BlownV8

Typically the newest one you can afford is the best and most reliable one. Not because it is newer with upgraded parts; rather, it is newer without as much wear. They will alll suffer the same problems it's a matter of time, mileage, and heat that destroys the parts. MB is very consistent. That goes for the good and the bad.

seven_out

Japanese cars are heralded for their quality and reliability, and properly so. Mazda's Miata is no exception, yet reading of the problems discussed by owners on this forum might mislead you into forming a different opinion. Keep in mind that owner experiences you read on car forums may not be typical of all owners.

I believe your fear is misplaced, but you need to be aware of repair costs of the ABC suspension. On any car struts and shocks have a service life that is brief relative to that of the car itself. At the dealership four shocks for your SLK will set you back around $800; four struts for an R230 would be around $7000.

So the ABC suspension can be a hideous expense, but this need not be the case. Arnott Industries sells remanufactured struts with a limited lifetime warranty for around $630; parts geek discounts them to around $400.

Finally, if you purchase an R230 and are even remotely interested in maintaining, repairing, and enhancing your enjoyment of your car, then I strongly recommend you purchase a Chinese-cloned Star Diagnosis System for around $300.

I believe there is little to distinguish between the first four model years other than transmission and COMAND. All '03 cars have the 5-speed automatic that was introduced in MY1996 and is used in your SLK. For '04 the SL500 got a 7-speed automatic. For '05 all SLs got a revised COMAND.

If I were shopping for an SL500 today for reasons of personal preference I would purchase an '03.

rorf

Best SLs are the R129s with spring suspension

Sky Pilot

LOL!!Why not just go with a 60's vintage Chevrolet? No smog equipment, a points distributor as opposed to electronic ignition, no fuel injection to mess with, no on board computer.....the list goes on and on!!

cal1

Thanks for posting this. I plan to start inspecting ABC fluid as a normal maintenance item. I had an ABC pump fail a few years ago. It was replaced and the system was flushed, but I am curious to see the condition of the pentosin now.

Not to scare you more, but something to keep in mind if you decide to pick up an R230. Even though they are much cheaper now than new, they are still 100k + luxury cars. When it comes to repairs, I think it best to think of them that way.

jbattan

After reading the stories about ABC flushing recommendations, I decided to sell my 2009 SL550 and get the newer model (well, that's not the only reason, of course). Wouldn't you know that the next day, the dreaded "ABC Malfunction" came up on my dashboard, and now I have to replace the leaking PS/ABC pump for a mere $3,600. Ugh. It has 39,000 miles.

diablo2112

That's just terrible luck and a rotten coincidence. A 2009 with less than 40k miles with an ABC pump malfunction is sobering news. A good independent can replace the pump with a refurbished unit for half that cost, though it's small consolation.

Sky Pilot

Wow...sorry to hear this. That is really unfortunate. What was the condition of the fluid? Are you going with a new SL550 without ABC? Less worries but a noticeable difference in handling from what I've been hearing. After reading all these posts, I will certainly be diligent with keeping an eye on the fluid condition and changing it regularly. Best of luck to you.
John

seven_out

A kit to reseal the pump cost $89 here. A guy explains how he used that kit to repair his pump here.

It illustrates that these cars don't have to be ridiculously expensive to own.

jbattan

I do plan on getting ABC with my 2015 SL550, because I drove a 2014 without ABC and it was no fun.
I'll be covered under the warranty for four years at least.

Sky Pilot

BlownV8

You are assuming the pump is rebuildable. Many are not when the fluid is not changed regularly. The rebuild kit repairs an ABC pump that has leaky seals - that's it.

seven_out

Actually, I wasn't assuming anything. I was simply mentioning an inexpensive alternative to replacing a leaking pump with a brand-new one that some owners may overlook. But now that you mention it, a pump that is only 6-years-old with just 39K miles is probably an excellent candidate for a re-seal.