The solenoid of the camshaft adjuster is sealed from the factory by nothing more than a plain sealing ring, and over time that starts to leak.
Applies to the engine M272KE30, M272KE35, M273KE55.
Repair: from 31 EUR
vinkodex.Mercedes-Benz SL-Class R230 common faults.
2001–2012. The fault list covers this generation and the engines in it. If the listing gives the exact version, pick it below.
M 93 / CC BY-SA 3.0
What to watch for
What can go wrong on this car?
The list covers the generation, the engines and the transmissions. Once you pick the version, only the faults that apply to it stay.
critical4
On the M272 V6 petrol engines sold between 2004 and 2007 (with engine numbers below 2729..30 468993) the balance shaft gear wears out prematurely, because its material is soft.
Applies to the engine M272KE30, M272KE35.
On the M272 V6 petrol engines sold between 2004 and 2007 (with engine numbers below 2729..30 468993) the balance shaft gear wears out early.
Applies to the engine M272KE30, M272KE35, M273KE55.
The pulley fitted to the front of the crankshaft is also a vibration damper: a rubber insert connects the outer ring to the inner one.
Applies to the engine M112E37, M113E50, M113E55ML.
Repair: from 750 EUR
expensive4
In the Mercedes 7 speed 722.9 automatic (7G-Tronic / 7G-Tronic Plus) the mechatronics unit and the conductor plate (Leiterplatte) age over time: jerking on shifts, delayed engagement, a "Getriebe schützen" message, and fault codes on the gearbox electronics.
Applies to the transmission MB7229.
The gasket of the cam cover and the cover seals towards the oil filter housing age, harden and start to seep.
Applies to the engine M112E37.
Repair: from 18 EUR
The rear crankshaft seal ages and oil seeps at the joint between the engine and the gearbox.
Applies to the engine M113E50, M113E55ML.
The rubber insert in the harmonic damper on the front of the crankshaft ages and hardens.
Applies to the engine M113E50, M113E55ML.
6 more faults belong to this generation. On the version page, only the ones that apply stay.
Official recall2 recallsShowThe manufacturer fixes these for free at a franchised dealer. Ask with the VIN whether it was done. The list covers the whole generation. We did not filter it by model year. Some apply only to a narrower production window.
A12/0082/17Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety GateThe power-assisted steering control units may have been fitted with defectively welded contacts. As a result, a permanent electrical connection between the contacts cannot be guaranteed, which could lead to loss of support to the power-assisted steering and thus an increased risk of accidents.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
A12/01448/22Safety recallEnvironment, Injuriesno date · EU Safety GateFaulty configurations of the control units (traction systems, signal recording triggering modules, engine control units and headlights) could cause one or more control units to malfunction, which could increase the risk of an accident. The exhaust emissions exceed the legal limits, posing a risk to the environment. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
R230 · 2001–2012
Pick the version.
The fault list opens on the version page.
15 versions
EngineVersionPowerFuel · transmissionBody
3.0 l · 2996 cm³
M272KE30 · MB7229
SL 280
2008–2012 · SL 280
231 HPpetrol · automaticconvertible3.0 l · 2996 cm³
M272KE30 · MB7229
SL 300
2008–2012 · SL 300
231 HPpetrol · automaticconvertible3.5 l · 3498 cm³
M272KE35 · MB7229
SL 350
2006–2008 · SL 350
272 HPpetrol · automaticconvertible3.5 l · 3498 cm³
M272KE35SPORTMOTOR · MB7229
SL 350
2008–2012 · SL 350
315 HPpetrol · automaticconvertible3.7 l · 3724 cm³
M112E37
SL 350
2001–2006 · SL 350
245 HPpetrol · automaticconvertible5.0 l · 4966 cm³
M113E50 · MB7229
SL 500
2001–2006 · SL 500
306 HPpetrol · automaticconvertible5.4 l · 5439 cm³
M113E55ML · MB7229
SL 55 AMG
2001–2006 · SL 55 AMG
476 HPpetrol · automaticconvertible5.4 l · 5439 cm³
M113E55ML · MB7229
SL 55 AMG
2001–2006 · SL 55 AMG
500 HPpetrol · automaticconvertible5.4 l · 5439 cm³
M113E55ML · MB7229
SL 55 AMG
2006–2008 · SL 55 AMG
517 HPpetrol · automaticconvertible5.5 l · 5461 cm³
M273KE55 · MB7229
SL 500
2006–2008 · SL 500
388 HPpetrol · automaticconvertible5.5 l · 5517 cm³
no engine code
SL 600
2006–2008 · SL 600
517 HPpetrol · automaticconvertible6.0 l · 5980 cm³
M275E60AL
SL 65 AMG
2006–2008 · SL 65 AMG
612 HPpetrol · automaticconvertible6.0 l · 5980 cm³
M275E60AL
SL 65 AMG Black Series
2008–2012 · SL 65 AMG Black Series
670 HPpetrol · automaticconvertible6.0 l · 5987 cm³
no engine code
SL 600
2001–2006 · SL 600
500 HPpetrol · automaticconvertible6.2 l · 6208 cm³
M156E63 · MB7229
SL 63 AMG
2008–2012 · SL 63 AMG
525 HPpetrol · automaticconvertible
Neighbouring generations
R230 · 2001–2012
R230 (2001-2012). If the listing is from the changeover year, look at the neighbour too.
Common questions
About this generation
Which years does this page cover?
2001–2012. The changeover year can fall in two generations. If the listing is from that year, look at the neighbour too.
Does the fault apply to every car like this?
No. It depends on the engine and the transmission too.
Is it free?
The fault list is.
Information, not an expert opinion
We write the descriptions, and we put the source next to them. A person reviews them before they go out. They are still information, not a technical expert opinion.
- A fault on the list does not mean the car you are looking at has it.
- A fault missing from the list does not mean the model is fault-free. Write-ups are made model by model. Not all of them are done.
- You decide whether to buy. This is no substitute for an inspection. That needs a workshop and a history check.