SL/R230: Hello all NEWB here with some questions , please help !!
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From: FL
looking for a MB
Hello all NEWB here with some questions , please help !!
Hello all I have a few questions about the 03 SL 500 I am looking to purchase one in the next few days. This will be my first Mercedes purchase any help you can offer would be tremendous.
1. When looking at them is there anything I should look for that typically goes wrong ?
2. Do they have any know issues that are problematic with them (ie oil leaks , bearing issues ECT) that would be costly to repair.
3. 03 and up do they all come with air ride suspension, if not how can I tell the difference?
4. Did the 03 and up SL come with different options? (ie wood interior parts V's leather vented seats, different brakes ETC)
Again any help would be appreciated!
1. When looking at them is there anything I should look for that typically goes wrong ?
2. Do they have any know issues that are problematic with them (ie oil leaks , bearing issues ECT) that would be costly to repair.
3. 03 and up do they all come with air ride suspension, if not how can I tell the difference?
4. Did the 03 and up SL come with different options? (ie wood interior parts V's leather vented seats, different brakes ETC)
Again any help would be appreciated!
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From: In a VAN down by the river
His wifes head hard into the headboard nightly!!
Hello all I have a few questions about the 03 SL 500 I am looking to purchase one in the next few days. This will be my first Mercedes purchase any help you can offer would be tremendous.
1. When looking at them is there anything I should look for that typically goes wrong ?
2. Do they have any know issues that are problematic with them (ie oil leaks , bearing issues ECT) that would be costly to repair.
3. 03 and up do they all come with air ride suspension, if not how can I tell the difference?
4. Did the 03 and up SL come with different options? (ie wood interior parts V's leather vented seats, different brakes ETC)
Again any help would be appreciated!
1. When looking at them is there anything I should look for that typically goes wrong ?
2. Do they have any know issues that are problematic with them (ie oil leaks , bearing issues ECT) that would be costly to repair.
3. 03 and up do they all come with air ride suspension, if not how can I tell the difference?
4. Did the 03 and up SL come with different options? (ie wood interior parts V's leather vented seats, different brakes ETC)
Again any help would be appreciated!
ps. Everything is problematic w/ these cars.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2009
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From: FL
looking for a MB
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2009
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From: United Kingdom
AMG GLS63
I just bought a 2003 a few months ago and have had a few little issues but nothing that has prevented me from driving the car.
Take into account that these cars can cost upto and in excess of £100k / $150k so you have to have the budget to maintain a car of that stature & expense.
Typically its ABC suspension, roof mechanism, boot seals, SAM modules. The list could go on and yes the repair bills are vast. I had a bill in for £3k just recently but its none essential work so its getting done bit by bit. ABC pumps are £1500 on their own and SAM modules even more i think. Factor in the high rates the dealers charge or use a good indy.
That said and i think this applies to all prestige cars, judge the car on its own merits and check absoloutley everything before you buy. If anything isnt workingproperly insist its fixed, negotiate the appropriate discount or walk away.
Also, if you dont have a budget to get these mega bills fixed either get a comprehensive warranty or buy something else. Dont buy an SL and then go mad if it develops a niggly fault, it will, as i have found in the few months i have owned mine.
I love it and am getting to know the car thanks to the guys on here, its up there as the best car i have ever owned and i have owned most prestige stuff.
Hold out for the right car for you spec wise and make sure its got a full service record with all recalls done. Get a specialist to check the car over for $300 then if all is well you have peace of mind.
If its the right one you will flamin love it. They are beautiful to drive and draw looks wherever you go, roof up or down.
Best of luck
Carl
Take into account that these cars can cost upto and in excess of £100k / $150k so you have to have the budget to maintain a car of that stature & expense.
Typically its ABC suspension, roof mechanism, boot seals, SAM modules. The list could go on and yes the repair bills are vast. I had a bill in for £3k just recently but its none essential work so its getting done bit by bit. ABC pumps are £1500 on their own and SAM modules even more i think. Factor in the high rates the dealers charge or use a good indy.
That said and i think this applies to all prestige cars, judge the car on its own merits and check absoloutley everything before you buy. If anything isnt workingproperly insist its fixed, negotiate the appropriate discount or walk away.
Also, if you dont have a budget to get these mega bills fixed either get a comprehensive warranty or buy something else. Dont buy an SL and then go mad if it develops a niggly fault, it will, as i have found in the few months i have owned mine.
I love it and am getting to know the car thanks to the guys on here, its up there as the best car i have ever owned and i have owned most prestige stuff.
Hold out for the right car for you spec wise and make sure its got a full service record with all recalls done. Get a specialist to check the car over for $300 then if all is well you have peace of mind.
If its the right one you will flamin love it. They are beautiful to drive and draw looks wherever you go, roof up or down.
Best of luck
Carl
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From: In a VAN down by the river
His wifes head hard into the headboard nightly!!
Thread Starter
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Joined: Mar 2009
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From: FL
looking for a MB
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From: Scotland
2004 SL500, 2007 R350 Sport
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2005 SL500, 2000 S430, 1999 C2, 1995 E300D
Reliability questions
Asking for potential problems in the forum will only get you anecdotal stories, and cannot provide you with the actual picture of a model or make's reliability. The proper venue would be publications, such as Consumer Report and JD Powers, which would be based on statistics of large numbers of vehicles.
My personal experience reflects what the statistics showed. MB has a rather poor reliability issues (especially in the electronics) compared to some other brands at the same price range. If you are looking for luxury brand with no problems your best bet is a Lexus.
But then again reliability is not the only reason we choose what we drive. This is why we have so many loyal MB owners, myself included.
My personal experience reflects what the statistics showed. MB has a rather poor reliability issues (especially in the electronics) compared to some other brands at the same price range. If you are looking for luxury brand with no problems your best bet is a Lexus.
But then again reliability is not the only reason we choose what we drive. This is why we have so many loyal MB owners, myself included.
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500 ML
Yes, really. He was only looking for general guidance. For example, my ML500 goes through front brake pads quickly based on regular normal everyday driving compared to my 740iL. On the BMW forum website, there is a list of all the weaknesses with the 740 from the cupholders, instrument cluster pixels, weak radiator necks, etc. Very informative to a potential purchaser to understand the potential cost to maintain these vehicles.
