irishattorney

I was looking for a 500SL but I came across a good deal on a 600SL. Low miles, looks like it was well taken care of.

I have read that the 600's are much more expensive on repairs, but one owner said he never had to repair anything.

So anyone have any info on the 600's? what are common repairs? how much are they to repair?

At what mileage should I start to worry? This one has under 70k.

I ran the data card, it has something called 561A, 500A exclusive black leather. Is that something special or do they all have exclusive black leather?

Curious, in VG condition, what would you pay for it?

Jimmy Chen Shib

What is the asking price for this 600SL ? The mileage (km) is about the time when things begin to need attentions and replacements.

I have owned my 1997 600SL since 1999 (bought used, low mileage). Have been taking good care and things still require replacements and TLC. Current mileage (km) is in the high 80s and I had my share of repair protocols. Frankly, not inexpensive, but this is all relative. If you bite your nails worrying of costs, then maybe V12 600SL is not your cup of tea.

Have you test driven this car and compared with other options ?

I think what you need to consider/decide is ...what kind of car do you want ?

The late 600SLs have bullet proof engines, smooth as silk yet with tremendous torque and power. The drive feel is very, very different compared to the 500SL and others.

I shall stop for now. Good luck with your search. w/ smiles Jimmy

SRHsl600

From your profile, I assume you already know power and speed. Since many of the appointments are the same in both the 8 and 12 any replacements are the same, expensive! The ECU and digital stuff has good reliability until it doesn't, so I hope you don't try to own any vanity car on a social security pension. My experience with the power plants, (M119 vs M120) they are both solid. I feel the lower production numbers may have a resale factor, for my grand children! Merry Season to you.

nilop

I purchased an '01 SL500 with 51k miles and I must tell you that I absolutely love the car however with that said, this is no inexpensive machine to maintain. I will have this car for years but be prepared to spend $ on repairs becuase when it comes to an older model Mercedes, there is no such thing as an inexpensive repair. When something needs fixing, it will set you back, no matter how simple you think the repair or part might be. You have been warned but on a positive note, it is such an absolute pleasure to drive and brings me joy every time i get behind the wheel.

BJonesFL

irishattorney,
Before you fall hopelessly in love with the 600 you found and perhaps do something irevocably stupid, first, find a local, independent, knowledgeable, honest tech whose very familiar with the 600's, i.e., the guy you'll use for any ongoing maintenance if you buy the car. Then, spring for the $125-$200 Pre-Purchase Inspection + Star Diagnostic System run to determine what you may be getting yourself into. Have the current owner call/go to the nearest MB dealer and request the VMI(Vehicle Master Inquiry) printout which will show all the work previously done on the car from MB dealer(s). Last, get the service history from the current owner for the work on the car not done by dealers, i.e., independent tech's. Then and only then can you make a reasonable assessment about this car.

nilop's comment is spot on...there is no such thing as a cheap Mercedes-

Bob

vlc7

+1 for Bob's suggestion for a Pre-Purchase Inspection by a qualified Mercedes shop. I have a '98 SL 600 with about 45k miles. In the five years and 17k miles I have had the car the major repairs required were a replacement water pump, radiator and belts for $2800 and a side mirror for $500. (Yes, I now know the mirror can be repaired, but I hadn't found this forum then.) A recent inspection indicated that the front brakes will need to be replaced soon, the soft top hydraulics need rebuilding or replaced, the front bumper cover is broken, and an O2 sensor is suspect. The SL are great cars, but not for someone who is sensitive to repair costs or on a tight budget. Vic

Jimmy Chen Shib

+1 for Vlc7 and +2 for Bob's comments. Both sound advices based on true owners' experiences. SL600 is a wonderful car, but with problems too, similar to all cars. I have owned mine since 1999, one previous owner with 6000km. Previous cars were SL500 and AMGs. I can vouch that the V12 experience is a splendid feeling. The smoothness, immense torque and power, build quality, virtues are many. There are problems too. My list includes harness, shock replacements which is not the same as other SLs and was more expensive, some silly replacement of tiny rubber gasket which required engine out (the parts was like few bucks and the engine out was few Ks !!!

Conclusion is that I enjoy the V12. Hope to take the others' advices and make the right decision for yourself. Good luck and do keep us updated. w/ smiles Jimmy

Jimmy Chen Shib

Forgot to add few pics for you to see also. w/ smiles Jimmy

allimport

There are two areas of concern with these v12 cars and they are, the air suspension and the fuel delivery system, both are v12 only(some 140chassis v12 cars have the same fuel system) but the suspension is v12 129chassis type car only, and are getting kinda hard to find and aren't cheap. fun cars.