NHTSA Service Bulletin 11000705: 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011 Mercedes Benz Sl500
Official manufacturer communication context for 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011 Mercedes Benz Sl500, with affected products, buyer checks and links into Carchieve recall, problem and VIN research.
Reviewed June 2026 from NHTSA manufacturer communication and service bulletin records. Carchieve is independent and not affiliated with any vehicle manufacturer or government agency.
Battery Control Module needs replacement due to electrical overstress. Incorrect charging procedures and battery maintenance. Remedy Proper care and maintenance of the electrical system of MY2003-2012 SL-Class. Please share the below excerpts from the Owners Manual and general guidance, cautions, and suggestions regarding battery charging and maintenance with customers. Guidance and Cautions : Failure to follow these instructions can lead to severe injuries or death, damage to the vehicle or its electronic components, and/or cause a battery explosion. Following extended periods of non-operation, Mercedes-Benz AG (MBAG) recommends the use of Mercedes-Benz approved battery chargers to ensure optimal battery maintenance and performance. Do not use a quick-charge unit (jump box) and avoid jump starting after extended periods of non-operation. FOR DEALERS: For comprehensive guidelines on battery charging, please refer to document AR54.10-P-1130I. Charge vehicle batteries according to the instructions in the owners Manual. Dealers can also reference WIS document AR54.10-P-1130I. If the battery needs to be removed, please follow the instructions in the owners manual and reinstall a new or charged battery in reverse order. MY2003-2012 SL-Class vehicles are equipped with two 12V batteries. See owners manual. If both batteries are drained, never connect a charger to both batteries simultaneously. Jump Starting: The starter battery is located on the right side of the engine compartment. Jump starting may only be performed on the battery installed in the engine compartment. Never use the auxiliary battery installed in the trunk to jump start the vehicle. Do not attempt to start the engine using a battery quick-charge unit or battery charger/tender not approved by MBAG. Only jump start from batteries with the same voltage rating (12V). Jump starting with a higher voltage battery could damage the vehicles electrical system. Avoid repeated and/or lengthy starting attempts. This could result in damage to the vehicle or its electrical system, severe injuries, or death.
What this bulletin may mean before buying
Treat this as service research, not a verdict on one car. Before you buy, compare this communication with official recall campaigns, model-level owner complaint patterns, and the exact vehicle’s VIN-decoded specifications. A bulletin can help you ask a seller or dealer sharper questions about software updates, known repairs, warranty extensions and service history.
Affected products listed in this communication
Buyer checklist
- Run the 17-character VIN and confirm the year, make, model, engine and equipment match the listing.
- Check recall campaign pages for safety actions that may require dealer repair.
- Compare this bulletin with common problem pages for the same model and component area.
- Ask the seller or dealer whether the bulletin procedure, update or inspection has already been completed.
- Use the used-car buying checklist and get an independent inspection.
Frequently asked questions
What is NHTSA service bulletin 11000705?
Battery Control Module needs replacement due to electrical overstress. Incorrect charging procedures and battery maintenance. Remedy Proper care and maintenance of the electrical system of MY2003-2012 SL-Class. Please share the below excerpts from the Owners Manual and general guidance, cautions, and suggestions regarding battery charging and maintenance with customers. Guidance and Cautions : Failure to follow.
Is a service bulletin the same as a recall?
No. A recall is a safety campaign with a required remedy for affected VINs. A service bulletin or manufacturer communication usually describes diagnostic, repair, software, warranty or service information.
How should a used-car buyer use this bulletin?
Use it as a research signal. Compare it with recalls, owner complaints, service records, a VIN report and an independent inspection before buying.
Check the exact VIN before you buy
Model-level pages show public safety patterns. A full VIN report helps confirm the exact vehicle, decoded specs, recall applicability and buyer checks.
Get Full Report