SL/R230: My 2005 SL600 all fixed up!
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Super Member
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 541
Likes: 93
From: Northern VA
SL 600
My 2005 SL600 all fixed up!
Bought this car with 3 bad ABC hoses, a cracked radiator, a split expansion tank, and rusty brakes and rotors at 4 corners. Replaced/fixed everything, she runs like new now, and looks like new. Nobody believed it was 13 years old, paint is immaculate. Taken it to the dealer would've cost at least $10K for everything...I did all the work myself.
Next up in mods, SL65 front bumper and SL63 rear bumper with diffuser, and a taller deck spoiler...then wrap in pearl white.
Next up in mods, SL65 front bumper and SL63 rear bumper with diffuser, and a taller deck spoiler...then wrap in pearl white.
Last edited by FxFormat; Apr 8, 2018 at 07:24 PM.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 541
Likes: 93
From: Northern VA
SL 600
Thanks again for your assistance in finding the part numbers for me, couldn't have done it without the help! i've put 500 miles on her since the repair and so far so good. Drove it 200 miles today up and down the mountain, hit a few nasty bridge expansion joints, bone jarring but didn't get any ABC messages.
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Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 541
Likes: 93
From: Northern VA
SL 600
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2015
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From: Miami, FL
2003 CL 600
They are really fun cars when all sorted. My CL has taken quite a bit of investment on my part to get it all working, ABC was just part of the battle, wait until you have to remove the engine or subframe to do the mounts/turbo seals lol.
When it's all working though, it's a hell of a car. The V12 is really something special.
When it's all working though, it's a hell of a car. The V12 is really something special.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 541
Likes: 93
From: Northern VA
SL 600
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 541
Likes: 93
From: Northern VA
SL 600
They are really fun cars when all sorted. My CL has taken quite a bit of investment on my part to get it all working, ABC was just part of the battle, wait until you have to remove the engine or subframe to do the mounts/turbo seals lol.
When it's all working though, it's a hell of a car. The V12 is really something special.
When it's all working though, it's a hell of a car. The V12 is really something special.
You are absolutely correct, though i'm no stranger to speed, last car was a 1000hp Supra, this car is just so fun to drive. I can't believe it depreciated so much that i can finally afford it. I have every reason to believe this car will go to 200K without any engine issues, however there are a lot of loose ends that i have to tie up. Suddenly my vario roof takes long to open, sometimes don't even open when it's cold. Pump make noises but it doesn't lower.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 541
Likes: 93
From: Northern VA
SL 600
Yes, after i fixed the ABC hoses, and the radiator and expansion tank i took the car on a torture test. Had Waze up and basically drove the car like a Dbag all the way to shenandoah, then went the entire length of skyline drive, popped out on 340 then headed back to DC. Drove almost 300 miles total, didn't let the car rest except for a few pics. I wanted to see if the radiator will hold up to extreme heat, and it did. I bought a no name rad on ebay for $60 so i was expecting it to blow lol.
I wasn't aware the AMG sideskirts are different than what i have now? Looks the same.
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Joined: May 2013
Posts: 230
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From: Maryland
MBs: SL55, GLK350
Yes, after i fixed the ABC hoses, and the radiator and expansion tank i took the car on a torture test. Had Waze up and basically drove the car like a Dbag all the way to shenandoah, then went the entire length of skyline drive, popped out on 340 then headed back to DC. Drove almost 300 miles total, didn't let the car rest except for a few pics. I wanted to see if the radiator will hold up to extreme heat, and it did. I bought a no name rad on ebay for $60 so i was expecting it to blow lol.
I wasn't aware the AMG sideskirts are different than what i have now? Looks the same.
I wasn't aware the AMG sideskirts are different than what i have now? Looks the same.
A local Merc/AMG club does a skyline cruise every fall if you are interested. Our cars can be (mostly) twins
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 541
Likes: 93
From: Northern VA
SL 600
After i get the AMG bumpers we can be twins heh. I like your wheels, what size are they? I'm thinking of going back to 19s, the 20s look good but ride a little rough, esp when i have it on the lowest suspension setting. I just got this car and is my first Benz, so still have lots to learn.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 992
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From: Tucson, AZ
'20 X5 M50i; '17 Ram 3500; Golf Cart; Bikes; Scooters
If the ride is rougher or bouncy on lowest setting, you are probably on the bump stops. Adjust your links a couple turns and it will be a lot better, but not look as slammed. I did this on mine...low, but not too low.
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Super Member
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 541
Likes: 93
From: Northern VA
SL 600
Yeah when i got the links, i only lowered it 1" all around, the picture you see is on its lowest setting. I usually have it on high, or medium around town but on smooth highway i'll have it on low.
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Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 103
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From: South Australia
2004 (MY05) SL55
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 541
Likes: 93
From: Northern VA
SL 600
I'm also looking into doing a cheap widebody route, instead of doing the full SL63 headlight one, i can pick up this kit and reuse my headlights.
What do you guys think? I plan on re-using my stock hood, and i already have the spoiler so i just need the front bumper, fenders, and sideskirts. I have experience in autobody as well so if it fits like crap, i'll make it fit like less crap. This kit looks clean from what i can see.
What do you guys think? I plan on re-using my stock hood, and i already have the spoiler so i just need the front bumper, fenders, and sideskirts. I have experience in autobody as well so if it fits like crap, i'll make it fit like less crap. This kit looks clean from what i can see.
