stanigu

Hello

Considering buying a 2016 Sl400 for my wife.

Beautiful one for sale at a local dealer for about $36K, one owner with 51K on the odometer.

Never owned an SL. What kind of maintenance expense can I expect? Are these cars generally reliable? What should I look out for?

Pretty noob when it comes to SLs. Appreciate any input.

Thanks!

PeterUbers

It's a good engine but you'll get better info and more traffic about the engine on the c400 forum, the w205 forum. Also this engine was in the e400, can discuss with w212 forum.

rmorin49

I bought a CPO 2015 SL400 5 years ago with 21k miles. The motor and transmission mounts were replaced under warranty. I had to replace a leaking hydraulic line in the trunk after the CPO warranty expired. I change the oil and filter every 12 months even though we only drive the car about 4k miles a year. Had dealer change the transmission fluid at the 7 year mark. Wife loves the car. I miss my C7 Corvette but the SL is a very nice touring car, not a sports car.

jrupp

I have a 2013 SL550 so the engine is different. However, I lurk on this board almost every day and what I've learned is that there are remarkably few engine issues with these cars, whether it's the eight or the six. That goes for the convertible hardtop as well. Electrical gremlins are more common - massaging seats stop working, glitches with the nanny features, etc.

It is a wonderful touring car and I assume you and your wife have gone for a ride. I have just over 27K on mine. I think the asking price is a tad high on an SL400 with 51K but I overpaid for mine during Covid and have zero regrets.

Happy Motoring!

JettaRed

iTrader: (1)

The R231 with the M276.825 engine is awesome. The thing I like about the engine is it leaves lots of room in the engine bay to work on it. My C350 with the non-turbo version has a shorter engine bay, but still large enough for lots of work space. The turbo version is even easier to work on than the non-turbo, if you do you own maintenance. Also, I have the Vivid Racing tune which bumps the hp to around 400 hp.

I would want to see the maintenance history for the car. Even though it hasn't reached the mileage for a transmission service, it has reached the age limit, which is seven years. If the tranny service hasn't been done, that could be a negotiation point with the seller. I would not let that be a show stopper if all else looks good.

HOWEVER, regardless of what car you ever buy used, get a pre-purchase inspection!

stanigu

Thanks for your insight. Much appreciated. We're empty nesters now so don't need the SUV...figure we'd replace it with something fun!

Streamliner

They are wonderful cars and I’m a huge fan of the V6. That is just SO much luxury car for what today is not so much money. I sat GET IT!

RonNSoCal

I own a 2016 SL400 and love it. I bought mine about 4 years ago with 17K miles as a CPO car and have had few mechanical problems. Mostly, you will have to deal with the usual tires and batteries, oil and fluid changes, filters, etc. Maintenance costs are significantly higher than most cars, but if you find a good independent mechanic, it is not too bad. I have 41k on mine now and still feel it is a special car that is comfortable yet sporty and fun to drive. I get complements almost daily, but it is cardinal red and kept shiny and new looking. In checking on the Kelley BB value of my car, the asking price for yours could be a bit high, but it depends on how well equipped the car is in addition to condition. There is a 2016 listed by private party for around $38k in Newport Beach, CA with only 32K miles. I would look at all of the selling sites like Auto Trader, Car Guru, etc. to get an idea of what these cars are selling for in your area. Also, you can expect a Mercedes dealer to be asking more than others. I just purchased a 2021 C300 sedan from a Subaru dealer and it was discounted $3000, presumably because they do not have much expertise or customers for Mercedes cars. Good luck!

JettaRed

iTrader: (1)

I would run the VIN through www.lastvin.com to see how the car was configured when manufactured to see if it is worth what they are asking. These cars are not all equipped the same, so know what you are getting.

Streamliner

Absolutely! The OP should definitely do his homework and learn about these cars and how they could be optioned.

stanigu

That's a great resource. Thank you.

Are there any particular options that are considered particularly desirable? Most models I've seen seem to be pretty fully optioned.

JettaRed

iTrader: (1)

Here are some desirable options. I'm not sure how many were "standard" options. Mine was nicely equipped and has everything I would want except maybe ABC suspension. ABC is phenomenal on the SL, but the early ones on the R230 were problematic if not well maintained. I hear the new generation is much better. But, the dynamic suspension (semi-active) is nice, as well. Not sure if the 412 Glass Vario Roof is Magic Sky Control, but I don't see any other code on my datacard. Magic Sky Control is the electrically lightening and darkening of the roof panel. Kinda cool.