Mercedes-Benz
SL-Class
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class: official NHTSA recalls, fault code help and maintenance guides.
Licensed photo · Photo creditMakeMercedes-Benz
ClassMinicompact car
Model years (US)2000–2009, 2011–2027
New registrations (EU)2000–2026
Recall dataNHTSA (United States)
Generations and technical specifications
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class – Seventh generation2022–present
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Production | 2022–present |
| Engines | Petrol 2.0 L 280 kW M139 mild hybrid turbo (EQ Boost) I4 4.0 L M177 V8 Biturbo |
| Transmissions | 9-speed automatic AMG Speedshift |
| Wheelbase | 2,700 mm |
| Length | 4,705 mm |
| Width | 1,915 mm |
| Height | 1,359 mm |
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (R231)2011–2020
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Production | March 2011–2020 |
| Model years | 2012–2020 |
| Body styles | 2-door retractable hardtop |
| Layout | Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive |
| Engines | Petrol 3.0 L M276 twin-turbo V6 3.5 L M276 V6 4.7 L M278 twin-turbo V8 5.5 L M157 twin-turbo V8 6.0 L M279 twin-turbo V12 |
| Transmissions | 7-speed 7G-Tronic automatic 9-speed 9G-Tronic automatic |
| Wheelbase | 2,585 mm |
| Length | 4,582 mm AMG: 4,592 mm |
| Width | 1,877 mm |
| Height | 1,315 mm |
| Kerb weight | 1,675–1,845 kg |
| Class | Grand tourer (S) |
| Assembly | Germany: Bremen |
| Designer | Frank Pfisterer; Mark Fetherston (2007) |
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class – Sixth generation2011–2020
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Production | 2011–2020 |
| Platform | Mercedes-Benz R231 |
| Engines | Petrol 3.0 L V6 Biturbo 3.5 L 225 kW V6 4.7 L V8 Biturbo 5.5 L V8 Biturbo 6.0 L 463 kW V12 Biturbo |
| Transmissions | 7-speed automatic 9-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase | 2,585 mm |
| Length | 4,612 mm |
| Width | 1,877 mm |
| Height | 1,315 mm |
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class – Fifth generation2001–2011
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Production | 2001–2011 |
| Platform | Mercedes-Benz R230 |
| Engines | Petrol 3.0 L 170 kW V6 3.5 L V6 3.7 L 180 kW V6 5.0 L V8 5.4 L Supercharged V8 5.5 L 285 kW V8 5.5 L BiTurbo V12 6.0 L BiTurbo V12 6.2 L 386 kW V8 |
| Transmissions | 5-speed automatic 7-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase | 2,560 mm |
| Length | 4,534 mm |
| Width | 2005–07: 1,816 mm 2002–04: 1,829 mm |
| Height | 1,295 mm |
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (R230)2000–2011
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Production | September 2000 – 6 December 2011 |
| Model years | 2002–2011 |
| Body styles | 2-door retractable hardtop 2-door coupé (SL65 AMG Black Series) |
| Layout | Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive |
| Engines | 3.0 L M272 V6 3.5 L M272 V6 3.7 L M112 V6 5.0 L M113 V8 5.4 L M113 supercharged V8 5.5 L M273 V8 5.5 L M275 twin-turbo V12 6.0 L M275 twin-turbo V12 6.2 L M156 V8 |
| Transmissions | 6-speed Sequentronic automated manual 5-speed 5G-Tronic automatic 7-speed 7G-Tronic automatic |
| Wheelbase | 2,560 mm |
| Length | 4,534 mm |
| Width | 2005–2011: 1,816 mm 2002–2004: 1,829 mm |
| Height | 1,295 mm |
| Class | Grand tourer (S) |
| Assembly | Germany: Bremen |
| Designer | Steve Mattin; Bruno Sacco (1997) |
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class – Fourth generation1989–2001
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Production | 1989–2001 |
| Platform | Mercedes-Benz R129 |
| Engines | Petrol 2.8 L I6 2.8 L 204 hp V6 3.0 L 190 hp I6 3.0 L 231 hp I6 3.2 L 231 hp I6 3.2 L 224 hp V6 5.0 L 326 hp V8 5.0 L 306 hp V8 5.4 L 354 hp V8 6.0 L 381 hp V8 6.0 L 394 hp V12 7.0 L 496 hp V12 7.3 L 518 hp V12 |
| Transmissions | 5-speed manual 4-speed automatic 5-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase | 2,515 mm |
| Length | 1997–2002: 4,498 mm 1989–1996: 4,470 mm 1992–96 V12: 4,521 mm |
| Width | 1,811 mm |
| Height | 1992–2002: 1,303 mm 1989–1991: 1,288 mm |
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (R129)1988–2001
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Production | May 1988–2001 213,089 built |
| Body styles | 2-seater convertible |
| Layout | Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive |
| Engines | 2.8 L M104 I6 2.8 L M112 V6 3.0 L M103 I6 3.0-3.2 L M104 I6 3.2 L M112 V6 5.0 L M119 V8 5.0 L M113 V8 5.4 L M113 AMG V8 6.0 L M119 AMG V8 6.0 L M120 V12 7.1-7.3 L M120 AMG V12 |
| Transmissions | 5-speed manual 4-speed 4G-Tronic automatic 5-speed 4G-Tronic 722.5 automatic 5-speed 5G-Tronic automatic |
| Wheelbase | 2,515 mm |
| Length | 1997–2001: 4,498 mm 1989–1996: 4,470 mm 1992–96 V12: 4,521 mm |
| Width | 1,811 mm |
| Height | 1992–2001: 1,303 mm 1989–1991: 1,288 mm |
| Class | Sports car / Grand tourer |
| Assembly | Germany: Bremen South Africa: East London (Mercedes-Benz South Africa) |
| Designer | Bruno Sacco (1985, 1986) Johann Tomforde (1984) |
Engines and transmissions
| Model years | Engine | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023–2027 | 2.0 L, 4 cyl mild hybrid | 9-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
| 2022–2027 | 4.0 L, 8 cyl | 9-speed automatic | All-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
| 2025 | 4.0 L, 8 cyl plug-in hybrid | 9-speed automatic | All-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) and electricity |
| 2017–2020 | 3.0 L, 6 cyl | 9-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
| 2017–2020 | 4.7 L, 8 cyl | 9-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
| 2007–2009, 2011–2019 | 5.5 L, 8 cyl | 7-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
| 2013–2018 | 6.0 L, 12 cyl | 7-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
| 2015–2016 | 3.0 L, 6 cyl | 7-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
| 2013–2016 | 4.7 L, 8 cyl | 7-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
| 2009, 2012 | 6.2 L, 8 cyl | 7-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
| 2000–2002, 2005–2009, 2011 | 6.0 L, 12 cyl | 5-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
| 2011 | 6.3 L, 8 cyl | 7-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
| +5 more configurations |
Fuel economy (EPA)
| Model years | Configuration | Combined | City | Highway | Electric range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023–2027 | 2.0 L, 4 cyl mild hybrid · 9-speed automatic · Rear-wheel drive | 10.2–10.7 L/100 km | 11.2–12.4 L/100 km | 8.4–8.7 L/100 km | – |
| 2022–2027 | 4.0 L, 8 cyl · 9-speed automatic · All-wheel drive | 14.7 L/100 km | 16.8–18.1 L/100 km | 10.7–11.8 L/100 km | – |
| 2025 | 4.0 L, 8 cyl plug-in hybrid · 9-speed automatic · All-wheel drive | 13.1 L/100 km | 14.7 L/100 km | 10.7 L/100 km | 18 km |
| 2017–2020 | 3.0 L, 6 cyl · 9-speed automatic · Rear-wheel drive | 10.2–10.7 L/100 km | 11.8 L/100 km | 8.4 L/100 km | – |
| 2017–2020 | 4.7 L, 8 cyl · 9-speed automatic · Rear-wheel drive | 11.8 L/100 km | 13.8 L/100 km | 9.4 L/100 km | – |
| 2007–2009, 2011–2019 | 5.5 L, 8 cyl · 7-speed automatic · Rear-wheel drive | 12.4–14.7 L/100 km | 14.7–18.1 L/100 km | 9.4–11.2 L/100 km | – |
| 2013–2018 | 6.0 L, 12 cyl · 7-speed automatic · Rear-wheel drive | 13.8–14.7 L/100 km | 16.8–18.1 L/100 km | 10.7–11.2 L/100 km | – |
| 2015–2016 | 3.0 L, 6 cyl · 7-speed automatic · Rear-wheel drive | 10.2 L/100 km | 11.8 L/100 km | 8.7 L/100 km | – |
| 2013–2016 | 4.7 L, 8 cyl · 7-speed automatic · Rear-wheel drive | 11.8–12.4 L/100 km | 13.1–14.7 L/100 km | 9.4–9.8 L/100 km | – |
| 2009, 2012 | 6.2 L, 8 cyl · 7-speed automatic · Rear-wheel drive | 16.8 L/100 km | 19.6 L/100 km | 12.4 L/100 km | – |
| 2000–2002, 2005–2009, 2011 | 6.0 L, 12 cyl · 5-speed automatic · Rear-wheel drive | 16.8–18.1 L/100 km | 19.6–21.4 L/100 km | 13.1–13.8 L/100 km | – |
| 2011 | 6.3 L, 8 cyl · 7-speed automatic · Rear-wheel drive | 16.8 L/100 km | 19.6 L/100 km | 12.4 L/100 km | – |
| +5 more configurations |
Values are the official EPA label figures for each model year, shown as the lowest and highest value for the configuration. Electric models show energy use per 100 km. Real-world consumption depends on driving style, weather and load. Luggage and passenger volumes follow the EPA measuring method and can differ from the VDA figures used in Europe.
EU type-approval data
| Years | Powertrain | Engine | Power | Mass | CO₂ | Electric range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021–2025 | Petrol | 3982 cm³ | 350 kW (476 PS) | 1950 kg | 285–304 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| 2020–2025 | Petrol | 3982 cm³ | 430 kW (585 PS) | 1970 kg | 291–299 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| 2020–2025 | Petrol hybrid | 1991 cm³ | 280 kW (381 PS) | 1810 kg | 203–213 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| 2020–2025 | Petrol plug-in hybrid | 3982 cm³ | 450 kW (612 PS) | 2050–2195 kg | 160–228 g/km (WLTP) | 12–13 km · 115–297 Wh/km |
| 2016–2020 | Petrol | 2996 cm³ | 270 kW (367 PS) | 1735 kg | 205–218 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| 2015–2020 | Petrol | 4663 cm³ | 335 kW (455 PS) | 1785–1815 kg | 237–244 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| 2014–2019 | Petrol | 5461 cm³ | 430 kW (585 PS) | 1845 kg | 231–234 g/km (NEDC) | – |
| 2012–2018 | Petrol | 5980 cm³ | 463 kW (630 PS) | 1950 kg | 270–279 g/km (NEDC) | – |
| 2014–2016 | Petrol | 2996 cm³ | 245 kW (333 PS) | 1730 kg | 178–179 g/km (NEDC) | – |
| 2012–2014, 2016 | Petrol | 5461 cm³ | 395 kW (537 PS) | 1845 kg | 231 g/km (NEDC) | – |
| 2012–2015 | Petrol | 3498 cm³ | 225 kW (306 PS) | 1685 kg | 169–176 g/km (NEDC) | – |
| 2011–2015 | Petrol | 4663 cm³ | 320 kW (435 PS) | 1785 kg | 214 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| 2012–2015 | Petrol | 5461 cm³ | 415 kW (564 PS) | 1845 kg | 231 g/km (NEDC) | – |
| 2011–2012 | Petrol | 3498 cm³ | 232 kW (315 PS) | 1825 kg | 226 g/km (NEDC) | – |
| 2011–2012 | Petrol | 5461 cm³ | 285 kW (387 PS) | 1910 kg | 272 g/km (NEDC) | – |
| 2010–2011 | Petrol | 6208 cm³ | – | 1970 kg | 328–330 g/km (NEDC) | – |
Years are registration years. Each range runs from the 10th to the 90th percentile of the values reported for new registrations; it is not an average. Mass is the mass in running order. For electric cars the power is the type-approval net power, which can be lower than the peak power in brochures.
Key specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| EPA size class | Minicompact car, Two-seater |
| Model years in EPA data | 2000–2009, 2011–2020, 2022–2027 |
| Powertrains | Petrol, Mild hybrid, Plug-in hybrid |
| Engine displacement | 2.0–6.3 L |
| Cylinders | 4, 6, 8, 12 |
| Transmission types | Automatic |
| Drive | All-wheel drive, Rear-wheel drive |
| Fuel | Petrol (premium), Petrol (premium) and electricity |
| Configurations listed | 83 |
| Forced induction | Turbo- and supercharged (on some versions) |
| Start-stop system | On some versions |
| Electric motor (EPA) | 140 and 150 kW AC PMSM |
| Luggage volume (EPA) | 57–255 L |
| Passenger volume (EPA) | 1,416–2,152 L |
| Powertrains (EU) | Petrol, Petrol hybrid |
| Engine displacement (EU) | 1,991–6,208 cm³ |
| Power (EU) | 225–430 kW (306–585 PS) |
| Mass in running order (EU) | 1,685–1,970 kg |
| Wheelbase (EU) | 2,560–2,700 mm |
Years and markets
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model years (US) | 2000–2009, 2011–2027 |
| New registrations (EU) | 2000–2026 |
Owner complaints (NHTSA)
| Component | Complaints | Most reported model years |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 78 | 2003, 2004, 2006 |
| Brakes | 74 | 2003, 2004, 2005 |
| Electrical system | 49 | 2003, 2004, 2005 |
| Fuel and propulsion | 41 | 2003, 2004, 2005 |
| Engine and cooling | 30 | 2003, 2013, 2022 |
| Transmission and drivetrain | 26 | 2003, 2005, 2013 |
| Steering | 21 | 2003, 2004, 2013 |
| Body and structure | 17 | 2002, 2003, 2009 |
| Wheels | 17 | 2004, 2009, 2013 |
| Airbags | 14 | 2002, 2003, 2005 |
Source: complaints filed by owners with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for model years 2002–2009, 2011, 2013–2018, 2020, 2022–2023: 320 complaints, 15 with a crash and 16 with a fire. Complaints are owner reports that NHTSA has not verified, and one complaint can name more than one component. More complaints can also mean more cars sold.