SL/R230: What are some of the common problems with the SL500???
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 217
Likes: 0
From: Fort Worth, Tx
97 SL500
What are some of the common problems with the SL500???
I know on the early cars there were some issues with keylessgo, tranny mounts, etc. Did MB address the initial quality issues yet and what might I expect to go wrong on an 2004 SL500???
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 28,933
Likes: 12
Originally posted by ano0oj
The sl is about 5-6 mounts old i think, no problems so far.
The sl is about 5-6 mounts old i think, no problems so far.
Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 113
Likes: 1
From: La Jolla, CA
13 E550 Cabriolet/19 SL550
I got my 04 SL500 in mid October and have 2500 miles on it with no problems except a squeak in the driver side window. It's minor enough that I haven't taken it to the dealer.
These are awesome cars.
These are awesome cars.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 28,933
Likes: 12
As my dad said today:
"This car gets more fun to drive everyday, at ten thousand miles it really smooths out, I don't like driving your Lexus anymore!"
Take it how you want. IMO his R230 sounds a bit more "grumbly" and the ride is much.. crisper than when we purchased it.
"This car gets more fun to drive everyday, at ten thousand miles it really smooths out, I don't like driving your Lexus anymore!"
Take it how you want. IMO his R230 sounds a bit more "grumbly" and the ride is much.. crisper than when we purchased it.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,130
Likes: 36
From: Carefree az usa
2020 S560,14 ml350, 03 sl55, silver, pano, slr cams, evo headers, lsd, 2019 s63 cab.
jsut sold sl500 with 6600 miles, had it for 18 months. no problems with it or sl55. get one with all options for best resale and enjoy.
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Member
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 129
Likes: 0
From: State College, pennsylvania
2007 CLS550 (White w/black interior);2008 smart CABRIO
NO Major Problems--24,000 miles
I have a Launch Edition SL 500 (mfg 02/2002) now just about 2 years old with 24,000+ miles in all types of driving environments- (snow, ice, cold, etc.) and combinations of driving style/speed /trip range verylocal (2 mile), medium range, and longer 200 to 1,000 mile trips. Garaged overnights.
NO Major Problems to date.
Recently had SRS light come on, stay on; and a part at steering "column bag switch" was replaced under warranty. No on the road inconvenience.
No problems ever with top---accessories, etc./ Do wish the COMAND/navigaton system were DVD format
The 2003 SL 500 is just a great , reliable , very comfortable, daily driver car--a very beautiful car - Usually get 25+ mpg on trips @ 69 mph+ speeds.
Attracts neat comments from all--young and old- wherever parked.
Giff Albright in the Central Allegheny mountains of PA-USA.
NO Major Problems to date.
Recently had SRS light come on, stay on; and a part at steering "column bag switch" was replaced under warranty. No on the road inconvenience.
No problems ever with top---accessories, etc./ Do wish the COMAND/navigaton system were DVD format
The 2003 SL 500 is just a great , reliable , very comfortable, daily driver car--a very beautiful car - Usually get 25+ mpg on trips @ 69 mph+ speeds.
Attracts neat comments from all--young and old- wherever parked.
Giff Albright in the Central Allegheny mountains of PA-USA.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 299
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta, GA
1988 560SL (sold); 2001 E430 (sold); 2004 SL500; 2009 CL550
It's been almost two months since I ordered my 2004 SL500. It's coming into port today and should be in my garage sometime next week.
All your comments are making the last 7 days the longest of the last 60!!
_____________
2004 SL500
Black/Charcoal
Panorama Top
Keyless Go
Comfort Package
Heated Steering Wheel
All your comments are making the last 7 days the longest of the last 60!!
_____________
2004 SL500
Black/Charcoal
Panorama Top
Keyless Go
Comfort Package
Heated Steering Wheel
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 299
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta, GA
1988 560SL (sold); 2001 E430 (sold); 2004 SL500; 2009 CL550
Yes ChrisB...it will be quite a change. I'm going to miss the R107 it was my into to MB and we did a lot of work restoring the car to what it should be...so there is a lot of sentiment for that car.
But, I'm also looking forward to the new car and it's perks....
But, I'm also looking forward to the new car and it's perks....
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Bel-Air
2004 SL 500 1986 SEC 500
What a change.
I went from my SEC 500 to my brand new SL 500, and I can tell you I love both of the cars equally. The sl is crazy nice, but the SEC is classic and I still love it. MY dad bought it on my birthday, and Ive been driving it every since, no joke. I love my SL and SEC, and let me tell you the SL is a beautiful CAR. WOWOW GO MERCEDES!!
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 299
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta, GA
1988 560SL (sold); 2001 E430 (sold); 2004 SL500; 2009 CL550
It Comes....It Goes
Well...on my way in to work today I got hit. I was in the R107. Someone turned left, got broadsided and flew into me. I was
sitting at the light....stopped. Does that SUCK or what??
Here's the good news...while waiting for the tow truck, I got a call saying that the 2004 SL500 was in and ready for pick up. So I went and dropped one car at the body shop and then went to the dealership and picked up my new SL.
....and I love it!! The two month wait was a total *****...but 10 minutes after having the keys, it was worth it.
___________
SL500
Black/Charcoal
Keyless Go
Panorama Top
Comfort Package
Heated Steering Wheel
sitting at the light....stopped. Does that SUCK or what??
Here's the good news...while waiting for the tow truck, I got a call saying that the 2004 SL500 was in and ready for pick up. So I went and dropped one car at the body shop and then went to the dealership and picked up my new SL.
....and I love it!! The two month wait was a total *****...but 10 minutes after having the keys, it was worth it.
___________
SL500
Black/Charcoal
Keyless Go
Panorama Top
Comfort Package
Heated Steering Wheel
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,295
Likes: 0
From: McLean, VA
S4
Re: It Comes....It Goes
Originally posted by Gunther
Well...on my way in to work today I got hit. I was in the R107. Someone turned left, got broadsided and flew into me. I was
sitting at the light....stopped. Does that SUCK or what??
Here's the good news...while waiting for the tow truck, I got a call saying that the 2004 SL500 was in and ready for pick up. So I went and dropped one car at the body shop and then went to the dealership and picked up my new SL.
....and I love it!! The two month wait was a total *****...but 10 minutes after having the keys, it was worth it.
___________
SL500
Black/Charcoal
Keyless Go
Panorama Top
Comfort Package
Heated Steering Wheel
Well...on my way in to work today I got hit. I was in the R107. Someone turned left, got broadsided and flew into me. I was
sitting at the light....stopped. Does that SUCK or what??
Here's the good news...while waiting for the tow truck, I got a call saying that the 2004 SL500 was in and ready for pick up. So I went and dropped one car at the body shop and then went to the dealership and picked up my new SL.
....and I love it!! The two month wait was a total *****...but 10 minutes after having the keys, it was worth it.
___________
SL500
Black/Charcoal
Keyless Go
Panorama Top
Comfort Package
Heated Steering Wheel
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 299
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta, GA
1988 560SL (sold); 2001 E430 (sold); 2004 SL500; 2009 CL550
Well it's only day 2 of the R230...but I'm definitely in love.
But I do have to say that I do miss the mechanical feel of the R107. The R230, like my W210, has a very tech feel when driving. And I do sort of miss the big steering wheel on the 107.
Needless to say..it feels like a completely different car. What a huge difference 15 years makes.
Would be great if I could have both!
But I do have to say that I do miss the mechanical feel of the R107. The R230, like my W210, has a very tech feel when driving. And I do sort of miss the big steering wheel on the 107.
Needless to say..it feels like a completely different car. What a huge difference 15 years makes.
Would be great if I could have both!
Almost a Member!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: East Europe
02' SL 500
My SL is one of the first produced cars 10/2001 and I had some major problems with it.
I changed the rear differential at 10,000km (6000 miles). There was a noise when I was driving with more than 60mph.
Then the computer which controls the electricity power between the front and rear batteries went out of order.
The central locking system went out of order as well. The locking pump had to be replaced.
Some part in the front suspension had to be replaced as well (don't know how the part is called in english). It was the part that moves the wheels(left-right) when you use the steering-wheel.
There's a strange noise from the barkes which can't be defined by the local MB techs.
What can I say? It's a really nice car but I'm not going to buy a car from the first production year. They need at least an year to correct all major problems that occur. I had a Porsche 996 before and I haven't had a single problem with it.
I changed the rear differential at 10,000km (6000 miles). There was a noise when I was driving with more than 60mph.
Then the computer which controls the electricity power between the front and rear batteries went out of order.
The central locking system went out of order as well. The locking pump had to be replaced.
Some part in the front suspension had to be replaced as well (don't know how the part is called in english). It was the part that moves the wheels(left-right) when you use the steering-wheel.
There's a strange noise from the barkes which can't be defined by the local MB techs.
What can I say? It's a really nice car but I'm not going to buy a car from the first production year. They need at least an year to correct all major problems that occur. I had a Porsche 996 before and I haven't had a single problem with it.
