Change Car Turbo Mercedes-Benz SL

Change Car Turbo

Very technical 5h00–34h00 ~500–3400£
Estimated time 5h00–34h00
Estimated labour cost ~500–3400£
Difficulty Very technical
Vehicles
SL 2001-2012 3
  • 600 Petrol (275.951)
  • 600 Petrol (275.954)
  • 65 AMG Petrol (275.981)
SL 2012-2020 6
  • 400 Petrol (276.825)
  • 400/450 Petrol (276.825)
  • 500/550 BlueEFF Petrol (278.927)
  • 63 AMG Petrol (157.983)
  • 63 AMG Petrol (157.983)
  • 65 AMG V12 Petrol (279.981)

What is the role of the Mercedes-Benz SL turbo?

The turbocharger increases engine power by compressing the intake air, allowing more air (and therefore more fuel) into the combustion chambers. It is driven by exhaust gases spinning a turbine at speeds up to 250,000 rpm. The compressed intake air passes through an intercooler to reduce its temperature before entering the engine.

What are the symptoms of a failing Mercedes-Benz SL turbo?

Common symptoms include: loss of engine power or boost, excessive exhaust smoke (blue/white for oil burning, black for over-fuelling), whining or whistling noise from the turbo area, engine warning light or turbo fault codes, oil leaks at the turbo housing, increased oil consumption.

What causes Mercedes-Benz SL turbo failure?

The main causes are: oil starvation (blocked or restricted oil feed lines, low oil level, poor oil quality), foreign object ingestion, excessive exhaust temperature, worn bearings due to high mileage, and contaminated oil. Always investigate and fix the root cause before fitting a replacement turbo.

Can a Mercedes-Benz SL turbo be reconditioned?

Yes, turbo reconditioning is a common and cost-effective alternative to buying new. A reputable service will disassemble, inspect, replace worn parts, rebalance, and test the unit. Expect to pay 30–60% of the new price.

Is it difficult to change a Mercedes-Benz SL turbo?

Difficulty level 5/5: very technical. The turbo is connected to both the intake and exhaust systems, requiring numerous disassembly steps. Approximately 5 hours on average for a professional mechanic. Key precautions after fitting: change the engine oil and filter, prime the turbo with oil before starting, allow the turbo to cool down after hard driving by idling for 30 seconds before switching off.

View all compatible products →
View your SL maintenance plan (keep the SL token) →

3 models covered

Model Year Range Engines covered Fuel
SL 1989-2001 1989-2001 300 SL Petrol (103.984), 300 SL-24 Petrol (104.981) Petrol
SL 2001-2012 2001-2012 300 Petrol (272.949), 350 Petrol (272.966), 350 Petrol (272.968), 350, -LPG LPG,Petrol (112.973), 500, -LPG LPG,Petrol (113.963), 500/550 Petrol (273.965), 55 AMG EVO Petrol (113.995), 55 AMG Kompressor Petrol (113.992), 55 AMG Petrol (113.992), 600 Petrol (275.951), 600 Petrol … LPG, Petrol
SL 2012-2020 2012-2020 350 BlueEFF Petrol (276.954), 400 Petrol (276.825), 400/450 Petrol (276.825), 500/550 BlueEFF Petrol (278.927), 63 AMG Petrol (157.983), 63 AMG Petrol (157.983), 65 AMG V12 Petrol (279.981) Petrol

Other repair guides

Change Car Accessory Belt Kit

Change Car Accessory Belt Kit

Easy 0h45–2h00
Change Car Air Filter

Change Car Air Filter

Very easy 0h30–0h45
Change Car Battery

Change Car Battery

Very easy 0h30–0h45
Change Car Cabin Filter

Change Car Cabin Filter

Very easy 0h30–0h45
Change Car Front Brake Discs and Pads

Change Car Front Brake Discs and Pads

Easy 2h00–3h00
Change Car Front Brake Pads

Change Car Front Brake Pads

Easy 1h30–2h00
Change Car Fuel Filter

Change Car Fuel Filter

Easy 1h00–3h30
Change Car Handbrake Cable

Change Car Handbrake Cable

Very easy 0h30
Change Car Oil Filter

Change Car Oil Filter

Easy 0h30–1h30
Change Car Rear Silencer

Change Car Rear Silencer

Easy 1h30–2h00
Change Car Spark Plugs

Change Car Spark Plugs

Easy 0h30–6h00
Change Car Water Pump

Change Car Water Pump

Easy 3h00–7h00
Change Car Clutch

Change Car Clutch

Technical 8h00
Change Car Shock Absorbers

Change Car Shock Absorbers

Easy 4h00–5h00
View the service schedule for your SL →