SL/R129: Opinions on Extended Warranties?
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Newbie
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 20
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Opinions on Extended Warranties?
How many of you guys have extended warranties? My indy is trying to sell me one with a lot of horror stories about big repair expenses, but it seems like if you maintain these cars well and they hold up pretty well. I am generally against the idea of insurance ( I'm betting something bad is going to happen, the insurance company is betting it won't). The car is a '95 SL500 with 28K miles; just replaced the power steering pump ($700) and had the 30K mile service ($500), plus new rotors and dist caps ($300).
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,181
Likes: 75
From: Abbotsford, BC, Canada
1999 SL 500 & 2011 E 550 4Matic
I'm not an expert in these matters, but your 95 model would seem like brand new. Just about broken in at 25,000 miles.
MB was willing to fully warrantee that car for 90,000 and three years originally. The car is mid model series ... so MB kinks were likely worked out by then.
You could probably rest assured by putting the insurance cost money in the bank as your repair reserve. But who knows.
All that being said, when we bought used in Dec 2002, our 99 model was still eligible for MB backed warrantee. We bought simply for the peace of mind.
The insurance is not really that expensive. Does that mean there is little risk? It probably depends on the after market terms also.
Some one posted one time that it is the electronic control components that can be really expensive to replace on these cars. You might want to check the after market coverage on such exensive repair items.
MB was willing to fully warrantee that car for 90,000 and three years originally. The car is mid model series ... so MB kinks were likely worked out by then.
You could probably rest assured by putting the insurance cost money in the bank as your repair reserve. But who knows.
All that being said, when we bought used in Dec 2002, our 99 model was still eligible for MB backed warrantee. We bought simply for the peace of mind.
The insurance is not really that expensive. Does that mean there is little risk? It probably depends on the after market terms also.
Some one posted one time that it is the electronic control components that can be really expensive to replace on these cars. You might want to check the after market coverage on such exensive repair items.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 42
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From: Newport Beach, CA
1992 Mercedes 300E
I just added up all of the expenses that I've incurred with mine in the first 10 months of ownership, and I just crossed the $10K line if you include the recent transmission problems that it is still in the shop for that I estimate will cost me $5k-$6K. I bought a warranty on my 300E when I bought it used 7 years ago and it paid for itself 4X over. Wish I had one on my SL.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,311
Likes: 11
From: Manchester, CT
I have the Heritage warranty...they accepted me at 120,000 miles (fools)....and they have since footed the bill for well over $5000 in just my first 12 months with them for my 500E. I recommend this group. They don't cover everything (none do) but most all high dollar stuff was no problem.
On a related note. I'm looking at a 1995 SL320...asking 15gs for a 110K mile car...is this reasonable? A nice dark blue with tan interior....all stock from what I see.
On a related note. I'm looking at a 1995 SL320...asking 15gs for a 110K mile car...is this reasonable? A nice dark blue with tan interior....all stock from what I see.
