1991 Mercedes-Benz 500SL: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500SL: 1 recall, 3 owner complaints and up to 14 mpg combined.
Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #93V067000 · 1993 · 14,300 vehicles
What's wrong: During the removal and installation of the air filter housing while servicing the vehicle, it is possible to misroute the preformed vacuum hose and damage the check valve in the vacuum hose. If the check valve is damaged, loss of sufficient brake power assist will occur.
Why it matters: Lack of sufficient brake power assist will increasestopping distance and could result in a vehicle accident.
The fix: Replace the preformed vacuum hose with a newly designed preformed hose with a relocated check valve which will eliminate the possibility of the check valve being damaged.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Speed control / throttle (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500SL has 3 owner complaints, ranking #3 of 3 500SL model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 4). Neighboring years: 1990 (3 complaints, 1 recalls), 1992 (5 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.0 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 14 | Premium |
| 5.0 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 | 15 | 13 | Regular |
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 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500SL.
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.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500SL have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500SL. 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 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500SL problems?
Owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (2), speed control / throttle (1).
What gas mileage does the 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500SL get?
EPA ratings run up to 14 mpg combined (5.0 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500SL 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.