The ‘03 I’m looking at needs seats. I found ‘06 parts car. Will seats “plug and play’? If not, since many leather seats fail it seems, and good after market new leather options?

They will fit. You might have some minor coding to do if they have different options like multicontour vs. just lumbar. There are usually plenty of options on ebay for cover replacements. I would check out the car very carefully though before purchasing. Really bad seats are a pretty big red flag for me and might indicate a lot of sun and/or water damage.

Thank you, Mike. Most of the SL500 roadsters I see for sale, of this era ('03-'06) the perforated seats have rips and the leather overall does not seem to hold up well. If I could find leather exact replacements, I wouldn't be averse to gettin' the old hog ring pliers out and swapping them. Your point is well taken though that it could be indication of the life it led up til now. I may be resetting my pursuits - someone said 'nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes'. The 2003 I'm looking at is owned by a luxury car repair shop and the owner had it for a couple years, fixed the roof, replaced batteries, tuned up, etc. I did a carfax and saw no concerning issues, and it only has 120k miles but just not sure if, for $8500, I'm signing up for an expensive adventure. I drove it, it ran well, engine runs great, felt no suspension issues - the car's hydraulic suspension functioned well.... It certainly needs brakes and the seats are at best a 7 out of 10. Tough call I guess. Still weighing my truly fervent desire to have an SL500 roadster in my driveway next to my BMW 740il, my pickup truck, Yamaha FJR 1300, snowmobile etc. Just need to figure out if this particular one is a healthy/viable investment.

Do these cars have timing chains or belts?

Thanks MikeJ65 et al

120K is actually fairly high mileage for an R230. They just didn't get driven that much, so that would be well above average miles. Generally speaking, the engine is certainly capable of 200K+, but you are at the mileage where the transmission could be starting to be a concern. If the shop has DAS or a good aftermarket scanner, have them check the transmission adaptations. If some are at or very near their maximum values, the car will be needed a transmission rebuild in the not so distant future. These values are compensation for clutch pack wear, so are a very good indicator of remaining life. For $8500, a 120K base SL500 needs to be in very good overall condition. Headlights should be clear, paint in excellent condition, LCD's on dash and radio in good condition, rear deck flaps intact, front bumper in good condition, no roof or ABC issues, decent interior, clear title, good tires that are in date, etc. It can have some wear and sun damage, but it should be nice for that mileage and price. For resale, just know that these are pretty difficult to sell over 100K. I'm not opposed to higher mileage cars, but never pay more than market value and these are very price sensitive to mileage.

Thank you, again. I don't know what it's like in NE or the rest of the country, but, used car prices in New England are through the roof. Many/most of the R230s I see are way above your note:

'03 with 122k for $10k
another with 100k for $14k, FIRM!!!!
80k for $16,500, THIS PRICE IS FIRM!

I guess a car is worth whatever someone is willing to pay. The one I'm looking at for $8500 FIRM is in good condition, appearance'wise and to hear it run and parking lot drive. No idea on transmission or other potential issues - as you might imagine, repair shop owner contends it's in perfect mechanical condition, but, no real way for me to know. Feels more and more like a risky gamble. But dang, it does seem pretty solid as it sits. Obviously, any car over 100k will need service, but, that's why it's selling for $8500.... We shall see. Thank you.

Thx again Mike. What’s a good scanner/diagnostic tool you all use for MBs? Want to spend the right money to properly test transmission etc to hopefully validate any purchase decision. Thank you. Jay

I use the Mercedes STAR system (DAS for R230's). There are probably other systems that can read transmission adaptations, but I've never researched it.

Something like this:

https://www.obdii.shop/goods-3-MB-SD...gaAk-tEALw_wcB

Mike, I am with you there bro..!
A car, whatever brand and model is has the value that the seller like depending on what urgency he needs to sell. Also, in the mind of the buyer the value is the projected cost of repairs or reconstructions added to the ask price. Then the buyer has two versions: The one who does not know jack about repairs or reconstructions, and the one who is a DYI.! A marginal price for the novice may be too much since he thinks on mechanics fees and parts...but for the DYI....it may be Ok since he can fix it himself..!
For example, I am one of those DYI..! I paid $5k for mine with 130K miles and issues. At the end of the reconstruction period I spend some time and about $500 on paint, junkyard parts, brake pads, glue, seals, etc. So, I am running good on my SL500 2004 at a cost of $5,500! Not pristine, but good to ride on weekends! And...if one day I want to sell it......at least I would get my money back plus!