SL/R230: SL350 Reliability
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2019
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A 2008 registered SLK 280 Auto
SL350 Reliability
Hi again to you all out there.
I have taken a fancy to a March 2004 SL350 with 133,000 miles on the clock and all supported by MoT history.
Before I stick my neck out and possibly lose my head can anyone give a heads -up as to the reliability of the car/model with regards to the engine,the transmission and in particular the electrics please.
I currently run a 2008 SLK 280 which is one of the year builds that do not suffer with the V6 engine issues of the earlier models.
I have taken a fancy to a March 2004 SL350 with 133,000 miles on the clock and all supported by MoT history.
Before I stick my neck out and possibly lose my head can anyone give a heads -up as to the reliability of the car/model with regards to the engine,the transmission and in particular the electrics please.
I currently run a 2008 SLK 280 which is one of the year builds that do not suffer with the V6 engine issues of the earlier models.
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Joined: Dec 2005
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From: NJ
2009 SL63 AMG
The 3.7L M112 is a great engine. Plenty of usable power for a cruiser and one of the MB's most reliable platforms.
The 350 does not use ABC, which cuts down on the complexity and cost of maintenance significantly.
Next up is the BCM (Battery Control Module). Especially for an early-R230, that would be at the top of my list, given the fire hazard. Replace as a preventive measure and make sure you have new and high-quality batteries installed in the car (both front and rear).
The 350 does not use ABC, which cuts down on the complexity and cost of maintenance significantly.
Next up is the BCM (Battery Control Module). Especially for an early-R230, that would be at the top of my list, given the fire hazard. Replace as a preventive measure and make sure you have new and high-quality batteries installed in the car (both front and rear).
Thread Starter
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A 2008 registered SLK 280 Auto
The 3.7L M112 is a great engine. Plenty of usable power for a cruiser and one of the MB's most reliable platforms.
The 350 does not use ABC, which cuts down on the complexity and cost of maintenance significantly.
Next up is the BCM (Battery Control Module). Especially for an early-R230, that would be at the top of my list, given the fire hazard. Replace as a preventive measure and make sure you have new and high-quality batteries installed in the car (both front and rear).
The 350 does not use ABC, which cuts down on the complexity and cost of maintenance significantly.
Next up is the BCM (Battery Control Module). Especially for an early-R230, that would be at the top of my list, given the fire hazard. Replace as a preventive measure and make sure you have new and high-quality batteries installed in the car (both front and rear).
Having been used to ABS for a very very long time I would think that that would be somewhat disconcerting especially in bad weather conditions such as snow,ice and heavy frost.
I am being warned off of the car because of engine issues (balance shaft) The car in question has just covered 133,000 miles and is an early 2004 registered car.
The SLK280 (Avatar) that I currently run is a late 2008 car with now just 109,000 miles on the clock and the checks carried out gave it the all-clear.
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,055
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From: NJ
2009 SL63 AMG
Thank you ALG600. I guess that ABC is your locations version of our ABS (Automatic Braking System !! ).
Having been used to ABS for a very very long time I would think that that would be somewhat disconcerting especially in bad weather conditions such as snow,ice and heavy frost.
I am being warned off of the car because of engine issues (balance shaft) The car in question has just covered 133,000 miles and is an early 2004 registered car.
The SLK280 (Avatar) that I currently run is a late 2008 car with now just 109,000 miles on the clock and the checks carried out gave it the all-clear.
Having been used to ABS for a very very long time I would think that that would be somewhat disconcerting especially in bad weather conditions such as snow,ice and heavy frost.
I am being warned off of the car because of engine issues (balance shaft) The car in question has just covered 133,000 miles and is an early 2004 registered car.
The SLK280 (Avatar) that I currently run is a late 2008 car with now just 109,000 miles on the clock and the checks carried out gave it the all-clear.
The ABS system in the R230 is called SBC, or Sensotronic Brake Control. Mercedes offered a 25 year extended warranty on the entire system, so even that 2004 model still has a few years of coverage left.
A 2004 SL350 should not have any issues with the balance shaft as it uses the M112 V6. That issue pertains to the M272 V6, which was not used in the R230 until 2006+.
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A 2008 registered SLK 280 Auto
ABC = Active Body Control, which is a high-pressure hydraulic suspension setup. It is used on every R230 except the SL350 and the SL65 Black Series.
The ABS system in the R230 is called SBC, or Sensotronic Brake Control. Mercedes offered a 25 year extended warranty on the entire system, so even that 2004 model still has a few years of coverage left.
A 2004 SL350 should not have any issues with the balance shaft as it uses the M112 V6. That issue pertains to the M272 V6, which was not used in the R230 until 2006+.
The ABS system in the R230 is called SBC, or Sensotronic Brake Control. Mercedes offered a 25 year extended warranty on the entire system, so even that 2004 model still has a few years of coverage left.
A 2004 SL350 should not have any issues with the balance shaft as it uses the M112 V6. That issue pertains to the M272 V6, which was not used in the R230 until 2006+.
Over here in the UK the SL towards the end of 2006 took a massive hike in Road Fund/Car Tax and if the balance shaft issues were not sorted out until after the 'Class Act' that was taken out against MB the that is perhaps a reason for staying away from the late 2006 registered cars and early 2007 cars until chassis numbers can verify that the engines are not those affected by the earlier issues albeit I believe that they were covered up to circa 120,000 miles by MB.
The fuel consumption figures for the SL350 are quite disappointing when compared with those of SLK280 with only a small difference in engine size.
I do realise that there is a difference between an Imperial Gallon (UK) and a US Gallon but being that the both cars are UK based so therefore the MPG is calculated on the basis of UK usage then exploring the performance of the SL could be a somewhat expensive exercise !!
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 746
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From: Melbourne, Australia
2005 SL 500 R230
The SL is significantly roomier inside than the SLK and that should be considered. At least sit in both and see if you feel you feel comfortable.
SL350 could be ordered with ABC but I haven't heard of too many. I think most new buyers would have bought the 500 if they wanted the ABC. An SL350 without ABC would be a fun and low cost way into the R230 world.
SL350 could be ordered with ABC but I haven't heard of too many. I think most new buyers would have bought the 500 if they wanted the ABC. An SL350 without ABC would be a fun and low cost way into the R230 world.
Thread Starter
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A 2008 registered SLK 280 Auto
The SL is significantly roomier inside than the SLK and that should be considered. At least sit in both and see if you feel you feel comfortable.
SL350 could be ordered with ABC but I haven't heard of too many. I think most new buyers would have bought the 500 if they wanted the ABC. An SL350 without ABC would be a fun and low cost way into the R230 world.
SL350 could be ordered with ABC but I haven't heard of too many. I think most new buyers would have bought the 500 if they wanted the ABC. An SL350 without ABC would be a fun and low cost way into the R230 world.
The SL 350 is showing just 133,000 miles and has a tidy MoT history and some service history and receipts for works carried out.
My only real concerns are the fuel consumption compared to that of my SLK 280 - the 7spd auto box plays a large part in considerably bettering the official figures (each fill is brimmed and calculated at 4.541 litres to the gallon.
The SL 350 only has a 5spd auto box.
The other concern is the distance from the seated position to the front of the car as I am of quite short stature and yes front and rear parking sensors really do help avoiding parking issues.
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Joined: Sep 2018
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From: Melbourne, Australia
2005 SL 500 R230
In the end it's all personal taste. If you like it, get it!
Fuel consumption differences over the time you own any old Mercedes will be a minor expense compared with what you'll spend on maintenance. That said, I wouldn't worry about the drivetrain on the SL. It's all the typical things you'll spend on any old car: brakes, tyres, batteries, suspension bushes, sensors here and there, regular servicing and so on.
The roof may give issues but it's well documented and can be fixed for low cost if you read up on it.
133,000 miles sounds on the high side for one of these. Can't you find one with lower mileage?
Fuel consumption differences over the time you own any old Mercedes will be a minor expense compared with what you'll spend on maintenance. That said, I wouldn't worry about the drivetrain on the SL. It's all the typical things you'll spend on any old car: brakes, tyres, batteries, suspension bushes, sensors here and there, regular servicing and so on.
The roof may give issues but it's well documented and can be fixed for low cost if you read up on it.
133,000 miles sounds on the high side for one of these. Can't you find one with lower mileage?
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Newbie
Joined: Nov 2019
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From: Buckinghamshire
SL350
Hi again HLG600. Thanks again for the info - very reassuring with regards to the V6 engine derivatives.
Over here in the UK the SL towards the end of 2006 took a massive hike in Road Fund/Car Tax and if the balance shaft issues were not sorted out until after the 'Class Act' that was taken out against MB the that is perhaps a reason for staying away from the late 2006 registered cars and early 2007 cars until chassis numbers can verify that the engines are not those affected by the earlier issues albeit I believe that they were covered up to circa 120,000 miles by MB.
The fuel consumption figures for the SL350 are quite disappointing when compared with those of SLK280 with only a small difference in engine size.
I do realise that there is a difference between an Imperial Gallon (UK) and a US Gallon but being that the both cars are UK based so therefore the MPG is calculated on the basis of UK usage then exploring the performance of the SL could be a somewhat expensive exercise !!
Over here in the UK the SL towards the end of 2006 took a massive hike in Road Fund/Car Tax and if the balance shaft issues were not sorted out until after the 'Class Act' that was taken out against MB the that is perhaps a reason for staying away from the late 2006 registered cars and early 2007 cars until chassis numbers can verify that the engines are not those affected by the earlier issues albeit I believe that they were covered up to circa 120,000 miles by MB.
The fuel consumption figures for the SL350 are quite disappointing when compared with those of SLK280 with only a small difference in engine size.
I do realise that there is a difference between an Imperial Gallon (UK) and a US Gallon but being that the both cars are UK based so therefore the MPG is calculated on the basis of UK usage then exploring the performance of the SL could be a somewhat expensive exercise !!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,232
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From: Glasgow, Scotland, UK
SL 350 R230 (3.7L with AMG Speedshift autobox)
I use my SL350 (3.7L) daily, each week I drive from Scotland to London return with 34mpg, then driving in London around 18mpg in the week and its great very reliable. I have 188K miles and it feels lovely still. The cars are pretty cheap now, so the money you save in purchasing, means you have a little extra to spend on fuel. There is more to life then mpg mate!
Thread Starter
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Joined: May 2019
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A 2008 registered SLK 280 Auto
With regard to a lower mileage example -9Tom Manning) YES- they are out there but often with really iffy/neglected advisories and poor or no service history and the ones that I have found are 200+ miles away from where I live.
The figure quoted ("I get anywhere from 30 to 34mpg") is mirrored with my SLK 280 Auto with circa 22mpg to 25mpg pottering about and 38/40 mpg when in cruise at 56/60 mph on the motorway networks.
Yes I did find the SL350 very comfortable being that I stand at a mere 4'10" tall with a slightly short torso - seat height is a balance/compromise between seeing where the front end is approximately and bashing my head on the roof/door opening.
For our cousins over the pond please remember that your US gallon is smaller than one here in the UK when it comes to calculating mpg.
