SL/R230: 2004 sl500
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sl500
2004 sl500
Hello all...new to forum..i am looking to buy an 04 sl500 with 83000 miles on her...anything i should be looking for in particular or should i just steer clear? thank you in advance (btw this would be my first Mercedes so i am pretty green)
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95 SL600
Could be your first snd last Mercedes. If many of the parts that go bad in these haven’t been replaced you will be doing so.
ABC or hydraulic suspension parts are common problems at that mileage, and pump, accumulators, valve blocks, and hoses will go bad. If these along with frequent fluid flushes have not been done, you will more than likely be doing most of them at some point soon.
Top problems consist of hydraulic leaks from roof latch to start as well as other leaks. The flaps in th back go bad as well.
Electrical problems are ever present, with parasitic drains that turn into BCM and.alternator issues.
I wouldn’t own one of these cars if I couldn’t perform all of the maintenance, they are needy cars. You could easily put most of the cost of the car into these items.
All of the above items plus Battery control module front suspension rebuild and 2 ABC pumps ( needed third pump) SBC pump ( replaced under 25 year warranty from dealer) motor and transmission mounts, shifter, have been replaced on a car I have with 107,000 miles. Most have been within the last 20,000 miles or so. These repairs exceed the value of the car.
ABC or hydraulic suspension parts are common problems at that mileage, and pump, accumulators, valve blocks, and hoses will go bad. If these along with frequent fluid flushes have not been done, you will more than likely be doing most of them at some point soon.
Top problems consist of hydraulic leaks from roof latch to start as well as other leaks. The flaps in th back go bad as well.
Electrical problems are ever present, with parasitic drains that turn into BCM and.alternator issues.
I wouldn’t own one of these cars if I couldn’t perform all of the maintenance, they are needy cars. You could easily put most of the cost of the car into these items.
All of the above items plus Battery control module front suspension rebuild and 2 ABC pumps ( needed third pump) SBC pump ( replaced under 25 year warranty from dealer) motor and transmission mounts, shifter, have been replaced on a car I have with 107,000 miles. Most have been within the last 20,000 miles or so. These repairs exceed the value of the car.
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Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 495
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From: Benton, Louisiana, USA
SL 500 2004, Ford F-150-2014
You are right CDK...these cars are needy rides and if you cannot do it yourself, you are in for regular money withdrawals from your bank! I purchased mine very cheap with 130K miles 3 months ago from someone who really didn't care too much about it..!, still working on it to bring it back to ridable. I already replaced the ABC with coils over struts, but I did not purchased the ones already made for the fit, I purchased the struts, springs and used stock mounts from other vehicles for a total of $800. Now working on a journey to fix the Vario roof..! After that will see what new challenges come by! This forum offers a lot of help thanks to a lot of DYI owners advice and help..!
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Joined: Nov 2017
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From: Virginia
N/A
I would suggest a fluid change, especially transmission and also the ABC fluid and a newer filter.
https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...abc-fluid.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...abc-fluid.html
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,481
Likes: 310
95 SL600
I suggest an abc fluid change or at least the reservoir each oil change. I change the transmission fluid in the pan every other oil change. It’s about 3.5 quarts in the transmission so it’s not that costly, and can keep the trans fluid clean. The ABC fluid gets bad quickly.
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Super Member
Joined: Aug 2017
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From: Scottsdale AZ
2015 SL550 & 2012 S550 4matic
2 totally different cars, what do you WANT and what do you NEED "?
can you DIY on Euro cars?
Can you pay to play?
This forum can help immensely as it has for me. Specifics and detail information will help you.
can you DIY on Euro cars?
Can you pay to play?
This forum can help immensely as it has for me. Specifics and detail information will help you.
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