marko69

Hello all, yes another post on buying advice.
I've been looking for a few months now for a '03-'05 SL500 for around 15k.
I've read some buying advice posts and I'm seeing mostly general advise. I'd like to know specifically what to look for. Like a quick test on the abc, or put your hand here and see if it's vibrating, or listen here for a grinding noise, that sort of thing.

mbwolf

Hi
I would never go for a below R230 older than the 2007 facelift again. There is just to much to worry about. If you can not do all the work yourself you will spend about $10k within 2 years of ownership on preventive maintenance or repairs. You might get a 2007 in the low $20's and get a more reliable car. Aging issues become more dominant over mileage (eg: burst ABC hoses!! $3k to 7k right there, roof issues, etc ). In any case have a friend with a MB Star system to check out the car before you buy it. It will give you an idea if there are issues going on you can not see in the error messages (eg: SBC brake count issue as we just learned in the forum). In addition find out about the last transmission and ABC fluid change. If there are no receipts for this two items, discount the car by $1000 to get this done at an indi place (not the seller, VERY IMPORTANT!) . This are not just drop the pan jobs. That's why it is more expensive.
Good luck

kbob999

I agree with these comments, but have no fear of the older R230. Yes they may need repair, but you will likely have 10K more to play with.

I own an SDS for repairs, have built and fly my own airplane, and can change my own trans and ABC fluid. If you can buy from someone with these proven skills, who does their own work, don't walk away. They may be more likely to fix things than those who don't know, or can't afford to repair a car.

Search here for 'buying guides' and see what people have to say. These cars are very complicated and the list of specific items to look for is too great to post. Have someone knowledgeable help you. Buy them dinner for the trouble. It will be the best investment you can make.

marko69

I have little doubt that any of these cars I buy won't need some sort of work or maintenance. I'm a pretty good home mechanic and I'll be doing all of the work myself.
I understand there are going to be some things that I won't be able to check without a computer or putting the car on a lift, but how about a top 5 list of things specific to this car, that I can check.

kbob999

I'll bite. Top 5 would be most expensive to fix.
1. Leaks from ABC system at shocks, hoses or pump. Any of these are expensive.
2. Fluids condition- ABC green; engine oil clean; trans red or blue. Dirty or low could mean poor maintenance. Buy a trans dipstick to check trans and engine.
3. Under hood noises. Pulleys, bearings, pumps, knocking, humming. Engine should purr.
4. Electrical gremlins. Does everything work like it should? Seat controls, door locks, alarms, Navigation, lights, top, roll bar, windows, parking sensors, etc.
5. Cosmetics. Interior, Paint and rust is very expensive to repair. No issues, or walk away.

mbwolf

Just one additional note. There is no transmission dipstick for the SL500 and no hole for it. At least not on mine.

BlownV8

What other then the command changed in 2007? The facelift was in 2009.

RocketBoots

The SL500 became the SL550 with a different engine and transmission! The ABC system was revised; as I just found out when replacing my ABC pump pulsation damper and the front and rear accumulators, the components are different compared to the earlier version.

BlownV8

The 7 speed is not as reliable as the 5 speed but it is more responsive. You must be forgetting or failing to mention that just about every 7 speed MB transmission suffers from a bad valve body/turbine speed sensor that costs $1,500+ to fix. The upgraded components will not make the system significantly more reliable. The real problems stem from broken hoses that start a domino effect that can grenade the ABC pump and introduce tiny shards of metal into the system that will clog valve bodies and knock out more pumps.

Honestly, in my opinion, it's a waste of money to get anything other than a 55/600/65. The real expensive issues, other than the V12's coilpacks, are basically universal across the models. I'll say the same thing about the CL's. If you don't have, at least, 600 hp, an SL is not worth the aggrivation or expense.

kbdixon

Rocket is right more horsepower and torque different transmission, upgraded/revised abc system. '09 facelift was nose primarily (new lights grille etc) interior is the same. Buy the best lowest verifiable mileage with maintenance you can afford. And enjoy

BlownV8

I won't say this for all MB models but it's typically best to buy the nicest and newest one you can afford.......with a warranty. If you can't afford a newer one with, at least, a good aftermarket warranty, you probably can't afford to own the car. These are expensive cars with rediculously expensive maintenance and repairs. A warranty is a must unless you have endless money or you are an awesome mechanic with an MB Star computer.

Heatwave

I'll suggest another item for the checklist: Sensotronic Brake Control system. It works better than any other braking system in the automotive world ... right up until it doesn't. If you can replace the failed unit yourself, all the better ... but if you have to take it to a shop, it can cost several hundred dollars. Once the failed unit has been replaced, it's not likely that you'll ever have to replace it again. FWIW.

marko69

Are there any signs to look for that it might be on it's way out?

carguyshu

its gonna be impossible to do most diagnostic or any work yourself without a STAR computer. If you are serious about getting an SL you need to get a STAR and run a diagnostic on it before buying it. It should tell you the vast majority of problems that the car currently has.

Heatwave

Are there any signs to look for that it might be on it's way out?

None that I can find. I asked the same question elsewhere on this forum ... all I got was the Air Force salute: shrugged shoulders.

It appears to me ... and I invite corrections from others who know more about the subject ... that the MD Star Diagnosis System [SDS] can ferret out a count of "brake actuations." When the count reaches some magic number--I know not what--the SBC system flashes a red warning across the instrument panel, saying to stop driving the car and replace the deceased brake modulation unit. You can drill around this forum or any other frequented by owners of SBC-equipped cars and find a lot more info. "Brake actuations" includes a lot more than just the number of times you pressed the brake pedal. The SBC "actuates" itself when you first enter the car after it has been parked a while. And as you drive, the system "actuates" many more times, especially in rain.

Like a marriage to Elizabeth Taylor, it's complicated. Good luck, Mate. Let us know what you decide.

carguyshu

A STAR will tell you the number of actuations. The service life is 300,000 actuations then the sbc will need replaced. Part is about $800 & 1.5 hrs to install it & 2.7 hours to bleed the brakes after install. An actuation will happen when you unlock the doors, press the brake pedal or have the traction control system engage (the traction control uses the rear brakes so every time that yellow light flashes is an actuation). Original SBC units rarely fail before reaching the 300k mark & you can no long but new units only rebuilt ones from the dealer.

anothercar

If you have a relationship at any MB dealer or know someone who does....ask for a copy of the VMI. This will at least provide some perspective on service/maintenance done at a MB dealer. I've had my 2003 for one year and it's been trouble free. Only 18750 miles at purchase and I was able to obtain complete service records and VMI.
Personally, I think the '03 model year has some charm and uniqueness compared to newer 550.

carguyshu

Good advice on the VMI. There are actually several members on the board that will provide you the VMI and a carfax if you ask them. Do a search for their names as I'd rather not single a particular one out.