cjennjr

Just purchased a 2005 SL500, Mars Red today. I've been reading this forum for weeks to decide what year to buy from 03-05, and by far 2005 IMO is the better year. I intend to change ALL fluids (oil, differential, ABC, etc. within the next two weeks so I will know the proper intervals btwn changes. Previously owned a 2005 C230 Kompressor. Will post pics later...

cal1

Welcome to the forum. Mars Red is one of my favorite colors on the SL. I think the appealing lines of the R230 are nicely set-off by both Red and white. My SL is pewter metallic which only really looks stunning when it is immaculately clean and in direct bright sunshine.

seven_out

While we're waiting here is a Mars Red SL and a blonde. Moderator: please delete this post when the OP's pictures are posted.

diablo2112

Are you sure that's Mars Red? Looks darker to me, more like Red Storm.

cal1

Hey Rod? I'm curious as to the real subject of the photo.

RoundTheBenz

She looks blonde to me...

Wardsweb

Congrats on the new car. You will love it.

jbenz99

Congrats on your Red SL But my opinion The White on The SL r230s
is the best color...

cjennjr

Black, Red, and White are my favorite car colors...

cjennjr

Test for signature pic...

cal1

Very nice! Personally, white and red show off the R230 curves best. I happen to have a Pewter Metalic color that really only looks great when the car is immaculate and the sun is shinning. Below is a such a situation. By the way, I know many do not like the turbo 18s. I just can't seem to pull the trigger on nicer 19s or even 20s while I continue to live in the land of the giant pot hole. The drop does make the 18s look a bit larger.

Charismaalexand

I want either a 2004 or 2005 sl 500 as it is in my price range. I am familiar with the ABC ,top,rear seal etc . Is there any thing else I should know about. Thanks

RoundTheBenz

The only thing I'd say is to get a complete inspection and service history if you can. Good luck and there are a few members on here that are selling.

cal1

Couple more issues to consider. I am not sure just how common they are, but I happen to have dealt with both. First is a loose fuel baffle. Here is a good link on the subject.
https://mbworld.org/forums/sl55-amg-...-gas-tank.html
A member named super_monkey came of with a great fix for the problem.

The second fairly common issue is an SRS warning light that ends up being a wiring harness under the seats. Seems to me, $1,000 fixes that at the dealer. I am sure you could search the issue and get tons of good info.

Good luck with the search. By the way, I do not think there is any real differences to speak off between an 04 and 05, but I am not certain.

Leester

Great color, classy, easy to live with and wears well.
Cheers.

Harrco

I just purchased my second 2005 SL500 from my brother-in-law. It only has 25K miles on it and is a cherry, but has the Desert Silver exterior with Stone leather interior. He bought it new for his wife and she hardly ever drove it. I just joined MBWorld after reading posts that saved me hundreds in repairs. The MB Dealer said I need a front SAM. My siren and lights started flashing when I locked the doors with the Smart Key. By reading posts on MBWorld, I learned I could fix my problem by removing one fuse. It worked!!! I am a happy camper and I love my second 2005 SL500. I would like to join the SL500 Club. Is there a local SL500 Club in Denver?

Hary Gahtoe

Jbenz;
Please tell me you're not rockin' a fake Euro plate

Welcome to the forum cjennjr.

Everything except the transmission is fairly straightforward to do fluids. Depending on prior owner you might want change the fluids for the top also.
Good Luck
Hary

Ruth Martin

I'm also looking to buy a R230. Need to sell my 2008 CLK Convertible first. I want a red or white one. Prefer a SL500. Anytime I should look for or stay away from?

Rudeney

Hi Ruth, I went from a MY2007 CLK550 to a MY2011 SL550 and I have been very happy. The SL is a much more solid car. Not only does it have a more comfortable cruising ride, it also has a more sporty handling feel to it. Of course that is due to the ABC system, which is the main source of additional maintenance over the CLK. My advice is to get the latest model year and lowest mileage car that you can find and afford. Both miles and time are what wears out ABC. Also, as with the CLK, the "550" series prior to 2008 may have "balance shaft" issues. Also, the 722.9 7-speed transmissions prior to 2008/2009 are less reliable and may need some extra work. MY2009 saw a facelift that added a more modern looking front facia. It also added a new infotainment system that has Bluetooth hands-free, iPod, and SD-card playback built-in. The preference for the restyled front end is a personal one - some people prefer the traditional "teardrop" headlight style, while others prefer the more square updated version. Finally, MY2007 saw a slight redesign in the ABC system that may prove to make it more reliable.

Heatwave

Congratulations on your new ride. You certainly chose The Best Color for SLs. I hope you enjoy yours as much as I do mine. And welcome to the forum.

Roktot

Hey all,
just purchased a 2003 SL500 for my wife’s weekend driver.
41,000 miles, one owner and looks immaculate. Will be delivered next week.
If you have time, please let me know what I need to know about maintenance, routine checks…etc.
Not our first Merc, but the last one was a diesel and about 25 years ago…. Time flies !!
thanks much ..
roktot

Frederick NL

There's several threads that started out like this one, so there's plenty info here.

cjennjr

Congratulations on your "new" SL. 41k miles is low for a '03. As far as maintenance, do a search for any topic on this forum and you should receive loads of info about your new car. Enjoy!!

Roktot

Thanks Frederick NL and cjennjr.
I’ll check it out.
cya,
toby