View Poll Results: Average yearly maintenance/repair costs for '96-'02 models?
Less than $1,000
2
50.00%
$1,000 to $1,500
2
50.00%
$1,500 to $2,500
0
0%
$2,500+
0
0%
Voters: 4. You may not vote on this poll
SL/R129: Average Expected Repair/Maintenance Costs for SL500?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 2
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Average Expected Repair/Maintenance Costs for SL500?
Hi all,
I'm considering purchasing a '96-'02 SL500 and I'm curious what the average yearly upkeep / repair / maintenance cost is for these model years. Just a ballpark is OK, and of course I have done my research and am looking to buy only a well-maintained car, preferably single owner or two owners max, with extremely low miles (budget is around $15k tops but would prefer to find something with 40-60k miles in the $10-$13k range).
If it matters, I live in CA in the SF Bay Area, so I do expect to end up paying more than much of the country. I'm not at all mechanically inclined, although I've heard from some that these cars are easy to work on even for complete beginners? I intend to take the car to an indy mechanic and probably not a dealer - I'm certain in this area there's plenty of specialists.
I'm considering purchasing a '96-'02 SL500 and I'm curious what the average yearly upkeep / repair / maintenance cost is for these model years. Just a ballpark is OK, and of course I have done my research and am looking to buy only a well-maintained car, preferably single owner or two owners max, with extremely low miles (budget is around $15k tops but would prefer to find something with 40-60k miles in the $10-$13k range).
If it matters, I live in CA in the SF Bay Area, so I do expect to end up paying more than much of the country. I'm not at all mechanically inclined, although I've heard from some that these cars are easy to work on even for complete beginners? I intend to take the car to an indy mechanic and probably not a dealer - I'm certain in this area there's plenty of specialists.
Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 164
Likes: 1
From: Orange County, California
1992 500SL White V12 Conversion, 2014 Honda Rebel
Ideally On a well maintained car your only following factory service intervals. Oil change ect. Nothing major the dealer charges150-160$ I believe for this...
If age related problems arise like seals for the roof add in that cost...
But really not much is required to keep mine running at least. I do more than is required for maintenance but even if I didn't it would be fine... Just don't let the service slide and be late. You should be fine.
GET A PRE PURCHASE INSPECTION
If age related problems arise like seals for the roof add in that cost...
But really not much is required to keep mine running at least. I do more than is required for maintenance but even if I didn't it would be fine... Just don't let the service slide and be late. You should be fine.
GET A PRE PURCHASE INSPECTION
Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 226
Likes: 3
From: Cape Cod
CLK63, E550, SL500 Silver Arrow,Corvette LT1,ZR1
I took my SL out for a long road trip and had it checked out before leaving, here are my latest repairs which have been few and far between;
A Service $109.95
Transmission ETC $164.99
Drive Belt (mine was fraying a bit) $144.00
Power Steering Shock 123.55
Not bad considering the car is 14 years old.
A Service $109.95
Transmission ETC $164.99
Drive Belt (mine was fraying a bit) $144.00
Power Steering Shock 123.55
Not bad considering the car is 14 years old.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 2
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Thanks for the tips. I will definitely be getting a PPI first on anything I buy, and I had figured it was around $1,000-$1,500/year at most, so that's pretty good to hear. That's really not all that much, considering. I'm definitely looking to pick one up in excellent condition.
Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 164
Likes: 1
From: Orange County, California
1992 500SL White V12 Conversion, 2014 Honda Rebel
If this makes you feel confident there was a guy who said he had over 200k miles on his over on benzworld and that was a few years ago...
Both the v8 and v12 were used for racing the m119 in the sauber c11 and the v12 in the clk dtm as well as the pagani zonda cars each engine was able to make around 1000hp so the engines are completely underdressed. I race mine and have done 15k miles in 3 years of pretty abussive driving with no issues caused by the hard use. Like I said I do more service than required but just basic i fluid changes is all it seems to need. Brake pads tires normal wear items. I haven't had a single major issue that was the cars fault. Bad repairs when I got the car on the other hand were a problem. I would recommend getting one its a blast of a car.
Both the v8 and v12 were used for racing the m119 in the sauber c11 and the v12 in the clk dtm as well as the pagani zonda cars each engine was able to make around 1000hp so the engines are completely underdressed. I race mine and have done 15k miles in 3 years of pretty abussive driving with no issues caused by the hard use. Like I said I do more service than required but just basic i fluid changes is all it seems to need. Brake pads tires normal wear items. I haven't had a single major issue that was the cars fault. Bad repairs when I got the car on the other hand were a problem. I would recommend getting one its a blast of a car.
