jtl60047

I have an opportunity to buy a 2004 SL350 for next to nothing - my only real-dollar cost are import/shipping costs to the USA.

NHTSA says that the vehicle is "substantially similar U.S.-certified vehicle" so I should have little trouble.

Pretending that the NHTSA folks are squared away and know what they are talking about, would it be worth it?

The SL 350 has 18,000Km on it. It's currently registered in France.

Little bit of bumper rash here and there, but overall looks and drives great.

I know the radio frequencies are off, and the speedometer is in Km, but I think I can deal with those minor issues and fix them once the car is here.

Any "gotchas" that you know of?

Thanks.

bha

If it's really for 'next to nothing' except for import costs, I'd buy it.

Just be aware that a lot of parts may be different. The SL's (as with most MB's) are quite 'stripped down' in Europe as compared to here. You may be unable to find a seat cover without a heating element for example, since I believe all NA models had heated seats.. but not sure if European ones did. If the covers look different and you need to replace a cover, you'll have a hard time finding one.

Basically you shouldn't plan on ever buying a used part unless it's 100% identical to the NA model part. You will be restricted to buying new parts from an MB dealer.

And also remember any dealer parts will likely have to be special ordered and will take longer.

As long as that's not an issue for you, I'd snap it up.

What a joy to drive an SL with a proven motor and NO abc suspension. It will be a very simple car to operate/maintain for sure.

BlownV8

I don't think the SL350 had ABC either. That would be a great car to have. The beauty of the 230 with the dependability of a CLK.

rune solem

The ABC was optional on the european 350.
So it may or may not have it.

BlownV8

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo ooooooooooooo

Let's hope it does not have ABC.

Need4Speed

Where in specific is she coming from?

jtl60047

Ran the VIN and it does not have ABC. Biggest option seems to be Parktronic and the Auto Tranny.

It will be shipping from France.

jtl_60047

Anyone see any red-flags with the configuration?

Sales designation SL 350
of shipment 18.11.03
Release_date 14.11.03
Engine number 112973 31 691096
Front Axle 2 BO331033550680
Beauty 201A
Optics BOSCH
Order Number 0153152411
LPC code 1 744U
PPC 722 644 04 890 477

044 NEW GENERATION TELEMATIK NTG 2.5
200A SKIN
201A SKIN - BLACK / ANTHRACITE
201A BLACK LEATHER
207B Owner's EKSPL.I SERV.KNIZHKA France. LANGUAGE
220 SYSTEM PARKTRONIC (PTS)
222B TABL.S UKAZ.DLYA OHL.ZHIDK. / ZAPR.TOPL.NA FRANTS.YAZ.
250B MOBILO-LIFE / SERVICE PACKAGE FOR EUROPE
352 COMAND
352 OPERATION AND MONITORING (OMS)
388 Mobile phone With UNIVERS.INTERFEYSOM (MTUS)
423 5-speed automatic transmission.
500 Exterior mirrors left and right FOLDING
5XXL EUROPE
664 Disc easily. 7 HOLE. DESIGN STAR 17 INCH
664 BUS 275/55 R 17 C LEGKOSPL. Chrome plated. DISC
664 BUS 275/55 R 17 C LEGKOSPL. Chrome plated. DISC (AAV
669 ZAPASN.KOLESO / DOKATN.KOLESO crushes BUS CO
673 Battery with increased capacity
731 Ornamental. ELEMENTS OF WOOD ROOT WALNUT. WOOD
731 Veneer: ROOT OREHOV.DEREVA
744U SILVER DIAMOND - METALLIC
804 AEJ 03/1
804 CUT MOD.GODA
819 CD-CHANGER
819 ALPINE CD-changer in the trunk
873 HEAT DRIVER SEAT LEFT AND RIGHT
984 COC CERTIFICATE AND CANCELLATION data sheet
984 Data sheet available, but with certificate. FIT.
M112 V6 petrol engine M112
M112 V6 ENGINE WITH INJECTION M112
M37 Working volume of 3.7 L
N99 STEUERCODE WERK BREMEN
U12 Doormats - Velour

jtl_60047

Looks like she will be sold off in France.

Initial quote to "correct" the car, even though NHTSA is happy with it, EPA and DOT are not, $12,000 to $18,000 is the price tag.

I will search out additional quotes, but that $$$ is nuts.