Vitalii

Hello.

Have a few questions for you pros

I'm thinking about picking up this 03 SL500 with 18k miles, however, i have a few concerns. The warranty on it runs out in a year, am i about to venture into a whole bag of problems It also has the old CDROM nav, how much crappier is that then the current DVD navs for simple destination entrys? It's a CPO from a dealer btw.

Anything else i should know about 03 SL500s would be appreciated, thanks

johnny5

Its a give and take situation. I have friends and as for myself have had no issues but also heard of people on here with minor issues nothing major. Just make sure you keep the car up to date with tune ups and you should be fine. Its up to you if you want to get extended warranty. Its not a bad idea if you ask me but you can live without it. Just my two cents.

As for the navi its good but probably not as good as the newer ones but its nothing to stress over.

Hope your getting the car for a killer deal! Best wishes to you.

3benzguy

CD Nav can be updated with new discs every 18 months or so. Dealers now have '05 version in stock for about $275.

johnny5

Yeah Im in need of updating mine as well. Sucks that it cost so damn much for a stupid updated CD. It should be free considering the amount we pay for our cars!! One can only wish.

Vitalii

Thanks for the feedback

The deal i'm working on is for 55k.

3benzguy

$55K is a sweet deal! As long as it's a CPO I'd go for it

giffSCPA

My recommendation would be to get an extended warranty -- I have a Launch Edition 2003 SL 500, now with 60K miles on it-- ' Have had lots of warranty repairs thru the present.

RE: NavTeq--It is not like the new DVD model, but it works fine if you get updated CDs.

Giff Albright State College, PA

johnny5

Thats a pretty good deal with that miles on it. Where you from? You wont go wrong with a SL!!

johnny5

What kind of issues have you encountered? Im just curious.
But like stated before its a give and take with warranty but if they are willing to work with you on the extended warranty I would jump on it....its always better to be safe than sorry.

Keng1

I have an 03 as well and have had the alarm and the hydraulics for the top replaced. Both under warranty which will be expiring next year.

Alarm was going off for no reason and the top was really slow/freeze going back up after being down overnight.

johnny5

Damn that sucks. Well at least you had the warranty to back it up.

giffSCPA

for Johhy 5 - you asked about issues mentioned earlier on my original 2003 Launch Edition SL 500-now with 60 k Miles. Lotsa problems with SRS wiring - at seatbelt "switch", clockspring replaced ,(wiring at steering wheel); alternator replaced, rear battery replaced; right struts-front and rear replaced; glove compart "frozen" shut; wooden "covered" cracked steering wheel replaced; inner hood liner replaced------BUT NEVER any top problems nor drivetrain problems! brake pads and discs.
GIFF ALBRIGHT State College, PA

LovinMercedes

Some of the launch edition cars suffered from the main wiring harnerss being too short and resulting in problems with the SRS pins coming loose.

I would suspect that these cars have been fixed to date but you never know. The only proper fix was a complete replacement of the main wiring harness which I have seen in person. Not a pretty site.

Joe_SSI

I have a 03 SL and these are problems I have encountered so far:

1. broken convertible latch
2. keyless go failure
3. driver seat failure (would not change position)
4. tire pressure monitor failure (not fixable)
5. bad battery (not under warranty)
6. remote convertible failure

I've owned the car for about 4 months. Before the SL, I had the new E class and it had a lot of issues too. This will be my last mercedes.

vraa

Don't let it be your last Mercedes. That'll be a mistake. You bought a first year car, it's going to have problems.

Which E-Class did you have?

Vitalii

Hey johnny5, i'm in socal.

The dealer has been changing terms on me and i've caught him in a few lies so i'm not sure i'll be going through with this now I really do love the car but the depreciation on SLs are crazy. I might just pick up someone elses lease on one of these, same loss as buying without all the hassle

LovinMercedes

My oh my...how shocking.

Joe_SSI

I purchased a new 2004 E320 back in 04. I had it for two years, and sold it for the sl. I remember the first month, I had to bring it in because of an oil leak. My E has numerous issues. Problems with the engine sputtering at low speeds, the driver seat would make this old crackling sound whenever there is any movement(never got that fixed), power seat failure, lighting failure. I was just sick of that car. The engine issue never got fixed. It was a known issue with the "new" E. They had a recall for it but my problem never went away. And the seat thing really annoyed me. They will put some glue or something to make the sound go away but the problem would come back again a few days later. Before my first mercedes, all my prior cars were hondas/toyotas. I guess I was just used to my car running for years without any major problems. Okay. Vent..off.

benzboy

Launch years can be a problem but I drove an '03 E500 for three years trouble free. My SL has needed minor things (sensors, bulbs, etc.) no big deal.

johnny5

Yeah you have to becareful with dealers in Cali. They do 360's all day long. It took me a while to find someone reputable but ended up staying away from dealers. If your in the market and really want one let me know Ill have the auto broker I went through for mine. He got me everything I wanted options wise, color, etc... PM me the list and Ill make a few phone calls.

johnny5

Damn I really didnt know these cars had that many issues with them. I guess I actually really lucked out on mine so far "Knock on Wood". I have just a few issues but nothing major.

mercedave

I went through a similar shopping process. I landed on an 04 with 14K miles, sport package, comfort pkg, for $64K. (Los Angeles) It has about 18 months left on the warranty and I added another 2yrs for $3500.
Benefits of the 04 over the 03 are:

No first year model problems.

Additional 1 year left on the warranty

7 speed instead of 5. This makes a big difference to me.

Maintaninence included in MB warranty. Dont know about 03 but 05 doesn't have it.

so far I'm very happy, love the car and have had no problems.
good luck