SL/R230: Thinking of buying a sl class are there any things i should be wary of before buying
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Thinking of buying a sl class are there any things i should be wary of before buying
So i am still deciding what model but i am thinking of buying a sl class. stuck between 07 amg sl55, sl600, and an 04 amg sl65. Are there any issues with the sl class i should know about? i dont have particularly deep pockets but i work with a shop that can get most of the non dealership repairs done without me paying to much. any problem areas for the cars i listed above?
Thanks
Maybach123
Thanks
Maybach123
Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 138
Likes: 1
From: SF Bay Area
w211, w221, w220, e46
For the SL55: ABC & SBC.
For the SL600 and SL65: See above in addition to Coilpacks/Sparks and engine mounts.
Read up on those and you will soon know that the SL is not for someone who doesn't know these cars or doesn't have deep pockets to play (especially for the V12 ones). This isn't to scare you away, but it sounds like it may not be the best option in your case.
For the SL600 and SL65: See above in addition to Coilpacks/Sparks and engine mounts.
Read up on those and you will soon know that the SL is not for someone who doesn't know these cars or doesn't have deep pockets to play (especially for the V12 ones). This isn't to scare you away, but it sounds like it may not be the best option in your case.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 4
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n/a
For the SL55: ABC & SBC.
For the SL600 and SL65: See above in addition to Coilpacks/Sparks and engine mounts.
Read up on those and you will soon know that the SL is not for someone who doesn't know these cars or doesn't have deep pockets to play (especially for the V12 ones). This isn't to scare you away, but it sounds like it may not be the best option in your case.
For the SL600 and SL65: See above in addition to Coilpacks/Sparks and engine mounts.
Read up on those and you will soon know that the SL is not for someone who doesn't know these cars or doesn't have deep pockets to play (especially for the V12 ones). This isn't to scare you away, but it sounds like it may not be the best option in your case.
Super Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 606
Likes: 88
From: North Cali
2005 SL500, 2015 CLS400
Saying that i'm a happy owner who's maintenance costs have been $0 in unplanned/unexpected maintenance. Although i'm planning to do a ABC flush, and if to do it not home be ready to pay $300-600 for it. Simple planned maintenance. Things like that keep most people out of the class
If you're up for the challenge - more than welcome to buy one. Otherwise look for other models of MB - SLK, CLK, or a convertible E class
Regards
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 876
Likes: 41
From: ST. Louis, MO
'16 SL550, '18 Porsche Macan GTS
Make sure you have a really good aftermarket warranty and you should be fine. Plan on a min of $6k for one. Just last week I looked at an '08 SL55 at a MBZ dealer wth 39k miles and that's what they quoted to cover everything with zero deductible.
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Junior Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 51
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From: St. Louis, MO
SL500
I agree with SteveL1 wholeheartedly! I wasn't going to purchase a warranty at time of purchase, however, the voice in the back of my head told me to do so & I am SO VERY GLAD that I did so...along with the dealership offering a very attractive price on a warranty from a reputable warranty company/underwriter, to date, the warranty company has spent approx. $12k+, while I, on the other hand, have only been $600 out-of-pocket so far (and receive a dealer MB loaner when it is in for service); just make sure it's an, "exclusionary warranty" in which the MB dealerships near you accept, and you should be good to go. NOTHING drives or has the quality feel & look of an SL when it is running properly, not to mention the jealous looks you'll receive while driving it!! Take your time, wait until the, "right one" for you becomes available, and, no doubt, you will be hard pressed to ever let it go! Best of Luck!
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Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 127
Likes: 8
SL550
I agree with SteveL1 wholeheartedly! I wasn't going to purchase a warranty at time of purchase, however, the voice in the back of my head told me to do so & I am SO VERY GLAD that I did so...along with the dealership offering a very attractive price on a warranty from a reputable warranty company/underwriter, to date, the warranty company has spent approx. $12k+, while I, on the other hand, have only been $600 out-of-pocket so far (and receive a dealer MB loaner when it is in for service); just make sure it's an, "exclusionary warranty" in which the MB dealerships near you accept, and you should be good to go. NOTHING drives or has the quality feel & look of an SL when it is running properly, not to mention the jealous looks you'll receive while driving it!! Take your time, wait until the, "right one" for you becomes available, and, no doubt, you will be hard pressed to ever let it go! Best of Luck!
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 47
Likes: 8
R230
Had my 2003 R230 for 13 years now with only 60,000km on it. Although only summer driven, be prepared with the expenses of just normal wear and tear of old parts. I spend about $1000 a year to maintain the car. Just had my shifter lock replaced last year (the shifter will not move from parking to drive) costing $1300 at dealership. Also replaced a lot of rusted parts such as control arm, bushings and wear and tear such as brake pads, rotors, etc. There is also leakage in the roof when it is under a high pressure car wash. The trunk air suction lock stopped working. I'm surprise the ABC and roof is still functional.
Service A and B will cost about $800 at dealerships
Service A and B will cost about $800 at dealerships
Junior Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 58
Likes: 3
From: South Beach & Texas
SL 600
You have 3 options when buying one
1st . You better be a good DIY, 1st thing buy a SDS system somewhere between 700 to 1000 dollars. Parts are expensive too..
2nd. Buy an exclusionary warranty
3rd. You'll need depth pockets
1st . You better be a good DIY, 1st thing buy a SDS system somewhere between 700 to 1000 dollars. Parts are expensive too..
2nd. Buy an exclusionary warranty
3rd. You'll need depth pockets
Member
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 238
Likes: 10
Much appreciated in advance!
J
Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 127
Likes: 8
SL550
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 12
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From: Pasadena, CA
'15 GLA45 AMG, '16 E350 sedan, '09 SL600
Same as others say, I have a 2009 SL600. Its an amazing car, but when things break, its expensive. Engine mounts are a concern (must remove the engine to replace them I am told). The SL600 with Renntech tune is a monster on the freeway, not so fast right off the line. Wish I had gone for the after-market warranty, as mine had 34,000 miles, and some issues directly from the dealer. Also found that a low-mileage vehicle carries its own risk. Mine seem to build sediment in the trans fluid, and that gave out at 37,000 miles. Nothing that $4600 couldn't fix. It is the best riding Mercedes we have owned, no doubt.
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Pasadena, CA
'15 GLA45 AMG, '16 E350 sedan, '09 SL600
Off the Line Performance
That certainly may be. Any suggestions? Once its moving a bit, its okay, but for example, my wife's new E350 Sedan is very snappy, and would beat the SL for the first 30 - 50 yards, I think. Same with my GLA45.
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Pasadena, CA
'15 GLA45 AMG, '16 E350 sedan, '09 SL600
PedalBox
The PedalBox fixed most of the initial throttle delay and nice that its adjustable. Really made a better daily driver out of it (around town throttle response.
