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 contact extinguished the fire. The contact sustained injuries that did not require medical attention. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the wires connected to the harness melted and caused the fire. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 98,000. Updated 07/01/15.
The worst 1996 Mercedes Benz SL500 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Electrical3
- Visibility2
- Acceleration1
- Engine1
- Fuel system1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Electrical3
- Visibility2
- Acceleration1
- Engine1
- Fuel system1
Recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Technical service bulletins for the 1996 Mercedes Benz SL500 15
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D or R
- Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D
- IPhone mobile phone: Various complaints after software update to iOS8
- Shift quality complaints on TRANSMISSION 722.9 (7G-TRONIC and 7G-TRONIC PLUS)
- Possible minor leakage at described components or oil transfer from assembly plant.
- The noise comes from the front axle
- Height adjustment of electric steering column adjustment is nonfunctional.
- Message in instrument cluster "DISTRONIC PLUSCurrently Unavailable
- Mercedes benz: front or rear seat belt does not roll up correctly
- Xentry (mercedes): engine warning lamp is currently on or was on and a delay fault of the camshaft adjust...
1996 Mercedes Benz SL500 fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.0L 8‑cyl | RWD | 15 | 22 | 17 |
What 1996 Mercedes Benz SL500 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
1996 mercedes benz sl 500 engine stall when drive on highway due to faulty wiring harness.
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
Sudden acceleration caused a crash into the rear wall of my garage.
Fuel line leakage at fuel pump-second occurance. Dt
Pumps runs out of water, and windshield wiper keeps going on headlamps. Dealer contacted.
Compare the 1996 Mercedes Benz SL500
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Questions about the 1996 Mercedes Benz SL500
Is the 1996 Mercedes Benz SL500 reliable?
Owners have filed 6 complaints about the 1996 Mercedes Benz SL500, fewer than a typical SL500 model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1996 Mercedes Benz SL500?
Electrical system, with 3 complaints. Next is visibility (2).
How many recalls does the 1996 Mercedes Benz SL500 have?
No recalls on record.
What year does the Mercedes Benz SL500 have the most electrical problems?
The Mercedes Benz SL500 model years with the most electrical complaints are 1995 (18 complaints) and 2003 (10 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 1996 Mercedes Benz SL500 get?
Official estimates for the 1996 Mercedes Benz SL500 range from 17 mpg combined. The most efficient version (5.0L 8-cyl, RWD) gets 15 city and 22 highway.
VIN decoder
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