Iowa boy

Hey guys. We're thinking about an Sl 2003 or newer. Never owned one before. I know I'm looking at fun, but what kind of expenses am i looking at?

SRHsl600

Since you are at this forum for older SL's the new versions are great looking vehicles, however the suspension and motor mounts are a whole new world, so beware! MB has not made simple cars for 20 years.
Are you a collector? Are you a "muscle" car guy? or do you just like repair bills? My experience with Benz is great fun, some disappointment but never cheap, inexpensive parts!
Good luck with your journey.

Iowa boy

Thanks for your reply. I new here and didn't realize I was thes forum for older SL's.

Do you think I'm better off with a pre-2003? Maybe an slk or clk?

I'm not just a car guy who has always had an SL on my "one day I'l going to have list.

Thanks!

SRHsl600

If your focus was classy wheels to show, any benz will get you to that level, S/CL W 140 would be my Benz choice for new with muscle, but you list a Lexus, you may already know fast classy.
I like the older 107, 129 and have had several. The Sl's from the 60's-80's are mechanically easy, compared to the 230's. Several years reflect the analogy, digital conversions, so read this forum. Lexus is a leader in much of that modernization, but shade tree motor heads are out of that repair process.
Size matters to some, and more cylinders is the best! ( I take great pride in my huge carbon foot print! Ha Ha!) My 12 cylinder cars are not driven very far each week, but one or two trips for a total of 2-4k/ year. I do not depend on any collector car for my driver.

MB_Fahrer

If your dying for an SL I would recommend the R129 SL600. Expensive on maintenance, but there's nothing like the feeling of driving a car with a 6L V-12. If you don't mind even bigger maintenance bills, get a 2003+ SL600 (twin turbo 5.5L v-12 that can be made into a monster with some work [and a Renntech ECU/TCU chip combo]). Also, watch these youtube vids in your spare time. Gives some information about various SL's throughout Mercedes years.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDNWFlhrWo4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tdPU...268866&index=8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQIdn...eature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6U61X...68866&index=16

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyWAx...68866&index=17

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLWg58PVGoU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbYvOPOvC7Q

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djxIwf_8Ow4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXhBABpfCUM (Yes W220 I know, but the R230 is basically the same.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6ytAh1-Q7w

Those are just a few of the vids. Some of them point out interesting quirks about each car. Go read up on the R230 section of the forum here for more info on the 03+ SL's. Also look up what a nightmare their suspension is.