SL/R230: differences between 2003 and 2004 SL500
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 482
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From: Northern California
Mercedes C400, BMW X3
They are built better
I had a 2003 SL500 and SL55. I now own a 2004 SL500. There is no question that the build quality is much better on the 2004- the brakes don't squeal, they are easy to modulate; the fuel pump doesn't make the annoying clicking sound; and the top doesn't rattle.
Major equipment change was the 7 speed transmission, which makes the car feel much more lively.
For me, the differences are night and day. I wouldn't own the 2003 and I love the 2004.
Major equipment change was the 7 speed transmission, which makes the car feel much more lively.
For me, the differences are night and day. I wouldn't own the 2003 and I love the 2004.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 21
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Thanks for the update between 2003 and 2004. I have a 2003 and have had many problems with it and am therefore considering trading it in for a 2004 or possibly waiting for a 2005. The only information on the 2005 that I have heard is that the navigation will be DVD based which doesn't seem like that big of a deal to me. Are there any other changes that will take place in model year 2005?
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 258
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From: Perth,Australia
Wow, I wish I could get a new car every year
But I surely hope you didn't sell the 55 for a 500
Mb guy, from what I know there will also be a new sound system for 05, aswell as as new colour, some sort of black for nappa seats or something minor. I'd probably just wait for the 05.
But I surely hope you didn't sell the 55 for a 500 Mb guy, from what I know there will also be a new sound system for 05, aswell as as new colour, some sort of black for nappa seats or something minor. I'd probably just wait for the 05.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 482
Likes: 0
From: Northern California
Mercedes C400, BMW X3
2005
I would wait for 2005 as well, since the production begins shortly anyway.
I sold my SL55 because I was having problems with it as well and wanted something produced later. I thought about the SL600 but when I drove it, I thought it was lethargic and wound up with the SL500 as a stopgap until I can drive the SL65.
I sold my SL55 because I was having problems with it as well and wanted something produced later. I thought about the SL600 but when I drove it, I thought it was lethargic and wound up with the SL500 as a stopgap until I can drive the SL65.
2003, 20032004, 2004, 500sl, and2004, convertible, difference, differences, mercedes, merceds, model, number, production, sl, sl500, year
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