ChrisB

I've owned for 1 year, put 8,700 miles on. No maintenance problems.

My 1999 currently has 32,000 miles on it.

How about your R129?

Any R129s with over say 100,000 miles yet?

Delfiki

my '95 has only 26K miles. Keep having to fix a leak in the power steering system - usually the hose between the reservoir and the pump. My mechanic (indy) tells me I don't drive the car enough - that's why it develops leaks. Mileage? - no idea.

Replace the original tires (Pirelli 600's) at around 20K - bald as me. Put on some lower speed rated tires - gave up some performance, gained some some comfort (and probably tire life).

blueSL

My SL600 has 75k, only one unexpected part has ever needed replacing, the control unit for the Adaptive Damping. Of course it needs regular maintenance, brake discs/rotors, pads, suspension bushings but otherwise it's fine.

I spent about $1000 in the summer replacing some of the trim parts inside, including the speaker grilles, new shift lever knob, upgraded stereo and a voice activated hands free phone.

Driving home from London yesterday, 80+ miles, it struck me just how good the car is. it just goes on and on and not a trace of the rattles which afflict my SL55. It's my daily driver and it's fine. No reason to change for anything.

Someway down the road, I can see the transmission giving trouble and the exhaust looks like it rusted through when the car's on a ramp but so far it isn't holed but it's big money to replace.

99SL

55,000 miles here on my 99 SL500. No problems whatsoever to report; just normal maintenance. Unless you count the several grey pieces that have faded over time (which I'll replace sometime). Overall great car, I don't think I want to drive anything different at this point. Just as smooth and noise-free as the day i bought it!

Black129

I have a 97 with 72K and I need to replace the ball joints and the steering damper. Other than that just required items.

morebhp

I've just bought a 95 SL500 and have noticed the power steering is very noisy when cold.

A previous service note has pointed out a Power Steering leak.

Is the noise a symptom of low fluid? Is the cylinder handy to top up?

Any help appreciated.

BlueSL - I also need to replace speaker grills! There are in a handy place for putting your knees into when getting out in a tight space!

blueSL

Do you mean you've cracked the plastic? The two grilles on each door are available as spare parts, about £100 for a complete set for both doors (mine's a 96, so your may be different).

To fit, you need to take off the door panels which is easy, but you'll need to buy some of the clips that hold them on as they always break. There's something like 6 or 7 on each door and they cost pennies. Main screw holding the door panel on is under a cover on the front wall of the storage bin. You also need to remove one behind the SRS badge (pulls out), one on the side wall of the storage bin, and the chrome plate on the door and the U shaped plastic ftting around the door lock.

Once off, you can remove and replace the grilles, then put it all back! It's a good afternoon's work but better than have someone else do it at £80/hr.

morebhp

Cheers - your experiences have probably saved me a few hours of blue fingers and language to match!

On the subject of Merc charges - I had a great bill from my local Merc dealer yesterday - on close inspection today it appears they managed to fit 5 new discs to my S class

Delfiki

Power Steering problem on my '95 - Didn't get any symptoms other than PS fluid on the garage floor. It's easy enough to top off at the reservoir on the drivers side of the engine compartment. First time it started to leak I had a hose replaced (think it was a hose from the reservoir to the pump.) That fixed the leak for about a year. Then had to have the pump replaced - confirmed by both the dealer and my local Indi. Dealer wanted about $850 to install a rebuild kit. I eventually had the Indi install a rebuilt pump for about $750. I'm told that if you don't mind the mess of the leakage you can pour PS fluid through these things indefinitely. Your problem sounds like more than a leak, however. Good luck.

blueSL

They obviously think the spare wheel needs one as well. These boys are well trained...

morebhp

Cheers - I will check fluid level and then if no better have my local Indi have a quick look at it.