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She came home with me this afternoon and I couldn't be happier (maybe more content is appropriate). Thank you all for the advice and kind words as I expect to learn a great deal from this forum.
I'm going to be spending some time re-reading the owner's manual as there are a few features I need to understand better so here we go!!!!
Patrick,
Congratulations on your purchase. It will always put a smile on your face.
I am 1/2 hour away from you and I have the SDS so if you ever need anything just let me know.
Radu
I thanks you from the bottom of me hearts!!! It would be great to see any stored codes (if possible) and learn more about the car from a seasoned owner/enthusiast.
So I figure that I'll keep this thread going a bit longer... Upon delivery, I was given two keys (one appeared to be new and the second was pretty buggered up). Of course, I grabbed the shiny key and attempted to utilize the Keyless Go function. No go actually, nothing happened (door or engine). The dealer explained that it was a common problem and after reading through this forum, it appeared that, indeed, this function has it's share of issues so whatever (another time to deal with this).
Fast forward to this morning, I grabbed the old key by accident and... the Keyless Go function worked perfectly!!! I'm presuming that the newer looking key may have been a replacement so my question is: Is there a way to reprogram that key or is it only a dealer repair?
Keys are dealer only. Try putting a new battery in the key. Note that the battery is only used for remote locking an KeylessGo. The ignition switch supplies inductive current when the key is used in it so no battery is necessary.
If these keys are the 1st or 2nd gen style, like these:
Then I believe you can remove the circuit board and transplant it into a "donor" housing. This would give you a nice looking key to use for daily driving, then keep the ugly one as a backup.
The 3rd-gen keys cannot be diassembled:
If you do want an extra key, go to the dealer's parts counter with your ID and proof of ownership to order an "additional" key. It will come pre-programmed and ready to use - no need to visit service and pay them, too.
That's what I figured, base don model year, but just in case they key(s) were replaced, they could have been the 3rd gen (if you order a new one now, that's what you'll get).
Best of luck with your SL I also use alldata.com/diy for general info I have found it to be worth the cost for any of my cars. I'm a lot better off if I know where some fiddly part hides than not knowing. I purchased an extended warranty when I bought my '08 SL550 in august '15, it has paid for itself so far and offers me a level of confidence when something goes wrong.
1. She cleans up well on the exterior but still needs help with the carpeting; something I'll address once it warms up a bit.
2. Nice difference when driving between the Comfort and Sport Modes!
3. I average almost 22mpg when being gentle and 16.8mpg during spirited drives.
4. Seats are very comfortable (better than the C Class).
A few minor issues discovered:
1. The brakes have begun to squeal like crazy under light pressure (just replaced).
2. Several buttons on the COMMAND unit stick when pushed down.
3. The dreaded red battery icon illuminated twice during a couple short runs but then has since disappeared.
The dealer has been informed and scheduled a Monday appointment with the car. Since they provide a 60 day/2k mile complete warranty (not including the purchased extended warranty), I've been told they will correct all issues at no charge. I've also requested a coolant flush while they're in there ($110.00 using MB fluids/parts). $120.00 cheaper than my regular MB dealer.
I'll provide an update once she comes back home.
BTW: I just saw a YouTube video of the roof engaging when the remote's Unlock button is depressed three times; is that really true?? It's so cold (15 deg) today that it will be a bit before the top comes down again.
I average almost 22mpg when being gentle and 16.8mpg during spirited drives.
Inconceivable! My average is always less than 15MPG. I guess I "enjoy" it a bit more.
Seats are very comfortable (better than the C Class).
Yes, the seat depth extension is a big plus.
The brakes have begun to squeal like crazy under light pressure (just replaced).
Get some copper-based lubricant and apply to the back of the pads where they meet the calipers.
BTW: I just saw a YouTube video of the roof engaging when the remote's Unlock button is depressed three times; is that really true?? It's so cold (15 deg) today that it will be a bit before the top comes down again.
That sounds like the functionality of the SmartTop module:
Inconceivable! My average is always less than 15MPG. I guess I "enjoy" it a bit more.
I have this and would not own a convertible without it!
I Averaged 25+ on highway, but city - i am glad to see it past 13 mpg
I would think that all of the MB convertibles should come that with standard equipment - if it's that cheap and easy to install, Benz should really thinking about it
The challenge for MBZ with the SmartTop module is that it's not "lawyer-proofed". While the top operates, there are no safety features to stop it in case someone puts a body part in its path. The stock functionality of requiring the operator to constantly hold a switch means that if someone gets injured, it's the fault of the switch operator, not MBZ.
So I wanted to provide those who are interested a look into my first month of ownership:
- The red battery error had a real issue behind it! The shop found the battery control module and battery control relay to be questionable so they replaced both (free).
- Addressed the squealing brake syndrome (free).
- Flushed and bled the coolant system ($110.00).
- replaced cabin air filter (free).
- They couldn't duplicate the COMAND sticking button issue so I'll keep an eye on that...
The shop wrote up all work for my records and contacted Viti MB (Rhode Island) for copies of all previous service records. I've driven her almost 650 miles thus far and absolutely love the car but realize there's a couple more items to address. I'm going to replace the driver's side mirror as it's pretty cloudy and repair the driver's door pocket (one arm is broken so it doesn't close tightly. Other than that, she's very close to 100%. I also purchased new MB weather and original carpeted floor mats and windshield wipers.
- The red battery error had a real issue behind it! The shop found the battery control module and battery control relay to be questionable so they replaced both (free).
So far, so good...
Those are signs that whoever had the car before you tried to jump start the car. The BCM (and the relay) gets a high voltage load and most of the times burns. So don't repeat that mistake. I did not have problems with my starter battery, but if it dies - do not attempt to charge it as usual
Just for the hell of it I checked this, I90 between Buffalo and Albany is fairly flat and I got to 27.7 mpg at 70 mph constant. That was better than my W211 with the same engine, transmission and approx weight with 27 mpg. I guess aerodynamics make the difference. They were both on COMFORT and regular gas.
Ghostty, now that you mention it, I know that the front starting battery (I think) has a big warning "DO NOT JUMP START" but I used a trickle charger a few winters back to keep it up. Should I not do that?
Better don't trickle charge while the battery is connected to the vehicle. It may fry the system. The best way, of course, is to disconnect it before charging.
now if you want to leave it connected, so you won't loose all the setups of the car, someone mentioned that you can charge it trough the rear battery, meaning that when you charge your rear battery and it gets to full charge it switches a relay in the system for the current to get to the front battery. But don't quote me on that, as I don't remember for sure. I bet there is an answer on the forum for that.
Usually the front battery holds the charge for months easily, comparing to the rear one. And it gets recharged within 50 miles or so of driving (which I find it pretty reasonable to drive it for so many miles in couple months at least). If it really died on you it might be because it''s getting old.
Regards
p.s.
I did hit 28 mpg too on a easy driving mode. At least some 20+ numbers from a V8 😁
You made me really curious about jump starting the car I will go home and check with the manual, to be sure
Also, these cars were never made to save gas if, buying one, someone's thinking about how much gas will the car consume, maybe it is not the right car to look at.
I do agree with the fact that the SL55 isn't that much more of a gas killer, but, considering the fact that I am cruising most of the time any way, the 300 ponies are well enough for me. My daily driver gives me enough thrill of fast acceleration. Plus, didn't feel like paying twice as much for an AMG with that low miles
I took a drive after work up to the Mini dealership to see about buying a new Mini for my wife. 22 miles with cruise control set at 65 mph and I achieved 24.6 mpg. Not too bad without really trying.
So... I had the car 2 days and this afternoon, she decides to illuminate her Check Engine light. Back to the shop I went. The dealer and I are being good sports about it; as long as they stand behind their product, I'll be gracious.
In other news, the dealer (Viti MB. RI) sent me copies of much of the car's service history. Some highlights include:
- LOF at 9.7k, 11.3k, 17.5k, 18k, 18.5k, 27k, 36.8k, 55.7k, 69k & 75.4k
- Motor mounts at 36.5k
- Trans & differential service at 18k and 69k
- ABC flush/filter at 36.8k, 55.7k, 61.8k and 75.5k
There was quite a bit of ABC work performed: Accumulators, pump, lines, filters and a whole heap of fluid. I guess that's the reason why the fluid didn't look bad during my initial inspection (although did system was flushed prior to my delivery). Three complete brake jobs were performed, a few sets of tires and the list goes on... There were even two instances where the SAM units and battery control modules were replaced (including once this past week).
MB of Westwood worked on the car a few times a few years ago so I plan on reaching out to them soon for those service records. With all this maintenance/repair, the car should be brand new(ish). There are a few interior niggles to deal with but I want to make sure she's 100% mechanically first. Let's see what happens next.
Last edited by pfarah77; Mar 23, 2017 at 11:14 PM.
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My average is always less than 15MPG. I guess I "enjoy" it a bit more. 
if, buying one, someone's thinking about how much gas will the car consume, maybe it is not the right car to look at.
