTS AN
325029
Mar 31, 2009
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ABC VISIT WORKSHOP DISPLAYED IN INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND HYDRAULIC FLUID LEAKAGE. *TT UPDATED 5/14/09. MODELS 215, 220 AND 230. MODEL YEARS UNKNOWN. *PE
PB-46-20-16E
Feb 27, 2009
013000 STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
MERCEDES: LEAKS AT STEERING GEAR CONTROL HEAD CONNECTION TO HIGH OR LOW PRESSURE LINES OR LEAKS AT INTERNAL STEERING LINES OF CONTROL HEAD CONNECTION TO STEERING GEAR HOUSING. MODELS 171, 203, 204, 209, 211, 215, 216, 219, 220, 221, AND 2
PB-46-20-16E
Feb 27, 2009
010000 STEERING
MERCEDES: LEAKS AT STEERING GEAR CONTROL HEAD CONNECTION TO HIGH OR LOW PRESSURE LINES OR LEAKS AT INTERNAL STEERING LINES OF CONTROL HEAD CONNECTION TO STEERING GEAR HOUSING. MODELS 171, 203, 204, 209, 211, 215, 216, 219, 220, 221, AND 2
PB-82-10-376F
Feb 6, 2009
121000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
MERCEDES VEHICLES: THE XENON OR BI-XENON HEADLAMP NOT FUNCTIONING. A FUNCTION DESCRIPTION CAN BE FOUND IN WIS DOCUMENT GF8S.10-P-20010 (203), GF82.10-P-0003Q (209); GF82.10-P-3002R (230). MODEL YEARS UKNOWN. *PE
PB-32-50-35C
Feb 22, 2008
020000 SUSPENSION
MERCEDES: THE VEHICLE'S SUSPENSION LEVEL RANDOMLY LOWERING WHILE DRIVING AND/OR RAPID SPORADIC LEVEL CHANGES SHORTLY AFTER STOPPING THE VEHICLE, REPLACE THE BODY ACCELERATION SENSORS. MODELS 215.3, 220, AND 230. MODEL YEARS UNKNOWN.
MERCEDES-BENZ SL500 — All Years Overview
Complete safety history for the MERCEDES-BENZ SL500 across all model years (1992–2001).
11
Total Recalls
311
Total Complaints
0
Investigations
12
Reported Crashes
29
Reported Fires
2
Reported Deaths
MERCEDES-BENZ SL500 — Year by Year
Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.