SL-Class (R230) 2003 -- 2012: Discussion on the SL500, SL550, SL600

SL/R230: Warranty Question

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Old Apr 11, 2008 | 08:49 PM
  #1  
ukpaul's Avatar
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From: San Diego
2003 SL 500
Warranty Question

As a the proud new owner of a 2003 with 28K miles there's no doubt I will be buying a warranty. I've narrowed it down to Warranty Direct or Fidelity.
The local MB dealership is selling the Fidelity which if I get the Platinum it's $3800 5yr 60K miles (on top of my 28K miles) where as WD want over double for same coverage
Of course I realise it's all about the coverage but I don't see a great deal of difference between the two.
I am really not that concerned about the engine or trans it's all the other stuff that worries me.
Has anyone had any experience with either company?
Thanks,
Paul
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Old Apr 12, 2008 | 06:42 AM
  #2  
glennbaz's Avatar
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2003 SL500
I've got Warranty Direct on my 03' SL500. I just started using it about 6 months ago when the factory warranty expired. So far $1287 paid with no deductible. No questions asked, no paperwork to complete. All handled by my MB dealer. Items repaired: trunk latch, TPS system, sunvisor replacement. I think I paid about $4500 for 3 year additional or 100k total miles.
Glenn
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Old Apr 12, 2008 | 11:12 AM
  #3  
ukpaul's Avatar
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From: San Diego
2003 SL 500
Originally Posted by glennbaz
I've got Warranty Direct on my 03' SL500. I just started using it about 6 months ago when the factory warranty expired. So far $1287 paid with no deductible. No questions asked, no paperwork to complete. All handled by my MB dealer. Items repaired: trunk latch, TPS system, sunvisor replacement. I think I paid about $4500 for 3 year additional or 100k total miles.
Glenn

Thanks Glenn, my quote from WD is not even close to yours.
I am dealing with them directly & they tell me the prices are set by the state of CA, so there's no room to negotiate. This is the Elite Plus warranty & is as close to the MB factory warranty I've found

4 Years/60000 Miles Expires 4/4/2012 or when odometer reaches 89,000 Miles:
$31,845 ($0 Ded)
$20,882 ($100 Ded)
$13,928 ($200 Ded)

I had to call them just to make sure they were not quoting a 93 SL... no such luck!
Apparantly if I want to cover myself for the next 3 years I am going to be parting with at least 6-10 grand. On the up side I've purchased a car 60% less than it originally sold for so I am not complaing & I love the car.

I'll probably go with the
3 Years/30000 Miles Expires 4/4/2011 or Odometer 59,000 Miles$ $6,170
($200 Ded)

Any input before I take the plunge?
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Old Apr 12, 2008 | 11:48 AM
  #4  
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2003 SL500
I'm a little confused (as normal). Who is offering the :3 Years/30000 Miles Expires 4/4/2011 or Odometer 59,000 Miles$ $6,170
($200 Ded)?
If it's warranty Direct does it cover the command and electroinics? Mine does and that's why I went with them. If you are going to used the car as a daily commuter, the miles go on fast. Is the warranty transferable? Mine is.
With prices like you got it's no wonder the resale on these cars has drop like rocks. I wouldn't buy one of these cars with prices like you got. Their nice cars but not worth the additional costs. Laugh as you might, I'd go out and buy a brand new hardtop mazda miata before taking the plunge on a SL. Had both and the miata is much more fun. Even if you buy the SL extended warranty you have to deal with all the down time. Big drag.
Good Luck on a tough desision.
Glenn
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Old Apr 12, 2008 | 12:30 PM
  #5  
gqa's Avatar
gqa
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From: N.Y.C.
05' sl 500
also try diamler-chrysler service contracts
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Old Apr 12, 2008 | 03:06 PM
  #6  
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From: San Diego
2003 SL 500
Diamler-chrysler service contracts will only accept a car under 48K Miles or 4yrs in service, although the miles are low it wont make as it's a 2003.

Glenn:
To answer your question who's offering the:3 Years/30000 Miles Expires 4/4/2011 or Odometer 59,000 Miles$ $6,170 with a $200 Deductable?
It's Warranty Direct, & yes it has the same benifits as yours.
I certainly appreciate your input but there's no chance I'll be buying a Miata,
I love my Merc.

Cheers,
Paul
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Old Apr 12, 2008 | 06:43 PM
  #7  
djamer's Avatar
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From: Northern VA
SL 500
try Automotive Protective plan (Platinum) by Millennium Club

http://www.themillenniumclub.net/?q=product/app

Covers everything (convertible top, ABC, engine..electronics, NAV)
It's expensive but worth it..

-Amer
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Old Apr 15, 2008 | 03:17 AM
  #8  
SDSL's Avatar
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SLK55AMG
My last two cars were Porsches and Warranty Direct has a good reputation in Porsche owner circles, anecdotal as that may be. They've been around for awhile and seem to have a good claims paying record, however, they were only recently approved by the insurance commission here in California which may be why they haven't established much of a presence (in the dealer or broker network) as of yet.

I'm a little confused by the numbers you're throwing out there, but my understanding is that the least you'll be paying is $6,000 for only 3yr/30k of coverage. Yes, the SL isn't cheap to fix, but that's a hell of a lot of repair bills even for an SL. You may read the occasional post regarding expensive repairs but I'm inclined to believe you won't reach that number.
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Old Apr 17, 2008 | 07:53 PM
  #9  
Toog4me's Avatar
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STAY AWAY FROM WARRANTY DIRECT!!! The plan is written by General Fidelity, owned by Bank of America. The plan is horrible.
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Old Apr 18, 2008 | 12:14 AM
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2003 SL500
Could you please elaberate. What coverage plan are you speaking of? What vehicle?
Thanks
Glenn
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