dsosnow

NiceMerc

I bought a 2003 SL500 w approx 50K miles in 2016 and spent approx 1K/month in maintenance and repairs during the time I owned it. Some of that was discretionary, but quite a lot was required. I think I had it nicely sorted when, sadly, it was totaled.

I thought about replacing it with various alternatives, but didn't find anything that I thought came near the SL. I took my time looking for a replacement and had some pretty high requirements - refused to look at anything earlier than 2007 a full service history was required, a knowledgeable seller preferred and I insisted on scanning the car to look for codes before making an offer. OK, I was a little gun shy and the buyer from hell ;-) I probably walked away from a couple of decent examples...

In the end I couldn't find one that met my requirements so I spent the extra and went for an R231. I miss ABC, but the car hasn't missed a beat and I like the new technology and features.

I think my 2004 had the full spectrum of expected problems. The things I had to deal with: replaced ABC accumulators and flushed system, replaced transmission control plate, replaced folding roof flaps, replaced trunk soft close, replaced PSE pump, replaced third brake light, replaced catalytic converter, replaced plugs, wires and a couple of coils, replaced thermistor in heater controls, replaced broken fog light..

Common discretionary items you might need: replaced trim panel with missing flap, fitted bluetooth unit, repairs to front grill under bumper

My mistake was being an uninformed buyer and buying a car without warranty or service history. You're streets ahead by finding this forum and asking questions. I love the R230 styling and would consider another one in the future, but it would be 2007 or later, I would need to find one that was owned by someone with a thorough knowledge of the car and I would need to see maintenance history that included repairs to as many of the common problems as possible.

Best of luck, you will love the R230 when you find the right one.
Gary

jdgun

Like yourself in the market for an SL, although an AMG 55.. Obviously most who have done any research understand there can and will be some issues to deal with. but how many is the real question.

rustybear3

11 and 14 year old cars for any MB without a warranty, you better put plenty of money aside for maintenance bills. Just a roll of the dice.

Rudeney

These cars can get very expensive to maintain if you don't DIY. The biggest thing will be the ABC hydraulic suspension system. The vario roof system may also need some TLC over time. Before buying the MY2007 SL550, check the engine serial number to see if it's in the range for potential failure of the timing chain idler sprocket. This is commonly referred to as "balance shaft failure", because on the V6, that sprocket also drive the balance shaft.

To check, plug the VIN into this website:

https://www.datamb.com/

Get the engine serial number. If it's below 2739..30 088611 then I'd be hesitant to buy it. Not all of these fail prematurely, but if it does, it's a $4K++ engine-out repair job.

jdgun

Thank you for all the input, Really want to make a solid commitment, like many others before i jump into this endeavor.
No looking to spend $ right away until i see what is going on with the car, being in Oregon it will spend more time looking sexy in the garage with the motorcycles then being out on the road.
People mentioned scanning the car for error codes, is there a cost effective method to do this?

Part of me says go big and get the S65, but twin turbos, and a v12 just seems like a headache on an older car... My ultimate goal will be to get the car sorted and take it to a speed event and my 200mph printout, Bucket list thing. Also my girlfriend is interested in learning more about cars, and building up a vehicle together.

Rudeney

If you are going to DIY, you pretty much need SDS (MBZ's Star Diagnosis System). You can get a Chinese "clone" version for under $500.

BlownV8

The V12 is very durable and, if you get one that's well maintained, you can get around 25-30k miles relatively trouble free. I'm thinking about selling my wide body SL600.

C280 Sport

Get the 2007. It is face lifted and newer. Make sure you get a PPI and check out the ABC system and folding top.

pfarah77

I've got a 2008 550 that's almost ready to be put for sale. She's Pewter/Stone in color and has been very well maintained. She does have around 92k miles but she's in wonderful shape. PM me if you want details.

Blazeracer

If you can turn wrenches, upkeep isn't bad at all. I did the brakes on mine today for less than what my Tahoe cost doing the manual SBC disable and re-enable. It was easy peasy.

dsosnow

dsosnow

Rudeney

If money is an issue and you aren't going to DIY then an R230 is probably not a good choice.

bobterry99

I presume the '04 is around $12K. If you don't care about the '07's 80 additional horsepower, the '04 may be the better choice.

rustybear3

I'm telling you, if you not handy, save up your money and get a MB with a warranty. Repairs are very expensive, as is maintenance, Penny wise and pound foolish can certainly apply to cars. Just my 2 cents.

dsosnow

kbob999

jdgun - If you can get the car up to Vancouver, WA area I can run my SDS (Star Diagnostics System) computer on it to see what pops up. I took it with me when a friend bought a 21K mile SL55, and it was great for insight and a negotiation tool.
If you plan to DIY, you MUST have one of these. You will also need the 'Developer Mode' in the SDS to remove the speed limits and get your 200 mph badge.

Plan a minimum of $1000 DIY initial investment for a low mile car to take care of the various errors that pop up. $2-3K for a high mile/older car. After that investment, it will take you a long way with reliability.
Don't forget minimum $500/year for tires. The AMG and V12 eat rear tires like crazy unless you drive like a grandmother.

dsosnow

Well, friends, I thought I owed you the courtesy of an update after all the advice.

Pulled the trigger on the 2004 because the 07 and 08 I was looking at wouldn’t budge on price, so by spending 11k less I start out with $11k in the “maintenance fund.” My sense is that I could almost as easily drop $5k on repairs on an 08 as on an 04 w same miles.

If I get killed on repairs i’ll be bummed, but it won’t be a crisis.

Going to do trunk struts myself (super easy), need to get a serpentine belt (will likely pay the shop to do that), tires, and should be good to go if it ever gets above 20 degrees here.

Pics attached

Eric79

That's a good looking car. Best of luck to you!

Rudeney

Is that green? You don't see many that color. Very nice!

Adi-Benz

Congrats!

dsosnow

Yep - green w a tan interior. I think it’s a pretty nice looking ride.

Blazeracer

Nice.. I like the older version better. The front is more sloped than the face lifted version. Makes em look meaner.. I've fixed my hydraulics twice. $120 the first time, $102 the second time. Just got a new SBC pump under the factory extended warranty. Did my brakes for less than my Tahoe. Had a hose leak. Put a new clamp on it for $1.50. The R230 in any year is a bad *****..

Dhunch22

so i punched my VIN number into that site and under model it says it is SL500 but my car is SL550. how come?
thanks