ATL97gts

Hello,

I was convinced I wanted to buy an 04-06 SL600 until a friend who works at a local shop just told me they have issues with the oil coolers leaking. It's apparently a $6000 fix. I can't find a thing about this on this site. Is there any truth it this?

Are there any other issues with this model? Seems to be the best bang for the buck out there.

Thanks in advance.

diablo2112

Would avoid the V12 engines in this model. You'll get the same performance from the AMG V8s, and they're more common and easier to service as they share parts with the standard SL500. I've heard anecdotal reports that the V12s are touchy, and have problems like oil leaks, fuel injection problems, and a host of other issues. If the standard SL500 isn't enough for you, look for the SL55 AMG.

Better yet, find an SL550. Nearly the same performance as the SL55, but with the 7 speed transmission (compared to 5-speed in the SL600 and SL55), and a host of other refinements updated in the middle of the R230 lifecycle.

ATL97gts

Hi Diablo.

From what I've read, the 55amg is actually more than 1/2 second slower, and the sl550, significantly slower than that.

Was planning to have the 600 tuned which would make it a very low 11 second car. There are other choices if this is a platform that has issues.

Thanks for the feedback.

seven_out

The early M137 V-12 motors are notorious for this and other problems. But the SL600 has the M275 motor, and as far as I know its reputation is excellent.

I'm thinking of buying an '04 or '05 600 myself, so I searched for M275 info. "Dr. D" is an M-B tech, and in '06 he wrote in peachparts' Tech Help forum:
I agree.

fxrs1955

I've looked at a couple of SL600's myself, the only engine issues I've found are coil packs.

BlownV8

Yes, for the exception of the coil packs, the M275 V12 engines are very reliable.

Benz-O-Rama

I bought my 2005 SL600 with roughly 10K miles on it years ago. Since then, I've logged an additional 50K miles. Guess how many engine problems I've had? Zero. Zippy. Nada. The car has had a tune on it, almost the entire time, and I've never even had to crack open a valve cover on it. The thing literally still runs like new. Not making that up or embellishing. Now, the only V12 specific issues, that will cost you more than any of the V8 variants, is the aforementioned coil packs and the engine mounts. Although, I'm still running on original plugs and packs at 58K miles, the engine mounts fail quite commonly on ALL of the 230's regardless of powertrain. The V12 is unique in that the engine MUST be removed in order to change the mounts. This is only on the V12 SL's. The 215s and 220s don't share this problem with their V12 models.

Now, if you want to talk about overall reliability of the 230, regardless of powertrain, that's an entirely different discussion. ABC, Vario roof, and vacuum trunk closer are going to be common issues in the SL line. My car is showroom clean, even being a 2005, has been maintained at an OCD level, and I've still encountered problems considered common on this car. I haven't had ABC issues, but I've followed all of the MB recommended services for it's entire life. Add to that, my 5K mile oil changes, and I've got a car that has never left me stranded. Well, that's not exactly true. I had the top fail on me in mid cycle, with the trunklid in it's vertical position. Was not awesome. Luckily, a quick call to my MB tech buddy assured me the pressure in the system relieves itself in a few minutes and I'd be able to gently close the trunk lid enough to drive it to the dealer.

So, don't be afraid of the SL600/65 because of the engine. Rather, do your due diligence when researching ANY of the R230s, since the common problems convey across the entire lineup.

diablo2112

Very good info here. Thanks for the first-hand reports. My concern on the V12 was based on my experiences with the M137s; very good to know the more recent M275 is much more reliable. Given that, go for it! Enjoy these cars. As others have noted, there's a couple of areas of concern (ABC, roof, etc.), but nothing that can't be fixed. Better yet, the growing body of good DIY info makes maintenance of these cars a possibility for the competent home mechanic.

Something we don't say often enough: when these cars are working, they're a complete joy. I've owned 2, and consider them among my very best sports/GT car purchases.

V12TTenthusiast

Yes these engines are pretty good, I've heard with tuning your coil packs can go out quicker, but other then that my engine has been doing fine with the 30K miles I put into it so far.

The engine seems more reliable then the ABC on the R230s