SL/R230: SL 600 reliability issues ?
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Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 109
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From: Beverly Hills, CA
2003 E500, 2005 SL600
SL 600 reliability issues ?
Last week, i had ordered an SL55, but was informed by my dealer this week that he didn't have a slot to build one for quite some time; i came across a used SL600, 2005 model with parktronic, keyless go, and a couple of other options. It has 1200 miles, and is at 117 K. I had heard from my dealer that there are issues with the V12 in the SL's body and the heat generated from it can cause problems. I also took note of Lovin's issues with his pistons misfiring, so i am just a little weary of getting into one-having said that, the car that i found is the right color and interior that i like and is almost too hard to pass up. Just looking for some guidance from the SL brothers.... thanks
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From: Ponce Puerto Rico
SL500 2003 previous/ E350 2007 actually
As far as I read in this and other forums all of the sl600 owners are happy with their cars and none of them has express problems with the heat of the car. Also is easy for you to increase the HP of your car and make it more faster. I own and use SL 500 with 4,000 miles on it at the time when I brougt it and I dont turn back fot any reason. As you I found it with my prefer color and all the options I would ask for if I was the one who order it form the factory and I don't loose the chance. Find out if there are any report of mantaine or warranty on it and make your research. 
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From: New Jersey ~ Monmouth County
2005 SL 500
I remember Tiggerfink mentioning something about excessive heat in the "feet area" of his SL 600 (I think it was a 600?). Not sure if this issue will be problematic in the long run. Maybe Tigger can chime in?
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From: Ponce Puerto Rico
SL500 2003 previous/ E350 2007 actually
Originally Posted by Chris 45971
I remember Tiggerfink mentioning something about excessive heat in the "feet area" of his SL 600 (I think it was a 600?). Not sure if this issue will be problematic in the long run. Maybe Tigger can chime in?
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Joined: Nov 2003
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From: South Florida
Originally Posted by Chris 45971
I remember Tiggerfink mentioning something about excessive heat in the "feet area" of his SL 600 (I think it was a 600?). Not sure if this issue will be problematic in the long run. Maybe Tigger can chime in?
...and no heat related problems with my car and I do use it as my everyday driver....
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2026 Mercedes CLE53A4 AMG Cabriolet and 2025 MAYBACH EQS680V4
I have no heat problem in my 2005 SL600. Granted however, I have only 1000 miles on my car so I have not driven it as much as others but at this point there is not even a hint of a heat problem.
Last edited by LovinMercedes; Feb 6, 2005 at 01:23 PM.
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From: Memphis
SL500 and A-CLASS
I just own a SL500 and a SLK 320. I was afraid to get the SL600, because of the advice I got in my MBCA club. Those same experts said that MB-Tex is the best thing in the world, and I think MB-Tex is a piece of ****.
The heat problem was on the R129 SL600. Two members in the Memphis MBCA club were talking about it at our monthly meeting. One member had to replaced the metal brake lines near the engine, because they became brittle. His car was under warranty. The other member got his stuff fix under the Good Will program. Dealers have a Good Will program for cars out of warranty.
I only feel the heat at me feet when I am at a red light in my SLK 320. I keep my air condition on even with my top down in the summer. For some reason a see a lot of condensation at the vents when I have the air-condition on my SL500 when I drive around with the top down. Do not understand why I have no condensation in my SLK 320 when I drive around with the top down.
The R230 SL600 is too new to make any judgments. I think Mercedes fix the problem in the new design of the R230 SL600.
vkapoormd,
If the dealer cannot order you a car, go to another dealer in your area. I think the SF area has about 4 dealers. I was told at the dealership that Mercedes allows the dealers to custom order about 50% of their cars and the other 50% is what MBUSA gives you. Looks like, the dealer is at it quota on ordering customs. It also may be a factory limit, but check with other dealers to make sure. If that dealer lied to you, never buy a car from them.
The heat problem was on the R129 SL600. Two members in the Memphis MBCA club were talking about it at our monthly meeting. One member had to replaced the metal brake lines near the engine, because they became brittle. His car was under warranty. The other member got his stuff fix under the Good Will program. Dealers have a Good Will program for cars out of warranty.
I only feel the heat at me feet when I am at a red light in my SLK 320. I keep my air condition on even with my top down in the summer. For some reason a see a lot of condensation at the vents when I have the air-condition on my SL500 when I drive around with the top down. Do not understand why I have no condensation in my SLK 320 when I drive around with the top down.
The R230 SL600 is too new to make any judgments. I think Mercedes fix the problem in the new design of the R230 SL600.
vkapoormd,
If the dealer cannot order you a car, go to another dealer in your area. I think the SF area has about 4 dealers. I was told at the dealership that Mercedes allows the dealers to custom order about 50% of their cars and the other 50% is what MBUSA gives you. Looks like, the dealer is at it quota on ordering customs. It also may be a factory limit, but check with other dealers to make sure. If that dealer lied to you, never buy a car from them.
Last edited by tiggerfink; Feb 6, 2005 at 06:19 PM.
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From: Bethesda,Md.
Bentley Arnage Red Label
If an SL55 is what you want, I can't imagine you can not find exactly what you are looking for with a couple phone calls. The dealers can trade cars across the country and I think most colors and options are readily available. Unless you want the all black interior option (3700.00) which I am sure the 600 you are looking at does not have you should be able to find what you want.
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Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Phoenix, AZ
2007 CL600
Originally Posted by vkapoormd
Last week, i had ordered an SL55, but was informed by my dealer this week that he didn't have a slot to build one for quite some time; i came across a used SL600, 2005 model with parktronic, keyless go, and a couple of other options. It has 1200 miles, and is at 117 K. I had heard from my dealer that there are issues with the V12 in the SL's body and the heat generated from it can cause problems. I also took note of Lovin's issues with his pistons misfiring, so i am just a little weary of getting into one-having said that, the car that i found is the right color and interior that i like and is almost too hard to pass up. Just looking for some guidance from the SL brothers.... thanks
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2026 Mercedes CLE53A4 AMG Cabriolet and 2025 MAYBACH EQS680V4
Originally Posted by tiggerfink
vkapoormd,
If the dealer cannot order you a car, go to another dealer in your area. I think the SF area has about 4 dealers. I was told at the dealership that Mercedes allows the dealers to custom order about 50% of their cars and the other 50% is what MBUSA gives you. Looks like, the dealer is at it quota on ordering customs. It also may be a factory limit, but check with other dealers to make sure. If that dealer lied to you, never buy a car from them.
There are two or three car brokers in the United States that do nothing but trade production slots. The buy or trade these slotes from Dealers all over the country and then sell or trade them to other dealers.
If your Dealer really wants to he can get you a slot from these brokers. They always have them. How much depends upon whether they are just buying the slot or trading for the slot and what they are trading.
When it came time to order my SL600 my dealer did not have a SL600 slot but he did have an SL55 slot. Within 2 days he traded the SL55 slot for the SL600 slot and because the cars were comparable, there was no charge, just a trade.
Tigger is right. If your dealer really wants to sell you a car, he can find a way.
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Joined: Jul 2002
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From: UK
SL55 AMG
Is the SL600 at another dealer from the one who cannot supply an SL55? If so, the dealer is sulking and trying to bad mouth the SL600 to stop you going elsewhere. What a salesman! He cant supply an SL55, recommends (completely impartially, of course) that you don't go for an SL600. What's he recommending, that you buy one of the numerous second-hand C Classes clogging up his lot?
Don't believe a word he says. He's just a salesman who can't see beyond his next commission check. If you want an SL600, go for it but keep in mind it's a different car in character from the SL55. Just be grateful that Mercedes gives you the choice even if your dealer doesn't.
Bottom line: find another dealer.
Don't believe a word he says. He's just a salesman who can't see beyond his next commission check. If you want an SL600, go for it but keep in mind it's a different car in character from the SL55. Just be grateful that Mercedes gives you the choice even if your dealer doesn't.
Bottom line: find another dealer.
