SL/R230: Problems
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 512
Likes: 76
From: New Jersey
2024 GLE 580
Problems
I bought one of the first 2003 SL 500 Launch Editions right out of the gate. It has been plagued by two problems.
1. I've had the car to the shop several times for a rear brake noise and lurching when stopping. The techs were aware the problem existed but had no fix. Now, the rotors are very rough and pitted. This with only 9K on the car. The front rotors are smooth like glass.
2. A constant smell of antifreeze when the car reaches operating temperature. They replaced the radiator and still can't get rid of the smell. If I park in my garage, the entire garage smells like anti freeze. According to the techs there is no leak when pressure testing and I see no leak under the car.
Overall, not very happy. I paid about $108K for this car. I recently bought a $20K hyndai santa fe and have no problems?
Brian
1. I've had the car to the shop several times for a rear brake noise and lurching when stopping. The techs were aware the problem existed but had no fix. Now, the rotors are very rough and pitted. This with only 9K on the car. The front rotors are smooth like glass.
2. A constant smell of antifreeze when the car reaches operating temperature. They replaced the radiator and still can't get rid of the smell. If I park in my garage, the entire garage smells like anti freeze. According to the techs there is no leak when pressure testing and I see no leak under the car.
Overall, not very happy. I paid about $108K for this car. I recently bought a $20K hyndai santa fe and have no problems?
Brian
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 443
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I am really trying not to sound sarcastic or a jerk when I say this, but what made you think that when you bought one of the first batches of a new model that there wouldn't be an major flaws? It is an unwritten rule that you never buy the first year model of a new car, especially a car like the SL which is vulnerable to the vast new technologies that it employs. MB has put together this car in hopes that everything will be fine, but they know that there will be problems they did not anticipate. The initial launch buyers were/are the guinea pigs for MB to use to improve the SL.
Last edited by internet_mafia; Apr 30, 2003 at 12:20 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Sugar Land, Texas
09' 335i coupe
Originally posted by internet_mafia
I am really trying not to sound sarcastic or a jerk when I say this, but what made you think that when you bought one of the first batches of a new model that there wouldn't be an major flaws? It is an unwritten rule that you never buy the first year model of a new car, especially a car like the SL which is vulnerable to the vast new technologies that it employs. MB has put together this car in hopes that everything will be fine, but they know that there will be problems they did not anticipate. The initial launch buyers were/are the guinea pigs for MB to use to improve the SL.
I am really trying not to sound sarcastic or a jerk when I say this, but what made you think that when you bought one of the first batches of a new model that there wouldn't be an major flaws? It is an unwritten rule that you never buy the first year model of a new car, especially a car like the SL which is vulnerable to the vast new technologies that it employs. MB has put together this car in hopes that everything will be fine, but they know that there will be problems they did not anticipate. The initial launch buyers were/are the guinea pigs for MB to use to improve the SL.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 443
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Does your single, isolated case, speak for the historical pattern? You obviously don't understand probability and statistics. The problem with buying the first model year of a redesign is the gamble that the owner takes. He/she assumes that they are buying a quality product, but it usually turns out that MB has overlooked some issues that will turn up in the initial rollouts of the redesign. This does not mean that every single car will be affected since there are so many real-time variables in manufacturing that cause the defects.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,130
Likes: 36
From: Carefree az usa
2020 S560,14 ml350, 03 sl55, silver, pano, slr cams, evo headers, lsd, 2019 s63 cab.
the car was out in europe before it came to usa. you just have one of the lemon or problem cars that is unusual. i agree that you should work with a lawyer and get this resolved. they should buy back the car toward another replacement for you.
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