Looking at an SL600 and wondering what the consensus on getting one is,that is to say are there any known problems to look out for,it is an 1998 w/44000 miles.

 

Just make sure you inspect every nook and cranny you can, and check as much as you can, but If you get on in immaculate condition, the V12 and every other system in the care should work just as well and reliably as the other models (in my opinion of course) I'd never trade to a smaller motor, I don't use it often, but when I do It's great fun! I bought mine almost two years ago now, and have put about 20,000 miles on mine and only have had one problem (ADS component)

Personally, Check the whole ADS suspension system, it's prone to failiure, as are Cam Position Sensors etc..

 

Hi thanks for that bit of info, yes , I will be driving it sparingly myself,If I get it...
there are a few choice SL600's I am looking at, one is an '98 White w/gray Int.w/42500,the other is an '97 Triple Black ,w/43500.Ahh decisions decisions.
At any rate can you tell me what you get in gas mileage, not that it matters much, but I have been told that driving conservatively you can get around 22MPG,jusat curious if that is true.

 

mmm, both good cars I'm sure you'll be happy either way.
MPG
on a combined very fast drive from Minnesota to Florida I got 21.5MPG average
city I get about 14MPG
highway @63mph I get upwards of 24MPG driving with my foot out of the "Go Pedal" most of the time.

lookin' that good, and feeling that V12 is worth every ounce consumed by the M120 (for me anyway)

 

Ditto... My SL600 is a blast to drive and I refuse to let go of it. However, I have had the same problems as SL-ML-C… ADS (Acceleration Sensor) and camshaft timing issues. Whatever you do Mirage, have the car checked out thoroughly. The V12's can be expensive; but are a heck of a lot of fun! Good luck.
Cheers,
Jeff

 

Hmm above 20MPG on the HWY.,NOT BAD...
ok so accelerator sensor problems...I will ask if that was an issue,and the other ,ADS , I know of air shocks on rear , are they in the front as well?
Does the ADS control all 4 wheels or just the rear?
I'm like a kid all over again trying to figure which one to go for, the black or the white , the '97 or '98 ...it is so much fun deciding ,I just need to make sure I know what to look for and so far thanx to this BB ,I am getting the necessary info from you guys ,so I assume btw that these problems are with all of the
129 model V12's?
MB Dude , you say you had issues with camshaft timing issues? Was that a Service Bulletin type problem from MB or just an isolated problem?
With 48 valves sounds serious to me LOL was it?
Thanks for all you guys provide.

 

The M120 V12 and 5SP transmission are virtually bullet-proof. So long as you provide the motor with quality fuel and oil, it will gladly return a few hundred thousand miles of spirited use. However, the electrical components do not live up to the high standards of the drivetrain. To be on the safe side, be sure to have some money stored away for repair surprises.

Now, maintenance business aside, this automobile is a true privilege to drive. The power delivery is excellent, and there is a certain magic of hearing the symphony of all the pistons, valves, and camshafts peaking their crescendo under full throttle acceleration.

Surprisingly, one can muster an impressive fuel economy with this automobile...at the cost of wasting the car in the right lane with cruise control on. I say let that motor roar and earn your 12 MPG with pride!

 

ADS (Adaptive Dampening System/Suspension) controls the suspension height of all four wheels, while the vehicle is moving. There are no ‘air shocks’ on the car; just hydraulically-controlled shock absorbers on all four wheels.

The camshaft timing issues I had, I think, are not problematic to the engine. There is a timing mechanism that controls the advance on each camshaft; that is the part that failed on my engine. I agree with HLG600 that the engine is fairly bullet-proof. My issue is a fairly isolated case, I think. Just be fanatical about the regular maintenance and the engine will last. And do have some cash in savings for when problems do occur - parts & repairs are expensive... but quickly forgotten when driving an SL600 swiftly, smoothly and with style!

Cheers,
Jeff

 

How does one go about checking the "whole ADS suspension system"? Warning lights? Other visual cues? Test drive?

 

... better yet, the light (in the dash) is on, just like it was mentioned in the above posts, roughly 30-40min. in the drive, so the temperature is there...
Is there a way to sort of figure out which one of the temp. acceleration sensors is failing? Or, there's only one?
Sadly, I didn't come across a code reader for SL600 above 1994 (mine is 1997), moreover, not even sure it would help in this case...

 

The problem you describe – ADS light comes on after a bit of driving – was identical to my issue. Nailed it about 2 months ago. In my case, the Acceleration Sensor (MB p/n 004.542.35.18) was defective. It’s a breeze to change and on my car is located in the engine compartment, directly over the driver’s-side wheel.
Cheers,
Jeff

 

Thanks a lot for your input, Jeff!
So, it's just one sensor? I thought it was 4 of them... Looking at your other post, it seems the in your case, front right sensor was problematic... How did you figure out which one was failing?

 

As much as I'd like to say it was exhaustive investigative work on my part, in reality I got frustrated and had the local MB dealership troubleshoot it. Once they ID'd the part (less than 15 minutes), I could see it was simple ro change. I am fortunate to have a very good relationship with the dealer.
Cheers,
Jeff

 

Thank you.