SL/R230: Just asking for $ trouble?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2011
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1997 dodge viper gts, Lexus LS 430
Just asking for $ trouble?
Hi all, I am new here. For the last few years I have looked longingly at the SL500. I know repairs can be quite expensive.
I have seen several 2003 and 2004 with milage in the 65k to 85K with asking prices of $24 to $27K. Is this something where you get in for a "low" price and pay dearly for repairs making it a mistake?
I know getting an extended warranty is a good idea, but can you even get them on a used car with this many miles?
I did see one with 85,000 miles that claimed to have a warranty good for one more year or 100k miles and they were asking $24,000 OBO.
Any thoughts anyone?
I have seen several 2003 and 2004 with milage in the 65k to 85K with asking prices of $24 to $27K. Is this something where you get in for a "low" price and pay dearly for repairs making it a mistake?
I know getting an extended warranty is a good idea, but can you even get them on a used car with this many miles?
I did see one with 85,000 miles that claimed to have a warranty good for one more year or 100k miles and they were asking $24,000 OBO.
Any thoughts anyone?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 8,137
Likes: 27
From: Maryland
Eurocharged 2004 E500, Eurocharged ECU/TCU 2005 SL600, 2010 Caddy SwaggerWagon
If you're gonna "roll the dice" without a warranty, which I highly recommend you don't do, budget about $4000.00 per year in repairs and maintenance.
If that number seems high to you, or you're stretching your budget just to get into the SL, I'd pass.
If that number seems high to you, or you're stretching your budget just to get into the SL, I'd pass.
Newbie
Joined: May 2011
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03 SL55
Curious as to what breaks on these cars to coast $4k per year in repairs? Sounds worse then owning a boat.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2011
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1997 dodge viper gts, Lexus LS 430
I didn't say it was low milage. I consider it to be high milage thus my concern about the purchase. I a, concerned things will start to break or wear out and that I will not be able to get an extended warranty
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2010
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2005 SL55 2000 CL500
Well this is a great example. I have had my 2005 SL55 for 5 years come June. Its been pretty good on repairs. Average about $ 2000.00 a year.
But now that it has 75K miles. The fun begins.
Plugs and Valve Cover Gaskets & Regular A Service in July $ 675.00
Tires last August. $ 1700.00
ABC Pump in April $ 2200.00
Front Pads & Rotors coming up. $ 1200.00
So thats $ 5800.00 in a years time frame. And I feel lucky its not higher.
These cars were very expensive new. $ 100K +. And the cost to repair
them and parts has only increased.
But now that it has 75K miles. The fun begins.
Plugs and Valve Cover Gaskets & Regular A Service in July $ 675.00
Tires last August. $ 1700.00
ABC Pump in April $ 2200.00
Front Pads & Rotors coming up. $ 1200.00
So thats $ 5800.00 in a years time frame. And I feel lucky its not higher.
These cars were very expensive new. $ 100K +. And the cost to repair
them and parts has only increased.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 8,137
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From: Maryland
Eurocharged 2004 E500, Eurocharged ECU/TCU 2005 SL600, 2010 Caddy SwaggerWagon
Add to that, the convertible pump top - $2000.00
And you better be sitting down when the time comes to replace the passenger side headlamp BULB. Yep, just the bulb. The whole front clip needs to come out, and it's booked out at an 5 hour job. Mine went out, so I purchased two new bulbs, and then it was determined that it was the xenon control module. That was $1200.00, plus the 5 hours labor to install it, plus the price of the bulbs. That's another $2000.00 just for that.
My $4000.00 a year estimate for service and maintenance, was not made up or just pulled out of thin air. It's real.
Here's what a passenger side bulb replacement, looks like:
Last edited by Benz-O-Rama; May 16, 2011 at 11:40 AM.
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Former Vendor of MBWorld
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That's because they put the bulb in and then build the rest of the car around it. 
OPm if you would like some free advice on cars or warranties, or help finding one or both, or how to avoid getting a bad deal, just shoot me a PM or email.
Bruce
Becks Imports LLC
OPm if you would like some free advice on cars or warranties, or help finding one or both, or how to avoid getting a bad deal, just shoot me a PM or email.
Bruce
Becks Imports LLC
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Senior Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 443
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From: N.Y.C.
05' sl 500
See post #6. It's not just stuff that breaks, but maintenance as well. Even those these cars are coming down in price, repairs and maintenance costs are still in line with it's MSRP.
Add to that, the convertible pump top - $2000.00
And you better be sitting down when the time comes to replace the passenger side headlamp BULB. Yep, just the bulb. The whole front clip needs to come out, and it's booked out at an 5 hour job. Mine went out, so I purchased two new bulbs, and then it was determined that it was the xenon control module. That was $1200.00, plus the 5 hours labor to install it, plus the price of the bulbs. That's another $2000.00 just for that.
My $4000.00 a year estimate for service and maintenance, was not made up or just pulled out of thin air. It's real.
Here's what a passenger side bulb replacement, looks like:
Add to that, the convertible pump top - $2000.00
And you better be sitting down when the time comes to replace the passenger side headlamp BULB. Yep, just the bulb. The whole front clip needs to come out, and it's booked out at an 5 hour job. Mine went out, so I purchased two new bulbs, and then it was determined that it was the xenon control module. That was $1200.00, plus the 5 hours labor to install it, plus the price of the bulbs. That's another $2000.00 just for that.
My $4000.00 a year estimate for service and maintenance, was not made up or just pulled out of thin air. It's real.
Here's what a passenger side bulb replacement, looks like:
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 8,137
Likes: 27
From: Maryland
Eurocharged 2004 E500, Eurocharged ECU/TCU 2005 SL600, 2010 Caddy SwaggerWagon
Benz-o-rama. I'm surprised at a veteran like you letting the dealer fleece you on a headlight change. There are a few posts on the dyi on the light bulb. I've done it myself and yes its a pain in the a$$. Either get some one with really small hands or remove the headlight. but still can be done within an hour.
I tried and tried and tried and tried. I finally got the bulb in, but it was physically impossible to get the housing cap back on. After 3 hours, and completely scratched and bloody hands, I gave up. The fact that I got the new bulb in, at all was a miracle. Unless you're a circus freak, with child size hands, its very difficult. My car is under warranty, so when I took it in for the replacement xenon control module, it was covered. Plus, it needed to be coded with SDS after installation.
I challenge anyone reading this to pop their hood, and take a look. Getting the bulb out is difficult but possible. Getting the new one back in, is almost impossible.
Last edited by Benz-O-Rama; May 16, 2011 at 08:05 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 443
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From: N.Y.C.
05' sl 500
I tried and tried and tried and tried. I finally got the bulb in, but it was physically impossible to get the housing cap back on. After 3 hours, and completely scratched and bloody hands, I gave up. The fact that I got the new bulb in, at all was a miracle. Unless you're a circus freak, with child size hands, its very difficult. My car is under warranty, so when I took it in for the replacement xenon control module, it was covered. Plus, it needed to be coded with SDS after installation.
I challenge anyone reading this to pop their hood, and take a look. Getting the bulb out is difficult but possible. Getting the new one back in, is almost impossible.
I challenge anyone reading this to pop their hood, and take a look. Getting the bulb out is difficult but possible. Getting the new one back in, is almost impossible.
I had to experience the frustration when I wanted to upgrade my bulbs. After replacing the bulb once and then having to redo it because the bulb wasn't seated properly I realized its much easier or the only real possible way is to remove the headlight. in order to do this you have to loosen the passenger side bumper attachment. It sounds harder than it is but its definitely not 5 hrs worth of work.
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2012
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2004 SL600, 2010 BMW 650ci
Fix it before broken?
'New here and could use some help.
I just bought a 2004 SL600 V-12, 90k miles.
Porsce dealer said they svc'd it??? Question:
with this many miles and biTurbo should it have a nut
& bolt inspection? Is there a better way to have this
done professionally; e.g. does Mbenz offer some
100k review and refresh plan, or would an
independent be able to determine real condition?
Are there any key systems or parts that need
careful scrutiny? Or, should I cut losses and upgrade
to 2008+ before anything breaks? I sure would appreciate
some experienced advice. Thanks from Atlanta, GA.
I just bought a 2004 SL600 V-12, 90k miles.
Porsce dealer said they svc'd it??? Question:
with this many miles and biTurbo should it have a nut
& bolt inspection? Is there a better way to have this
done professionally; e.g. does Mbenz offer some
100k review and refresh plan, or would an
independent be able to determine real condition?
Are there any key systems or parts that need
careful scrutiny? Or, should I cut losses and upgrade
to 2008+ before anything breaks? I sure would appreciate
some experienced advice. Thanks from Atlanta, GA.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
2004 SL600, 2006 Range Rover SC
I'm saying that the prices you listed are not "getting in low" with mileage like that on an SL 500.
