SL/R230: Better with Age?
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Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 26
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Better with Age?
I posted to another member about my experiences with two cars: a 2003 clk500 and 2003 sl500.
I bought both cars used, but with low miles. The honeymoons were over quickly. Nav units blowing, transmission contaminations, locked seat belts. But now both cars are middle aged, with about 50K on the clocks. Sigh.
I guess true love takes time. I think the cars are far superior than in their adolescence
The clk500 recently had the alloys refinished, skinned them with new Pilots and finished with new brakes. The dealer completed a punch list and topped it off with a detail. It feels like a piece of granite on the freeway, blazingly fast & sure footed. Viagra not needed.
But this is not a monogamous relationship. My sl developed the dreaded strut problem, but I decided to spring for the repair which was not as bad as feared. The dealer made a few more minor repairs, and I also fitted it with the Pilots. Somehow that highway shimmy, and a couple of annoying rattles are gone, replaced by this refined and silky smooth ride that relaxes me when I drive it.
I plan on going another 5 years, and am considering an older M series for next winter.
And I was crushed when the oval headlights were removed for the newest SL. I think the ovals were classic. With that squared off front end...it looks like a bmw now.
I have been on this forum for some time, and don't post often but my experience has been thrilling. If I am fortunate I will drive one for the remainder.
I bought both cars used, but with low miles. The honeymoons were over quickly. Nav units blowing, transmission contaminations, locked seat belts. But now both cars are middle aged, with about 50K on the clocks. Sigh.
I guess true love takes time. I think the cars are far superior than in their adolescence
The clk500 recently had the alloys refinished, skinned them with new Pilots and finished with new brakes. The dealer completed a punch list and topped it off with a detail. It feels like a piece of granite on the freeway, blazingly fast & sure footed. Viagra not needed.
But this is not a monogamous relationship. My sl developed the dreaded strut problem, but I decided to spring for the repair which was not as bad as feared. The dealer made a few more minor repairs, and I also fitted it with the Pilots. Somehow that highway shimmy, and a couple of annoying rattles are gone, replaced by this refined and silky smooth ride that relaxes me when I drive it.
I plan on going another 5 years, and am considering an older M series for next winter.
And I was crushed when the oval headlights were removed for the newest SL. I think the ovals were classic. With that squared off front end...it looks like a bmw now.
I have been on this forum for some time, and don't post often but my experience has been thrilling. If I am fortunate I will drive one for the remainder.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 46
Likes: 1
From: Montgomery, AL
99 Corvette (heavily modded), 2018 Sonata Sport, 2016 Silverado 2500HD LTZ, 62 Nova Pro Street
Refreshing post, thanks for sharing!
Like you, I bought my 2003 SL500 with low miles (4600) about 3 months ago. So far, I've had the transmission electrical connector leak ($220 at the stealer) and now have the SRS light on issue. I've bought the harnesses and am waiting on warmer weather to remove the passenger seat and change it myself.
I guess I'll be fearing the dreaded ABC or roof pump repairs down the road. I'd buy an aftermarket warranty but don't think anyone offers one for a 2003 now.
Anyway, glad to see life can get better down the SL road...
Jon
Like you, I bought my 2003 SL500 with low miles (4600) about 3 months ago. So far, I've had the transmission electrical connector leak ($220 at the stealer) and now have the SRS light on issue. I've bought the harnesses and am waiting on warmer weather to remove the passenger seat and change it myself.
I guess I'll be fearing the dreaded ABC or roof pump repairs down the road. I'd buy an aftermarket warranty but don't think anyone offers one for a 2003 now.
Anyway, glad to see life can get better down the SL road...
Jon
