SL/R230: Considering an SL600 '03-'04
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 392
Likes: 21
From: Northern Suburb of Indianapolis
CLS55
Considering an SL600 '03-'04
Hey all, I'm looking at a few cars to get as my next ride and have a few ideas on the plate to review, one of which is the SL600 (plan to pay cash so 2003-2004 range is all I care to spend). I found a little info, but not much on this platform (may be not using right keywords)...that all said, as I hit a certain amount of time searching I realize time is too valuable not to ask, so I appreciate any feedback.
Looking at '03-'04 SL600, plan to get a tune on it (love the prospect of that kind of hp and torque)...but I still don't have a clear idea of what the major issues are on these cars. I read somewhere that many issue requires an engine removal...is that true? I also know on the CL600 there was talk of some ABS issue that was quite costly to repair...same withtthe SL's?
Can you all help me out here? What kind of issues do we see with these cars? What issues have you seen? On these issues, can a reasonable (well above average I'd say) DIY'er fix it themselves?
I guess I don't want the prospect of dealing with another money pit (money and time), my C32 nickel and dimes me now (water pump, alternator, front engine seal, control arms, CD changer, HVAC flapper, rear spring, rust issues etc) and so far I've been able to repair it all myself, but as I get older I'm less inclined to spend the time and money into a car that will likely require a lot of maintenance.
Please let me know so I and others can have more recent (and possibly new) perspectives on this platform. (FYI - I'm also considering at SL55, E55, CL600/55 and even a few xx63 platforms that are most likely more than I want to spend)
Looking at '03-'04 SL600, plan to get a tune on it (love the prospect of that kind of hp and torque)...but I still don't have a clear idea of what the major issues are on these cars. I read somewhere that many issue requires an engine removal...is that true? I also know on the CL600 there was talk of some ABS issue that was quite costly to repair...same withtthe SL's?
Can you all help me out here? What kind of issues do we see with these cars? What issues have you seen? On these issues, can a reasonable (well above average I'd say) DIY'er fix it themselves?
I guess I don't want the prospect of dealing with another money pit (money and time), my C32 nickel and dimes me now (water pump, alternator, front engine seal, control arms, CD changer, HVAC flapper, rear spring, rust issues etc) and so far I've been able to repair it all myself, but as I get older I'm less inclined to spend the time and money into a car that will likely require a lot of maintenance.
Please let me know so I and others can have more recent (and possibly new) perspectives on this platform. (FYI - I'm also considering at SL55, E55, CL600/55 and even a few xx63 platforms that are most likely more than I want to spend)
Last edited by testknight; Sep 5, 2013 at 10:05 PM.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 392
Likes: 21
From: Northern Suburb of Indianapolis
CLS55
I'd also follow up..engine removal...if this is required for a lot of work, how tough is it on these cars? I've pulled/swapped a few engines in the past (not that I am keen one bit on ever doing it again)
Last edited by testknight; Sep 5, 2013 at 10:12 PM.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 392
Likes: 21
From: Northern Suburb of Indianapolis
CLS55
All,
I did look into this more and it sounds like these cars can be very problematic and very expensive due to issues. My other concern is a very limited technical knowledge base on these vehicles so it seems most people just don't work on them. What I couldn't figure out is if this is due to specialized tools or equipment needed for the common issues on these cars or it it is a matter of just people not having really tried the DIY route yet.
Hope this helps someone else considering these as I was. THe price may be good up front, but clearly there is significant cost in addressing the multiple issues referenced that all seem to be quite costly to repair. Just seems to me on an annual basis you'd do better going another route.
ANy suggestions on that other route, I'm all ears
I did look into this more and it sounds like these cars can be very problematic and very expensive due to issues. My other concern is a very limited technical knowledge base on these vehicles so it seems most people just don't work on them. What I couldn't figure out is if this is due to specialized tools or equipment needed for the common issues on these cars or it it is a matter of just people not having really tried the DIY route yet.
Hope this helps someone else considering these as I was. THe price may be good up front, but clearly there is significant cost in addressing the multiple issues referenced that all seem to be quite costly to repair. Just seems to me on an annual basis you'd do better going another route.
ANy suggestions on that other route, I'm all ears
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
2004 SL600
ABC is a common problem, and chances are, you WILL have a problem with it. Set aside $6-8k and that should cover you so long as you have a good indie do the work. If the car has around 80k on it, you should replace all ABC accumulators as preventative maintenance because they are probably close to or at end of life)
My front suspension bushings were pretty loose at 80k and those cost another 1.5k to replace.
Most diagnostics on the car require a specialized Mercedes computer, so you probably won't be doing a whole lot DIY as a result of this. This is NOT the car for a DIYer (speaking as one). I have done a few little things that have saved me 2-3k, but I have still spent 8k in the first year of ownership on stuff I couldn't do myself (most of that was ABC repair).
The car is a blast to drive, and if you get a good enough deal on it AND set aside enough money for repairs, you will enjoy it. If not, then it could be a disheartening ownership experience.
My front suspension bushings were pretty loose at 80k and those cost another 1.5k to replace.
Most diagnostics on the car require a specialized Mercedes computer, so you probably won't be doing a whole lot DIY as a result of this. This is NOT the car for a DIYer (speaking as one). I have done a few little things that have saved me 2-3k, but I have still spent 8k in the first year of ownership on stuff I couldn't do myself (most of that was ABC repair).
The car is a blast to drive, and if you get a good enough deal on it AND set aside enough money for repairs, you will enjoy it. If not, then it could be a disheartening ownership experience.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 876
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From: ST. Louis, MO
'16 SL550, '18 Porsche Macan GTS
I think part of the reason you don't see more DIY on here is that the vast majority of SL owners will typically be older and of a higher income bracket to start with and can afford to have the work done plus the fact that on almost any car '03 or newer, you need to have a lot of expensive diagnostic tools. Not like working on a '60's muscle car where all you need is a set of hand tools and a timing light. I use to do virtually all of my own work but no longer feel comfortable trying to figure out all of the electronics involved.
I would feel comfortable doing brakes, belts, plugs, fluids and such but as soon as you get much past that, I'm afraid that I will cause more damage than good. Just look at the W203 forum where the demographic is probably under 30 yrs old and there's tons of thread on mods and DIY repairs. All I know is that when I do finally find that right SL I will have a bumper to bumper warranty to cover all but the most basic repairs.
My advise is to figure about $6-$8k in to your budget for a warranty and you should end up happy. I'm looking to spend a total of $35-36k so I limit myself to looking at cars that can be bought in high $20's or less. Limits a lot of potential cars but I'm trying to remain realistic. Last thing I need is to buy a $35k car and have it sit because I can't afford to fix it.
I would feel comfortable doing brakes, belts, plugs, fluids and such but as soon as you get much past that, I'm afraid that I will cause more damage than good. Just look at the W203 forum where the demographic is probably under 30 yrs old and there's tons of thread on mods and DIY repairs. All I know is that when I do finally find that right SL I will have a bumper to bumper warranty to cover all but the most basic repairs.
My advise is to figure about $6-$8k in to your budget for a warranty and you should end up happy. I'm looking to spend a total of $35-36k so I limit myself to looking at cars that can be bought in high $20's or less. Limits a lot of potential cars but I'm trying to remain realistic. Last thing I need is to buy a $35k car and have it sit because I can't afford to fix it.
Last edited by SteveL1; Sep 25, 2013 at 11:07 PM.
