Scrotos

Also crossposted to BenzWorld for extra opinions...

Ok, so somehow, I don't even know how, I ran across the crazed rantings of some MB nuts who were obviously brainwashed about blah blah blah V12 blah blah blah great value for the money blah blah blah etc. Here's some of the craziness I read:

http://www.kenrockwell.com/sl/sl600.htm
http://www.mcsmk8.com/99-SL600/SL600.HTM

Unfortunately, I think the brainwashing was contagious as now I find myself checking out car listings from time to time looking for SL600s. I'm unsure yet if it's a midlife crisis going on or if I'm just inexorably drawn to the chance to get a $130k car for so cheap.

I've been doing some reading here and there on the maintenance costs associated with these bad boys and of course the horrific costs of repairs. However, I'm not looking for a daily driver and I'd hope that something I put low miles on wouldn't be breaking all the time. Still looking into things but I was wondering, what are your thoughts on some of these?

http://www.carfax.com/VehicleHistory...|-63|36|82|113
http://www.mandfauto.com/vehicle/307...w-Mexico-87120

http://www.carfax.com/VehicleHistory...22|-12|48|-113
http://www.mercedesoflittleton.com/u...0360d60f4f.htm

http://www.carfax.com/VehicleHistory...F172291&source=
http://www.mazdagreeley.com/used/Mer...6fca6268c5.htm

It looks like they've all had some work and problems. I see one with a bunch of failed emissions... but with cars like this, when you see work after it and it starts passing emissions, everything's good to go?
I assume if I got serious about getting one, I'd want to take it to a MB mechanic to get it checked out. But I mean do any of those carfaxes or pics raise any flags to y'all?

I've also run into V12 S600s, that's basically the sedan version of this car? Or totally different? 'ell, some of those seem to go for pretty cheap too.

Why? Was the market just so finicky that these cars depleted in value THAT MUCH? It's crazy! Normally I'd expect to find them to be nothing but mechanical messes but while repairs seem expensive, it doesn't seem like this car is using crappy parts or designed poorly.

It'll probably be a while until I get one, if I do, as I have to convince the wife that this is a better car to get than a 60's Stingray 'vette. I know someone like me wanders in from time to time and asks the same questions so thanks for humoring me. For anyone with the time, I'd love to hear your thoughts on some of my questions and linked-to SL600s! Thanks!

Richie999

I'm picking up what you are putting down.

Never considered one of these - I can see the project/weekend car potential.

justthebest

My MB Guru has always said that MB V12s are simply not worth it - too much maintenance / too many issues.

Jimmy Chen Shib

I have had my 97 SL600 since 99, for 12 years now. I have had SL500, AMGs and prior models. At first, my opinion of V12 was similar to others, based on no experience and hearsay. My broker friend talked me in to V12 then. My conclusion is that I can only admire the quality. Needless to say, the car needs maintenance and upkeeps, but all is relative. My experience has not been unreasonable at all, on the contrary.

It would be best to test drive one, if you have the chance, to see the difference for yourself. If you do not find much differences with V8s, then whatever I say is futile. w/ smiles Jimmy

cdk4219

The SL 600 can be one of the more frustrating and costly cars to work on. Used parts are in the same condition as the broken part that you need, and new parts will make you feel violated. As I was told, there is nothing as expensive as a cheap Mercedes.

TheV12pwr

Yes, Champagne taste with beer budget.

MB-Dude

Scrotos - V12's are a different breed of animal. They can be expensive and as a rule, the cheaper the car is to buy, the more money you'll need to sink into it to get it where you want it. V12's are somewhat uncommon and there are good and bad examples out there. Long time owners, such as myself, enjoy them a lot. There is a bit of mystique about 'em that just makes 'em cool. A well maintained and clean V12 - SL, in particular - will turn heads. But as someone else wrote, if you have a beer budget, don't even bother looking. If you're looking for a daily driver and you don't want maintenance bills, shy away from a V12. But if you want a car that has the potential to impress, then consider the V12. Choose the body style you want - convertible or sedan (that's personal choice). Then decide whether you want to move into the world of a V12. IMHO Personally, I'll never willingly get rid of my SL600, even with the maintenance costs. But that’s a decision I know and understand. Good luck, however you go.
Cheers,
Jeff

Jimmy Chen Shib

+1. Prudent, sage advice Jeff. w/ smiles Jimmy

Intheknow

I've had a clk55 and now the '97 sl600. I looked for almost 3 years to get the one I wanted. I wanted the '97 because of the research I did on reliability, etc. . . It is my daily driver now. I drive 5 miles to work in always great weather down here in southern Arizona. If you maintain a car and not abuse it, it will last as long as you want it to. I figure the sl600 is as close to a "super car" that I can afford/justify. If you want an sl600 with the coolness of a v12, then why not? If you can't afford a few thousand dollars a year on maintenance, then why even look at a Mercedes?

Always live below your means. It makes life so much easier when you run out of month before you run out of money.

mschirmer

In reality, my '02 SL600 Silver Arrow has cost a lot less to maintain than my '09 GL320 BlueTec - in spite of the warranty still being in place on the '09 and long since gone away on the SL600.

The only "unusual" problem with my SL600 was a clunking in the front end at low speeds whenever braking or accelerating. After being stumped as to the cause (looked at most everything), I knuckled under and took it to a dealer and prepared for the wallet vac to be turned up to 11. It got worse when after a couple hours of diagnosis, they still couldn't find the source and said they'd have to just start disassembling the front suspension until they found the problem (at $110/hour). Luckily, it was found quickly - the bolt-on front braces to stiffen the front end were loose - cleaned the connections and re-retorqued and all is well!

I think you just need to be careful w/ MB service - they tend to jack up prices on R129 V-12's - perhaps just because they can. A good dealer will charge you for actual time and ditch the book rates on these cars - that's a big plus if they have a good experienced V-12 technician.

One interesting story - at 50K miles, the dealer said the spark plus should be replaced on my SL600 (in spite of the window sticker claiming they were 100K mile plugs!). Quoted cost: $850! High cost because of the alleged additional labor on V-12 to R&R interfering parts. I did the work myself - $120 for the plugs and it was the easiest plug change I've ever done - maybe 5 minute per plugs - tops!

PHH

I'm a new member. I own a 1996 SL600. It is black, hardtop & soft; 60K miles, great condition, but I am selling it (cost to high to maintain). Would someone let me know the price range for it please.

MB-Dude

In a nutshell PHH, too many variables and not enough information. For example, where you live has a huge impact on any car's value. Live out west? Price may be higher. Live in pick-up truck territory or land of snow? Price will be lower. "Great condition" is your opinion, but condition - like beauty - is in the eyes of the beholder. Are your ECU's in a 'Ready State'? Better be if you live in Cali, otherwise the price will take a huge hit (won't pass smog). Got maintenance records? Condition of the soft-top? Wheels, tires, everthing work? The list goes on.

Best thing you can do is research similar cars in your geographical area and price it accordingly. You could visit a local CarMax and get an estimate, if they'll approach something that old. At least it would give you a bottom price. If you need to sell quick; price will be lower. Etc. Getting a bunch of R129 owners around the globe to price the car for you is not the prudent way to go. IMHO

Cheers,
Jeff

PHH

Thanks for the information. BTW, I'm in N. California, car has new monitors so smog is not a problem, I have all records and my MB mechanic will explain all to anyone interested. New tires, etc.
I appreciate your input.

Scott Bruce

It'll probably be a while until I get one, if I do, as I have to convince the wife that this is a better car to get than a 60's Stingray 'vette. I know someone like me wanders in from time to time and asks the same questions so thanks for humoring me. For anyone with the time, I'd love to hear your thoughts on some of my questions and linked-to SL600s! Thanks![/QUOTE]


Why not get them both like I did !

I built a 65 vette convertable and just bought a 2000 SL600.
And I didnt ask the wife for either of them.

SRHsl600

NOTHING! that money can't fix. whether you are looking for unique, thrilling, a "burden" to carry, or crossing off a "bucket list" any car can fill that personal issue.
IMHO the 600 may be collectible for my grandchildren. The 500, 320, 300 because of production numbers and "experimental" additions on the 600, less so.
The driving thrill captured me years ago, but that has diminished because of my age not the cars! I have exceeded the speed limit in many vehicles over lots of years!
If you are going to keep the 600 in "show" condition, it cost little more that any of the other SL group. That includes my experience with 190, 230, 280, 450, 500, 560's.
IMHO no benz is a "shoe string" collectible.
As for other cars, they are are "kool"