SL/R230: Looking at buying a used SL550
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 32
Likes: 2
From: Dallas, TX
2007 E350, 2007 CLK63 AMG
Looking at buying a used SL550
I am looking at buying a 2008 SL550 with 62k for my wife, to replace her RX8. I do most maintenance and repairs on our cars myself, unless it requires special equipment (alignment, tires, ECU work, etc).
I've done lots of research, and have confirmed (via VIN and engine serial) that the engine is not affected by the faulty timing chain idler gear.
My only real concern is the ABC system. From what I've read, many people seem to have problems with it right around this mileage. I know parts are expensive, I've seen replacement struts (reman) going for $800 each online. The pump is also quite expensive. Are the struts and pump something I could change myself, or is specialized equipment required? I have access to a lift, and have done suspension work before, just never on anything with hydraulic struts. Would it be worth it to have the hydraulic fluid changed?
The car also needs new cam plugs, one of the passenger side ones is leaking a little bit of oil onto the exhaust. My understanding is that this is a very simple repair, and parts are cheap.
Are there any other common issues to look out for? I may bring along my OBDII scanner just to check that there are no stored codes, and that all of the monitors are complete (to verify that codes weren't recently erased).
Lastly, the seller is asking 23k, which is under book value. The body and interior look immaculate. KBB estimates the car's value closer to 27k, so I'm not too worried if a few repairs are needed. Does this sound like a good price to you guys?
I've done lots of research, and have confirmed (via VIN and engine serial) that the engine is not affected by the faulty timing chain idler gear.
My only real concern is the ABC system. From what I've read, many people seem to have problems with it right around this mileage. I know parts are expensive, I've seen replacement struts (reman) going for $800 each online. The pump is also quite expensive. Are the struts and pump something I could change myself, or is specialized equipment required? I have access to a lift, and have done suspension work before, just never on anything with hydraulic struts. Would it be worth it to have the hydraulic fluid changed?
The car also needs new cam plugs, one of the passenger side ones is leaking a little bit of oil onto the exhaust. My understanding is that this is a very simple repair, and parts are cheap.
Are there any other common issues to look out for? I may bring along my OBDII scanner just to check that there are no stored codes, and that all of the monitors are complete (to verify that codes weren't recently erased).
Lastly, the seller is asking 23k, which is under book value. The body and interior look immaculate. KBB estimates the car's value closer to 27k, so I'm not too worried if a few repairs are needed. Does this sound like a good price to you guys?
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Joined: Jan 2016
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From: Brookshire, Texas & Cat Spring, Texas
2019 SL550/2023 EQS 580 SUV
I just changed the ABC fluid on my 2008 SL550 by myself and it was a pretty easy job, 2 out of 10 with just some tubing, new filter and new fluid. There are a lot of posts on this subject. I do not own a Star system to rodeo the system but did use the button on the console to lift and lower the car 20-30 times while alternately filling the resouvoir with the engine running and ended up with green fluid running out the return pipe vs the light brown used fluid in the system. 38k miles.
PS- Suction as much old fluid out of the resouvoir as possible and fill with new before starting. Why mix new fluid with old.
PS- Suction as much old fluid out of the resouvoir as possible and fill with new before starting. Why mix new fluid with old.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 955
Likes: 127
From: Kansas
2003 E55, 2003 SL55, 2014 CLS63, 2018 q50 Redsport, 1968 Camaro SS, 1999 Trans am Firehawk
you'd want to change the fluid every couple years anyhow and it is not too bad in price if you buy bottles on amazon. the struts are an easy DIY and the remans have lifetime warranty.
If you're actually wanting to do the work yourself you're going to want/need a STAR tool. If you had one of those you'd learn a lot more about the car prior to buying too. The thing is extremely sophisticated to the point where it will tell you stuff like that the driver's left lumbar support bag is bad, the part number to replace it with, and the step by step guide to replacing it.
Personally I would (and did) go with an AMG model as the price difference isn't that much at this point and the maintenance costs are about the same. The performance difference, though, is huge.
If you're actually wanting to do the work yourself you're going to want/need a STAR tool. If you had one of those you'd learn a lot more about the car prior to buying too. The thing is extremely sophisticated to the point where it will tell you stuff like that the driver's left lumbar support bag is bad, the part number to replace it with, and the step by step guide to replacing it.
Personally I would (and did) go with an AMG model as the price difference isn't that much at this point and the maintenance costs are about the same. The performance difference, though, is huge.
Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 77
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2021 GLE450
The trunk soft close seems to be a problem on a lot of these. It is an easy DYI job and the process is posted on the site. The biggest concern is the ABC system, listen carefully to the engine and if it has a whine sound then you could be in for big repairs (struts, ABC pump and Pulsation dampeners). I would buy reconditioned parts if this is the problem and keep the spend down. I had all of these preplaced for $4,000 and all the parts have lifetime warranty. The other down side of these cars it the stereo is a little dated and more than likely you will not be able to hook up your ipod or smart phone. If everything checks out they are wonderful to drive and your get a lot looks from folks. Good Luck
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 955
Likes: 127
From: Kansas
2003 E55, 2003 SL55, 2014 CLS63, 2018 q50 Redsport, 1968 Camaro SS, 1999 Trans am Firehawk
The trunk soft close seems to be a problem on a lot of these. It is an easy DYI job and the process is posted on the site. The biggest concern is the ABC system, listen carefully to the engine and if it has a whine sound then you could be in for big repairs (struts, ABC pump and Pulsation dampeners). I would buy reconditioned parts if this is the problem and keep the spend down. I had all of these preplaced for $4,000 and all the parts have lifetime warranty. The other down side of these cars it the stereo is a little dated and more than likely you will not be able to hook up your ipod or smart phone. If everything checks out they are wonderful to drive and your get a lot looks from folks. Good Luck
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 32
Likes: 2
From: Dallas, TX
2007 E350, 2007 CLK63 AMG
Well we went ahead and bought the car. The dealership selling the car actually fixed the leaky cam plugs since we looked at it last weekend, so that's good. It needs a new ABC pulsation damper, and I'm gonna have the ABC fluid and filter flushed and changed at the same time. It also needs a couple LEDs replaced in the driver side tail light - I've already ordered replacements, they're really simply to solder in.
My wife loves the car, and we are still discovering things it can do - it's definitely the most advanced car we've ever owned (500 page owners manual, and another 230 for the head unit). It drives great, aside from the growling noise from the ABC pump.
Thanks for the input guys, I appreciate it!
My wife loves the car, and we are still discovering things it can do - it's definitely the most advanced car we've ever owned (500 page owners manual, and another 230 for the head unit). It drives great, aside from the growling noise from the ABC pump.
Thanks for the input guys, I appreciate it!
Last edited by Ward83; Feb 23, 2016 at 11:08 AM.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 955
Likes: 127
From: Kansas
2003 E55, 2003 SL55, 2014 CLS63, 2018 q50 Redsport, 1968 Camaro SS, 1999 Trans am Firehawk
if the pulsation damper is failing, the accumulators are likely about to or already have. I would replace them all at the same time, since they aren't terribly expensive.
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Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 32
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From: Dallas, TX
2007 E350, 2007 CLK63 AMG
Yeah, the shop is checking them as well. I took it to an independent shop that specializes in mercedes and BMW, and they seem very knowledgeable about the ABC system. Everything they have told me is 100% in line with what I have read both here and on other forums.
The only other thing I'm waiting on is new tires to arrive. I ordered a set of Hankook Ventus V12 Evo2's from tire rack, and they're supposed to arrive later this week.
The only other thing I'm waiting on is new tires to arrive. I ordered a set of Hankook Ventus V12 Evo2's from tire rack, and they're supposed to arrive later this week.
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Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 32
Likes: 2
From: Dallas, TX
2007 E350, 2007 CLK63 AMG
Sure, these are the LEDs I ordered. I haven't received them yet, so I can't guarantee they are a perfect match. I ordered 100 of them, enough to completely redo both sides if needed. What I'm mainly concerned about is the brightness not being the same as the original ones. If they aren't, I'll just replace all of the LEDs.
http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/...eO26poQA%3D%3D
I also discovered a burned out 56.2 ohm resistor on one of the LED boards, and I ordered plenty of spares of those as well:
http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/...zwKjYXnA%3D%3D
Also, I just got a call from the shop, with both good and bad news. The bad news is that the ABC pump front seal is leaking, and needs to be replaced. The good news is that they found no other leaks or issues with the car (other than the tail lights). To be honest, I went in fully knowing that the ABC pump might need replacing, so I'm not really surprised. Since we got it for under book value, there's a bit of room left for repairs without being into the car for more than it's worth.
Has anyone used a rebuilt pump? I found one on partsgeek for $240, but it seems too good to be true. A new OEM one is something like $2k from MB.
http://www.partsgeek.com/g55btwb-mer...ring-pump.html
http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/...eO26poQA%3D%3D
I also discovered a burned out 56.2 ohm resistor on one of the LED boards, and I ordered plenty of spares of those as well:
http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/...zwKjYXnA%3D%3D
Also, I just got a call from the shop, with both good and bad news. The bad news is that the ABC pump front seal is leaking, and needs to be replaced. The good news is that they found no other leaks or issues with the car (other than the tail lights). To be honest, I went in fully knowing that the ABC pump might need replacing, so I'm not really surprised. Since we got it for under book value, there's a bit of room left for repairs without being into the car for more than it's worth.
Has anyone used a rebuilt pump? I found one on partsgeek for $240, but it seems too good to be true. A new OEM one is something like $2k from MB.
http://www.partsgeek.com/g55btwb-mer...ring-pump.html
Last edited by Ward83; Feb 23, 2016 at 04:44 PM.
Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 77
Likes: 24
2021 GLE450
Thanks for the detail on the LED's
I have a reconditioned pump in my SL550 and it work just fine with a lifetime warrenty. Basically they are reconditioned MB pumps. I got mine for about $500 and so far, 1 year later no problems.
I agree with you on replacing the Pulsation dampers (all three of them) they are cheap and well worth the effort. If your struts are leaking, you can go with reconditioned struts as well. they come with lifetime warrenties as well. I did this on the front of my SL and now I am confident everything is sorted.
I have a reconditioned pump in my SL550 and it work just fine with a lifetime warrenty. Basically they are reconditioned MB pumps. I got mine for about $500 and so far, 1 year later no problems.
I agree with you on replacing the Pulsation dampers (all three of them) they are cheap and well worth the effort. If your struts are leaking, you can go with reconditioned struts as well. they come with lifetime warrenties as well. I did this on the front of my SL and now I am confident everything is sorted.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 32
Likes: 2
From: Dallas, TX
2007 E350, 2007 CLK63 AMG
Well I went ahead and ordered a rebuilt pump. I skipped the cheaper Cardone/Maval rebuilt units and went for one rebuilt by Pacific Exchange with a one year warranty:
https://www.pacific.exchange/product...201-0054660901
It does not come with a pulsation damper, so I'll have the shop replace that as well.
https://www.pacific.exchange/product...201-0054660901
It does not come with a pulsation damper, so I'll have the shop replace that as well.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 32
Likes: 2
From: Dallas, TX
2007 E350, 2007 CLK63 AMG
I already replaced the 2 burned out LEDs, and it's working great now. Those LEDs I linked are a perfect match for the OEM ones. I didn't get any pictures, but the process is exactly the same as in this thread:
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...ail-light.html
Our circuit boards are shaped different, but we have the exact same LEDs and resistors. If you can solder and desolder, then you can do the repair, it's easy. It definitely helps to have a 12V power supply handy so you can bench test the circuit boards before you put everything back together.
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...ail-light.html
Our circuit boards are shaped different, but we have the exact same LEDs and resistors. If you can solder and desolder, then you can do the repair, it's easy. It definitely helps to have a 12V power supply handy so you can bench test the circuit boards before you put everything back together.
Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 161
Likes: 13
From: Guthrie, OK
SL55, Opel GT, 70 LT-1, BMW 745 turbo, MRoadster, 49 Stude truck, 69 Z/28, Ferrari project
STAR tool
Any of you guys own a STAR tool? We own one V12TT, an 03 CL600 and considering a second one, an 05 SL600. I figure a STAR tool would be a worthwhile investment, especially if we have two. I do all my own work. We have two lifts in the main garage, and will have a third in ground lift in the work shop when it is done. Its a disease, I know. Keeping up with one TTV12 is bad enough, but two?
Anyway, back to the STAR tool. Found this on ebay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/131712296001?ru=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fsch%2Fi.html%3F_from%3DR40%26_sacat%3D0%26_nkw%3D131712296001%26_rdc%3D1
Doesn't say anything about ABC system. I don't want to spend $3k plus for a system.
Anyone here have one? Where did you get it? What did it cost?
Last edited by LynnBilodeau; Mar 1, 2016 at 08:54 AM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 32
Likes: 2
From: Dallas, TX
2007 E350, 2007 CLK63 AMG
Just to update this thread, the car is back from the shop, and there is no more noise from the ABC pump. I bought a reman pump from Pacific Exchange, and had the shop replace the pulsation damper. The shop also lubed up all of the convertible top seals, which fixed the creaking noises coming from it. New tires are also mounted, and the ride is much quieter/smoother than the worn out michelins that were on it. This car is amazing, and I'm sure we'll enjoy it for years to come.
Here's a pic BTW:
Here's a pic BTW:
Last edited by Ward83; Mar 3, 2016 at 01:29 PM.
