SL/R230: Please read- SL600, 2004, 23k miles - big maintenance bills?
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Newbie
Joined: Jun 2011
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GL450
Please read- SL600, 2004, 23k miles - big maintenance bills?
Car looks clean. Bought a 2011 GL450 the other day and sales guy called me out of the blue (he knew I was looking to pick up a sports car) and said he had a client just trade in this SL600. I test drove it home tonight, it handles well. Looks like previous owner took care of the car. Is there anything I should be aware of, ie, consistent problems owners have had and/or maintenance issues with the model (and year if any 2004 guys are out there...)? I want to walk in eyes wide open. Thx in advance. I hope someone reads this!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: SF CA
Car looks clean. Bought a 2011 GL450 the other day and sales guy called me out of the blue (he knew I was looking to pick up a sports car) and said he had a client just trade in this SL600. I test drove it home tonight, it handles well. Looks like previous owner took care of the car. Is there anything I should be aware of, ie, consistent problems owners have had and/or maintenance issues with the model (and year if any 2004 guys are out there...)? I want to walk in eyes wide open. Thx in advance. I hope someone reads this!
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Joined: Jun 2011
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GL450
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 177
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From: Clermont, FL
2007 E550 4-Matic, 2004 SL600
My 2004 SL600 has 77K on it, I picked it up at 72K in March. Past maintenance records show it wasn't too bad on parts. Find yourself a decent extended warranty and enjoy, with low mileage like that an extended shouldn't be a problem. I got a TotalCare package from EasyCare for mine, whatever ya get make sure it covers the suspension, roof and turbo's, alot of them don't.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 603
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From: Asheville, Atlanta
SL 65 AMG, Porsche 911 (993), 2014 Cayenne GTS, 2013 Toyota Highlander Limited
maintenance
My experience with a used SL vehicle that I bought at 27,000 miles, that has 40K now:
1) Warranties don't cover wear parts - brakes/tires/spark plugs, etc. but you should have one for insurance against major parts going south, i.e. ABC suspension
2) Check with dealer on all previous service history and warranty work
3) Make sure your deal includes new tires or new brakes (I had my brakes done as part of deal) as a negotiation for immediate purchase, as these cars go through tires fairly quickly due to weight and traction, etc...
4) Make sure all recall work has been done and Service Bulletins before purchase - I had the "cracking noise" from steering/suspension done - TSB 46.20.60/b and gas tank flap noise.....
My costs so far in two years:
Spark plug replacement/labor costs about $ 500.
Tires about $ 1500 for good ones.
Trunk or hood struts about $ 30 each - spent $ 65 for trunk.
Cracking noise TSB - not covered by warranty - $ 150 twice
MAP sensor one bank of cylinders - $ 80 including labor
Brake rotors on 65 cost $ 1,000 each for front - SL 600 may be much less, but check....
1) Warranties don't cover wear parts - brakes/tires/spark plugs, etc. but you should have one for insurance against major parts going south, i.e. ABC suspension
2) Check with dealer on all previous service history and warranty work
3) Make sure your deal includes new tires or new brakes (I had my brakes done as part of deal) as a negotiation for immediate purchase, as these cars go through tires fairly quickly due to weight and traction, etc...
4) Make sure all recall work has been done and Service Bulletins before purchase - I had the "cracking noise" from steering/suspension done - TSB 46.20.60/b and gas tank flap noise.....
My costs so far in two years:
Spark plug replacement/labor costs about $ 500.
Tires about $ 1500 for good ones.
Trunk or hood struts about $ 30 each - spent $ 65 for trunk.
Cracking noise TSB - not covered by warranty - $ 150 twice
MAP sensor one bank of cylinders - $ 80 including labor
Brake rotors on 65 cost $ 1,000 each for front - SL 600 may be much less, but check....
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,339
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From: Gulf Coast but not Florida
GLK350, SL63 AMG
It costs $3-5k to CPO a AMG, I'm told
Plus it seems to include a on year warranty and you can buy extra years. I'd call mb in NJ to find out about this year of production stipulation. Plenty of c classes, etc from 04 have CPO....
Sounds like it is not cost effective to run it through the CPO process for the dealer.
Get the full service history and negotiate a substantial discount because they won't CPO it. Take it to a good indie to check it out. Then buy an aftermarket full warranty with the $delta.
Sounds like it is not cost effective to run it through the CPO process for the dealer.
Get the full service history and negotiate a substantial discount because they won't CPO it. Take it to a good indie to check it out. Then buy an aftermarket full warranty with the $delta.
