Benz5656

I am in the market to purchase an 03-06 SL500. I have had several Mercedes but don't know much about the R230. What kind of things should I look for? I know the usual electronic and hydrolics etc.

What are some good aftermarket warranties? I have heard varying about different companies. I just need something that covers the electronics, the top, and the suspension. I can handle everything else.

rwnevinger

Plenty of advice in this forum on what to expect, just do some searches. Purchase the 06 if you can manage it. I have an 03 with lower miles, but the 03 tends to have more problems. It qualified for the AAA Platinum which is an exclusion warranty. 3 yr/36000 came in at 3200 w/ 100 deductible. I was one month into and had a major claim, it was the ABC system. Dealer took care of everything, not a problem. Highly recommended.

djamer

1. Get the car checked out by an independent Benz mechanic
2. Make sure the ABC has been serviced. Each service #B, the dealer should flush and inspect ABC fluid and check for leaks.

This should be documented in the Vechicle History report, get it from dealer.

3. Make sure all Recall and Technical Bulletins are up to date on the car.
4. Make sure the Brake By Wire (brake system) has had the fix implemented..

5. Check and make sure the roof mechanism is solid and working order.

===

Finally, if u get this car, you need to buy an extended warranty. If you can get one from the MB dealer, do it.. If buying from indy dealer, get the most comprehensive available.. which cover Navi, ABC, roof mechanism.. these are super expensive to repair.

There are plenty of threads detailing which extended warranties are best, better or just simply horrible.

Good luck, keep us posted.

-A

cmc1998

ABC = ??? and what can you tell me about possible problems. Thanks

YamiFanatic

ABC = Active Body Control

which is just their suspension system

i believe its a hydraulic system. but just have the pumps checked by a mercedes dealer or independent

they can be costly and finicky so have it inspected before you buy

Floridaheli

The cylinders in the hydraulic system for the top are around $600 just for the part. Labor to replace a leaking cylinder is around $90/hour.

So, have a good mechanic review the car before buying. Then get an extended warranty. I have a 2005 SL that had 11,646 miles on it when I bought it in 2008. Now it has a bit over 19,000. I got the 3 year extended warranty from MasterTech for $2800. Only cost me a $50 deductible to get the valve cover gaskets replaced when leaking. Also only $50 to replace the 2 struts that hold the trunk open. The service rep spotted that they were getting weak when I brought it in for an oil change. Now I'm dealing with a panel broken hinge on the driver's side. See threat titled "Not sure what this part is called... please help, need replacement!" I'm trying to fix it myself. Cost of part is $368 from local dealer. I DO know how to remove the panel now.

I LOVE the car. Just a joy to drive. I'm sure you will like it too. Try to get a 2005 or newer. Prior to '05 the navigation was 10 CD's and updates are no longer available. The 2005 and newer have a single DVD and you can get update discs on e-bay for less than the $200 the dealer charges.

Have fun.

Benz5656

Just want to say thanks for all of the input. I purchased a 2005 SL500, and got a 2-yr extended warranty through my finance company. It covers everything that the dealership covers when you purchase new even if the car is out of warranty, providing the car is less than 7yrs and less than 60k. The only thing it doesn't cover in the exclusionary policy are normal wear and tear, like tires and brakes etc. I have put almost 600miles on it driving it back so, so far so good.

Iowa boy

I'm looking at an SL too. I nervous about the maintenance expense. Shoould I be?

Benz5656

Yes you should. This car can and will get expensive really quick. So far no issues. I bought mine as a 4th car that primary sits in the garage on carpet so it doesn't get flat spots.

neomonkey

How much are they going for these days? I have an 03 SL500 with 43000 miles on it that I'm thinking of selling. It has 2 years and 33k miles left on its warranty (which I have used twice that saved me $6500).

DaniCa2005

I just bought a 2005 SL500 and it came with a phone cradle dedicated to Motorola V60i/s, V710 per User's Manual. I just want to use the handsfree feature since it has the functional buttons on the steering wheel. What Bluetooth adapter can I get and where?