2003 Mercedes-benz SL-Class Complaints

  • Unknown Or Other 04/01/2023

    My car (the SL55 and all SL models) has a "Battery Control Module" (BCM) also referred to as the "Battery Stabilization Control Load Module" which shows signs of imminent failure which will lead to a meltdown or fire. I inspected the module after finding that this was a common problem with these cars online. This model of car has been documented to completely catch on fire, even when parked after driving. I have pictures of the burnt board inside my BCM. I am very concerned as it could literally burn my house down. The typical warning for this issue is a red colored warning on the dash LCD display, however I didn't have that warning as my unit is apparently still functioning even though it's compromised.

  • Suspension 05/01/2017

    ABC (Active Body Control) light keeps coming on and body goes up and down when I drove car. Light says do not drive. Mercedes would not take responsibility for this in spite there are so many complaints about this. Really irresponsible by Mercedes.

  • Suspension 07/19/2022

    I was driving my car at 45 mph and suddenly, unexpectedly a red light flashed ABC do not drive. Smoke was coming from under the car and the front end of the vehicle collapsed downwardly. I had to call for a tow truck to take my vehicle to the MB dealership. I'm I am waiting for the prognosis. I've had numerous issues with the All Body Control system. Expensive repairs in the $3000-$8000 range. This is a safety issue the breakdown happens abruptly and I was fortunate other cars weren't on the parkway with me. Otherwise a crash could gave occurred.

  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic 07/05/2022

    The contact owns a 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact depressed the brake pedal firmly however, the vehicle failed to respond. The parking brake was activated however, the vehicle failed to respond as designed. The contact was however able to pull over and eventually the vehicle came to a complete stop. The vehicle was towed. The dealer and the manufacturer were contacted and stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 05V133000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The failure mileage was 126,000. The consumer stated the part put on the vehicle for the recall was a defective part and not installed correctly.

  • Fuel/propulsion System 02/14/2022

    The 2003 SL500 with seemingly no instigating incident or event had the gas tank baffle come apart due to the poor and faulty design of this component. This baffle now is loose and floats on the gas in the gas tank, banging around when there is acceleration or deceleration, even turning sometimes causes it to bang around. Speed bumps are another source of loud banging from the baffle bumping into the sides of the tank. The issue with 2003 SL500's is ubiquitous, it is not a question of what percentage of them will experience as it appears it will happen to this vehicle at some point due to the poor design and implementation of the baffle. This wouldn't be such a big problem if this was a minor repair and was a reasonable price to have a shop perform or for the more mechanically inclined owner to perform themselves, but it is a ridiculously complex and time-consuming job just to get to the gas tank and take it off. My mechanic told me it is akin to taking the transmission or engine out an...

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