2003 MERCEDES BENZ Sl ClassMercedes Benz Sl Class 2003

Vehicle Details: Recalls, Investigations, Consumer Complaints, Decoded VIN Details, Service Bulletins

Below you will find all available information on the 2003 MERCEDES BENZ Sl Class.
The vehicle is described as a Convertible(excludes sun-roof,t-bar).

ManufacturerKnown WMI(s)Fuel Type
MERCEDES BENZGasoline
MERCEDES BENZ VIN Decoder

Use the box here to look up VINs from MERCEDES BENZ as well as other manufacturers

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Frequently Asked Questions
  • Where is the 2003 MERCEDES BENZ Sl Class produced?
     - The 2003 MERCEDES BENZ Sl Class is produced in Brernen, Germany.
  • Are there recalls for the 2003 MERCEDES BENZ Sl Class?
     - There are 7 recall(s) for the 2003 MERCEDES BENZ Sl Class, additional information is below.
  • How much horsepower does the 2003 MERCEDES BENZ Sl Class have?
     - The 2003 MERCEDES BENZ Sl Class has 302 horsepower.
NHTSA Mandated Recalls
  • Recall 77344 [USA]: In the event of a vehicle crash, the electrical fuel pump may not receive a crash signal that is required for the fuel pump to disconnect and prevent future fuel delivery as designed.

  • Recall 36334 [USA]: In the hydraulic back-up mode, the driver has braking power sufficient to stop the vehicle, although greater brake pedal pressure is required and the brake pedal travel will be noticeably longer.

  • Recall 55621 [USA]: If vehicles are not routinely serviced and have extremely high mileage combined with a high number of brake actuations, or a high brake actuation frequency, the pump motor of the sbc may run out of permissible tolerances, thereby triggering the hydraulic function mode.

  • Recall R/2004/094 [UK]: Possibility of reduced braking efficiency

  • Recall 2008290 [Canada]: Other

  • Recall 2005094 [Canada]: Brakes

  • Recall 2004210 [Canada]: Brakes

To ensure accuracy and for your safety, it is recommended to do a free VIN recall check here or here [USA] - UK - Canada.

Bulletins

Bulletins are notices put out by manufacturers in conjunction with the NHTSA to notify the public of manufacturing issues or changes.

  • SB-090930 - TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM: Mercedes: the limited warranty on the sbc hydraulic unit for models 211, model 219 and models 230 was extended from the original 4 years/50,000 miles to 10 years with no mileage limitation. The sbc hydraulic unit extended limited warranty
  • SB-P-047124 - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL: Mercedes: cracking noise from the area of the instrument panel/firewall when cornering, during throttle lift off and on uneven roads. Stress at the spot welds on the firewall to the right of the brake booster can result in cracking noises
  • SB-P-047527 - PARKING BRAKE: Mercedes: parktronic intermittently not functioning. The function works again after a short time or distance. When the foot operated parking brake is applied, the parktronic system is deactivated. If the foot operated parking brake is o
  • TSB-42-10-109 - SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:SHOES/LININGS: Mercedes: corrosion protection coatings for brake components and hardware may be damaged and or stripped away if highly concentrated acid based cleaners are used. Once the corrosion protection is damaged or removed the brake components an
  • 2006030011 - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: A potential malfunction which could render the secondary air injection pump relay inoperable thereby affecting the proper operation of the secondary air injection pump. *tt
  • 773028 - STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS: Penetration of water into the vario (hardtop) roof. *tt
  • 331516 - SUSPENSION: Steering wheel twitch during brake application. Various models including mercedes benz 2006 model 230. *tt
  • 2005100015 - SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC: Inspect sbc suction hose, replace if necessary, to improve the brake bleeding process. *tt
  • 2005070017 - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR: The alternator regulator may fail to prevent voltage values ranging beyond the specified tolerance limits. *tt
  • 322527 - STRUCTURE:BODY: Thumping/rumbling noise from front of vehicle. Mercedes-benz model 230. Model year 2003-2005. *tt
  • 424658 - SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC: Activation of the sensotronic brake control (sbc) system with das software 02/05. Mercedes-benz models 199, 211, 219, 230 my 2003-2006. *tt
  • 010105 - SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC: Voluntary recall campaign sensotronic brake control system. *jb
  • 424646B - SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC: Sensotronic brake control (sbc) bleeding procedure. Various including my2005 m-benz e-class and sl-class included. *tt this bulletin supersedes pb42.46/46 dated june 24, 2004. All models. *tt
  • 070021D - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE: Engine ticking (piston slap) noise complaints when accelerating between 1200 and 3000 rpm. Models e500, sl500, clk500 my2003. *tt
Known Recall Investigations
  • Air suspension system failure investigation # PE07042

    There is no summary currently available

NHTSA decoded information from VIN

139 Results returned successfully. NOTE: Any missing decoded values should be interpreted as NHTSA does not have data on the specific variable. Missing value should NOT be interpreted as an indication that a feature or technology is unavailable for a vehicle.

Variable Value
Air Bag Loc Front1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Air Bag Loc Knee1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Air Bag Loc Side1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Body ClassConvertible/Cabriolet
DisplacementCC5000.0
DisplacementCI305.11872047366
DisplacementL5.0
Doors2
Engine ConfigurationV-Shaped
Engine Cylinders8
EngineHP302.00
EngineKW225.201400
Error Text0 - VIN decoded clean. Check Digit (9th position) is correct
Fuel Type PrimaryGasoline
MakeMERCEDES-BENZ
MakeID449
ManufacturerMERCEDES-BENZ CARS
Manufacturer Id1042
ModelSL-Class
ModelID2079
Model Year2003
NCSA Body TypeConvertible(excludes sun-roof,t-bar)
NCSA MakeMercedes-Benz
NCSA ModelSL Class (95 on)
Plant CityBRERNEN
Plant CountryGERMANY
PretensionerYes
Seat Belts AllManual
SeriesSL500
VINWDBSK75F03F036134
Vehicle TypePASSENGER CAR
Most Recent Consumer Complaints and Accidents
CrashFireTowedInjuredDeathsFailure
Date
NoNoN NoneNone20140422

Ignition shut off multiple times over days while driving cutting off all electrical radio, brakes steering etc has had electrical problems since 2004 or 2005 with battery suddenly being dead both accessory battery in trunk and starting battery and has had many thousands of dollars spent on various parts and computers that were said to be drawing down the battery, about a year ago contacted president of mb north america and got no help from customer rep then last month car left me in intersection one time and in expressway entrance lane another totally shut down all electrical power brakes steering radio lights etc and luckily wasn't killed although drivers skidded and blew horn etc. Car then would then crank and flash red emergency take to shop message got it cranked and limped home picked up by dealer who could not get it to crank or turn on anything electrical dead and they towed off blamed problem in ignition key assembly and i called president of mb again no help bill over 2k have learned from community mb shop "everybody knows that the 03 and 04 sl 500 had this electrical problem but mb has never acknowledged it. I am sure i would have had accident if other drivers had not been alert. There must be similar issues with this electrical defect if the mechanic in the community knows of it. Sounds just like the gm ignition problem only feweresl500s than gm cars i would think. *tr

NoNoN NoneNone20131111

My wife was driving about 1/2 mile from our house when the brakes completely failed. She was on a back road and had to brake for a stop sign. She was able to pull off on the side of the road, to avoid rear ending a car stopped at the stop sign, and finally bring the car to a stop. The brakes started to work with about 1" of pedal from the floor. She said it was so hard to push on the pedal that she could barely do it. Luckily she was not hurt. Had this happened on a major road or highway the results could have been catastrophic. Apparently this was the first year for a new braking system referred to a "drive by wire". Euro motorcars in md informed me that because mercedes had so much trouble with this new system that they extended the warranty for this problem for 10 additional years. The new extended warranty on this brake failure issue was for complete parts and labor. I was never notified of this extended warranty. No one at the dealership, where i have had the car serviced exclusively, notified me of any warranty extension for this very serious braking failure issue. I find this reprehensible! My wife could have killed. Why was such a serious braking issue not made a recall instead of "if you have a problem warranty extension"? At the very least mercedes should have recalled all cars with this potential braking failure. The problem lies with the sbc hydraulic braking unit. The car was towed to euro motorcars where it was repaired. I asked the service writer if it could be covered under the extended warranty and he told me that the extended warranty had expired this past february 2013. Mercedes told me the same thing. Tough luck! In addition to helping recover this expense of $1593.81 please explain to me why this was allowed to happen. No recall and no notification. Someone could have killed! *tr

NoNoN NoneNone20121212

I was driving home from work and my abc light visit workshop light came on. Ok, that's fine i'll take it to the shop tomorrow. While on my way home my car suddenly drops in height and a warning sign came on saying "stop driving, car too low." i pulled to the side of the road and noticed that my car had maybe an inch of clearance in the front. This is very dangerous because if it feel any lower i would be dead during rush hour traffic. I drove my car to the shop and left it there and waited for a friend to pick me up. I've read many forums on this problem and it looks like it happens very suddenly and can be a deadly hazard. There should be a recall for this problem. *tr

NoNoN NoneNone20120809

Failure of active body control hydraulic suspension system; pump and wheel valve failures resulting in loss of hydraulic fluid and resulting loss of ability of car to maintain safe vehicle height and safe drivable. *tr

NoNoN NoneNone20080417

No incident. Was driving and as i pulled into my driveway, heard bumping sound from car. Asked mercedes what it was, they said loose baffle in gas tank. Sounds like manufacturing defect. Checked online and found many others with same problem. It is a costly repair just outside of warranty period. *tr

NoNoN NoneNone20051022

I purchased a 2003 mercedes benz sl500 in december of 2003. As of today 8 november 2005, the suspension apparently can not be repaired. The car has being taken back to the dealer for the eight (8th) time to repair the suspension. It is currently alexandria virginia, mercedes benz as of november 9th, 2005. While driving the vehicle home from a dinner engagement, late october 2005, one of the front hydraulic shock dropped and the vehicle literally changed lanes. Fortunately, no cars were beside me at the time. I am writing to the nhtsa to get their assistance in determining the feasibility of driving this vehicle with its unpredictable level of safety. I am appalled by mercedes benz lack of concern to replace this vehicle, the manufacturer or their representatives, are unable to repair it. I request your assistance to determine my next steps or any actions you can take to compel the manufacturer to resolve this matter. *jb

NoNoN NoneNone20050429

I turned key and car did not start. I ended up getting stuck either at home or in a shopping center. Car had to be put on a flat bed. Dealer relpaced parts each time , but could not find the cause of the problem.

CrashNoN NoneNone20050228

2003 mercedes benz slk 320 experiencing problems with hesitation when the accelerator is depressed.*mr on one occasions when the consumer attempted to apply the gas the vehicle did not move for a few seconds and then all of a sudden the vehicle lurched forward and the consumer hit another vehicle. The there was also a rattle in the exhaust. *jb

NoNoN NoneNone20040725

Hydraulic brake failure, totally unexpected. Car is a marcedes benz sl500, 2003. Only 8,500 k. On 6-24-04, mb issued a safety bulletin (nhtsa campaign id no. 04v296000)mb has not notified owners like me. I run a 4-way stop sign and a large pick-up truck was within 1 or 2 feet from hitting me on the drivers' side. Iwas able to stop the car about 50 yards after the stop sign. Messagge --in red letters in the dashboard-- wich said "reduced brake effect. Visit workshop".. I was not injured physically, but this was a near death experience. This happened on 7-26-04. The dealer has practically conficated the car and refuses to say much. Mb sent a technician from headquarters to check the car but refused to talk to me. Needles to say they are evasive and deny there is a problem. Only going to the internet ia foun that i am not the only one affected, having, by chance found the information about the defect. Luckily there was no injuries, but i want to report this fro tw reasons. No.1: why mb did not notify me of this defect. It is now clear that the sensotronic brake control this car uses is defective, because it requires electrical energy. According to the cars' manual (page 260),the sbc will go into the emergency operation mode and brakes are only applied to the front tires, stopping distance is increased and the driver has to be depressed almos to the floor. In my case i almost stood up to apply pressure and went down to second gaer on the tramnsmission, before the car stopped. No. 2: mercedes benz says in the cars' manual to "continue driving with added caution" "do not exceed sped of 55 mph". Are they crazy? The car will not stop in time when driving in a line of cars nor will stop on time when someone is crossing the road. Someone is going to get killed or maimed.*ak

Read and Submit Vehicle Complaints -- 12+ complaints filed
Latest VINs Decoded for this Manufacturer
VIN Year Model Manufactured In
WDBSK75F93F0400672003SL-ClassBRERNEN , GERMANY
WDBSK75F63F0244732003SL-ClassBRERNEN , GERMANY
WDBSK75F03F0361342003SL-ClassBRERNEN , GERMANY
WDBSK75F63F0201502003SL-ClassBRERNEN , GERMANY
WDBSK75F33F0368102003SL-ClassBRERNEN , GERMANY
WDBSK75F63F0286362003SL-ClassBRERNEN , GERMANY
WDBSK75F13F0507542003SL-ClassBRERNEN , GERMANY
WDBSK75FX3F0201042003SL-ClassBRERNEN , GERMANY
WDBSK75F23F0587032003SL-ClassBRERNEN , GERMANY
WDBSK75F73F0089762003SL-ClassBRERNEN , GERMANY
WDBSK75F53F0145172003SL-ClassBRERNEN , GERMANY
WDBSK75F23F0447842003SL-ClassBRERNEN , GERMANY
WDBSK74F23F0544602003SL-ClassBRERNEN , GERMANY
WDBSK75F43F0514312003SL-ClassBRERNEN , GERMANY
WDBSK74FX3F0473842003SL-ClassBRERNEN , GERMANY
WDBSK74F03F0604492003SL-ClassBRERNEN , GERMANY
WDBSK75F93F0213902003SL-ClassBRERNEN , GERMANY
WDBSK75F93F0212582003SL-ClassBRERNEN , GERMANY
WDBSK74F03F0454792003SL-ClassBRERNEN , GERMANY
WDBSK75F63F0164402003SL-ClassBRERNEN , GERMANY
WDBSK75FX3F0296302003SL-ClassBRERNEN , GERMANY
WDBSK75F43F0566002003SL-ClassBRERNEN , GERMANY
WDBSK75F23F0401842003SL-ClassBRERNEN , GERMANY
WDBSK75F23F0558482003SL-ClassBRERNEN , GERMANY

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