BiTurboBenz

I am about to enter the market searching for a low mileage 2004/2005 SL600 and have questions about repair costs after the warranty expires. I have never owned a V12 before and will only drive about 7,500 miles per year. Thanks to anyone who responds

Any V12 specific problems to watch out for?

I heard turbos can go pretty fast on a car (compared to a blower), at what mileage should I expect the turbos to go? How much to repair one/both turbos?

Is the car driveable with out the turbos operating?

What about costs of routine maintainence at say 60,000 miles?

Is the car really, I mean really worth $140K??? Is the V12 really worth it (depreciation/experience) or should I go with a V8 car?

StephenK

Get a V8!!!!

tandan

i think i see your point steve. hey 55! here's a shout out to you. it seems you have drunk the kool-aid. yes the v-12 is awesome. this is my first and i love everything about it. it just seems your paranoia re: what could, should,may, can go wrong with it, has already expunged any joy you would experience at purchase.
there has been a lot of discussion about quality problems with the mb's. however, very few actually involve the engines. my impression is if you maintain these cars, you can expect a relatively trouble free car. knock on wood i only have 4600 mi. on mine and so far not one compaint. i do expect maintanence to be somewhat higher on the v-12. in exchange for these dollars, i am experiencing a driving experience that is unique in my driving history.

acicchelli

I would go with a used SL600 which has already taken the big depreciation hit. Most owners of these cars take very good care of them, so finding a good used one should not be very hard. I own a V8 turbo, a V10 and a V12 turbo. I can say they all have their unique personalities, high points, and low points. After driving an SL55, an E55, an S600, and an SL600, I really dont see why the turbo V12 is not more popular than the supercharged V8. Of course the Renntech ECU/transmission upgrade is very much necessary with the 600 engine cars. There is just no other car out there that gives you what the SL gives you. Style, comfort, options, power, retractable hardtop. I would recommend buying the car and keeping it only for as long as the warranty last, or getting an extended warranty. Good luck with your decision.

tiggerfink

Its amazing at the 100K level that we still think about cost of maintenance and depreciation value like it was a $20K car.

StephenK

Well said, good advice.