SL/R230: Some advice please from the Sl Greybeards
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Joined: Jul 2008
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E550 Cab
Some advice please from the Sl Greybeards
I test drove a 2003 SL500 a few days ago and it had a few issues that the MB dealer tried to gloss over — I know about ABC / BCM / Soft close trunk / PSE but I haven't heard about these — (1) the display characters (odometer , etc ) were very very difficult to read ( not just in the sun but in shade also ) - It was as if there was a rheostat turned to minimum — Is this a R230 thing ? - II did see on Youtube some gent replace the UV film but I don't think that was the same problem — Ive seen some dash photos on auction sites and the numbers / chars are vivid - Mine were anything but (2) Although then car had a start/ stop button on top of the gearshift - it didn't seem to work and you had to turn the ignition key to stop/start the engine - Is that a "simple and well known issue " — I apologize in advance for my noobiness but I'm drinking from a firehouse on SL500 issues — Thanks ! Mark
Last edited by rodin66; Aug 19, 2024 at 08:25 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 1,328
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From: Gretna, NE
'03 SL55 Black, '03 SL500's Aegean, Mars Red, Tazanite, Alabaster, '11 S550 Flint Gray
US market 2003's with keyless go came with cards, the key itself does not enable the button. They can be upgraded, but is expensive and probably not worth it for most people. Dash displays do have a brightness adjustment, but they do tend to have brightness issues. I would either have it fixed before you buy, or plan to live with it.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2007
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From: Santa Barbara, CA
S550C4, Porsche Cayenne
I test drove a 2003 SL500 a few days ago and it had a few issues that the MB dealer tried to gloss over — <snip> — (1) the display characters (odometer , etc ) were very very difficult to read ( not just in the sun but in shade also ) - It was as if there was a rheostat turned to minimum — Is this a R230 thing ? <snip>
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2017
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From: Scottsdale AZ
2015 SL550 & 2012 S550 4matic
OP: read this, the failed LCD parts can be replaced if you are handy:
https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...l-lcd-diy.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...l-lcd-diy.html
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just looking
I test drove a 2003 SL500 a few days ago and it had a few issues that the MB dealer tried to gloss over — I know about ABC / BCM / Soft close trunk / PSE but I haven't heard about these — (1) the display characters (odometer , etc ) were very very difficult to read ( not just in the sun but in shade also ) - It was as if there was a rheostat turned to minimum — Is this a R230 thing ? - II did see on Youtube some gent replace the UV film but I don't think that was the same problem — Ive seen some dash photos on auction sites and the numbers / chars are vivid - Mine were anything but (2) Although then car had a start/ stop button on top of the gearshift - it didn't seem to work and you had to turn the ignition key to stop/start the engine Queen ants and ant colonies- Is that a "simple and well known issue " — I apologize in advance for my noobiness but I'm drinking from a firehouse on SL500 issues — Thanks ! Mark
