I recently purchased a 1995 mercedes benz model sl600. Shortly after getting the car home the check engine light came on and a few days after that the asr warning light came on so I started to research what might be causing the problems. After extensive research I found an online website which had several articles about the possible causes. The website recommended that the wiring should be inspected for cracking and deterioration of the insulation. Upon inspection I discovered that the insulation on much of the wiring going to the mass air flow components and the electronic throttle actuators was cracked and falling off the wires leaving only bare wires which are in contact with each other. I also found that this is problem is well known to mercedes benz and has been for a number of years but they have not accepted responsibility for it. The problem is completely preventing me from using the vehicle at this point due to the high possibility of an engine fire caused by the wires short circuiting and also the probability of doing damage to the control modules and computers which are very expensive ro replace.
The worst 1995 Mercedes Benz SL problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Electrical12
- Acceleration1
- Brakes1
- Engine1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Electrical12
- Acceleration1
- Brakes1
- Engine1
Recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Technical service bulletins for the 1995 Mercedes Benz SL 4
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Mercedes: cracking noise from the area of the instrument panel/firewall when cornering, during throttle...
- Mercedes: corrosion protection coatings for brake components and hardware may be damaged and or stripped...
- Mercedes: the limited warranty on the sbc hydraulic unit for models 211, model 219 and models 230 was...
- Updated information to reflect additon of approved tires
What 1995 Mercedes Benz SL owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
1995 sl600 with completely eroded engine wire harness. Almost all the insulation on the wires are gone leaving bare wires. This is completely ridiculous for a 100k car.
My 1995 mercedes benz sl600 (VIN [xxx])was constructed with electrical wiring which has insulation which degrades over time. This causes many problems, the most serious in my case being a deceleration when the gas pedal is depressed too far. This is extremely dangerous when merging into traffic. It is a widely known defect in many mercedes built between 1991 and 1997. Mercedes refuses to fix the expensive repair. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). I have had the defective wiring harness replaced at a cost of over $2000.00, I am awaiting information on other repairs caused by the faulty wiring.
I bought a new mb 1995 sl320, about 18 months later I had a problem with it and was told its the engine wire harness which was replaced at no cost to me, however I have been having problem with the car ( idle and hesitation and bad smell from the exhaust ) for a while and finally I saw it , the wires have disintegrated inside the sleeves all wire are touching, some wire have no insulation at all just a copper wire, they knew of the problem or should have known then you see their commercials built like no other car. Its gonna cost more money to fix the car that the car is worth, I think mb should have a recall and fix the problem free, or there should be a class action lawsuit against them.
My cars RPM in idle and in drive suddenly will go up tremendously and then down back to normal. Recently it stays in a high RPM mode.
My 1995 mercedes benz sl600 (VIN [xxx])was constructed with electrical wiring which has insulation which degrades over time. This causes many problems, the most serious in my case being a deceleration when the gas pedal is depressed too far. This is extremely dangerous when merging into traffic. It is a widely known defect in many mercedes built between 1991 and 1997. Mercedes refuses to fix the expensive repair. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
Car keeps stalling putting me in danger, especially on highway travel. The problem has been persistent since I bought the vehicle.
Wire harness insulation deteriorating.
The engine compartment wiring harness on my 1995 sl320 was replaced in 1997 and has deteriorated and broke down again causing a fire.
Defective engine wiring harness, cracked, crumbled insulation, exposing bare wires and shorting asr, traction control, fuel injection throttle valve, AC not working. The I have spent thousands of dollars and many hours only to find oem wire is defective! The mb dealer wants $ 6,000 for only 1) side of throttle valve repair/replacement and the car has 2). And the throttle valve is not the problem the defective wiring is the problem! Its plain to see that nothing can function properly if bare wires are shorting out the electrical system! This is not an isolated problem, all wires in the engine harness are bad!!!
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Questions about the 1995 Mercedes Benz SL
Is the 1995 Mercedes Benz SL reliable?
Owners have filed 13 complaints about the 1995 Mercedes Benz SL, 13.0 times a typical SL model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1995 Mercedes Benz SL?
Electrical system, with 12 complaints, typically around 79,500 miles. Next is acceleration (1).
How many recalls does the 1995 Mercedes Benz SL have?
No recalls on record.
What year does the Mercedes Benz SL have the most electrical problems?
The Mercedes Benz SL model years with the most electrical complaints are 1994 (13 complaints) and 1995 (12 complaints).
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