SL/R230: I need help on deciding on an 03 vs. 04 SL500
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 77
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From: Louisville, KY
CLS500, Ferrari 512TR, Lamborghini Diablo
I need help on deciding on an 03 vs. 04 SL500
My wife and I are looking for an SL500 to buy. We are looking for low miles. I think I found an 03 with 26K miles on it and it looks like it is in new condition with a warranty until 2009. (Easycare..is the warranty. Is this Diamler Chryslers's warranty or is this a 2nd party warranty?)
The color of the car is red and they are asking $53-54K for the car. One thing I noticed is that it doesn't have the wood trim around the steering wheel. Was this an option? I liked the wood trim and thought it added a nice touch.
I got to test drive an 04 and liked the transmission in the way it allowed you to shift. From what I understand, the 03's don't have this feature?
I am trying not to let the excitment drive me to buy the wrong car, but it's hard not to..LOL!
So what I am asking is this:
What are the major differences in the 2003 and 2004 models?
I seem to hear there are more issues with the 2003 models than the 2004s? I don't know how rock solid these cars are, but there is a huge variance of opinions I read on the net. Any help in making the right decision is appreciated. The price range we are trying to stay in is between $50-$54K.
Thanks in advance.
The color of the car is red and they are asking $53-54K for the car. One thing I noticed is that it doesn't have the wood trim around the steering wheel. Was this an option? I liked the wood trim and thought it added a nice touch.
I got to test drive an 04 and liked the transmission in the way it allowed you to shift. From what I understand, the 03's don't have this feature?
I am trying not to let the excitment drive me to buy the wrong car, but it's hard not to..LOL!
So what I am asking is this:
What are the major differences in the 2003 and 2004 models?
I seem to hear there are more issues with the 2003 models than the 2004s? I don't know how rock solid these cars are, but there is a huge variance of opinions I read on the net. Any help in making the right decision is appreciated. The price range we are trying to stay in is between $50-$54K.
Thanks in advance.
Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 86
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From: Long Island. NY.
2005 SL500 BLK/Charcoal Sport, Porsche 2013 Turbo Cayenne
The wood trim on the steering wheel is an option included in the "trim package".
I can't help with much of the other questions except to say that I alway heard that the 03s had the most trouble. I heard that 04s had trouble too and that is why I went for an '05. The navigation system is much improved from 05 and up.
I can't help with much of the other questions except to say that I alway heard that the 03s had the most trouble. I heard that 04s had trouble too and that is why I went for an '05. The navigation system is much improved from 05 and up.
Banned
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,982
Likes: 393
From: Atlanta, unfortunately
'09 S600, (2) R129 300SLs, '03 SL500, '03 SL55
I got to test drive an 04 and liked the transmission in the way it allowed you to shift. From what I understand, the 03's don't have this feature?...What are the major differences in the 2003 and 2004 models? I seem to hear there are more issues with the 2003 models than the 2004s?.
I don't think there is much difference in reliability between the two years. If this is a concern, consider that an '03 is about 10% less money and that half of this amount would purchase a nice extended warranty.
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 42
Likes: 4
From: Upstate NY
1963 190SL, 1978 450SL, 2002 MINI,2004 SL500, 2004 VOLKWAGEN PHAETON,2015 S550 4MATIC
I have a 2004 and have driven both 03 and 04. The 2oo4 has most of the bugs out of it. The 2004 7 speed is far superior (smoother,faster and more gas efficient) and is now the standard on all but the high performance models because of torque restrictions. The late 2004 is the first with "nano" scratch resistant paint (check the paint code). Both will be losing Telaid sevice this January 2008 unless you upgrade to digital for $1200 to $1500. No brainer, the 2004 is superior and a better choice![/SIZE]
Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 86
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From: Long Island. NY.
2005 SL500 BLK/Charcoal Sport, Porsche 2013 Turbo Cayenne
I have an 05 and it scratches too easily from what I can see. I wonder about the nano paint? And those damn paint chips on the hood from stones! Only 8000 miles and there are plenty. 
Banned
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,982
Likes: 393
From: Atlanta, unfortunately
'09 S600, (2) R129 300SLs, '03 SL500, '03 SL55
I believe the "nano" paint code can be readily identified by having a C-prefix.
The 7-speed tranny was new in MY'04, so you know there were problems with that. The 5-speed was introduced in MY'96, and they didn't get that right until MY'99.
Some bugs were worked-out for the '04 model year. But the '03 benefitted from this as well, since improvements of later production were passed down to the older cars under warranty. For example, my first '03 could not store the location of the steering wheel for recall if the wheel were in its lowest position. This was a bug apparently known to Mercedes, and my car got an updated module that corrected it at no cost to me. I should mention that this was not automatic: the problem was addressed only after I identified it.
Actually, it is a "brainer". You have to drive both and think about whether or not it is worth paying an 11% premium for a car that is a year newer and has a tranny that benefits from two additional gears. I don't think there is a right or wrong choice -- it depends too much on individual preference.
The 7-speed tranny was new in MY'04, so you know there were problems with that. The 5-speed was introduced in MY'96, and they didn't get that right until MY'99.
Some bugs were worked-out for the '04 model year. But the '03 benefitted from this as well, since improvements of later production were passed down to the older cars under warranty. For example, my first '03 could not store the location of the steering wheel for recall if the wheel were in its lowest position. This was a bug apparently known to Mercedes, and my car got an updated module that corrected it at no cost to me. I should mention that this was not automatic: the problem was addressed only after I identified it.
Actually, it is a "brainer". You have to drive both and think about whether or not it is worth paying an 11% premium for a car that is a year newer and has a tranny that benefits from two additional gears. I don't think there is a right or wrong choice -- it depends too much on individual preference.
Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 151
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SL55, 996TT, Viper 700R, H2
Is this AB??
You might also mix in SL55's in your search if you are willing to consider a few more miles. I picked up my SL55 a few months back ..........fully loaded with a pano roof, keyless go and all the other options for $53k.
You might also mix in SL55's in your search if you are willing to consider a few more miles. I picked up my SL55 a few months back ..........fully loaded with a pano roof, keyless go and all the other options for $53k.
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 77
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From: Louisville, KY
CLS500, Ferrari 512TR, Lamborghini Diablo
Yep it's ab. I was wondering when you were going to chime in. I would jump on an SL55 for $53K if all was good. I am thinking the 2004 or up is the way to go. I am just leary of these used high end car dealers out there. I just don't trust them from past experiences. Maybe there are a few out there that are good, but I have not run across any. Mercedes Benz Dealers out there are asking too much for their pre-certified cars and you know me..when I dig into something I really dig into it. Th precertified cars really don't do too much for me. Maybe I don't understand them, but allot of it looks like typical stuff I would do on a Viper or any other car I would work on, but I won't justify a $4-6K jump in price. I will defintely buy an extended warranty preferrably from Mercedes, not an aftermarket 2nd party one. I hear too many hidden stuff with these types of companies or hassles.
With all the work I am doing on my Lambo, I want to keep in budget of $54K at the most. Who knows, maybe I will do some cool things with SL500 like I have with the Viper and Lambos. LOL! Anthony...any other things I should look for? I trust your judgement.
For everyone on here, keep the comments coming. I really appreciate all feedback. Good or bad.
Adam
Last edited by silvergts1998; Jun 12, 2007 at 08:21 PM.
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Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
From: Louisville, KY
CLS500, Ferrari 512TR, Lamborghini Diablo
I believe the "nano" paint code can be readily identified by having a C-prefix.
The 7-speed tranny was new in MY'04, so you know there were problems with that. The 5-speed was introduced in MY'96, and they didn't get that right until MY'99.
Some bugs were worked-out for the '04 model year. But the '03 benefitted from this as well, since improvements of later production were passed down to the older cars under warranty. For example, my first '03 could not store the location of the steering wheel for recall if the wheel were in its lowest position. This was a bug apparently known to Mercedes, and my car got an updated module that corrected it at no cost to me. I should mention that this was not automatic: the problem was addressed only after I identified it.
Actually, it is a "brainer". You have to drive both and think about whether or not it is worth paying an 11% premium for a car that is a year newer and has a tranny that benefits from two additional gears. I don't think there is a right or wrong choice -- it depends too much on individual preference.
The 7-speed tranny was new in MY'04, so you know there were problems with that. The 5-speed was introduced in MY'96, and they didn't get that right until MY'99.
Some bugs were worked-out for the '04 model year. But the '03 benefitted from this as well, since improvements of later production were passed down to the older cars under warranty. For example, my first '03 could not store the location of the steering wheel for recall if the wheel were in its lowest position. This was a bug apparently known to Mercedes, and my car got an updated module that corrected it at no cost to me. I should mention that this was not automatic: the problem was addressed only after I identified it.
Actually, it is a "brainer". You have to drive both and think about whether or not it is worth paying an 11% premium for a car that is a year newer and has a tranny that benefits from two additional gears. I don't think there is a right or wrong choice -- it depends too much on individual preference.
I guess the engine and the main componets of the engine is really the same?
I take it the 04's main difference is the tranny and some upgraded electronics?
Things I heard of on the 03's which I don't know is common or not"
-Cat pee smell from adhesives?
-Leaking roof?
-Noise coming from the top?
-Transmission getting stuck? (I think it was due to more of the shifting into drive from park?
Anthing else that was common? I just hear the 03's spend more time in the shop than the other years?
Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 151
Likes: 0
SL55, 996TT, Viper 700R, H2
Hey Anthony,
Yep it's ab. I was wondering when you were going to chime in. I would jump on an SL55 for $53K if all was good. I am thinking the 2004 or up is the way to go. I am just leary of these used high end car dealers out there. I just don't trust them from past experiences. Maybe there are a few out there that are good, but I have not run across any. Mercedes Benz Dealers out there are asking too much for their pre-certified cars and you know me..when I dig into something I really dig into it. Th precertified cars really don't do too much for me. Maybe I don't understand them, but allot of it looks like typical stuff I would do on a Viper or any other car I would work on, but I won't justify a $4-6K jump in price. I will defintely buy an extended warranty preferrably from Mercedes, not an aftermarket 2nd party one. I hear too many hidden stuff with these types of companies or hassles.
With all the work I am doing on my Lambo, I want to keep in budget of $54K at the most. Who knows, maybe I will do some cool things with SL500 like I have with the Viper and Lambos. LOL! Anthony...any other things I should look for? I trust your judgement.
For everyone on here, keep the comments coming. I really appreciate all feedback. Good or bad.
Adam
Yep it's ab. I was wondering when you were going to chime in. I would jump on an SL55 for $53K if all was good. I am thinking the 2004 or up is the way to go. I am just leary of these used high end car dealers out there. I just don't trust them from past experiences. Maybe there are a few out there that are good, but I have not run across any. Mercedes Benz Dealers out there are asking too much for their pre-certified cars and you know me..when I dig into something I really dig into it. Th precertified cars really don't do too much for me. Maybe I don't understand them, but allot of it looks like typical stuff I would do on a Viper or any other car I would work on, but I won't justify a $4-6K jump in price. I will defintely buy an extended warranty preferrably from Mercedes, not an aftermarket 2nd party one. I hear too many hidden stuff with these types of companies or hassles.
With all the work I am doing on my Lambo, I want to keep in budget of $54K at the most. Who knows, maybe I will do some cool things with SL500 like I have with the Viper and Lambos. LOL! Anthony...any other things I should look for? I trust your judgement.
For everyone on here, keep the comments coming. I really appreciate all feedback. Good or bad.
Adam
Hey Adam, small world.......
I just took the approach that 90% of what you will find in '03 or '04 are adult driven lease cars that had all the service done by a dealer. Some were daily drivers 30-50k miles, some were second or wife cars 15-30k miles. After 3-4 years most "bugs" would have been worked out.
Mine was not perfect....but all the problem areas I would have change anyways. All the rims were curbed as well as the front facia. Also mine does not have a warranty. Thus, like you when higher mileage AMG cars drop so much.
At the price I closed I was $12-15 under any other asking price. I did a set of 20" Iforged Daytonas (purchase from a memeber here), new Conti tires, Brabus front bumber (from Sameer), lowered it (Air Ride Technologies links), knock-off rear spoiler, custom trim on the doors/center console, new floor mats and a pulley and tune from John. Still under $60k and the car is just "right" and almost 600 HP.
I had a guy off the board (Sunil, highly recommended) do a full inspection (after puchase) and the only thing wrong was a leaking right rear strut.
If you are willing to work a little - just bolt on stuff - step up to more miles and a SL55. There is no comparison between the two. I already know a local guy with a beautiful set of 20's with tires for $2,500.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
From: Louisville, KY
CLS500, Ferrari 512TR, Lamborghini Diablo
Hey Adam, small world.......
I just took the approach that 90% of what you will find in '03 or '04 are adult driven lease cars that had all the service done by a dealer. Some were daily drivers 30-50k miles, some were second or wife cars 15-30k miles. After 3-4 years most "bugs" would have been worked out.
Mine was not perfect....but all the problem areas I would have change anyways. All the rims were curbed as well as the front facia. Also mine does not have a warranty. Thus, like you when higher mileage AMG cars drop so much.
At the price I closed I was $12-15 under any other asking price. I did a set of 20" Iforged Daytonas (purchase from a memeber here), new Conti tires, Brabus front bumber (from Sameer), lowered it (Air Ride Technologies links), knock-off rear spoiler, custom trim on the doors/center console, new floor mats and a pulley and tune from John. Still under $60k and the car is just "right" and almost 600 HP.
I had a guy off the board (Sunil, highly recommended) do a full inspection (after puchase) and the only thing wrong was a leaking right rear strut.
If you are willing to work a little - just bolt on stuff - step up to more miles and a SL55. There is no comparison between the two. I already know a local guy with a beautiful set of 20's with tires for $2,500.
I just took the approach that 90% of what you will find in '03 or '04 are adult driven lease cars that had all the service done by a dealer. Some were daily drivers 30-50k miles, some were second or wife cars 15-30k miles. After 3-4 years most "bugs" would have been worked out.
Mine was not perfect....but all the problem areas I would have change anyways. All the rims were curbed as well as the front facia. Also mine does not have a warranty. Thus, like you when higher mileage AMG cars drop so much.
At the price I closed I was $12-15 under any other asking price. I did a set of 20" Iforged Daytonas (purchase from a memeber here), new Conti tires, Brabus front bumber (from Sameer), lowered it (Air Ride Technologies links), knock-off rear spoiler, custom trim on the doors/center console, new floor mats and a pulley and tune from John. Still under $60k and the car is just "right" and almost 600 HP.
I had a guy off the board (Sunil, highly recommended) do a full inspection (after puchase) and the only thing wrong was a leaking right rear strut.
If you are willing to work a little - just bolt on stuff - step up to more miles and a SL55. There is no comparison between the two. I already know a local guy with a beautiful set of 20's with tires for $2,500.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 65
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From: SoCal
2003 SL500, Lamborghini Gallardo
Funny, a couple of months ago I had the same dilemma. I was looking at 03/04 500’s and then started to look at 55’s. I too have a lambo (Gallardo) and this is why I ended up with a 500. I already own a very high performance car and needed a commuter. I lost track a little because of my love for performance however I feel that I made the right decision. I have an 03 SL500 loaded w/Pano, this is by far one of the best driving experiences I could have. I cannot wait to get into this car for work every day and feel that if I bought the 55, I would only have more tickets to add to the collection from my Gallardo! This car is so nice to drive I just don’t feel like I need to gun it, I find myself wanting to just enjoy the ride. Weird, I am only 30 yrs old so I still have a very heavy gas foot, just not in this car!
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 77
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SLK55AMG
Regarding some of your questions and the transmission:
-Cat pee smell from adhesives?
This problem was associated with the 03 "Designo" edition and manifested itself under high ambient temperatures
-Leaking roof?
My understanding is that this was more of a leaking trunk, than leaking roof problem. While I haven't had personal experience with this, if you look at the rubber trunk lining, this can get misaligned and I suspect might have been the reason people reported this problem.
-Transmission getting stuck? (I think it was due to more of the shifting into drive from park?
Yes, from drive to park and there are two primary reasons for this (faulty brake sensor and plastic clip breakage in shifter). Usually a one-time fix and not a reason to avoid purchasing.
I got to test drive an 04 and liked the transmission in the way it allowed you to shift
Not to sound like a "know it all", but the shift feature is not designed to be used like paddle or button shifters on other high performance cars (including some late model SLs), and in practice, I think you'd eventually tire of using it that way.
It's intended to limit the automatic from shifting to a gear higher than you select, unless you get close to redline, where it will force a shift. It will also hold gears longer. So for example, if you were in a 50mph zone with lots of redlights you'd select 3 or 4 and leave it there. The car won't shift higher than 3 or 4 and attempt to maximize torque from gears 1-4. It actually works more efficiently and smoothly than someone going 1-2-3-4 with the shifter trying to determine shift points on their own.
The other use is to hold it to the left in which case it will downshift to the lowest possible gear that the OBC deems safe and is slightly more responsive than the kickdown triggered by the gas pedal.
-Cat pee smell from adhesives?
This problem was associated with the 03 "Designo" edition and manifested itself under high ambient temperatures
-Leaking roof?
My understanding is that this was more of a leaking trunk, than leaking roof problem. While I haven't had personal experience with this, if you look at the rubber trunk lining, this can get misaligned and I suspect might have been the reason people reported this problem.
-Transmission getting stuck? (I think it was due to more of the shifting into drive from park?
Yes, from drive to park and there are two primary reasons for this (faulty brake sensor and plastic clip breakage in shifter). Usually a one-time fix and not a reason to avoid purchasing.
I got to test drive an 04 and liked the transmission in the way it allowed you to shift
Not to sound like a "know it all", but the shift feature is not designed to be used like paddle or button shifters on other high performance cars (including some late model SLs), and in practice, I think you'd eventually tire of using it that way.
It's intended to limit the automatic from shifting to a gear higher than you select, unless you get close to redline, where it will force a shift. It will also hold gears longer. So for example, if you were in a 50mph zone with lots of redlights you'd select 3 or 4 and leave it there. The car won't shift higher than 3 or 4 and attempt to maximize torque from gears 1-4. It actually works more efficiently and smoothly than someone going 1-2-3-4 with the shifter trying to determine shift points on their own.
The other use is to hold it to the left in which case it will downshift to the lowest possible gear that the OBC deems safe and is slightly more responsive than the kickdown triggered by the gas pedal.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
SL500
Regarding your question.....
I too recently purchased my SL500, but it an 05.
I purposely stayed away from the 03's as this was the first model year, and it's a general rul eof thumb that there will be kinks to be worked out in any car. By the way, 2003 was notorious for electrical problems, so I would look for that in the car's historical report for certain.
I went with the 05 because as someone already pointed out, the navigation system is much better, plus I had a little bit left on the factory warranty at the time.
I wanted an SL55, but then it was at least 10 grand more for an 05 and just didn't want to spend that much for a used car. Plus, I find the 302 HP and the torque are more than enough for everyday driving.
No matter what you choose, you're getting one of the finest all around cars ever made IMHO.
I purposely stayed away from the 03's as this was the first model year, and it's a general rul eof thumb that there will be kinks to be worked out in any car. By the way, 2003 was notorious for electrical problems, so I would look for that in the car's historical report for certain.
I went with the 05 because as someone already pointed out, the navigation system is much better, plus I had a little bit left on the factory warranty at the time.
I wanted an SL55, but then it was at least 10 grand more for an 05 and just didn't want to spend that much for a used car. Plus, I find the 302 HP and the torque are more than enough for everyday driving.
No matter what you choose, you're getting one of the finest all around cars ever made IMHO.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,049
Likes: 1
From: Miami, FL
Lotus Elise SLK55
You can buy a 2004 SL55 AMG for around $48,000. See ebay and autotrader, there are a million of them for sale. Here are some examples:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-...m110255604159&
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-...m170221054749&
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-...m110255604159&
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-...m170221054749&
