So it looks like my beloved Mars red 2010 E550 coupe will be totaled after my mechanic wrecked it during a test drive after some work he had done for me. I was getting the car in tip top shape to sell and move to an 2013 SL63, but have concluded a 2013 SL550 would be better suited to my budget. I guess it is a blessing in disguise as I was looking at spending a few thousand on getting the E in perfect shape and then deal with selling. Basically just looking to see how your SL's are holding up over the test of time. Any areas of concern to check when on my search? I have had pretty good luck mechanically with my two previous Mb's, a 2006 CLS55 AMG and the 2010 E550 coupe and hoping the same when I acquire the SL. I should hear on my payout in the next few days and the hunt will begin.

 

Wow, that’s got to be an interesting story. Was it weather related?

They’re designed with somewhat different engineering goals, but since you have a E550 now, you will probably like the SL550. You’ll have to decide options that are important to you.
The biggie will be the ride comfort and convince of ABC at the cost of added systems/complexity. Or the simplicity, reliability, and tune-ability of coil over’s.

These cars are pretty good. I’m sure others will chime in. Besides the carfax/condition basics, things I would look for in a 2013 is:
Make sure you get one with as late a production date as possible.
There is a cold start, timing chain tensioner issue with early m278’s
FROM TSB:
1) Up to engine number 278 9xx 30 073273 install check valves and chain tensioners
2) From engine number 278 9xx 30 073274 up to engine number 278 9xx 30 103675 (February 2013) install check valves only (optimized tensioners installed in this production range)

There’s also a possible valve guide issue with M278 after the engine number
278 9xx 30 128000


Also the cam sensors can leak into the engine wiring harness. Make sure you have them inspected.
https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-...ion-wires.html

Other issues are, the shifter in these cars are shift by wire. They are susceptible to fluid/dirt contamination.
The seats have a lot of electromechanical systems that can wear. The R231’s need batteries pretty regularly and don’t react well to low voltage conditions.

Those are some quick thoughts on things to look for. I’m sure others will chime in with their experiences.

Good Luck!

 

No, seemed to be more traffic related. He was pulling out of a parking lot, attempting to cross two lanes into the third lane which is turning lane. Both two lanes let him go, he was apparently creeping into the third lane, didn't see the taxi approaching and pulled out and got hit. The damage is cosmetic, fender, bumper, hood etc but since the car is only worth roughly $15k, it doesn't take much to total.

I have a few weeks to make my decision between the 63 and the 550, so lets see if I just say screw it and go with the 63 for the extra $100-150 per month in payment. I know I will be more than happy with the 550, but I have been itching for another AMG as I loved my CLS55 AMG.

Overall, nothing too severe it seems which is great news. I can't thank you enough for taking this time to respond, very helpful and appreciated.

 

Here's a thought. While it won't have all the bells and whistles, consider a SL400/SL450, especially with gas prices going nuts. With a tune, that little V6 is fun. The car is lighter up front and better balanced. (I have no proof of the "better balance". Just making an arbitrary statement.)

For the price difference, you can get a very nicely equipped car.

 

However ... (I still get c. 16 around town and 24/26 mpg on a run.) I see these at low mileage in the $40s...



Issues? Steering column adjust up-down just froze and the driver's seat massage etc. seems to've recently given up.

 

Thats a classic, Ive seen pedestrians get hit like that.

I would definitely drive all the variants you can. As JettaRed pointed out, the SL400/450 is another viable option. Definitely try the SL63 as the AMG variant is more "sport'" oriented if you crave that. They all have pros and cons. Like Goldilocks and the three bears, Only you can choose what fits you best. It's nice to have choices!

Mostly minor annoyances I would say, but theres always the "bad luck" factor in buying used.

 

Do you hear the motor when you try to adjust the steering column?
Is it stuck in the up or down position?
There's a little part in that column that breaks over time, but if you put pressure on the steering wheel while you're trying to adjust, (up or down depending on where its stuck. Usually they stick in the up position, so you would push the wheel down while trying to adjust down) it will "catch' and should move again. It happens mostly when you have the steering column easy entry/exit function enabled, and it moves outside of a certain range.

See if you can hear that motor in the steering column....

Good Luck!

 

1. Frozen steering column adjust up-down
A good thump to the top of the wheel with your hand usually gets things moving again. I stopped using the easy entry/exit and hauling myself out of the car using the wheel for leverage

2. Trunk struts fail to hold trunk lid up
Usually first seen in colder weather. An easy fix if you're at all handy

3. Pneumatics to the seats fail
Mine failed a couple of weeks ago. Just pulled out of the garage, heard a loud pop behind my left shoulder. All pneumatic seat functions lost, driver and passenger side. I'm guessing low temperatures caused something to give way, either a line or coupling. Will live without active seat bolsters and massage until the car's next service.

Gary

 

Next time, if it gets stuck, (usually in the up position)
Try to manually move the steering wheel with the little button on the column (with car either running or ignition switch in position 2) while pushing down on the steering wheel with constant pressure. It will “engage” and move normally again. It’s a little more consistent to engage vs thumping on the top of the steering wheel.

Though it may not be as pleasurable if you just spent $10,000 on repairs.

The seats have a lot of parts in them, seems to be a popular source of frustration…

 

Something for your consideration, a Manufactures Extension by Freedom Warranty, 5 years / up to 100k miles, $4,695, repairs accepted at all Mercedes-Benz dealers North America dealers, covered for $275 in labor an hour, only $100 deductible, and 0% financing is available. You can contact me at (855) 924-1333 or tgibson@highline-autos.com with any questions or if you'd like to see an example contract.

Here is a link to the vehicle I used as reference, the first car I ever drove was a '99 SL 500, my uncles!
https://www.emmonsmotorcompany.com/u...rader_listings

 

I get you are a sponsor and that you sell insurance. But I think it would more appropriate to offer your services in your own post or when someone asks for it. To interject your services every time someone wants buy a car or has a question makes this a bit too commercial. Just my opinion...

 

Thank you for the suggestions and responses. I am a V8 guy, especially with some turbos so I'll be sticking with a 550 or a 63 depending on my insurance payout as the car was totaled out today. Should hopefully hear in the next few days. Either way, I am very much looking forward to joining the SL family.

 

Thank you for the responses regarding the stuck steering wheel and the seat failure.

I've tried hitting the steering wheel whilst using the up-down lever to no avail. I can hear the click when the motor engages but no continual whirring to indicate that plastic bit broke and the motor continues to spin. I'll try with constant downwards pressure whilst activating the lever. It's annoying because it stuck at the uppermost range and so, without raising the seat, blocks my full view of the dashboard (the ECO lights along the bottom etc.). If I get it to engage, I'd be very happy and have already disabled the Easy In and Out (or whatever they named it!).

 

Perhaps you already know this about the SL63...if so, please forgive. The 63s all come with ABC (a good thing), which is why I considered one for a while. However, during my search for a 63, I discovered that a meaningful number of them were also equipped with the performance suspension option (also a version of ABC). A few folks on here who have that option have chimed in over time with comments like "it's so stiff my wife refuses to ride in it", etc. And that was when it was in comfort mode. Just a cautionary tip. Depending on how "spicy" you like your ride quality, the performance suspension option may or may not be something you will want to watch out for.

 

I only reply to posts that are relevant with the warranty information, OP is looking to purchase a vehicle, the vehicle expensive to repair, and out of warranty. I'm proving a service that will save forum members money on repairs and are able to get those repairs done at the dealer. If i respond to the post, I know those who would benefit from the service will see it. Making a post on my own and hoping they find it is lazy and not effective in making sure I can help as many people as possible. I'm a huge Mercedes Benz fan, I've owned 2, and as you can see from my posts, I interact as a forum member as well.

 

I don't mind some spice and would certainly deal with it to be driving a 63. I live in Miami Beach, so overall the roads are pretty smooth. Can't wait for the top down cruises to the Keys!

 

Have you lived in South Florida long? It's a bit counter-intuitive, but a convertible is great when it's 70-75 degrees in low humidity. You don't see many convertibles during the summer.

 

I have lived here for 6yrs. Just having the option of top down when weather permits is the goal.

 

This. I live in Mississippi, Miami without the pizzaz, or anything else for that matter. Be that as it may, we suffer high temps and relentless humidity in the summer...July and August mostly. That said, driving around in November - May with the top down is a great pleasure. Almost a guilty pleasure. Thanks to Airscarf, I experience the joy of driving on a chillly (40 degree) day with the top down and feeling absolutely snug. Much better than sitting at a stop light in 90+ temps and high humidity trying to look relaxed. It is such a joy driving in cooler, dryer temps with the top down. One of my favorite things about my SL.

 

I'm just south of Palm Beach been riding around with the top down for the last 3 months love it at the end of April I take the car back up to NY its way to hot in FL in the summer for top down activities so I get to enjoy it year round !

 

I am originally from Westchester County. The weather has been perfect the last few months, I will get to enjoy a little bit before it gets scorching. It gets pretty hot in NY as well, but not South Florida hot. I found two cars I am zero'ing in on so hopefully in the next 2-3 weeks I will be all set with my new ride.

 

So I am going with an SL550, SL63 seems overkill for now. PPI on first one came back with issues, PPI on another getting done on Monday. Fingers crossed this one comes back good, finding the right car is a pain in the a@@. Anyone looking to purchase a car out of state, I highly recommend Lemonsquad.com for inspections. $179 for a ridiculously comprehensive inspection. Very happy with their service, saved me a huge headache with first choice.

 

Good to know. Thanks for the tip.

 

So PPI on second car came back pretty much perfect. Sent in deposit but still waiting for my insurance payout. Hopefully will receive soon so I can get the car on a truck and shipped to me.

 

Great news, I hope you receive the payout soon, I've had payouts take 4 weeks, I've had others take almost 2 years....