SL/R230: No more SL600 - Now what?
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2026 Mercedes CLE53A4 AMG Cabriolet and 2025 MAYBACH EQS680V4
No more SL600 - Now what?
I got up this morning and decided I just don't want my SL600.
I can't deal with all the little things that go wrong. I can't deal with how they screw up fixing them and I can't deal with Mercedes Benz never having any part in stock so every time it takes weeks or months to get things accomplished.
So, I am now stuck with what to buy. Price is not a factor, I just want something with a lot of electronics, plush interior and can be used as a daily driver.
Yes, yes I know my SL600 could be the best but I can't believe their is not another car out there with these characteristics.
What about the Continental GT?
Have any suggestions? I am just not feeling Mercedes Benz anymore.
I can't deal with all the little things that go wrong. I can't deal with how they screw up fixing them and I can't deal with Mercedes Benz never having any part in stock so every time it takes weeks or months to get things accomplished.
So, I am now stuck with what to buy. Price is not a factor, I just want something with a lot of electronics, plush interior and can be used as a daily driver.
Yes, yes I know my SL600 could be the best but I can't believe their is not another car out there with these characteristics.
What about the Continental GT?
Have any suggestions? I am just not feeling Mercedes Benz anymore.
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Joined: Nov 2003
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From: South Florida
I'm sorry to hear your frustration. I've had nothing but good experiences with my car. My service rep/dealer have been extemely responsive.
Just curious, did you buy your car off the lot? or Did you build it?
I've found that building my cars (BMW & Mercedes) to my specs, I've had extremely good luck. Just a thought...
Just curious, did you buy your car off the lot? or Did you build it?
I've found that building my cars (BMW & Mercedes) to my specs, I've had extremely good luck. Just a thought...
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2026 Mercedes CLE53A4 AMG Cabriolet and 2025 MAYBACH EQS680V4
Originally Posted by Trimmer2
I'm sorry to hear your frustration. I've had nothing but good experiences with my car. My service rep/dealer have been extemely responsive.
Just curious, did you buy your car off the lot? or Did you build it?
I've found that building my cars (BMW & Mercedes) to my specs, I've had extremely good luck. Just a thought...
Just curious, did you buy your car off the lot? or Did you build it?
I've found that building my cars (BMW & Mercedes) to my specs, I've had extremely good luck. Just a thought...
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From: New Jersey ~ Monmouth County
2005 SL 500
Damn. I hope you still come back to join us in the forum. I've always found your advice very helpful Lovin.
Are you absolutely decided on this or is it just a serious consideration?
Are you absolutely decided on this or is it just a serious consideration?
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 482
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From: Northern California
Mercedes C400, BMW X3
Why didn't you decide this 2 weeks ago?
Hey man, I would have loved to have purchased your SL600, particularly since it is Aegean Blue, I wish you decided this 2 weeks ago when I bought my black one. Anyway, as someone who has owned 105 cars, I understand that there doesn't have to be a good reason to change cars, you just wake up one morning and decide it has to be done.
Replacing the SL600 is going to be tough, since they don't get any better than this, different maybe, but not better. Here would be my suggestions:
1. If you want remain in the Benz family, how about an SL65?
2. Porsche 911 Turbo Cab- fast and furious, but not as comfortable.
3. Bentley Continental GT- best interior (as long as you didn't own a Phaeton like I did) but the thing weighs so bloody much it isn't much fun. Also, not even a sunroof, which will be a big comedown from your retractable hardtop.
4. Aston Martin DB9- gorgeous, great engine note, great transmission but it is an expensive handbuilt Ford that will depreciate like a stone particularly after the new copycat Jaguar XK8 is released and when Aston's own V8 Vantage comes out. Might be a nice diversion for six months. Cole European has a lovely Gilles Green color on their floor. Still no sunroof.
5. How about something guaranteed to make you miss your SL like a Maserati convertible?
6. How about going reverse snobbery and getting a Mini S Convertible?
7. OK, my real recommendation is a BMW 645 cabriolet- BMW of SF has a very nice Stratos Grey on their floor and Joe Thomer will take good care of you.
Replacing the SL600 is going to be tough, since they don't get any better than this, different maybe, but not better. Here would be my suggestions:
1. If you want remain in the Benz family, how about an SL65?
2. Porsche 911 Turbo Cab- fast and furious, but not as comfortable.
3. Bentley Continental GT- best interior (as long as you didn't own a Phaeton like I did) but the thing weighs so bloody much it isn't much fun. Also, not even a sunroof, which will be a big comedown from your retractable hardtop.
4. Aston Martin DB9- gorgeous, great engine note, great transmission but it is an expensive handbuilt Ford that will depreciate like a stone particularly after the new copycat Jaguar XK8 is released and when Aston's own V8 Vantage comes out. Might be a nice diversion for six months. Cole European has a lovely Gilles Green color on their floor. Still no sunroof.
5. How about something guaranteed to make you miss your SL like a Maserati convertible?
6. How about going reverse snobbery and getting a Mini S Convertible?
7. OK, my real recommendation is a BMW 645 cabriolet- BMW of SF has a very nice Stratos Grey on their floor and Joe Thomer will take good care of you.
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From: FL
'05 SL65, '05 Mas Quattroporte
A custom-ordered Maserati Spyder? They are very luxurious inside and very customizable. The '06's are reported to be 5-liter v8/470hp (per Evo). I'm replacing my '04 E55 with new Quattroporte in April. Gransport is beautiful too.
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2026 Mercedes CLE53A4 AMG Cabriolet and 2025 MAYBACH EQS680V4
Originally Posted by Chris 45971
Damn. I hope you still come back to join us in the forum. I've always found your advice very helpful Lovin.
Are you absolutely decided on this or is it just a serious consideration?
Are you absolutely decided on this or is it just a serious consideration?
1. I am going to owner of my dealership on Monday morning and reading them the riot act. If I don't like what I hear, I am going home to call my lawyer. I don't give a ****, I will take on the whole f#@king Mercedes Benz company if I have to.
2. I am going to start looking at other cars. If I find something I love, I am going to dump this piece of sh#t car.
What got me going was when I started to tell StephenK about how to take off the back of his seat. When I looked at my car to make sure I was remembering correctly, I noticed that my back panel on the inside rear of the car was not in the right position. Well, I decided to take it off and take a look.
I found the metal clips totally destroyed. No wonder there was a rattle and worst of all, the panel was not in the proper position because the plastic slot on the panel that positions it to the top panel was cracked and was not tightly holding the panel.
That is when I decided I was done!
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From: Memphis
SL500 and A-CLASS
Originally Posted by LovinSL600
Two things are happening.
1. I am going to owner of my dealership on Monday morning and reading them the riot act. If I don't like what I hear, I am going home to call my lawyer. I don't give a ****, I will take on the whole f#@king Mercedes Benz company if I have to.
2. I am going to start looking at other cars. If I find something I love, I am going to dump this piece of sh#t car.
What got me going was when I started to tell StephenK about how to take off the back of his seat. When I looked at my car to make sure I was remembering correctly, I noticed that my back panel on the inside rear of the car was not in the right position. Well, I decided to take it off and take a look.
I found the metal clips totally destroyed. No wonder there was a rattle and worst of all, the panel was not in the proper position because the plastic slot on the panel that positions it to the top panel was cracked and was not tightly holding the panel.
That is when I decided I was done!
1. I am going to owner of my dealership on Monday morning and reading them the riot act. If I don't like what I hear, I am going home to call my lawyer. I don't give a ****, I will take on the whole f#@king Mercedes Benz company if I have to.
2. I am going to start looking at other cars. If I find something I love, I am going to dump this piece of sh#t car.
What got me going was when I started to tell StephenK about how to take off the back of his seat. When I looked at my car to make sure I was remembering correctly, I noticed that my back panel on the inside rear of the car was not in the right position. Well, I decided to take it off and take a look.
I found the metal clips totally destroyed. No wonder there was a rattle and worst of all, the panel was not in the proper position because the plastic slot on the panel that positions it to the top panel was cracked and was not tightly holding the panel.
That is when I decided I was done!
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Joined: Feb 2005
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2005 Mercedes C-Class
Originally Posted by LovinSL600
I got up this morning and decided I just don't want my SL600.
I can't deal with all the little things that go wrong. I can't deal with how they screw up fixing them and I can't deal with Mercedes Benz never having any part in stock so every time it takes weeks or months to get things accomplished.
So, I am now stuck with what to buy. Price is not a factor, I just want something with a lot of electronics, plush interior and can be used as a daily driver.
Yes, yes I know my SL600 could be the best but I can't believe their is not another car out there with these characteristics.
What about the Continental GT?
Have any suggestions? I am just not feeling Mercedes Benz anymore.
I can't deal with all the little things that go wrong. I can't deal with how they screw up fixing them and I can't deal with Mercedes Benz never having any part in stock so every time it takes weeks or months to get things accomplished.
So, I am now stuck with what to buy. Price is not a factor, I just want something with a lot of electronics, plush interior and can be used as a daily driver.
Yes, yes I know my SL600 could be the best but I can't believe their is not another car out there with these characteristics.
What about the Continental GT?
Have any suggestions? I am just not feeling Mercedes Benz anymore.
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 918
Likes: 1
none
Id play it cool and keep taking it in for service then get the car lemon lawed.
Personally I think thats the best way to get "even". Going in and raising hell isnt going to get you anywhere. How many days has your car spent in service so far?
I wouldnt bother with Aston Martin, you will run into the same delays for parts. My friend wrecked his and they have been waiting FOUR months for parts. He traded it in last month as it still sat in the body shop (still there too).
If I had your budget Id look at the Bentley Continetal GT...
Personally I think thats the best way to get "even". Going in and raising hell isnt going to get you anywhere. How many days has your car spent in service so far?
I wouldnt bother with Aston Martin, you will run into the same delays for parts. My friend wrecked his and they have been waiting FOUR months for parts. He traded it in last month as it still sat in the body shop (still there too).
If I had your budget Id look at the Bentley Continetal GT...
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From: Memphis
SL500 and A-CLASS
Hang in there. My friend had to wait for two weeks on his part for his BMW. It has been 4 days and I am waiting on a part from Germany on my SLK 320. The Japanese cars had the same problems with parts in the 80s. If you do not want to wait on parts, buy American.
I never saw a Continental GT, so if it broke down in my area, you will definitely will have to wait for parts.
I never saw a Continental GT, so if it broke down in my area, you will definitely will have to wait for parts.
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2026 Mercedes CLE53A4 AMG Cabriolet and 2025 MAYBACH EQS680V4
Originally Posted by tiggerfink
Did your dealership do that?
When you get a chance, ask your dealership how many parts come in destroyed because of lack of packaging on the part of Mercedes Benz. It is unbelievable. It is called PRP3. That means returned damaged. Ask him how many PRP3's they have in a month.
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2026 Mercedes CLE53A4 AMG Cabriolet and 2025 MAYBACH EQS680V4
Originally Posted by elbimmer
Buy an Aston Martin DB9!!!
1. No outside air temperature gauge.
2. No cupholders
3. No satellite radio
4. No auto rear view dimming mirror
5. No automatic rain sensors
6. No automatic garage door openers
7. No automatic headlamps
8. No phone
9. No voice control
10. Horrible navigation system
Other than these things that most $30,000 cars have these days, I agree the car is gorgeous.
My DB9 that I ordered came to about $180,000 all in and without the above items I just could not see pulling the trigger.
They are having many complaints about many of these items. People never asked and assumed and have been shocked to find out this car does not have some of these basic systems.
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Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 465
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From: So. Cal.
A 2-Seater Roaster & A 4-Door AMG & 2008 S550
It is very unfortunate that you have so many problems with your gorgeous SL600. There is no doubt that some of the mistakes that MB made are beyond reasonable belief. But just hang in there.
You probably own or have owned other exotic/luxury cars. But don’t let your frustration gone wild and made you act on you impulses. You'll probably miss driving and cruising in the SL…...To this day, I still miss my Little SLK (MB lemoned the car after 8 attempts to fix the leaking roof).
BTW, I am willing to drive up to SF and give you my problem free SL500 :p
You probably own or have owned other exotic/luxury cars. But don’t let your frustration gone wild and made you act on you impulses. You'll probably miss driving and cruising in the SL…...To this day, I still miss my Little SLK (MB lemoned the car after 8 attempts to fix the leaking roof).
BTW, I am willing to drive up to SF and give you my problem free SL500 :p
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From: Beverly Hills, CA
2003 E500, 2005 SL600
boy, this is pretty disheartening; i just bought a 2005 SL600 (slightly used w/ 1200 miles). i take possession next Friday, but am now concerned given Lovin's problems with his vehicle. I hope this is just an aberation and not what my new car's future holds in store for me.... i did some research on the car i bought, and it had no service issues, no problems whatsoever. the guy that traded it in just dumped it for an SL65. Having said that, i am sure Lovin is pretty emotional right now (and rightly so), but maybe this is just a rough beginning and things will settle out. I would say wait a couple of weeks till things cool down and if the car is behaving, consider keeping it, especially since it's gorgeous and he spent lots of time and energy customizing it. Best of luck in whatever you do....
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Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Bethesda,Md.
Bentley Arnage Red Label
I would go with the Bentley. I have the continental GT convertible on order and I am told it will be early 06. I have driven the coupe several times and it is very nice. The weight wasn't an issue at all. It's not like you are pitching your Bentley sideways on the way to dinner. It seems you don't like the Aston so I won't recomend the Volante. Other than these, I don't know what will have as much in electronics and cool options the way that your benz does. The Maser convertible is 100k and worth 65 in a year with 4k miles. The body style is also being changed to a retractable hard top. If price is not an issue at all, Bentley just released a convertible version of the Arnage but I am sure we are talking 300k min. An SL65 is always an option but could go the same way your 600 went. Good luck.
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From: Haleiwa on my mind
355 F1 Spider & ......V12 w220.176
Hey LovinSL600,
I really like the looks of your car. It's a shame your having troubles. I suggest whatever you get, you add it to the collection and keep the SL. Then, if either car gives you an issue you have a backup. A neighbor has the Cont. GT and it's a nice looking car. I'm coming to mbworld from fchat and my fcar wouldn't be as pleasurable if I didn't have backups for various reasons. If you already have this covered, bare with me as I'm new here. I came over to mbworld because I'm looking into the new S class.
Good luck
I really like the looks of your car. It's a shame your having troubles. I suggest whatever you get, you add it to the collection and keep the SL. Then, if either car gives you an issue you have a backup. A neighbor has the Cont. GT and it's a nice looking car. I'm coming to mbworld from fchat and my fcar wouldn't be as pleasurable if I didn't have backups for various reasons. If you already have this covered, bare with me as I'm new here. I came over to mbworld because I'm looking into the new S class.
Good luck
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From: Memphis
SL500 and A-CLASS
From MTI
BTW, it's no industry secret that Bosch, the supplier of fuel pumps and electronics to Mercedes, BMW and other makes, has been suffering quality issues from its subcontractors, Glyco. Most recently, Mercedes notified Bosch of excessive wear discovered during endurance testing on the CDI turbo diesel. Retooling at Bosch resulted in production delays at Mercedes and BMW. Mercedes is currently considering a lawsuit against Bosch.
Bosch hit the headlines with two recalls last year after defective parts were discovered. Mercedes had to recall 680,000 vehicles because of problems with their electronically controlled brake system, SBC, manufactured by Bosch. In September, the Swedish carmaker Volvo discovered problems with the engine cooling system that had been delivered by Bosch and had to recall 460,000 cars.
Bosch hit the headlines with two recalls last year after defective parts were discovered. Mercedes had to recall 680,000 vehicles because of problems with their electronically controlled brake system, SBC, manufactured by Bosch. In September, the Swedish carmaker Volvo discovered problems with the engine cooling system that had been delivered by Bosch and had to recall 460,000 cars.
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 911
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From: Wichita
2005 SL600, 2011 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite
Originally Posted by vkapoormd
boy, this is pretty disheartening; i just bought a 2005 SL600 (slightly used w/ 1200 miles). i take possession next Friday, but am now concerned given Lovin's problems with his vehicle. I hope this is just an aberation and not what my new car's future holds in store for me.... i did some research on the car i bought, and it had no service issues, no problems whatsoever. the guy that traded it in just dumped it for an SL65. Having said that, i am sure Lovin is pretty emotional right now (and rightly so), but maybe this is just a rough beginning and things will settle out. I would say wait a couple of weeks till things cool down and if the car is behaving, consider keeping it, especially since it's gorgeous and he spent lots of time and energy customizing it. Best of luck in whatever you do....
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2026 Mercedes CLE53A4 AMG Cabriolet and 2025 MAYBACH EQS680V4
Originally Posted by JackStraw
For what it is worth, I love my SL600. It has not been problem free, but I get a charge every time I drive it. I just wish I had the opportunity to open it up more often.
It is just that I have had so many problems with this car since I got it, it has not been a good experience for me. I have had 2 other SL's and they have been great experiences.
I just don't have the patience to deal with the problems. They seem to be mounting and it is like I can't win.
When this happens I say to myself, F@#K IT and move on, it is only a stupid car.
That is where I am. I love the looks of my car and drive of the car and I wish everything was great with it as I would love to enjoy the car. I just feel I can't win with this car.
I found out today that the panels that are ruined are not even manufactured as spare parts, are not even in the system and before they can even order the parts, they have to get Germany to put the part numbers in the system. I am sure this is because of the black interior and it is new for 2005 but hey, the car has only been out since June and they still haven't put in the new part numbers and manufactured spare parts. Once the part is obtained it will be so poorly packaged that there is a 50/50 chance the part will come in damaged and we will have to start the process all over again.
Please, it is just stuff like this I don't want to deal with. By the time these items are worked out it will be a month or more. The dealer will do everything he can to fix the problem but he will be at the mercy of Mercedes Benz.
Last edited by LovinMercedes; Feb 26, 2005 at 09:14 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 911
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From: Wichita
2005 SL600, 2011 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite
The SL is not my everyday driver, -- in fact, I do not drive every day. If I were counting on my SL to get me around and experienced what you have, I would share your frustration and would consider another vehicle.
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Joined: Mar 2004
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From: San Francisco Bay Area
2003 SL500
Sorry to hear of your troubles. I sympathize because I am in my second week without my SL500. I took it in for two problems, a rattling heat shield on the exhaust and a water leak in the trunk. So far, 10 days later, they haven't managed to fix the water leak, and are waiting for a second catalytic converter since the first part that came in wasn't right (they said the wrong part, but given your experience, perhaps it was damaged in transit).
Otherwise, the car has been reliable and a source of joy, but yes, the service experience is really poor - prior to this car, I used to consider having to wait overnight for repairs an imposition.
I've been daydreaming of an Aston down the road, but am surprised to hear of the lack of features on it - maybe put that dream on hold.
Otherwise, the car has been reliable and a source of joy, but yes, the service experience is really poor - prior to this car, I used to consider having to wait overnight for repairs an imposition.
I've been daydreaming of an Aston down the road, but am surprised to hear of the lack of features on it - maybe put that dream on hold.
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From: Memphis
SL500 and A-CLASS
Originally Posted by LovinSL600
I agree with Jack. The SL600 is a great car and my comments are not meant to change any opinions about the car.
It is just that I have had so many problems with this car since I got it, it has not been a good experience for me. I have had 2 other SL's and they have been great experiences.
I just don't have the patience to deal with the problems. They seem to be mounting and it is like I can't win.
When this happens I say to myself, F@#K IT and move on, it is only a stupid car.
That is where I am. I love the looks of my car and drive of the car and I wish everything was great with it as I would love to enjoy the car. I just feel I can't win with this car.
I found out today that the panels that are ruined are not even manufactured as spare parts, are not even in the system and before they can even order the parts, they have to get Germany to put the part numbers in the system. I am sure this is because of the black interior and it is new for 2005 but hey, the car has only been out since June and they still haven't put in the new part numbers and manufactured spare parts. Once the part is obtained it will be so poorly packaged that there is a 50/50 chance the part will come in damaged and we will have to start the process all over again.
Please, it is just stuff like this I don't want to deal with. By the time these items are worked out it will be a month or more. The dealer will do everything he can to fix the problem but he will be at the mercy of Mercedes Benz.
It is just that I have had so many problems with this car since I got it, it has not been a good experience for me. I have had 2 other SL's and they have been great experiences.
I just don't have the patience to deal with the problems. They seem to be mounting and it is like I can't win.
When this happens I say to myself, F@#K IT and move on, it is only a stupid car.
That is where I am. I love the looks of my car and drive of the car and I wish everything was great with it as I would love to enjoy the car. I just feel I can't win with this car.
I found out today that the panels that are ruined are not even manufactured as spare parts, are not even in the system and before they can even order the parts, they have to get Germany to put the part numbers in the system. I am sure this is because of the black interior and it is new for 2005 but hey, the car has only been out since June and they still haven't put in the new part numbers and manufactured spare parts. Once the part is obtained it will be so poorly packaged that there is a 50/50 chance the part will come in damaged and we will have to start the process all over again.
Please, it is just stuff like this I don't want to deal with. By the time these items are worked out it will be a month or more. The dealer will do everything he can to fix the problem but he will be at the mercy of Mercedes Benz.
Last edited by tiggerfink; Feb 26, 2005 at 11:00 PM.
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2026 Mercedes CLE53A4 AMG Cabriolet and 2025 MAYBACH EQS680V4
Originally Posted by tiggerfink
Hang in there. Once the bugs are out, your fun factor will start. I know how you feel. I was so disappointed in the first month of owing my car with all the trim and wheel damage. It took me 7 months to get my wheels replace.
I could have never waited 7 months for the wheels. The car would have been on their door step with the keys in an envelope for them.
I must be older than you...no patience like that.
Last edited by LovinMercedes; Feb 27, 2005 at 02:48 AM.
