1998 Mercedes-benz sl500
Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1998 Mercedes-benz sl500 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1 on record.
1998 Mercedes-benz sl500 at a glance
Free: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.
1998 Mercedes-benz sl500 recalls 1
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 CAL…
Fix: ZF TRADING WILL NOTIFY ITS OWNERS AND REPAIR THE WHEEL BEARING KITS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 27, 2006.
Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 9 Oct 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.
1998 Mercedes-benz sl500 MPG & running costs
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 1998 Mercedes-benz sl500 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1998 Mercedes-benz sl500. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
Manufacturer service bulletins 15
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be free. Showing the 10 most recent of 15.
Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D or R
Bulletin LI27.50-P-071658 · Power Train · Sep 2020Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D
Bulletin LI27.50-P-049281 · Power Train · Sep 2020iPhone mobile phone: Various complaints after software update to iOS8
Bulletin LI82.70-P-060004 · Equipment · Oct 2014Shift quality complaints on TRANSMISSION 722.9 (7G-TRONIC and 7G-TRONIC PLUS)
Bulletin LI27.00-P-051451 · Power Train · Jul 2014Possible minor leakage at described components or oil transfer from assembly plant.
Bulletin LI27.55-P-058976 · Power Train · Jul 2014The noise comes from the front axle. Vehicles without code B07 (AMG ceramic high-performance composite brake system)
Bulletin LI42.10-P-058535 · Suspension · Feb 2014Height adjustment of electric steering column adjustment is nonfunctional.
Bulletin LI46.15-P-057157 · Steering · Feb 2014Message in instrument cluster "DISTRONIC PLUSCurrently Unavailable - See Owner's Manual"
Bulletin GI88.40-P-057430 · Equipment · Feb 2014MERCEDES BENZ: FRONT OR REAR SEAT BELT DOES NOT ROLL UP CORRECTLY. DIRT DEPOSITS ON THE SEAT BELT GUIDE DUE TO SOILED SEAT BELT. ALSO INCLUDED MODELS 169, F CELL, 246, AND 231. NO MODEL YEARS GIVEN. *JS
Bulletin 40-P-052794 · Seat Belts · Apr 2012XENTRY (MERCEDES): ENGINE WARNING LAMP IS CURRENTLY ON OR WAS ON AND A DELAY FAULT OF THE CAMSHAFT ADJUST TO CURRENT OR STORED IN THE ENGINE CONTROL UNIT. MODELS 171, 203, 209, 211, 219, 221, 216, 230, 164, 251, AND 403. NO MODEL YEARS LISTED. *PE
Bulletin LI-58-40 · Engine And Engine Cooling, Electrical System · Dec 2009Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the SL500. Model-year data, not specific to one car.