Mercedes-Benz
Sl-Class

I'm reporting a SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE affecting all Mercedes-Benz R230 series SL roadsters, model years 2003–2012, of which approximately 85,000 were sold in the United States: • There are numerous reports on R230 SL owners' online forums that an electrical device located in the trunk of these vehicles known as the BCM [Battery Control Module] is prone to CATASTROPHIC FAILURE and melt-down. • The failed BCM can subsequently CATCH FIRE – potentially destroying the vehicle and endangering lives and property nearby. See photos attached from one SL owner's experience. • MBUSA, its dealers, many SL owners, independent service centers and salvage yards are aware of this problem: multiple reports detailing it can easily be found on the Internet. Possible modifications to alleviate the danger have been affected by some SL owners, one picture of which has been uploaded here. • Mercedes-Benz is surely aware of the issue but has not recalled nor issued TSBs associated with this serious problem, nor has MBUSA acknowledged that vehicles modifications to alleviate the risk of failure and subsequent fires have been developed by owners and mechanics. • No symptoms are known to appear prior to melt-down, other than odors and/or smoke emanating from the SL's trunk. By then, it is TOO LATE. I respectfully request NHTSA open an investigation into this issue and require Mercedes-Benz address it by affecting modification or replacements of the faulty BCM system components in R230 vehicles.

Complete brake failure while driving. No one was injured but the vehicle could not be stopped until the transmission went into limp mode with still no brakes. Now the ABS and SRS lights on. Brake pedal to the floor. I completely have new brakes speed sensors fluid exchanges and more. The current recall doesn’t seem to cover my vehicle. I contacted the dealership and they said there are no open recalls.

This particular model 2009 Mercedes SL 550 hardtop convertible 5.5 liter motor has two batteries and accessory battery that battery that’s located in the trunk in the main starting battery that’s on the firewall. These batteries are both new in OEM recommended. If the car sits for 24 hours, it will not start. The electrical system is completely drained. There are many forms describing the same issue but yet the SL model is not included in a civil lawsuit. Mercedes-Benz definitely knows they have an issue in somehow it needs to be rectified.

Yesterday 9/17/2022, while driving my 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL550 on the expressway with my wife as passenger, we heard and felt a very loud explosion. Shattered glass was entering the vehicle. I managed to pull off the expressway at the next exit. The retractable hardtop panoramic glass roof had exploded. Shattered glass fragments were all over the vehicle interior. Glass fragments also damaged the paint of the rear deck lid and spoiler of the vehicle. Fortunately, my wife and I did not suffer major injury. I called my auto insurance company and filed an auto damage claim. Since this incident was on a Saturday, the insurance adjuster would not contact me until the next business day. My auto was drive-able, I was still able to retract the convertible roof and the weather was nice for our 15 mile ride home.

[XXX] [XXX] [XXX] VIN # [XXX] SL550 2009 Since I bought this car 3 years ago the first day I am using it I got the problem say Reduced Braking Power, Depress Brake Pedal fully. I thought only when the weather is cold but now after 15 minutes minutes I am running on the road losing brake it is scary not only one time its always every 30 minutes now . I am stop using for a while . I try to bring in dealer for diagnose last 2 years ago they cant find the problem even my person mechanic. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

I bought the almost 3 years now since I bought it I seen and message on the dash board Reduced Braking Power Depress Brake Pedal fully . I search on the website most the Mercedez Benz has same problem but when check my Vin number I saw no issue on my SL550 2009. I almost depress on my car ill spend a lot of money and its dangerous to used it I went to a dealer 2 years ago for but on their diagnose they don saw anything about this issue. Before its happen only when the weather is cold and car cold too but now while you on the road keep losing brake

The brake handle popped off for parking brake

Catastrophic brake failure. No brakes at all.