Second Hand Mercedes-Benz SL Dual Mass Flywheel

Yes, but only on diesel and manual-gearbox petrol variants — and this is where it gets model-specific: the SL (R107, R129, R230, R231) has been an almost exclusively automatic-gearbox car throughout its production life, and dual mass flywheels are fitted between the engine and a manual gearbox or certain automated manual transmissions, not between the engine and a traditional torque-converter automatic. Because the vast majority of SL models sold in the UK used a conventional automatic gearbox, they do not have a dual mass flywheel at all.

If your SL has a conventional automatic gearbox — which covers almost every UK-market SL from the R107 through to the R231 — the equivalent component absorbing drivetrain vibration and shock is the torque converter, which sits inside the automatic transmission bell housing. If you are experiencing shudder, vibration, or judder that led you to search for a dual mass flywheel, the torque converter or transmission flex plate (drive plate) is far more likely to be the part you need. Speak to a breaker or specialist with your registration and engine code to confirm the correct part.

A small number of later SL variants, particularly certain R230 (2001–2012) diesel or specialist-market models, may have used transmissions that incorporate dual mass flywheel technology, but these were extremely rare in the UK market and the SL was never officially sold new in the UK with a manual gearbox in any mainstream generation. If you believe your specific car has a manual or automated-manual gearbox, confirm this with the breaker against your registration number and engine code, as fitment guidance changes entirely depending on what is actually in the car.

It is possible there has been a mix-up, either with the part itself or with the vehicle — a Mercedes-Benz C-Class, E-Class, or Sprinter of the same era, for example, was sold in the UK with diesel engines and manual gearboxes and does genuinely use a dual mass flywheel. Double-check by confirming the part number against your VIN or engine code with the breaker before purchasing, and verify whether what you actually need is a flex plate (drive plate) for your automatic transmission instead. A reputable breaker will be able to cross-reference this for you.

No — trim level (whether your car is a standard SL, an AMG, or a special edition) makes no difference to whether a dual mass flywheel is fitted; what matters is the gearbox type and engine code. Since all mainstream UK SL trim levels used automatic gearboxes, none of them would have a dual mass flywheel regardless of badge. If you are unsure of your gearbox type, check your V5C or run a VIN check and share the engine code with your breaker.