SL/R230: Would you buy another one?
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,875
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From: Tallahassee, Florida
2006 SL600, 2001 S500, 1996 SL320
Would you buy another one?
For our current SL owners, after having your car and knowing what you know about it now, would you still buy it today?
Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 109
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From: Beverly Hills, CA
2003 E500, 2005 SL600
While my experience is limited ( i have only driven my SL600 for about 400 miles - it was already broken in as i got it with 1200 miles), it is the most fun and finest car I have driven. The looks, acceleration, handling, and luxury make it the best car that i have had. Keep in mind that i have not had the opportunity to drive some of the other exotics (read Lovin...) that others have driven including the Aston Martins, Porches, Ferraris, etc) and i have not had any major problems yet. So my basis for comparison is limited. Having said all that, i would still buy the car again, and my wife is afraid i am now spoiled and nothing less will satisfy me..for instance, i had to use her E500 (no slouch by most people's standards) and i found it painfully slow and dull. Just my thoughts....
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 367
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From: Scotland
2004 SL500, 2007 R350 Sport
Only had it 10 months or so and less than 5000 miles but love it. I've had no problems at all (ignoring the recall!). Still one of the nicest looking cars on the road. Like vkapoormd I haven't driven any others in this class but would consider the DB9.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 24
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From: Belmont, CA
2000/2004 SLK's, 2004 SL 500, 2009 SL 63 & Porsche 944 Turbo
Would buy again
Certainly, have had no problems with the 2004 and will be taking advantage of their free 1st yr alignment, just to make sure all is O.K. No, have not had any tracking problems what-so-ever.
Woul like to have had more HP without having to go to the 55 or 600.
Perhaps their quality control improved with the car.
Brent
Belmont, CA
Woul like to have had more HP without having to go to the 55 or 600.
Perhaps their quality control improved with the car.
Brent
Belmont, CA
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Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Northern California
Mercedes C400, BMW X3
Yes, absolutely
Name another car with a retractable hardtop and V12 and I will consider it. The SL600 is in a class by itself. It may not be perfect, but I have yet to find a car that is.
Name another station wagon with a supercharged V8 and I will consider that as well.
Name another luxury sedan sold in the US with a powerful and efficient diesel engine and I will consider that.
Notice how Mercedes seems to offer things no other car company does?
Sure, I have to take my two E Class cars to the dealer because the purge valves for the drive dynamic seats make funny sounds periodically, but then again, name another car with drive dynamic seats?
Name another station wagon with a supercharged V8 and I will consider that as well.
Name another luxury sedan sold in the US with a powerful and efficient diesel engine and I will consider that.
Notice how Mercedes seems to offer things no other car company does?
Sure, I have to take my two E Class cars to the dealer because the purge valves for the drive dynamic seats make funny sounds periodically, but then again, name another car with drive dynamic seats?
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Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 433
Likes: 9
From: Phoenix, AZ
2007 CL600
We love our SL; however, the overall experience has left me cold. Our two cars are our 1st MBs and although the driving expereince is wonderful. , I'm tired of being treated like cattle (moo) during my frequent visits to the dealer. I've spent more time in a C230 than I care to spend while paying in excess of $2000/month to drive the SL.
I suspect that I may get a Vette or a BMW. I've been keeping my eyes peeled for a Z8.
I suspect that I may get a Vette or a BMW. I've been keeping my eyes peeled for a Z8.
Newbie
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 24
Likes: 1
From: Atlanta, GA
SL55, 360 Spider, NissanTitan
Just got my '03 Sl500 back from the dealer (rear shock seal failed - first major problem in 18k miles). I would buy another one in a heartbeat. Traded my '02 Porsche Carrera Cab for this car - one of my better decisions.
Owning an early VIN VW Touareg, I have learned what lousy build quality and lousy dealer/corporate service is all about (they fixed 16 recalls in one visit!!!). Dealing with Mercedes is like a breath of fresh air compared to Porsche & VW.
Owning an early VIN VW Touareg, I have learned what lousy build quality and lousy dealer/corporate service is all about (they fixed 16 recalls in one visit!!!). Dealing with Mercedes is like a breath of fresh air compared to Porsche & VW.
Almost a Member!
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 33
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From: Brea, Ca
Originally Posted by WIldcat465
We love our SL; however, the overall experience has left me cold. Our two cars are our 1st MBs and although the driving expereince is wonderful. , I'm tired of being treated like cattle (moo) during my frequent visits to the dealer. I've spent more time in a C230 than I care to spend while paying in excess of $2000/month to drive the SL.
I suspect that I may get a Vette or a BMW. I've been keeping my eyes peeled for a Z8.
I suspect that I may get a Vette or a BMW. I've been keeping my eyes peeled for a Z8.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 257
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From: Colts Neck, NJ
08 CL600 Black
This is my 2nd SL in less than a year. I first had the '04 SL500 then traded up to an '05 SL55. While there are no major problems with either cars, the tech bugs are a bit annoying (e.g. nav crashing, windows not closing properly, supercharger chirps, etc.). This will most likely be my last SL or MB for that matter unless I see a big improvement in quality when it's time to replace my current car in a few years.
But they are still hot cars.....
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,447
Likes: 14
From: UK
SL55 AMG
I think the SL is a great car and would buy it again, though I'm not into buying another of the same car just to have this years model, much prefer to get into another manufacturer, hence the Aston Martin looming on the horizon. My name's on the list for the R231, due 2009/2010.
Almost a Member!
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 29
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From: Maryland
2003 SL500
Maybe I really do have a lemon....
Originally Posted by 03SilverSL
I'm done with Mercedes until the quality matches the price.
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2026 Mercedes CLE53A4 AMG Cabriolet and 2025 MAYBACH EQS680V4
Originally Posted by cwoods817
I would not buy this car again! It is a beautiful car, the retractible hardtop is great, it is an absolute pleasure to drive, but when the loaner car agency guys know you by name, there is definitely a problem! In just 28,000 miles I have had front brake rotors replaced, transmission seals replaced, air conditioner repaired, windshield/top gasket replaced, catalytic converter (in shop now), trunk leaking (fourth time for this repair), brake recall (trivial), a console that is so cold while driving in the winter you can't rest your leg against it, and tires that sounded like the rear axle bearings sre shot after only 10,000 miles. Maybe I was expecting too much. Unfortunately, it's my company car and I lease it so there is no way out without paying a penalty of about $15K! I see a BMW 645 convertible in the future....
Last edited by LovinMercedes; Apr 13, 2005 at 08:30 AM.
Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 245
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From: Pittsburgh,pa
2010 Range Rover S/C 2010 Land Rover LR4 HSE Lux Plus 2007 BMW R1200GS
Originally Posted by cwoods817
I would not buy this car again! It is a beautiful car, the retractible hardtop is great, it is an absolute pleasure to drive, but when the loaner car agency guys know you by name, there is definitely a problem! In just 28,000 miles I have had front brake rotors replaced, transmission seals replaced, air conditioner repaired, windshield/top gasket replaced, catalytic converter (in shop now), trunk leaking (fourth time for this repair), brake recall (trivial), a console that is so cold while driving in the winter you can't rest your leg against it, and tires that sounded like the rear axle bearings sre shot after only 10,000 miles. Maybe I was expecting too much. Unfortunately, it's my company car and I lease it so there is no way out without paying a penalty of about $15K! I see a BMW 645 convertible in the future....
You should go to roadfly.org before you make that decision!
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 367
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From: Scotland
2004 SL500, 2007 R350 Sport
Originally Posted by LovinSL600
I was looking yesterday at the BMW 645. Absolutely gorgeous car. Cheaper and hopefully more reliable. A great way to go.
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2026 Mercedes CLE53A4 AMG Cabriolet and 2025 MAYBACH EQS680V4
Originally Posted by Scotsman
Don't know Lovin. One pulled into the pub the other week and totally agree it's a gorgeous car but when I bought the SL the dealer told me 2 guys changed their 645 for an SL within a few weeks of getting theirs. They just didn't like it. I'd ask for a loooong test drive!
Never know. I just think they look great and supposidly BMW has done a good job in reliability.
Don't know for sure. Wifey just got a BMW M3 so we will see.
Wonder how long you could make those test drives?
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 345
Likes: 1
2005 SL500
Wow, looking at all the comments is a sober wake-up for those considering the SL.
I haven't heard as many issues with the new SLK, another Benz Hardtop. However, it seems like the SLK has a lot fewer electronic gizmos, perhaps that's the reason? Or just a newer design?
I haven't heard as many issues with the new SLK, another Benz Hardtop. However, it seems like the SLK has a lot fewer electronic gizmos, perhaps that's the reason? Or just a newer design?
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 367
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From: Scotland
2004 SL500, 2007 R350 Sport
Vantage78, I must admit I was a bit worried after reading the problems in this forum(and others) but since getting the car last July I've no problems at all. Of course, now that I've said that...........!
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 918
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none
Lovin... come on! Vanquish to 645??~!!!
I drove a 645 convertible for a weekend... Nice car... However...
Idrive... RETARDED.. Almost wrecked trying to set the A/C
Dash.. UGLY..
Cup holder??! Reminds of those holders my parents used in the 80's that clipped on the door. I couldnt believe BMW could be so cheezy.
Interior materials have a cheap feel to them, having see how BMW's "wear" I can say it will look bad in a year.
BMW's seem to depriciate very fast..
Reliabilty, not out long enough to be draw a conclusion.... if the prior M3 motor fiasco and 745 problems are enough to steer me away... MB has issues but motor FAILURE is not one of them.
Upsides...
Car looks SOOOO hot with a nice set of 22's...
Looks cool, some will say its ugly... but personally I think its the best looking car BMW has to offer.
Free maintenance... I wish MB still had this...
You can pick up a used one cheap..
Conclusion... KEEP YOUR SL!!!
I drove a 645 convertible for a weekend... Nice car... However...
Idrive... RETARDED.. Almost wrecked trying to set the A/C
Dash.. UGLY..
Cup holder??! Reminds of those holders my parents used in the 80's that clipped on the door. I couldnt believe BMW could be so cheezy.
Interior materials have a cheap feel to them, having see how BMW's "wear" I can say it will look bad in a year.
BMW's seem to depriciate very fast..
Reliabilty, not out long enough to be draw a conclusion.... if the prior M3 motor fiasco and 745 problems are enough to steer me away... MB has issues but motor FAILURE is not one of them.
Upsides...
Car looks SOOOO hot with a nice set of 22's...
Looks cool, some will say its ugly... but personally I think its the best looking car BMW has to offer.
Free maintenance... I wish MB still had this...
You can pick up a used one cheap..
Conclusion... KEEP YOUR SL!!!
Last edited by lorinserbenz; Apr 13, 2005 at 01:12 PM.
