DJ Pumped

please share thought regarding this year and model? Known issues, recalls etc? Car appears very clean, only 52,000 miles. Thank you.

Rudeney

I assume you are aware of all the maintenance concerns of the R230 - ABC, SBC, batteries, pneumatics, hydraulics, etc. If so, the additional concerns with the V12 engines are expensive coils (not a rampant problem, but $1K to replace one if it fails), and replacing the motor mounts is a a major engine-out job.

Vendetta

Words of wisdom from Rodney. And you're smart to ask.

I purchased a low-mileage '06 SL65 in June and benefited from the advice of those with experience, and had the car PPI'd at the seller's dealership, where a bunch of big-ticket maintenance items were identified as necessary. Seller and I renegotiated in the waiting lounge to basically split the difference of the costs of all needed items.

The work was completed today, and included:

• Engine mounts
• Transmission mount
• Trunk latch
• Spark plugs and sleeves
• ABC flush and replace a hose
• Misc. belts & pulleys
• Full service
• All fluids including transmission/differential

The work at the standard dealer rate was quoted well over $10k - both during PPI and at the dealership where the work was performed. My SA and I worked it out to a lot less that the original quote.

The car feels completely transformed. Or maybe it's just that my wallet is that much lighter. Who knows... All I can say is I'm glad I knew all this going into the purchase and took most of it off the purchase price.

Safe bet that 10 year old R230s are going to need most of this stuff if they haven't been done already. The engine mount swap on the 12-cyl is monster bill because it requires complete removal of the motor. The 8-cyl can be done in place from what I've read.

Good luck with the hunt. Fantastic cars!
-V

DJ Pumped

Thank you Vendetta and Rodney. Excellent information and under consideration!

carguyshu

if you're going v12 and the extra maintenance expense associated with it its barely more to get an SL65 vs an SL600 up front and you'll have a much better car.

DJ Pumped

. Thank you

Rudeney

Agreed - go with an SL65 if you can find one in your price range. Heck, just finding one period is a challenge!

DJ Pumped

Thanks Rodney, thoughts on SL63??

carguyshu

on a sl63 make sure either the head bolts have been replaced or that its after the production date where they changed to the new style bolt

Rudeney

Yes, get a MY2010 or later. Those should be past the head bolt and camshaft adjuster problems:

http://benzbits.com/M156CamshaftAdjusterBulletin.pdf
http://benzbits.com/M156HeadBoltBulletin.pdf

LGAFF

Get a SL55, my SL600 has been a nightmare, great to drive when it runs, but there is always an issue. SL55 if you have ABC issues at least you have options for coilovers, etc.

Rudeney

SL600 and SL55 suspensions are the same. Personally, I'd fix the ABC rather than go to a standard suspension. Despite all its "high maintenance" needs, what ABC does is amazing.

LGAFF

If it works.....no sway bar for the SL600, SL55 you have the option

Rudeney

If it doesn't work, then fix it. It's just a hydraulic system - it's not rocket science. And if cost is an issue, then maybe this isn't the right choice in cars. There is a reason why these 6-figure cars now sell for 25% or less of their sticker price.

DJ Pumped

The SL600 I am looking at is a 2007 with 52k mi. Asking $29,500. It HAS NOT had the engine mounts replaced...any idea on cost at MB dealer? 2 years ago hydrolic leak repair so roof could close all the way...sign of more hydrolic issues to come?

MAJOR ITEMS ADDRESSED SINCE 2010

CUSTOMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE WILL NOT SHIFT OVER 25MPH . CUSTOMER TRIED USEING THE SHIFT PADDLES STILL NO CHANGE.
PERFORMED SHORT TEST FOUND FAULT FOR TRANSMISSION SHIFT CONDUCTOR PLATE. REPLACED PLATE CLEARED CODES TEST DROVE.NO ISSUSES.

C/S: CUSTOMER NEEDS CONVERTIBLE TOP LOOKED AT. OPENS 1/2 WAY THEN STOPS
DIAGNSED CAUSE OF TOP ISSUE - REPLACED LEAKING HYDRAULIC CYLINDER

CLIENT STATES:THERE IS A FLUID LEAK COMING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE
ENGINE COMPARTMENT PANELS-BOTTOM FRONT, R & R
PILOT BUSHING ON THE ELECTROHYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT REMOVE/INSTALL/SEAL, REPLACE IF NECESSARY (AFTER CHECK)

Thank you all for your input!

Thoughts on a fair price for this car - tough to estimate, but just thought I'd ask. Body's & interior look to be in great condition.

LGAFF

I paid $20K for mine(2005) with 51K miles, at the time it had no issues and well taken care of.....a lot has went wrong since purchase....I have 2 other Mercedes no issues. So experience varies. I believe there is someone on the forum with 180K miles original coils, etc no issues

DJ Pumped

Thank you!

voml55amg

My buddy bought it as new, serviced from day one at the same dealership, bought it from him 2+ yrs ago.
It's diamond silver with berry red.
Just hit 150k from last week oil change (service A)
I have good luck with it within the last 2+ yrs 👍

2007 with 51k for $29k is high in my own opinion.
Ned

DJ Pumped

Wow, fantastic. Seller is 2nd owner. Has had it since 2010. Said he bought it originally from a collector. Appears to be in good shape.

Curious how others feel,about taking it to a MB dealer vs a good Indy to have it checked out prior to purchase. If MB, do I take it to the same MB dealer he has been getting it serviced at. They sent me service records. I am skeptical of MB dealer service depts from a "lie" - caught one in on a GL450 I owned and from reading many posts about how they really gouge customers.

Thank you!!

LGAFF

Most of the big things that go wrong you cant hide

*Coils would through a code
*motor mounts would vibrate
*ABC pump would throw code.....hoses would be worth looking at for leaks and signs of failure
*Top hydraulic leaks/function
*trans shifting
*radiator leaks

I would go somewhere you trust

One more comment on value, I noticed warm weather climates seem to bring a lot more value on these cars, I am in Chicago so it impacts value some......

DJ Pumped

Voml55amg: forgot to add seller states the HRE wheels on the vehicle are $2200 each....so $8800 in just wheel value? How would this change your opinion of the price at $29,500. He is including the stock wheels in the purchase as well.

Do appreciate yours and others thoughts. Thank you!!

DJ Pumped

Thank you LAGAFF. Appreciate your thoughts. I am new to this forum and finding all of this information very useful. Grateful there are people out there willing to take a minute to share their thoughts!

voml55amg

I recently notice some R230 running through ADESA here in my region (Boston Massachusetts).
A few Sl55 from 03-06 are at low low $20k with milages no more than 35k.
These cars are from Herb Chambers, Westwood Mercedes and Prime.
These cars could pass as collectors inventory.

Some 09-2012 are frequently available as well. For example, 2009 white with red at 62k sold for $26,800 last Wednesday.

Sl600 is a special V12. I'd pick an sl55 with AMG (true amg) package from body line to dual quad exhaust etc...

Service wise, it's a lot friendlier when it comes to motor mount, coil pack, harness etc...

My sl600 2008 does not have amg body, quad exhaust nor pana roof etc...

I'm looking at these cars as:
Sl600 V12 with twin turbo (quiet exhaust) higher torque 631
Sl55 v8 with super charge ( a little louder ) lower torque 5xx
Both have same horse power 500-510
With $29,500, I'd aim for Sl55/63/65

Regarding extra value as HRE wheels, thats a bonus.
Again, just my thoughts and opinions, you don't have to agree with me.
Life is short, summer is almost over, enjoy your top down.
Ned

DJ Pumped

Awesome and thank you Ned! I am in no position to argue or disagree ...taking in all the information the forum is offering. At that price the theme is find an SL65 or negotiate lower. Thanks too for the thoughts on the wheels... going to check out Herb Chambers inventory!

BlownV8

SL600 with an ecu/you tune, downpipe, straight through exhaust and you will be.grimming from ear to ear. Get a widebody or at least one with the AMG BODY.