SL-Class (R230) 2003 -- 2012: Discussion on the SL500, SL550, SL600

SL/R230: 2004 SL500 Rebuild

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Old Sep 1, 2020 | 10:24 PM
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MBMidas's Avatar
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2004 SL500; 2016 E400; 2019 GLC300
2004 SL500 Rebuild

I have been lurking here a bit since I got this gem as a project. Been having a lot of fun getting this back to driving condition. Always wanted one of these and I couldn't pass this one up. I did get a raw deal on my replacement bumper(bunch of cracks and previously repaired) which I will probably replace again in the near future. Just wanted to get my states inspection completed and drive it a bit before the weather creeps in. Just a few pics of how far I got with it.



Last edited by MBMidas; Sep 1, 2020 at 10:27 PM.
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Old Sep 2, 2020 | 04:45 AM
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How do you know that the car's chassis did bend ? only a Frame Straightening specialist can check that by laser
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Old Sep 2, 2020 | 01:00 PM
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Nice job !
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Old Sep 2, 2020 | 03:26 PM
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Splendid! You're clearly a pro among us now!
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Old Sep 2, 2020 | 06:47 PM
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Thank you!

As for the frame alignement, I got the frame specs and meticulous measured all the points that I could. The damage looked far worse than it was. The ac condenser just had a little bow to it. The main reason for the complete front tear down was to replace the one high pressure ac hose that had a slice in it...AND to measure all the frame points. The front crash bar had a little ding and the crash horns weren't even damaged. Everything was within spec. Lucked out i suppose. I did end up replacing everything anyways even if it had a slight crack or distortion.
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Old Sep 2, 2020 | 08:15 PM
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Originally Posted by MBMidas
I have been lurking here a bit since I got this gem as a project. Been having a lot of fun getting this back to driving condition. Always wanted one of these and I couldn't pass this one up. I did get a raw deal on my replacement bumper(bunch of cracks and previously repaired) which I will probably replace again in the near future. Just wanted to get my states inspection completed and drive it a bit before the weather creeps in. Just a few pics of how far I got with it.


came out great!
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Old Sep 2, 2020 | 09:22 PM
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I am confused ?
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Old Sep 2, 2020 | 10:07 PM
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confused???
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Old Sep 3, 2020 | 12:15 AM
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I didn't understand the pictures of the modified car with your pictures. NO worries
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Old Sep 3, 2020 | 03:18 AM
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Slightly off topic - the water drain hose running from under the starter battery is way shorter than I always imagined (it needs routine de-clogging, hard tot do from above, to prevent the risk of flooding). Do you think that's the supposed length, or did you cut it? Also, I finally really understand now where that washer reservoir is hiding exactly...
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Old Sep 6, 2020 | 11:11 AM
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Got my inspection completed and can legally drive this now! Woohooo.

First thing I noticed was a vibration...so tried balancing the tires but every time I was getting a different reading on one front tire. Pulled off the tire and found the problem. Damn fix a flat in a can crap!


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Old Sep 6, 2020 | 12:28 PM
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Time for new Sneakers
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Old Sep 6, 2020 | 12:30 PM
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Trying to convince the woman that the wheels are shot too...lol. Mean while, gonna do a proper repair on this one.
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