The prospects for the alternator issue

I have good news and bad news. I’m going to start with the good news first - it’s cheap.

Now, the bad news: 

The SLR is “faulty” by design. And it all comes down again to Mercedes-Benz. 

So, Daimler invested 200 million in the SLR project back in the 90s. They got Gordon Murray to envision it and McLaren to build it. What they did was supply parts that were already homologated (it’s a real issue when you’re starting an automotive project or a maker from scratch. Hence why you can see Audi parts in a McLaren, for example, not a new info I hope) and insist on a certain design/shape. Instead of giving Gordon Murray the creative freedom when it comes to the overall shape of the car, they clashed with him and told him that the car needs to look like this, because it’s an homage to the 300 SLR. Fair, after all, 200 million came from Daimler, so they did have the final say. Their design is gorgeous, absolutely no question about that. The way the SLR looks is out of this world, it’s a beautiful car. The problem with the clash is that they hired a visionary who has a very specific way of building cars - reference the McLaren F1 and the current affairs at GMA. You know a GM car when you see it, right?! You immediately know what he stands for and believes in as a visionary automotive designer and where his priorities are. 

Mercedes-Benz insisted on the engine being in the front, which is when the clash began. Now, don’t imagine a fight or something, it was probably a very bleak corporate setting, with lawyers and teams from each side involved in the SLR project. But it was in that exact moment MB fucked up. Instead of listening to Gordon Murray, they put the engine in the front. On its own, that’s not an inherently bad decision - the Mustang GTD continues to prove that. The real issue is another iconic element of the design - the side exhaust. Being right next to the engine, the combination of both generates immense heat under the bonnet. And that causes the alternator to fail. 

The SLR used to catch fire before the alternator recall. The infamous alternator recall this blog is very familiar with, and I can probably recite the documents in German. That’s how close it hits home. It is of extreme importance that you check whether your SLR has done the recall. If not, you better do it ASAP. They do catch fire otherwise. 

The recall is finally behind us. I documented the whole thing, so that every time I wake up in the middle of the night due to the alternator PTSD, I can see the photos and go back to sleep.

This is the link to the original post with the recall documentation. Even if your serial number is not included, my advice is to check the part numbers in your SLR.  https://www.theslrgirl.com/post/theslrtour-the-alternator-recall

So what now?

We may have to replace the alternator forever. Every once in a while, you have to spend 2-3k for a new alternator. It sucks, but it’s not the end of the world. For the last six years as an SLR owner, the alternator is the most expensive repair I’ve had to deal with. I believe 2-3k won’t be an issue for any SLR owner. But I get it, it’s an annoyance. Mind you, this is for SLRs that are driven. If you don’t drive yours, you may never have to deal with the alternator. 

What are the possible solutions: 1. An aftermarket sport exhaust system. Unfortunately, I own an example that must stay OEM, so I won’t be able to test this solution. If you do, let me know. 

2. Prolong the life of the alternator/live with it. This includes: less idling, stop-and-go traffic, unnecessary manoeuvring. That means less city centres and more highways for the SLR. Adding stops on longer journeys that include opening the hood to cool the engine bay. Treating the situation with the awareness that a failure may occur during intense drives in hot weather. 

3. I have attached a device that sends me data about the state of the alternator. It’s still in its trial period, so I can’t recommend it yet. The biggest test will be theSLRtour II. If it passes, I’ll share the results with you and how to do it yourself. 

Honestly, my feelings for the car haven’t changed. It’s a proper exotic car, so quirks are to be expected. It is annoying, I admit. I’ll continue my research on the topic by exploring custom solutions.  While the tone of this post is cautionary, the SLR is far from being fragile by any means. The fact that I'm still doing theSLRtour II, which will put the car in the most demanding conditions, means that it can take a serious beating. Don't be afraid to drive yours or to consider getting an SLR. I believe being honest and upfront about its weak points allows for better appreciation and understanding of the car.