e55amg999

Hello all,

My neighbor is selling a 2003 SL 500 cheap ($3500). It's his 5th car. he is the 2nd owner and has had it since 2007. Right now it needs new batteries (both) and a new alternator. The top also has some issues (hydraulic fluid leaking somewhere). I'm planning on buying it for my parents as a 40th-anniversary gift. He has a ton of service records with it.

I owned a w210 e55 amg so am familiar with these cars. I also currently own several e46 BMW's so am familiar and tooled to work on German cars.

The Car: 2003 SL500 103k miles needs both batteries and an alternator The top needs work, a micro switch is bad (I know which on) and is leaking fluid.

Heres my question: I have never owned an r230, what are some big common issues with these cars to look out for Day 1 I planned on doing plugs, oil change, brakes, all fluids (diff, tranny brake etc) and putting in a modern android head unit.

Any other advice would be great!

Rudeney

Get SDS. You'll need that for working on the ABC system. This car is much more complex than the W210, but just as pleasing to own.

e55amg999

Can I buy or download the star software? I have an OBD to USB cable

alk247

I am not sure if it is a good idea, unless your parent enjoys DIY. Or if you plan on doing it. Often. I own a 2003 with similar mileage. If it is not one thing, then it is another all the time. I am comfortable driving car with some minor problems. A lot of people would be afraid to do so. Also, keep in mind, that your parent might be reluctant to ask for you help too often, and might get stuck with very substantial upkeep costs.

e55amg999

I appreciate the input, as far as maintenance goes I know it will be my job. I can do do most light-medium sized jobs just nothing major.

Part of the deal would be if I buy it for them I get to use it from time to time. FYI I love car projects

Out of curiosity what issues have you had with yours?

alk247

ABC, roof, accelerator pedal, e-brake pedal, multiple broken plastic pieces, seats, broken driver door handle, coolant leak, broken glove box door lock. One of the really irritating things is that a lot of plastic holders and such break whenever you remove any trim. I have never seen a car so full of deteriorating plastic. I am not sure if it is due to generally low quality of plastics used, or because of a long exposure to sun (it was a Florida car until 2015). I had 2001 Maxima with not a single piece of broken plastic in it. Rubber parts like hood bumpers were hard as rock, but that to be expected over time. But to me fixing it is a part of the fun and a source of pride.

bobterry99

Replacing the head unit is likely far more complicated and expensive than you think.

I'll guess nobody has properly diagnosed the electrics and simply a voltage regulator is needed -- not an alternator.

From what you describe this car could bring $4500 on eBay. Friends just paid $4K and $5K for old R230s both with non-working tops and needing major ABC work.

kbob999

I’ll add that the car likely needs motor and trans mounts, as well as inboard front suspension bushings, and the trans electrical connector should be changed,
As Rodney stated, if you plan to DIY, you MUST have an SDS. It is a tool, and will retain its value at resale. Costly and worth every penny.
If it were me, I’d buy it, then budget $2-3K to fix it up. Plan to spend more time on maintenance than most cars.
You would then have a relatively inexpensive luxury GT with fair to good reliability.

Rudeney

You can't use a generic OBDII cable - it requires a special multiplexer box. If you are very computer savvy and willing to do some legwork, you can download the software and install it on your own laptop, and but a multiplexer for under $200. Or, just buy a whole ready to go turnkey system for well under $500, complete with (used) laptop. Bobterry99 has posted some links to a few sellers on alibaba. all you need is the "C3" system.

BlownV8

210 E55 = Toyota maintenance cost and 230 SL = Ferrari maintenance costs. Well, not quite but there is a quantum leap in parts/maintenance costs vs the two. Never buy a cheap 230 and go for the nicest and most well maintained car you can afford. A cheap 230 = a whole bunch of repairs and deferred maintenance. This is not a car that you can whip back in shape on the cheap and may cost you much more than just buying a nice version that is in good shape.

bobterry99

This might be sensible advice for someone who takes their car to the dealer for every little repair, but it's nonsensical for the typical reader of this forum.

alk247

True, however TC intends this a a gift to his parent. Who, apparently, is not this forum's reader. And speaking of the forum, it might be a good idea to create a few sub-forums, like - Repair and Maintenance, Performance Improvements, Appearance Improvements and so on. Or at least mark every topic with sub-category.

Rudeney

The W210 E55 and MY2003 SL550 have essentially the same engine and transmission. The W210 also uses a pneumatic system for the door an trunk locks. The additional complexities with the SL are ABC, the vario roof hydraulics, SBC and the dual-battery system. Since SBC is covered under a 25-year warranty, it's a non-issue. The roof hydraulics and ABC systems are well documented and with the right tools (SDS) are easy enough to diagnose. Yes, there will be a cost to that, but it's not "Ferrari cost". The battery system can be annoying, and other than a few anecdotal incidents of meltdown of the battery control module, it's not really an issue. For a buyer expecting "appliance level" maintenance, the SL will be a nightmare, but for a DIYer with MBZ knowledge and a willingness to invest in some tools and learn from the forums, it can be quite a satisfying experience.

bobterry99

Alex, in an earlier post the O.P. stated he would be maintaining the car for his parents and that he loves car projects.

For a competent DIYer seeking value, cheap R230s are to be sought out -- not avoided. There are some very nice, well-maintained cars that became cheap solely as a consequence of an hydraulic failure.

Aussiesuede

Correct. If one is committed to DIY, I literally think there is not a single vehicle of this vintage that offers more bang for the buck. But ONLY for DIY'ers. If the notion of visiting a mechanic even enters into the thought process, then an R230 shouldn't be even a passing consideration. If the OP is committed to doing the necessary maintenance that's well within the realm of the competently mechanical iinclined? Then a $3500 opportunity for the driving pleasure this model can provide is a veritable bargain. Now that SBC is off the table, change ABC fluids every 40-50,000 miles, along with other normal maintenance, and accept more rapid than normal tire wear, and he'll be smiling compared to the driving experience of a new 2019 Nissan Altima.

For the OP ,My 2003 R230 is my daily driver and has 278,000 miles on the clock and is still going strong with consistent maintenance. In comparison, I picked up a Maclaren 570 in December, and have only gotten to enjoy it for 5 weeks out of ownership.. The rest of the time it's been in the possession of Maclaren for simple repairs that they'll void my warranty if I attempt to do myself. If your parents daily drive their R230, then I'm sure they'll be happy as pie. That said, many R230's problems owe to being garage queens instead of being driven. My experience is, drive it as you would a Toyota, and rigorously keep up on maintenance, and they'll be happy owners...

BlownV8

McLaren seems to be a nightmare by most accounts from what I read. Just make sure the warranty us renewed each year and for 10 years, other than the depreciation and finance/money cost, it's a relative bargain. However, you may only get to dive it for a few weeks each year.......