Hi everyone,

I recently did a test-drive of a 2005 SL600. I like it though it requires some cosmetic interior work and the amount of work confuses me. Thus I have several questions about fixing that issues.

Here is a link to my Dropbox folder where I copied and numbered several pictures that I took inside that car:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ou628fsar...dx9xXUGVa?dl=0

First let me describe the issues:

1) I noticed that door pockets and armrests on both sides are not tightened well. I don't know if it's an easy fix or maybe it requires to replace those parts.
2) On both doors trim moldings seem to be either unglued or probably clips are missing. When you push it in it goes in, but doesn't stay there. Seems to be lack of glue.
3) On Instrument cluster there are 2 small displays and it seems that thin film on top of each display is cracked. Probably due to heat or exposure to sun. I see MB doesn't sell those displays, but they sell instrument cluster which is pretty expensive.
4) On both door handles there were missing button covers. I found it's related to keyless go system. Though I don't know how to check it. Anyway I don't know if it's easy fix (just covers) or maybe something serious.
5) Shifter knob is old (well, it's not new car) and is out of it's socket. Probably clips are missing. Idk. But I was able to shift from P to D and back to P without any issues. I guess I'd replace the whole know with a new one.
6) There is some black plastic below COMAND display unit. I can't figure out if it's a part of Comand or not. On the pic #6 you can see a part of Comand unit (two buttons End and Send) and just below it there is a black piece with silver insert. And there is scratched silver line below. I don't know where does that silver line belong. I'd like to get the part number of that black piece with silver insert. For example, I tried to check online dealers and I can't figure out if that part belong to BODY -> INSTRUMENT PANEL or not.
7) Left corner cover is missing on the door. But what concerns me more is damaged beige or grey leather part with some sort of clip. Though I can't 100% be sure if it's a damaged part or it should be like that. You can see it on the pic #7 just below the missing corner cover.


And another question. According to vindecoderz.com this car has beige interior (505A - EXCLUSIVE LEATHER - BEIGE). I found several online dealers, but they sell leather trim parts which are either black or grey. This fact is confusing me. I wonder if i.e. shift knob on this car is grey or not? Anyway I didn't find any new beige trim pieces online. And I searched for new ones only.

Currently I don't have that car in front of me. So all I have is my set of pics.

I already created a spread sheet with all noticed defects and currently trying to figure out what are the part numbers of that parts which I can't identify and how much they cost at various online MB dealers and also if eBay sellers offer that parts too. So far spread sheet is growing...

Again my goal is to estimate or guess the the amount of work that should be done and also calculate the cost of parts.

Please could you provide me your comments on described issues.


Thank you in advance.

 

First of all, I would be much more concerned with the maintenance and repairs of the mechanical parts of the car. Coils on that engine cost over $1000 each when they fail (and for some reason, they do). The ABC system WILL need repairs and even some DIY parts can be expensive. Going to a dealer or shop for ABC will cost you at least $2K for each visit. The SBC system (electronic brakes) will also likely need some expensive maintenance. The top hydraulic system will also likely need some work.

To address your cosmetic concerns...


It's a common problem. Some forum members have come up with various solutions, but they all squeak. You could replace them, but they are costly.

These clip on from inside the panel. It's an easy fix.

Those LCD panels are problematic. There are DIY instructions for replacing them, sourcing new panels is possible, but you have to look hard to find them.

These are the lock buttons for KeylessGo. They are not available as individual parts. My advice would be to either live without them or buy used handles and scavenge buttons.

Screw can be added from underneath to hold the boot in place.

The two black pieces below the COMAND are the cupholders. That chrome trim below the cupholders is part of the panel that surrounds the climate control.

All that is missing is a plastic sail panel trim. It snaps in place and covers the ugly looking "leather" part.

 

Rudeney, thank you for reply.

I've read these cars can bring troubles with ABC, coil packs, voltage transformer, struts, hoses. It's risky, but if a replaced coil pack can live for several years without bothering me it's OK, but if it will become a more frequent pain then it's definitely a waste of money. Car should bring fun, not stress.

Regarding your replies. Thanks again. I already figured it was a cupholder, but just didn't update my post. I'm a bit perfectionist and I know that I'd better fix all that stuff with new or like new parts and have fun and enjoy this car rather than leaving it like that.

Currently I'm still trying to estimate the cost of all parts. Unfortunately, eBay didn't provide me a lot of options. Lots of interior parts that are sold there show various signs of wear. It only gave me better prices on headlights and instrument cluster. Small parts are sold for similar price as new ones from online dealer. But so far to refresh the interior and exterior the way I'd want it to be done it will cost me around $6500 and this excludes cupholders, excludes fixing keyless go button covers and some other fabric parts that are missing and I can't figure out the part numbers. That $6500 is for brand new parts from a random MB online dealer. In my case I took all numbers from mercedespartsdelivered.com. It just popped up first in my particular search. Though I'm not sure if it's a cheapest or not.

One part of me likes this car, another tells that it will become another project, but currently I have enough ongoing projects in my life. Just want to drive and enjoy the car. So I'm still thinking about this possible purchase.