pilota1

Hi
New to the group but have been impressed with the posting
I am looking to buy the good wife a used SL as that is her dream car. and she has tolerated my passion for cars over the years.

A year ago we bought a 1995 MB SL320 which was fine except that in the hot days of summer it would not cold start.
Long staory nobody can find what to do expet replace the ECM which is a pretty penny ( 2G)
It appears that the convertible module is also gone and needs replacedmen so the 12 G car bought for grins after a careful insepction is a nightmare.

OK so back to the drawing board as it is my wife's 50th Birthday coming up.
SL prices have become acceptable for me and even though I would prefer an SL 55 the idea of a car ridden hard and put away wet concerns me so the thought has turned to an SL 600 hopefully with a panoramic roof.

What should I be looking for with regards to potential issues with this car?
Many thanks from a newbie

jmf003

The SL600 is a great car! I don't quite follow the comment about driven hard and put away wet, though.

The biggest thing to check is the service history. Although it's something of an oversimplification, it seems that the R230s with a less problematic service history experience fewer problems in the here and now. That's certainly the case with my 2003.

Good luck! Hope you find a good one!!

pilota1

These cars are meant to be driven but some are driven irresponsibly and parts get neglected or abused.
I would like to find a car that is driven and worshipped for the great car that it is.
Too often I have seen SL55 and other high performance AMG/M cars using launch control settings and other aggressive driving techniques and not cared for afterwards to the extent that these fine autos need.

I figure that a SL600 owner appreciates their car and is less likely to drive it like a hot rod and not invest in good care.

BiTurboBenz

I had an 05...car is phenominal. If a turbo fails it will be serious $$$ and the engine alone costs over $60K...food for thought.

ghaffar23

Not to mention the fact that *maybe* the ignition coils may go out as well. You should see if those have been replaced. My mom has a 2004 CL600 and it took $6K to fix an annoying engine misfire. But my mom would rather keep the car than start paying the bank again. We own the car, and unless the engine blows up, there's not too much that will cost more than a few grand. Much cheaper than buying a new CL600 that's for sure!

pilota1

Would you think that a well maintained SL 600 03-05 would be better than either a SL55 or SL500 ?
It is for my wife who like to drive but is rather gentle to the M6.
I think the 12 cylinder is a best option when one considers performance and luxury, but
obiviously I would prefer to drive the 12 cylinder myself
If the car is not as reliable as the SL55 or SL500 then that is a different matter.
Ghaffer I can relate to your mom.WE just did the valves and guides on our F355 GTS OUCH! but I could not get rid of it.

buster11

I just bought an 04 SL600 and could not be happier. I was able to find a cpo at the dealer with a warranty that was extended to 3 years from purchase. It is super clean, and has a great repair history (not many repairs needed). The clean cars do exist, just search and be willing to travel if needed to get it.

JackStraw

The reliability issues with these cars have nothing to do with the engines. Anyone who tells you otherwise is not to be believed. The SL600 is a great machine.

These are complex cars with many subsystems. The engine is the least of your worries.

diablo2112

+1. Drivetrains on these cars are solid. The real issues are the brakes and suspension. Both are electronic, complex, and some cars seem to have problems, especially the ABC suspension, failed pumps, and leaking struts. Electronics have also been an issue, and the COMAND systems are complex and do have issues occasionally. My SA also mentionned these cars are either Jekyl or Hyde: some are trouble free, and others keep having issues. I agree about trying to find a moderate-mileage example with a good service history.

pilota1

Thanks to all for great information.
We are on the hunt for a SL 600 with a panoramic roof and hopefully no gremlins.
I have looked at the site for thoughts on an extended warranty and will look for that as well. First stop is the MB dealer in town then onward.
Will post pictures when successful

pilota1

The SL600 is not an easy car to find but I am more convinced than ever that this is the right car. The electronics and other super tech devices on the car are indeed of concern if they fail due to cost.
I have scoured the warranty posts and felt confident that a chrysler EW would be a good fit.
That is until I went to our local MB dealer.
First he didnt have a car nor has he been able to locate one at all even though I have asked him to look for more than 8 weeks
When we asked him the cost of certifying a 35,000 mile 05 SL600 that we located on our own he told me the minimum cost with a 3 year warranty would be $6000.
He was adamant that a non CPO MB warranty would be problematic and further that all MB mechanics are insistent that engine issues are much more numerous on a 12 cylinder than an AMG SL55. Then of course he said I have a great deal
50k down we will give you you 7 k on you 95 320 SL and only 750 a month for a 09 SL550.

We left soon thereafter but a little confused.
Which report should we go by

Auto Check or car fax ?
If a well respected after market warranty is available for sub 3k for 4 years is there a need for getting the car CPO from MB at more than double the cost for one year less of coverage

Sorry for the long post.
The hunt is mostly fun of only the characters would be more predictable

SL600 V12TT

25,600 miles mine just misfirerd, cost was about 4k+tax. I had both coils changed along with my spark plugs. You buy any of these cars make sure you get a warrenty as well. Words can't explain the power of this V12 twin turbo. Good luck

buster11

The MSRP on the 2 year cpo extension is $4,000 (plus what ever the origional CPO cost is). When I bought mine they would not negotiate on that price. AS mentioned in the post above this, one repair could cover the cost pretty easily. The car is amazing and if it is what you want keep looking, your car is out there somewhere.

RDL0100

I have a 2005 SL600, and absolutely love the car. I don't expect to drive anything else in the future, unless they all go the way of the dodo bird. With that said, I will never drive one without a warranty. Everyone has already said this, but it is just expensive to fix. Mine was CPO so I still have three years of warranty after driving it for two years. I just found out from my dealer that as long as it has less than 85000 miles on it, I can get another extended warranty the dealer swears is good, when this one expires. Haven't explored the cost or coverage, as I don't need it for three years, and things probably will change, but the point is, the warranty is necessary in my opinion.

With all that said, rather than trust the dealer on the availability of the SL600, if you have not done so, check MBUSA web site where they list all CPO cars around the country. I have no idea whether it is complete or not but for instance they have one 2005 SL600 listed in Texas. Just a suggestion of where to look.

pilota1

Thanks RDL
Spoke with Michael Sugarland MB
Not a CPO but a 43k mile care with Renn Tech ECU only
Prevents it from becoming a CPO
Off warranty but still very clean looking
I am having a friend check it out this week

Appreciate the help

Shachar

Jimmy Chen Shib

My comment is limited to V12 only since mine is a '97 SL600 (R129 model) which I have purchased as used and owned for ten years now. V12's smooth as silk, so quiet that it is almost like an electric car. Power is phenomenal, considering that it is a naturally aspirated. The engine is bullet proof. Nevertheless, maintenance costs are more due to many of the parts being more expensive than other lower model SLs. Just recently, I had the two rear suspensions replaced and found out that SL600 suspensions are different and more expensive than SL500. Various plastic parts do fatigue and lead to replacements. Electrical wirings do show up as problems. I do not mean to scare you away. Once you drive these V12s, it is hard to go back to V8 or less. Good luck in your search. I am sure your wife would love whatever you choose for her. w/ smiles Jimmy

IngenereAMG

Not a good analogy. Each car and owner is different. I have enjoyed my SL55 at speed, but I over service my cars and I am neurotic about how it is kept.

I have clients whose SL600s look more like the inside of a purse, have overdue service, neglected parts, etc.

So, just because a car is owned by an enthusiast doesn't mean that it was abused.

pilota1

Dino:
As an M6 owner I understand your statement as I too am neurotic about the car. Lets disqualify owners who neglect these beauties.
Still if we take the typical SL55 and compare it to the typical SL600 owner one must accept the fact that the SL55 is made to be driven harder and thus has more stress on the engine and other components.
Trying to find the best example of each has been fun
In the end a smoother V12 is what I think will fit my wife ( and me) best.Thanks Jimmy for the example post
Still hunting

I am very grateful to this site and its participants

Jimmy Chen Shib

Glad to hear that you're having fun searching, pilota1. Just one more comment, if I may, altho this may not mean much,...that is...I used to own SL AMGs prior to the current SL600 because in my mind, my understanding at the time was that AMG was more powerful, etc. V12 was not my choices. In fact, I was "talked into" buying this V12. The rest is history. A "normal" V12 is a wonderful car. Not many around because they don't make that many. If you can find a nice one, I am sure you would give it a serious consideration. Happy searching. w/ smiles Jimmy

lawteam

Just traded 04 SL55 for 06 Renntech SL600. the new car blows the 55 away. there is really no comparison. One is smooth and fast like a jet. the other is rougher and makes more noise. Your pick, there are enough available to make a choice. Check ebay listings to start, and then negotiate directly after looking, inspecting. If the car has any factory warranty left, than you can get Mercedes extended warranty for under 4K. Have fun looking

pilota1

Good info lawteam
Are there different stages of Renntech?
What about an off warranty Renntech SL600?
Is there a warranty for such a beast?

lawteam

there are several stages of Renntech performance upgrades. I have the ECU and TCU upgrades (engine computer and Transmission computer). If you go to the Renntech web site they list all upgrades. http://www.renntechmercedes.com/
As far as warranty, I don't know if aftermarket warranties are available. However, if you can find a car with some factory original warranty still left, you can get extended Mercedes warranty. my local dealer said Renntech upgrades really don't matter and would not be a problem unless they felt it was the specific cause of a problem. they work with Renntech regularly.
Good luck in your search.
Evan

pilota1

Finally snagged one! 2005 SL600 Black with Charcoal Pano roof 17k miles Man is it a sweet ride. Brought her back from the dealer ( 125 miles) and truly gained an appreciation for the car. Many Thanks to all. Pics to follow. Now to learn about all the goodies in this car

Benz-O-Rama

Congrats on the purchase, I know you've been looking for a while. Took me 3 months of searching, but, I also just picked up a very low mileage 2005 SL600 (12,500 miles). No pano roof though. I've put the same amount of miles on her in 3 weeks that the previous owner put on in 2 years.

Price, just for comparo reasons?

VendettaMB

too funny..last owner of my car put 9,000km on it in 2 yrs..i put 11,000km on it since JUNE! lol