1997 Mercedes-Benz SL500: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL500: 1 recall, 9 owner complaints and up to 16 mpg combined.
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Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Airbags Vehicle recall #99V327000 · 1999 · 4,402 vehicles
What's wrong: Corrosion of the electrical ignition filament of the air bag gas generator module can occur if the vehicle is operated in areas of frequently high humidity.
Why it matters: Corrosion of the ignition filament can result in the driver's air bag being deployed unintentionally.
The fix: Dealers will replace the driver's air bag module.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Wheels Equipment recall #06E014000 · 2006 · 31,422 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain zf trading north america aftermarket wheel bearing kits, lemfoerder p/n 1402301, sold for installation on 1992-2001 mercedes benz sl500 (r129) vehicles after April 1, 2005. The caliper mounting bolts used in the wheel bearing kit May be defective, shear off and break. If both caliper mounting bolts break, the brake caliper May become unfixed and, when the vehicle is braked, the brake rotor could drag the…
Why it matters: This could result in a loss of a portion of the vehicle's braking ability, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Zf trading will notify its owners and repair the wheel bearing kits free of charge. The recall began on January 27, 2006.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 4 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (4): the most common themes are fails to deploy (3).
- Body & structure (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Brakes (hydraulic) (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Transmission & drivetrain (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL500 has 9 owner complaints, ranking #6 of 15 SL500 model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 15). Complaints peaked in 2001 (1 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 8 years old, at a median of 122,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1996 (6 complaints, 0 recalls), 1998 (6 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.0 L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 21 | 16 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL500.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL500 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL500, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL500 problems?
Owners have filed 9 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (4), body & structure (1), brakes (hydraulic) (1).
What gas mileage does the 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL500 get?
EPA ratings run up to 16 mpg combined (5.0 L, Automatic 5-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL500 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.