This vehicle is equipped with sensotronic brake control that has a service threshold. When this threshold is reached the brake system defaults to non power assisted hydraulic mode to the front wheels only. This occurs without any prior warning and results in increased stopping distance. I have sent a copy of the mercedes service bulletin s142.46-p-0012a which addresses this issue. Mercedes stopped installing this system in 2006. At the very least, mercedes should issue a mandatory recall to interrogate these vehicles with star das to determine how close to the service threshold the sbc unit is and replace them at the dealer's expense. This is a major safety issue that needs to be addressed even if the automobile is older
The worst 2003 Mercedes Benz SL500R problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Suspension2
- Brakes1
- Steering1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Suspension2
- Brakes1
- Steering1
Recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Technical service bulletins for the 2003 Mercedes Benz SL500R 26
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60MPH. NOTE: Although the symptom is...
- Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors
- Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end)
- There are several types of complaint about noises or poor windshield wiper wiping performance: A: Wiper...
- Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged
- Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end)
- Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged
- Headlamps leaking or fogged
- During a phone call, the called party has difficulty understanding/cannot understand the driver, or...
- Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end)
What 2003 Mercedes Benz SL500R owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
I was coming to a stop at a traffic light in left turn lane. At a very slow speed of less than 5 MPH. Suddenly my 2003 mercedes bens sl500 steering became disengaged from the from wheels. I had zero directional and turn control over the car. The car crossed the median yellow lines. At this moment no cars were passing by in the opposite direction. Very lucky that there was no one to crash into. Also lucky the steering mechanism broke at below 5 MPH instead of fwy speed. The steering wheel could freely spin 10+ turn in each direction, while front wheels direction was completely unchanged.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz sl500r. The contact stated that while attempting a right turn, the vehicle exhibited a loud metal noise. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic who performed a diagnostic and located the failure as the front passenger side strut sensor failing. The failure caused the front passenger side end to lie on top of the tire. The manufacturer was contacted and denied any assistance with the repairs because the vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number: 08v405000 (suspension). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 59,000.
Compare the 2003 Mercedes Benz SL500R
Other model years
2003
Questions about the 2003 Mercedes Benz SL500R
Is the 2003 Mercedes Benz SL500R reliable?
Owners have filed 3 complaints about the 2003 Mercedes Benz SL500R, close to a typical SL500R model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Mercedes Benz SL500R?
Suspension, with 2 complaints. Next is brakes (1).
How many recalls does the 2003 Mercedes Benz SL500R have?
No recalls on record.
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