Fountain35

I picked up a low mileage SL500. Car has never seen any rain. It had the coolant changed, brake fluid replaced in 2009 not sure about the oil. Car also has original tires with very little wear, no cracks. So I was going to change the oil, the brake fluid, power steering fluid. On the fence with the transmission and rear end fluid. I will probably replace the tires with all season performance radials. Anything else?

Thanks...

WurlitzBurg

What year and how many miles? Did you get a Car Fax report? It will give you an indication of its history, including dealer service and crash events. It won't be completely accurate but worth the money. Check all fluid levels right away. Change the oil and flush the brake fluid soon. Inspect the air filters and change the cabin filter. Inspect the brakes. Pull a couple of spark plugs and examine. While you are doing these things looks for fluid leaks. It would be good to remove the chassis covers and inspect everything. Consider flushing the ABC hydraulics.
This will get you started and will take a while. I am still working on these and more for my 2003 SL55 that I bought in March 2020 but I enjoy the work. I hope you do as well.
Also, give the interior a thorough cleaning and address any paint issues.

Fountain35

2004 with ~7000 total miles, the car is immaculate not one scratch and not even a crease in any seat.. You could put it on a Mercedes Benz showroom floor, seriously. It was a Neurosurgeon's car and has a spotless Carfax and has only been to the dealer. (2 times) It has never even been in the rain. Garage kept under a car cover.




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Gene Fiorot

I have an o4 with 60000. As far as I am concerned every fluid, belt, thermostat, filter , spark plugs was 14 years old. I elected to start from 0 miles and replaced everything. So is yours.

danaw007

Wow, that is a low mileage car!
Id flush the ABC, change oil, diff, brake fluid, cabin filters, air filters, tires and perhaps the spark plugs unless it’s running really smooth. If you keep it you may need to invest in a diagnostic tool or system as well. Have fun!

Fountain35

Thanks for the replies. Tires this week and then I'll start with the fluids, dealer gets it for the transmission.

Tokyoite

2004 with ~7000 total miles, means it was likely in long term storage for many hears. Meaning, most of the fluids are old and unchanged. better change them all as advised above.

I also have a low mileage car, a 2005 SL500 with 30,000 total miles when bought last year. I later found out it had been in storage between 2011 and 2018, 7 full years under a tarp in a garage.
Sold to me via dealer when previous owner finally passed away (I later heard). Of course after I found it, went back to the dealer I negotiated with the dealer to change all fluids, bushings, filters, brake pads, even got them to throw in new Michelin tires for a low price.

A high mileage car may have its own issues of obvious wear and tear, but a low mileage car has more issues due to under-use.
Oh, and upgrade the COMAND radio/navi unit when you can.

Fountain35

The car was never in storage, he would drive it ~400 miles a year when the weather was nice. It had a fluid change around 2009 although I am not sure which fluids, I'll let the dealer print it out for me. I just picked up a set of Michelin's from the Rack, great sale on them!

HLG600

I would recommend a short engine oil change interval with an oil analysis afterwards to start.

Regardless of mileage, the possibility that the oil wasn't changed in 11+ years is scary.

Gear oil is very stable/durable so I would address that last if at all. Transmission fluid is certainly more time-stable than engine oil, but it wouldn't hurt to service it and have a clean baseline.