SL/R231: 2013 SL550 - 8k miles - Problems?
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Joined: Jul 2020
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Yukon
2013 SL550 - 8k miles - Problems?
Hi,
I'm about to buy a 2013 (production September 2012) 550 iridium silver with red nappa leather and massage seats.
The car has 8k miles and a great looking Carfax. Battery got charged over the last years a few times. Guess because the car didn't get used. It got services once a year at Mercedes Benz. The previous owner didn't drive the car very much. It's a single owner car.
Price comes to $46K with tax and 5 year extended warranty. Sounds like a good offer?!
The car looks great, really in good shape. Only the driver seat has a few little scratches.
Hasn't the change to test drive it yet but will do asap. Anything I should pay attention to? It doesn't look like there's an oil leak. Engine is super clean.
Is it very expensive to maintain this car? Are there any typical issues with the SL/SL 550 in general? How is the residual value? I plan to drive the car for the next 2 or 3 years.
Is anyone driving the car also during winter time? I know it's not the best thing to do but I plan to drive it in all seasons.
Actually, I'm interested in a Corvette Stingray as well and wondering what car would be the better choice.
Would love to hear your thoughts, comments, opinions.
Thanks
I'm about to buy a 2013 (production September 2012) 550 iridium silver with red nappa leather and massage seats.
The car has 8k miles and a great looking Carfax. Battery got charged over the last years a few times. Guess because the car didn't get used. It got services once a year at Mercedes Benz. The previous owner didn't drive the car very much. It's a single owner car.
Price comes to $46K with tax and 5 year extended warranty. Sounds like a good offer?!
The car looks great, really in good shape. Only the driver seat has a few little scratches.
Hasn't the change to test drive it yet but will do asap. Anything I should pay attention to? It doesn't look like there's an oil leak. Engine is super clean.
Is it very expensive to maintain this car? Are there any typical issues with the SL/SL 550 in general? How is the residual value? I plan to drive the car for the next 2 or 3 years.
Is anyone driving the car also during winter time? I know it's not the best thing to do but I plan to drive it in all seasons.
Actually, I'm interested in a Corvette Stingray as well and wondering what car would be the better choice.
Would love to hear your thoughts, comments, opinions.
Thanks
Last edited by xycrazy; Jul 7, 2020 at 12:45 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 417
Likes: 34
From: Everett, WA
14 E63S Wagon, 16 GTS Edition1 (Sold), 17 SL450 designo edition
I’ll try and answer a couple of your concerns. Whether or not a person drives their car during the winter depends primarily on which part of the country you live in. Most folks in the northern climates park them in the winter although Wolfman and a few others have been the exception. Places like Florida, Texas and southern Cal finds more drivers behind the wheel year round.
In general Corvettes are more performance oriented while SLs are more of a sport touring ride.
Good luck.
In general Corvettes are more performance oriented while SLs are more of a sport touring ride.
Good luck.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 660
Likes: 300
From: Franklin, TN
2019 E450 wagon: 2019 BMW 430i: 2013 Chevy Traverse: (departed)2013 SL550 & 2019 E450 cab
At that age, with some evidence of the batteries requiring charging, I would figure on replacing both batteries. And 8K miles at seven years of age is like no mileage at all. If it were me, and I am **** about oils, due to the age and lack of use, I would also flush the radiator, brake lines, diff, transmission, in addition to an oil change. My 2013 (bought in 2016) had 14K miles, and over the course of the first two years of ownership, I did all of that. Just replaced rotors and pads at 46K miles, and like most on this forum, replaced the runflat tires with a better performing NRF. And be sure to determine if the warranty is a genuine MB extended warranty, or from a third party as it does make a difference as some in our group have shared. Good luck with the purchase, the SL is just a great GT car.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,447
Likes: 334
From: South Florida
2013 SL550 (Lux Sport), 2006 CL55 AMG (Muscle). S550 (Wife's Sedan)
I also have a 2013 SL 550 and there is an important service recall you need to know about...
.
There is a 2013 SL 550 problem that causes the 'check engine warning light' to come on and once that happens it 'disables' the auto stop/start feature (economy mode)
I initially thought it was just a faulty gas cap, (not sealing properly), but after buying a new gas cap, I found that solution only fixed the problem temporarily. (I had the same issue again just a few days later)
I then found out that MB had announced a service recall (engine software upgrade), in April of 2019 to remedy this specific problem Ever since my MB Dealer performed that upgrade (in May of 2019), I've had no further problems with the 'check engine light' or the stop/start feature.
This recall software upgrade was announced in April of 2019 so it's quite possible this service has already have been performed on your car. If not, don't worry, it's a no-charge service recall anyway. However, you should make sure the Dealer you are buying the car from has checked to be sure this April 2019 recall service was performed on your car, or if necessary, have the Dealer perform the service before you take delivery of the car. Otherwise, you' may need to schedule a service call yourself later on to get that recall service done....
.There is a 2013 SL 550 problem that causes the 'check engine warning light' to come on and once that happens it 'disables' the auto stop/start feature (economy mode)
I initially thought it was just a faulty gas cap, (not sealing properly), but after buying a new gas cap, I found that solution only fixed the problem temporarily. (I had the same issue again just a few days later)
I then found out that MB had announced a service recall (engine software upgrade), in April of 2019 to remedy this specific problem Ever since my MB Dealer performed that upgrade (in May of 2019), I've had no further problems with the 'check engine light' or the stop/start feature.
This recall software upgrade was announced in April of 2019 so it's quite possible this service has already have been performed on your car. If not, don't worry, it's a no-charge service recall anyway. However, you should make sure the Dealer you are buying the car from has checked to be sure this April 2019 recall service was performed on your car, or if necessary, have the Dealer perform the service before you take delivery of the car. Otherwise, you' may need to schedule a service call yourself later on to get that recall service done....
Last edited by bob55; Jul 7, 2020 at 05:42 PM.
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Yukon
Well, the warranty is 3rd Party with CarMax. But I assume that it‘s covering the same stuff as MB.
the car has the open recall. I have no problem to take care of it as long as it is free if charge.
What do you think about the price? Good offer or no? How reliable is the SL550 with that age? How long do you get with a full tank? What does the oil service cost? Do you have an independent mechanic or do you take it to the dealership?
the car has the open recall. I have no problem to take care of it as long as it is free if charge.
What do you think about the price? Good offer or no? How reliable is the SL550 with that age? How long do you get with a full tank? What does the oil service cost? Do you have an independent mechanic or do you take it to the dealership?
Newbie
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 5
Likes: 4
From: Naples, FL
2013 SL 550 and 2019 Kia Soul+ (great car for the cost of SL's options!)
2013 SL 550 cost ownership, purchase price
As a comparison, I purchased my 2013 SL 550 with 39,000 miles on Memorial Day for $34,800. It has a perfect Carfax and is in "show room" condition. Yours sounds identical (colors + options) to mine. MB maintenance schedules are BOTH time and mileage sensitive. 7yr/70,000 mile service calls for a transmission fluid/filter change. The MB dealer quoted me $750+ for this vital maintenance. I got it done at the top local "German cars only" shop for $575. This is my 3rd MB and my experience is once the warranty is over DIVORCE the dealer and find a local shop.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,447
Likes: 334
From: South Florida
2013 SL550 (Lux Sport), 2006 CL55 AMG (Muscle). S550 (Wife's Sedan)
Here in South Florida, I paid $44,990 (before tax) for a 'pristine' 2013 SL 550 CPO with every option except ABC, the B&O Sound System, 'Soft close' doors, and 19" Sport Wheels, (none of which I wanted anyway). The Dealer installed new 18" non-run flat Michelin A/S 3+ All Season Ultra High Performance Tires at no charge as part of the deal. This purchase was from a local Authorized MB Dealer and the car had just 15,044 miles when delivered. The delivery date was October 17, of 2018, (or approximately 21 months ago)....
Be advised that used car prices can vary substantially depending on location, and the local inventory available for the particular make/model you're shopping for. Accordingly, it's probably best that you 'draw your own conclusions' as to whether you're really getting a good deal or not....
Be advised that used car prices can vary substantially depending on location, and the local inventory available for the particular make/model you're shopping for. Accordingly, it's probably best that you 'draw your own conclusions' as to whether you're really getting a good deal or not....
Last edited by bob55; Jul 8, 2020 at 11:32 AM.
