SL/R230: How DIY friendly is the R230?
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,147
Likes: 2
From: Central Florida
R129, XF Sportbrake, SC400
How DIY friendly is the R230?
It varies, i know... but i'm seriously considering an offer on the SL a few threads below. It's out of warranty 
I've had my '02 C320 for 3 years now and its close to 105k miles. It has never given me any major problems. I do all of the maintenance myself and whatever problems DID show up, i bought the parts and fixed it in my garage.
My mother has had a '00 ML320 since 2004. The forums has lead me to believe that some of them are very problematic. We've had it for over 5 years now with no major issues. We do the maintenance/repairs on this one as well. It's been very reliable. Neither car has ever been to the dealership.
I know that the SL is a far more complex car than the ML or C but i'm just wondering if it is that much more complicated to the point where a garage wrench monkey like myself would need to take it to the dealership. (depends on what's wrong i know).
What about independent shops? Maybe i can purchase the parts and get them to do the things i may not be able to?
Anyone change their own ABC pump or strut? I've notice that it seems to be an issue with these cars.
Also, i'll be keeping the C320 and will be driving it on the longer distance trips and such.
I've had my '02 C320 for 3 years now and its close to 105k miles. It has never given me any major problems. I do all of the maintenance myself and whatever problems DID show up, i bought the parts and fixed it in my garage.
My mother has had a '00 ML320 since 2004. The forums has lead me to believe that some of them are very problematic. We've had it for over 5 years now with no major issues. We do the maintenance/repairs on this one as well. It's been very reliable. Neither car has ever been to the dealership.
I know that the SL is a far more complex car than the ML or C but i'm just wondering if it is that much more complicated to the point where a garage wrench monkey like myself would need to take it to the dealership. (depends on what's wrong i know).
What about independent shops? Maybe i can purchase the parts and get them to do the things i may not be able to?
Anyone change their own ABC pump or strut? I've notice that it seems to be an issue with these cars.
Also, i'll be keeping the C320 and will be driving it on the longer distance trips and such.
Last edited by Ryanr317; Jun 13, 2009 at 02:33 PM.
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
2003 SL500
Kinda depends on your comfort level. I'm no expert, and Im a newbee here... That said, I own a '97 BMW and a 2003 SL500, a small fortune in tools, computer software for both cars, a lift to get them off the ground.
Just remember that everything on this car is controlled by a computer..... even the mundane task of just starting the engine. If you have a laptop with STAR or Carsoft software, diagnosing and resetting parameters of computers is a snap. Dan
Just remember that everything on this car is controlled by a computer..... even the mundane task of just starting the engine. If you have a laptop with STAR or Carsoft software, diagnosing and resetting parameters of computers is a snap. Dan
