Second Hand Mercedes-Benz SL Turbo

The Mercedes SL has run across several distinct generations – the R129 (1989–2001), the R230 (2001–2012), and the R231 (2012–2020) – and turbos are not interchangeable across these boundaries, as the engine families are completely different. Within a generation, fitment is driven primarily by engine code rather than the model year alone, so a turbo from a 2014 SL may or may not suit a 2017 SL depending on whether they share the same engine code. Always supply your engine code (found on your V5 or via a VIN check) when requesting a quote, and confirm interchangeability with the breaker against your exact registration.

The SL 400 and SL 500 badges refer to different engine displacements and engine codes, so their turbos are not the same part and will not interchange. Mechanical parts follow the engine code, not the badge, so even if two cars look identical the turbos can differ significantly in specification. Check your engine code on the V5 or a VIN check and provide it to the breaker so they can match the correct unit.

The R231 ran from 2012 to 2020 and received updates during that period, meaning ancillary fittings, mounting brackets, or pipe connections may have changed mid-production even on the same engine code. The engine code is your most reliable guide to a like-for-like turbo, but whether a specific unit from one production year crosses cleanly to another within the R231 is something you should confirm with the breaker against your registration, as they can check the precise parts compatibility.

The SL 63 AMG uses a different engine code from the standard SL models – in the R231 era the SL 63 AMG uses the M157 V8 biturbo, while the SL 400 uses the M276 V6 twin-turbo and the SL 500 uses the M278 V8 biturbo – so the turbos are entirely different parts and will not swap across these engines. Trim level alone does not determine fitment; it is the engine code that governs which turbo belongs to which car. Confirm your engine code with the breaker so they can source the correct unit for your specific car.

The R230 ran from 2001 to 2012 and received a significant facelift in 2008, after which some engine and ancillary specifications changed. Whether a turbo from a pre-2008 R230 will fit a post-2008 R230 depends on whether the two cars share the same engine code, but you should confirm with the breaker whether mounting or pipe configurations changed around that facelift boundary for your specific engine. Supply your full engine code and registration to the breaker so they can verify the parts match before you buy.

AMG Line is a styling and equipment package, not a mechanical one, so it does not change the engine or the turbo fitted to the car – the turbo is determined entirely by the engine code. If you have an AMG Line car, it will share its turbo specification with any other SL of the same engine code, and you may simply notice cosmetic differences such as different trim pieces or badging on a donor car from a breaker. Confirm the engine code match with your breaker and do not be put off by cosmetic differences between the donor and your car.