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2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Maintenance advice………..
My 2019 SL450 is no longer under warranty and will turn five years old next week. Yes, you are all invited to the party!
It really is ridiculous, but the car has only about 4,500 miles on it. While it was under warranty, I let the dealer service the car every year and they charged me an arm & a leg, but now I will going to an independent shop for service. Besides changing the oil & filter, what—if any—other services do you think I should have done? Thanks!
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
That's an interesting question. You have under-driven the car which means that it's not even broken-in yet. I'm not sure you are doing yourself any favors by rarely driving the car. Seals will dry out if they are not well lubricated through use. I would have the indy do a thorough inspection of hoses, belts, etc.
The time and mileage for a tranny service has not been reached. Still, I would add that to the list of things to get done. Does your car have ABC? I'm not sure about the newer ABC, but the older system required regular fluid and filter changes. I would often just change the filter since the fluid was still good. It wasn't like engine oil that got "dirty".
I would inspect the tires for rot. 5-6 years is about the limit you should drive on a set of tires. Check the inner sidewall and tread.
My 2019 SL450 is no longer under warranty and will turn five years old next week. Yes, you are all invited to the party!
It really is ridiculous, but the car has only about 4,500 miles on it. While it was under warranty, I let the dealer service the car every year and they charged me an arm & a leg, but now I will going to an independent shop for service. Besides changing the oil & filter, what—if any—other services do you think I should have done? Thanks!
These cars are typically trouble free to about 50k where some more extensive service may need to be performed, suspension etc...
If we do the math, it looks like you’re driving an average of about 17 miles a week. So if you drive the PCH once a week, or two, I’m going to bet the car gets enough of a workout to not worry about sitting too long…
At this rate you’ll hit 45,000 miles in 50 years. If you choose, this SL could last a lifetime 👍
Honestly, These cars are so reliable, I would stick to the recommended service in the MB maintenance booklet, religiously. (keep an eye on both batteries too) Maintenance Booklet
There will always be unexpected repairs that you can’t plan for. But odds are most will be relatively minor.
I don’t put a lot of miles on my car either. Drive it for pleasure only. Might just be my last SL 😎
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Originally Posted by JettaRed
That's an interesting question. You have under-driven the car which means that it's not even broken-in yet. I'm not sure you are doing yourself any favors by rarely driving the car. Seals will dry out if they are not well lubricated through use. I would have the indy do a thorough inspection of hoses, belts, etc.
The time and mileage for a tranny service has not been reached. Still, I would add that to the list of things to get done. Does your car have ABC? I'm not sure about the newer ABC, but the older system required regular fluid and filter changes. I would often just change the filter since the fluid was still good. It wasn't like engine oil that got "dirty".
I would inspect the tires for rot. 5-6 years is about the limit you should drive on a set of tires. Check the inner sidewall and tread.
Well, I do drive the car regularly, always getting it up to temperature. It has never spent a night outdoors, never sits in the sun, has never been driven in the rain. Living in Southern California, it has never seen sub 40 degree temps and I never take it out when it gets much over 73 degrees. So far, so good, but I do appreciate your comments.
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Originally Posted by crconsulting
These cars are typically trouble free to about 50k where some more extensive service may need to be performed, suspension etc...
If we do the math, it looks like you’re driving an average of about 17 miles a week. So if you drive the PCH once a week, or two, I’m going to bet the car gets enough of a workout to not worry about sitting too long…
At this rate you’ll hit 45,000 miles in 50 years. If you choose, this SL could last a lifetime 👍
Honestly, These cars are so reliable, I would stick to the recommended service in the MB maintenance booklet, religiously. (keep an eye on both batteries too) Maintenance Booklet
There will always be unexpected repairs that you can’t plan for. But odds are most will be relatively minor.
I don’t put a lot of miles on my car either. Drive it for pleasure only. Might just be my last SL 😎
Enjoy,
Well, never say never, but I do believe this is my last SL. I feel very strongly that the new “SL” in a SLINO, an SL In Name Only. To me, an SL has only two seats and a retractable hardtop. In addition, I just don’t drive it enough. As I get older, I find my big, cushy sedans to be my ride of choice. However, when I do take the SL out, it still puts a smile on my face!
No reason not to follow the MB service booklet for your car.
Just go by time not mileage..
I would just put a battery tender on her as she must sit for a while without being driven.
Also keep eye on tires as they hate to sit for long periods - Dry rot on bottom where they bulge from weight also can flat spot.
I remember some company made the neat little things you put on garage floor under where your tires would be and had a curved shape for tires to sit in to reduce tire bulged when parked.
My only fear would be CRITTERS making home under hood
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
It's time to do some traveling! Do some cross-country trips. Drive her over the Rockies. Go to Dollywood (though I personally wouldn't). Maybe Key West or Acadia, Maine, or both. Moab. Niagra Falls. I dunno, but put the top down and just go!
Well, never say never, but I do believe this is my last SL. I feel very strongly that the new “SL” in a SLINO, an SL In Name Only. To me, an SL has only two seats and a retractable hardtop. In addition, I just don’t drive it enough. As I get older, I find my big, cushy sedans to be my ride of choice. However, when I do take the SL out, it still puts a smile on my face!
I am with you as far as the new SL goes. It is not my idea of an SL, and liking sports cars, I think I would opt for a BMW Z4 M40 over the new SL. If you are stuck with a soft top, why spend so much for the MB with a back seat you do not want? The 2025 Z4 is even available with a manual trans for those who remember how to use a stick and enjoyed driving one back in the day. I am not sure how the driving experience compares, or how comfortable the Z4 is, relative to our older SLs, but it would be fun to look into it.
My 2016 SL400 is turning 8 soon, and it has 40K miles. In June, I will do a service on it at my independent mechanic's shop. I drive it most every day, but mostly just a few local miles at a time, with a longer trip (20+ miles) a few times per month. It drives really well and gas mileage is 27 to 29 mpg when we go on a longer trip. I have still not replaced spark plugs but have had all other recommended service done. Maybe this time I will have the plugs replaced too, but I have not decided yet. The mechanic I take it to thinks it is fine with my yearly maintenance routine. Of course I have had to replace the batteries and a few tires, but there have been no mechanical surprises.
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Originally Posted by JettaRed
It's time to do some traveling! Do some cross-country trips. Drive her over the Rockies. Go to Dollywood (though I personally wouldn't). Maybe Key West or Acadia, Maine, or both. Moab. Niagra Falls. I dunno, but put the top down and just go!
Well, no, I don’t think so. Our road trips are within California, with the longest being from our Orange County home up to Nappa Valley, which is about 7 hours. In 1977, I did drive a 450SL from L.A. up to Sacramento with the top down, but over four decades later and a few skin cancers removed, we take our road trips in our big sedan.
I’m quite sure I am saving my 2019 for someone else, but I just love having the car and looking at it. Driving it once a week or so is fun as well.
My 2019 SL450 is no longer under warranty and will turn five years old next week. Yes, you are all invited to the party!
It really is ridiculous, but the car has only about 4,500 miles on it. While it was under warranty, I let the dealer service the car every year and they charged me an arm & a leg, but now I will going to an independent shop for service. Besides changing the oil & filter, what—if any—other services do you think I should have done? Thanks!
No takers at the $90k+ asking price?
Maintenance for your car "just because":
Spark plugs
ignition coils
engine air filter
cabin filter(s)
transmission fluid replacement
brake fluid replacement
rear axle fluid replacement
new wipers
fill washer reservoir
Gummi Pflege doors, trunk and top seals
Check A-pillar drains if this car has them
Rotate tires (x-pattern if square or sxs if staggered)
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Originally Posted by RonNSoCal
My 2016 SL400 is turning 8 soon, and it has 40K miles. In June, I will do a service on it at my independent mechanic's shop. I drive it most every day, but mostly just a few local miles at a time, with a longer trip (20+ miles) a few times per month. It drives really well and gas mileage is 27 to 29 mpg when we go on a longer trip. I have still not replaced spark plugs but have had all other recommended service done. Maybe this time I will have the plugs replaced too, but I have not decided yet. The mechanic I take it to thinks it is fine with my yearly maintenance routine. Of course I have had to replace the batteries and a few tires, but there have been no mechanical surprises.
You can probably get another 20k miles out of the plugs, at least. I will say that changing the plugs on the M276 3.0 bi-turbo is incredibly easy compared to its sibling, the M276 3.5 NA. When you do change them, go with genuine or OE plugs and make sure they are properly torqued and indexed when installed. There's a good youtube video about how to index them properly. Make sure your mechanic knows.
The torque spec is 23 Nm and they should be within +/-45° of the fuel injector. In other words, with the injector at 12 o'clock, the open side of the spark plug needs to be between 10:30 and 1:30. (See attached.)
Like you, but to a lesser degree, I've only put 4k mi on mine in 1.5 yr. Got tired to getting a service overdue nag screen every time I started it, so took it in for the full 60k svc, including replacing both batteries. My Indy garage charged me a bit over 2k, but I should be good to go for the life of the car with me, and have piece of mind I have kept up with the maintenance schedule.
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Originally Posted by Goodwood
Like you, but to a lesser degree, I've only put 4k mi on mine in 1.5 yr. Got tired to getting a service overdue nag screen every time I started it, so took it in for the full 60k svc, including replacing both batteries. My Indy garage charged me a bit over 2k, but I should be good to go for the life of the car with me, and have piece of mind I have kept up with the maintenance schedule.
I'm guessing that 60k service included new plugs and a tranny service?
My 2019 SL450 is no longer under warranty and will turn five years old next week. Yes, you are all invited to the party!
It really is ridiculous, but the car has only about 4,500 miles on it. While it was under warranty, I let the dealer service the car every year and they charged me an arm & a leg, but now I will going to an independent shop for service. Besides changing the oil & filter, what—if any—other services do you think I should have done? Thanks!
I'm with you Stream! I recently found an Indy near me with MB-certified mechanics, and as kind of an "experiment" I brought my 2015 ML400 in for a 90,000 mile oil change (instead of a full Service A at the dealer). Long story short: cheaper, quicker, easier. They did have some interesting attitudes though. They recommend service every 5000 miles instead of 10,000; when I told them it takes me a year to amass 5000 miles they added that they believe 5000 miles/6 months is the proper interval. I called BS (politely of course), explaining that 11 of the 12 MBs I've had went well out of warranty without ever having a mechanical issue that could be attributed to underservicing (one's still under warranty).
Living in New England my SL's use is very different from yours: 5000 or so miles per year and 5 months or so parked outside under a cover each winter (no garages). Even so, I'll follow MB's service recommendations by miles only. How on earth can spark plugs degrade while parked?? Cabin air filters, or engine filters for that matter? Brake fluid?? Give me a break. Pick a "birthday" for the car and celebrate every year with oil and filter. Any Indy worthy of your time will smell the brake fluid and coolant (or taste it lol, like we did in the 70's) and it'll be perfect; MB sets their standards pretty high for fluids. If you live long enough (Inshallah) get the plugs changed at 50,000 (and 100,000); neither of us will live long enough to see your car need brake pads or rotors, lol.
If I knew you personally I'd be trying to finagle a way into your will to continue MM45's stewardship!!
In your situation, I would worry about critters getting under the hood and causing mischief. I have heard many horror stories of rats nesting in air filters and chewing wiring. This could even happen in a garage but is so much more likely with cars stored outside.
In your situation, I would worry about critters getting under the hood and causing mischief. I have heard many horror stories of rats nesting in air filters and chewing wiring. This could even happen in a garage but is so much more likely with cars stored outside.
I'm guessing Streamliner's garage is more plush than my summer home, lol. Rats?
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Originally Posted by RonNSoCal
In your situation, I would worry about critters getting under the hood and causing mischief. I have heard many horror stories of rats nesting in air filters and chewing wiring. This could even happen in a garage but is so much more likely with cars stored outside.
I think I’m about as good as I can be in that regard, although driving the car more would be better insurance.
I am with you as far as the new SL goes. It is not my idea of an SL, and liking sports cars, I think I would opt for a BMW Z4 M40 over the new SL. If you are stuck with a soft top, why spend so much for the MB with a back seat you do not want? The 2025 Z4 is even available with a manual trans for those who remember how to use a stick and enjoyed driving one back in the day. I am not sure how the driving experience compares, or how comfortable the Z4 is, relative to our older SLs, but it would be fun to look into it.
I was also curious about the new Z4 and had an opportunity to sit in one this year. Definitely not as comfortable as an SL as far as the seats. BMW tends to use the same basic seat design in all of their models all the way up through the model 8. In my opinion it's sporty, but not comfortable for long drives. I have an S coupe now that we use for long drives so I might consider a Z4 in the future for our alternate car. Right now I'm still enjoying the SL.
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Originally Posted by jmattioni
I was also curious about the new Z4 and had an opportunity to sit in one this year. Definitely not as comfortable as an SL as far as the seats. BMW tends to use the same basic seat design in all of their models all the way up through the model 8. In my opinion it's sporty, but not comfortable for long drives. I have an S coupe now that we use for long drives so I might consider a Z4 in the future for our alternate car. Right now I'm still enjoying the SL.
My last manual shift was a 2009 Porsche Carrera coupe. Shifting that transmission was an absolutely glorious experience. It was just SO smooth and so precise. It really gave you this feeling of being connected to the machinery. I owned that car when I also owned my 2004 SL500 and my Lexus LS460L daily driver. As much as I loved shifting the 911, I found that when it was time to go for a fun drive, I kept choosing the SL, so after a year or so, I sold the Porsche. Now, 15 years older, I am content to fondly remember the 911, but have no real desire for a third pedal anymore.
Last edited by Streamliner; Oct 26, 2025 at 10:41 AM.
actuallu the Z4 is what drew me into the european sports car realm.....i researched and shopped it hard...thennnnn......i switched gears into the SL. Z4 is too small, I wanted POWER. it was too much Miata tiny car for me
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