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

SL/R230: what to look out for on 2003 SL500

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Old Mar 24, 2010 | 04:32 PM
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Ivanr23
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what to look out for on 2003 SL500
Hello everyone,
I have found an 03 SL 500 on sale and I am real keen on purchasing it. can you all tell me what are somethings i need to lookout for?

I appreciate all of you help,

Ivan
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Old Mar 24, 2010 | 05:36 PM
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vraa
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Be very careful, try to get documentation on the work done on the car
2003 was the first model year in north america, it had many problems

Rear window had a leak
Air leaks on side windows
Tire Pressues were never correct / always whining
Folding roof hung up a few times
List can go on, got rid of the car so I don't have any paperwork otherwise I'd scan it all for you, sorry
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Old Mar 24, 2010 | 10:28 PM
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VendettaMB
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From: In a VAN down by the river
His wifes head hard into the headboard nightly!!
Originally Posted by Ivanr23
Hello everyone,
I have found an 03 SL 500 on sale and I am real keen on purchasing it. can you all tell me what are somethings i need to lookout for?

I appreciate all of you help,

Ivan
i read expensive issues on all year SL's on the forum..people with 07's even with major issues. BUY EXTENEDED WARRANTY.
otherwise plan on bills...with any sl.
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Old Mar 26, 2010 | 01:13 AM
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oscarlee1981
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2003 SL500 Sold, 2004 E55 Sold, 2006 M6 Sold, 2008 C63,2005 SL55,
i can write a book about all the problems i have. seriously. But i never regred to get SL. I got 2003 model. problem comes one by one. Definitely. you need a extend warranty.
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Old Mar 26, 2010 | 12:30 PM
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derrick_lui
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My ex-cars: 03 E55,04 C32, 05 C55 ,03 E320
+1 on the extended warranty.

funny no one mentioned about the ABC suspension.
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Old Mar 26, 2010 | 12:34 PM
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vraa
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Originally Posted by derrick_lui
+1 on the extended warranty.

funny no one mentioned about the ABC suspension.
Only issues regarding ABC that I personally experienced was the pumps letting go after a few weeks of non driving

Very funny to come back from vacation and find the car slammed on the ground
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Old Mar 26, 2010 | 07:09 PM
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04 SL600
Make sure the NAV works and you have an updated disc. The extended warranty is a must.

.
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Old Mar 26, 2010 | 09:21 PM
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bw53
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From: Austin, TX
2005 Silver SL 500
Originally Posted by Ivanr23
Hello everyone,
I have found an 03 SL 500 on sale and I am real keen on purchasing it. can you all tell me what are somethings i need to lookout for?

I appreciate all of you help,

Ivan
Have a 05 and havent had one problem. I did buy an extended warranty...I would highly recommend it per our posts on this website.
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Old Mar 26, 2010 | 10:56 PM
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C32Andy
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I have my SL since 2003 and have only experience a few minor problems....
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Old Mar 27, 2010 | 12:01 PM
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erichen
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04 SL 500, 09 R350, 09 E63, 2010 Prius
make sure the SBC brake system was fixed. Heard of many 03 MB's with the SBC brakes with periodic failures... including my wife's 03 E500 and a friend's 03 SL500. I have an 04... no big problems, just little electrical issues here and there.
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Old Mar 27, 2010 | 05:05 PM
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SL500R, 500SL, C230, 560SL, 450SL, 450SLC, 300CD.
Mine is flauless, a dream to own and drive.
Best of luck.
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Old Mar 28, 2010 | 09:29 PM
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okc329
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1997 E320 (silver/black)
There was a problem with the adhesive ....
used in the inside door panels of the '03's. This could lead to a really bad odor if the car was left closed up in the sun. You can search forum for info.
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Old Apr 27, 2010 | 06:20 PM
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blackholegolata
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From: Bay Area
2003 SL500
I purchased SL 500 with an extended warrenty and I ended up with over $10,000 in claims so the warrenty is s MUST and worth every cent!

And the SL500 is the hands down the best ride I have ever owned and I would do it again without thought.
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Old Apr 27, 2010 | 08:19 PM
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shaw01's Avatar
shaw01
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From: Piedmont, CA
2005 S55
Originally Posted by blackholegolata
I purchased SL 500 with an extended warrenty and I ended up with over $10,000 in claims so the warrenty is s MUST and worth every cent!

And the SL500 is the hands down the best ride I have ever owned and I would do it again without thought.
That's my bro, the newbie!! He knows what he's talking about .. loves his ride, and used that warranty!
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Old Apr 27, 2010 | 09:52 PM
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VendettaMB
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From: In a VAN down by the river
His wifes head hard into the headboard nightly!!
Originally Posted by blackholegolata
I purchased SL 500 with an extended warrenty and I ended up with over $10,000 in claims so the warrenty is s MUST and worth every cent!

And the SL500 is the hands down the best ride I have ever owned and I would do it again without thought.
same here, less than 12mo and over 12k in warranty repairs EASILY!!!
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