SoCalSLKDude

I'm considering upgrading from my SLK350 to an SL550, 2009-2012.

Is that a good year range, and what are the typical, and the major, problems to be aware of? (On the SLK the biggest concern is the Balance Shaft problem.)

What buying advice would you have for me specific to the SL550? Features to avoid, etc?

Thanks in advance!

sivikvtec

Set aside some time and read through this.

http://mercedes-abc-drive-carefully....rt-of.html?m=1

SoCalSLKDude

Thank you Sivikvtec!
That is invaluable information! You're right, there's a lot there. It's great to understand the system, and know how to sense a problem and protect it from ruining expensive parts!

I actually thought only the AMG models had the active suspension.

Has it gotten more reliable? What years are best? Am I better off looking at the R231?
Those also have lots of aluminum - how much of a problem is that for body work?

fun33

If it fits your budget, 2017 will give you 99% of what is available in the 2020. A 2018, 2019 or 2020 is simply more money for the same car. Plenty of 2017's with under 15k miles on them.

MBCO

2007 was the first year of ABC2 in R230. Same as in model years you are considering. Significant upgrade to earlier models. Improved pump with dampener and accumulators. Much more reliable, but you still need to flush and change the filter even though MB service schedule does not call for it. I am not sure about r231 and ABC reliability. You might want to check out that forum if you elect to go that way. IMHO the R231 while having updated electronics, offers little advantage in performance over r230s.

NHSl550

Too bad you are across country from me. Im thinking about selling my 09 Sl550 24K miles.

sivikvtec

Based on one year and 2500 miles with my 2005 SL65:

I would not own any R230 unless I could easily spend $5k on an unexpected repair that I was unable or unwilling to do myself.

I would not own any R230 unless I enjoyed doing low/medium difficulty repairs on cars myself

I would not own any R230 unless I was willing to spend significant time researching and making the financial investment on getting SDS/DAS, WIS and familiarizing myself on how to use them.

I would not own any R230 unless I enjoyed using critical thinking skills and extensive research to understand and solve potentially complex problems.

I would not own any R230 unless I had a reliable daily driver

I would strongly consider an SL55 over an SL500 or SL550 as the reliability is similar (or maybe even superior). The last year for the SL55 was 2008 and was replaced with the SL63 in 2009. I would not buy an SL63 due to well known engine problems and possible transmission issues. Another thing to consider is that an 07-08 SL55 might cost the same or only slightly more than a comparable 09-12 SL550. However, 5 years from now the SL55 could easily be worth twice the amount as an 09-12 SL550 as they are still depreciating and do not have nearly the enthusiast following that keeps the prices of the AMG variants relatively high.

These are VERY complex cars, I would guess they probably have three times the number of parts as a normal car between the ABC suspension, folding top, and power adjustable features. This means there are more things that can wear out, or get out of adjustment, or fail...especially after being used for around 10-15 years.

This is NOT the right car for a cash strapped person who doesn’t have a garage, patience, or backup transportation. My (likely controversial) opinion is that if you are not well off enough to buy one of these cars without financing, it is probably not a good decision.

The R230 is a good car, and can be very satisfying to own if you know what you are getting yourself into. I have lots of tools and spare time, and the overall expense of repairs doesn’t bother me. The performance, style, luxury, and overall driving experience is absolutely unmatched compared to any other convertible under $40k.

Furthermore, the mbworld, benzworld, and facebook forums are outstanding sources of technical info/knowledge, which makes owning these cars feasible for a diy’er. I would have NEVER felt confident enough to own and maintain an R230 if the online community wasn’t as great as it was. If you are willing to learn, help is easily available.

If you want something more “set it and forget it”, I would definitely recommend looking into an R231 without ABC.

Hope this helps....and that I didn’t scare you lol.

HLG600

Agreed on all points.

For the cost of a V12 coil pack replacement, you can make an M156 bulletproof. As for early MCT 722.9 transmissions, there were a handful of problematic ones from the factory that were either sorted under warranty or lemon law'd (very rare).

Most, however, were without issue and the performance improvement over the 722.6 is night and day.

The 07-08 SL55 is a very interesting R230, pairing the stout M113K with the significantly improved ABC 2 suspension.

HLG600

Mercedes sorted out practically all of their ABC suspension issues in the R231. Another perk is that you don't need an AMG version to go very fast.

My only gripe with the R231 is the facelift styling for MY2017 onward.

NiceMerc

I had a 2004 R230 and have to agree 100% with sivikvtec's points. It was a lot of fun getting the R230 into shape. It was less fun, inconvenient and hard on the wallet as issues kept coming up. Mine had pretty much every problem that R230's are known for, and a couple of its own.

The car was totaled at the end of a road trip. I wanted another R230 but I didn't want to repeat the experience of fixing the known problems and weaknesses, so I started looking for a 2007 or later. After several months I had looked at several and none of them seemed well maintained. Maybe I was a little over cautious. In the end I decided an R231 was a better choice for me and quickly found a 2013 with low mileage. I'm very happy with the R231 and the only thing I've had to do is replace the struts that hold up the trunk lid. Everything else works flawlessly every time.

I miss ABC - it's an extra cost option on the R231 and most don't have it. I enjoyed the R230 as a project car. I still prefer the styling of the earlier R230's.

I don't miss the expense of keeping an R230 on the road, the inconvenience when it let me down at just the wrong time or that sinking feeling when the dash goes red with ABC error lights or the electrics cut out and come back for no apparent reason or there's a puddle of Pentosin on the garage floor or a bunch of unexpected codes show up.

Gary

SoCalSLKDude

Interesting, NHSL550!!
Honestly, why are you selling it? Looks like the latest model of your garage, with very low miles!

SoCalSLKDude

I appreciate all the brutally honest comments regarding the R230 ownership experiences and expectations!
I have owned 5 SLK's, from '99 R170, to SLK 320, SLK350's. I am no longer intimidated by hydraulic top problems, and have rebuilt many cylinders. I am much more confident in the ABC system after reading that excellent guide Sivikvtec linked me to. I have had transmissions rebuilt, and chased down many tough problems with the excellent help of these forums, which I love and respect! I am able to buy the car and handle repair bills as necessary (generally not at the stealers!), and have several vehicles to choose from. Being a self employed tech guy, I don't have a consistent daily drive to make, but I love to DRIVE!!

I would like the upgraded electronics and luxury features of the R231, but I'm not willing to budget that high right now. Perhaps in a few years.

With all that said, I have found a beautiful, one owner 2009 SL550 with 39K miles for a decent price that has been serviced regularly at the area's premiere dealership.
Any specific gotchas on this year that I should be aware of? What transmission will it have (7 speed, I believe)? Reliable?
Being the first year of the facelift, did they screw anything up that was later corrected?

Thanks again for all your input, and please keep it coming as things come to mind! I am digesting it all!

NHSl550

WOW what a buzz kill LOL

NHSl550

I bought it 2 years ago. Had 12000 miles on it. Extremely mint condition. Had just sold my SLK55.so looking for something new.
I picked up the SL65 this summer. 87K miles but in really nice shape. I like tinkering so figured I could with that. The 550 didn't need anything so its just a sunday driver. Also have a 91 550sl and a 81 corvette. So looking to sell a couple cars.

gaazmon

When I bought mine, I was looking between a 07-08 55 or 09 550. The styling and tech won me over versus the extra horsepower and sportiness. I have a 08 CLK550 as my daily and previous car and the nav and other tech are similar to the 07-08 SL so I didn't want the same for the SL as well as the look of the vehicle from the front was similar. For me it was purely psychological at that point from an aesthetic and tech functionality point of view. The 550 is fast enough for me. They're around the same price 07-08 55 vs 09 550 last I checked. They didn't really change much from 08 to 09 facelift, mostly just the exterior body and the infotainment stuff.

As everyone said, 07+ they all have ABC II which was quite an improvement over ABC I. The only downside of II vs I I can think of is not being able to rebuild the valve blocks using new washer and such, but they are supposed to be more reliable. The other thing to consider with an AMG is the higher maintenance cost on things like brake pads and rotors for example, but I don't think there are too many things that stick out that I can think of. The 5 speed is pretty bulletproof on those cars. The 7 speed from 08+ has not much to worry about as far as failings (The earlier ones from 04-07 had issues). The 09+ definitely has more of the look of the R171 SLK55 or say a W204 C63 as far has the front of the vehicle go. As someone said earlier, I highly recommend keeping a daily car.

SoCalSLKDude

That makes sense! Yes, I wish we weren't on opposite coasts! Sounds like you enjoy driving as much as I do!

SoCalSLKDude

I didn't realize the valve blocks on the ABCII could not be rebuilt. I would like to hear owners' experience with that. Have you had to buy a new valve block, or are they dead on reliable now?

tonylinc

I've owned two R230s, and aside from a rebuilt coilpack for the V12 and new intercooler hoses since they were 14 years old, and a $700 repair bill for the ABC when I replaced the ABC filter and caused it to overflow somehow, I never experienced any problems that would make me want to stay away from more R230's. Any car you get will want some money and attention. You want a cheap piece of junk, that's what you pay for. Here you get a car that cost over $100,000 new, and you could probably drive it thru a brick wall and get a fat lip from the drivers airbag. Maybe if you are buying the car with the last few dollars you've got, then the R230 isn't for you. Obviously, best to have a little cash saved up. And it certainly helps a lot if you know basic car maintenance skills. Just as helpful if you know a foreign car shop locally owned, that is honest and knows these cars: Dealerships typically rip you off, overcharge, steal out of your car, etc... Almost all Mercedes I buy used, need oil change, air filters, motor mounts and transmission mount, followed by spark plugs. Coolant change, transmission service perhaps. Some people get an R230 as their first Mercedes, I started with an R107 450SLC then a W124 300E, R129 500SL, more W124's, and about ten other Benzo's and finally got an R230 and it felt like I'd learned enough on those others and graduated up to the top. But for the car and value you get for the money, few cars can touch having your own R230. Then summer comes, and the top goes down.