Ok, i know you guys probably get the "what should i look for" threads quite often. First off, i wasn't looking to get another car so soon but it seems that this deal is too good to pass up.

Its a diamond silver (maybe? its got the light blue tint) on black, with the sport package and 66k on the odo. It seems to be optioned out as well. From what i've seen, it includes Distronic, Parktronic, and keyless go (do all SLs have these?). I know this is the first year so is there anything in particular to check for? Oh yea, the asking price is $20,900. I called the dealership and they confirmed a clear title and offered a carfax. I do know for a fact that this place buys from the auction all the time as they're less than a mile away from it, but then again many cars at dealerships are from auctions anyway.

 

As a relatively new owner myself, I'm no expert but I did a bit of research prior to my purchase (05 SL500) and found a few things to check for. The ABC suspension is known to leak, including leaking struts. Check for oil on the rubber boots around the struts, and if possible if the car has been in the same spot for 24 hours, look for leaks/spills. The ABC pump is another problem area; though I don't know a good way to check this.

Another known weak spot is the solenoid release from park on the automatic transmission. Unfortunately, there's no good way to check this other than ensure the shifter moves easily and repeatedly out of park when you press the brake pedal. Listen for a solid, quiet "thunk" from the shifter. A plastic lever is the weak spot, and when it breaks, you'll be stuck in park with no easy way to remove the console trim.

Drivetrains are generally reliable in the SL500, I didn't see anything other than the ordinary stuff to check. You'll find many examples of the R230 with 50k+ miles, which I take as a good sign. My service advisor said you want to see an R230 with little in the service history; these cars are either Jekyl or Hyde. Some seem to have lots of little problems, others are trouble-free for years. Do get the VIN and have a local Mercedes dealer print the service/repair history.

Do check the top operates smoothly, I read of occasional problems with the hydraulic pump that runs everything. Seals can be an issue, look for good rubber and evidence of leaks. The rear windows can show peeling of the covering at the sides, and my car was in Florida for 3 years and showed the beginning of corrosion in several areas, but nothing serious. With the trunk open, look at the metal below the rear window all along the bottom edge. Good spot to check for corrosion and whether your car was garaged, etc.

The version of COMAND in the 03/04s can have the screen go very dim, and the clocks are a known problem area - they stay dim and can't be read in the bright light/daytime. Also check that the release buttons are working on the rear storage bins, these can also go off. The IR receiver modules in the doors also go out; check that the top operates fully by pressing and holding the open button on the remote from 5-10 ft away, pointing at the IR receiver on the door. If you can't get the top to go down (or up), either the door module is broken or the remote battery is weak (look for the red LED on the remote). Generally speaking, this is a pretty good model. Leaking suspension is the big thing, and leaking struts will cost $4k+ to replace at a minimum.

Keyless Go seems to be on about half the R230s from 03; Parktronic is less common and the smart cruise even less. Desirable options are sat radio (not sure if that was an option on the 03/04s) and bluetooth. I retrofitted both to my 05, wasn't cheap.

Anyway, that's a few thoughts that come to mind. I'm sure others can contribute as well.

 

I know the market are down , but that is cheap . Well that old saying you get what you pay for . good luck . You should pay for a inspection check from you local dealer just to be safe . runs about $200 bucks well worth it

 

So i just came back from taking a look at the car. I was expecting there to be a few things needed because of the price. Here's what i saw.

- First off, when i first got there and started her up, the roof wouldn't retract. It gave a message saying to read the manual.
- Also, when i first started it, it gave me 4 malfuctions which i don't remember 100%
-- Something about ESP (not that if was off)
-- Electric Consumers off (something like that)
-- Windshield washer fluid
-- Tire pressure monitor needs to be reactivated.

After i took it for a spin, i tried opening the top a few times again and after about the 6th try, it opened and then operated normally after than. The opening and closing was very smooth.

My main concern is the top. I'm wondering if it could just be a sensor?

One more thing... when i first stuck the key in, the alarm sounded for maybe 3 seconds. Maybe that's also battery related?

 

Your problem with the top seems to be related to the weak accessories battery in the trunk (the message: Electronic Consumers Offline means the electric accessories are temporary unavailable due to weak battery). Once you had driven the car a few miles the battery got recharged and presto: the top works. This car probably has been sitting for a while, thus draining the accessory battery. Its a good sign that its charging back and the other error messages should be easy to remedy (or resolve by themselves with a full battery). You should still get the car checked out thoroughly, esp. the ABC system.

 

yes i might of been seating for a while . have the replace that battery

 

Thanks for the help guys. I'm still thinking about it. I may offer 19k, after a second look of course.

Auto Trader Link

 

Quick suggestion.. Call a local MB dealer. Take the VIN number and request a master vehicle history report detailing all the service records i.e. ABC suspension,etc..

At 66K, that means a couple of things. The ABC pump is reaching end of life. Look to pay around 2500.00. The report should give an idea how the car was maintained. If the car has had routine ABC Flush service with ABC filter change, that is a very good thing. This preventative maintenance will definately prolong the life of ABC suspension.


If u have the cash on hand, i would recommend buy a 2005 CPO for around 45K. This is price which I am seeing at the dealerships..

 

Is the master vehicle report something that they're usually willing to give? I did notice that its service A was over due by a few thousand miles.