R231 SL500 -- or SL63 -- reliability/comparison

[ninjamagic]

So, I sold the SL55 -- I wanted to keep it forever but reliability worried me and I needed the cash for an investment (which is currently paying off, hence my new questions)

I am now daydreaming of an R231 early SL500, or possibly the SL63 - But the first question my wife asks, what about the reliability? Does it have the ABC system problems or similar.

(For an SL63 I would be looking at a 2013 model with 50,000 miles. Is that a lot?)

For context, I was dreaming of an Aston Martin DB9 but those seem to be old and a bit boring and possibly eye-watering costs. The SL63 looks like a beast, it's newer, more modern -- but is the 0.2 0-60 time improvement worth it over the SL500?

If I get the SL500 -- how does it compare with my old SL55? (I did drive the R231 SL350 which was a bit flat.)

Thanks!

 

[John Laidlaw]

Couple of R231 owners on here so no doubt they will contribute more thoroughly soon
In terms of reliability at least they don’t have SBC, in 500 or 63 guise they still have ABC though. Not t sure if it’s improved or not mind....
The interior is much improved IMO and equipment levels similarly

 

[Craiglxviii]

The ABC is essentially the same with some detail changes (filter is very difficult to source and goes into the tank from underneath, from what Submariner has said). It ISN'T the magic carpet style system of the W222/ derivatives which is much improved.

 

[rorywquin]

So, I sold the SL55 -- I wanted to keep it forever but reliability worried me and I needed the cash for an investment (which is currently paying off, hence my new questions)

I am now daydreaming of an R231 early SL500, or possibly the SL63 - But the first question my wife asks, what about the reliability? Does it have the ABC system problems or similar.

(For an SL63 I would be looking at a 2013 model with 50,000 miles. Is that a lot?)

For context, I was dreaming of an Aston Martin DB9 but those seem to be old and a bit boring and possibly eye-watering costs. The SL63 looks like a beast, it's newer, more modern -- but is the 0.2 0-60 time improvement worth it over the SL500?

If I get the SL500 -- how does it compare with my old SL55? (I did drive the R231 SL350 which was a bit flat.)

Thanks!

AMG gives you more bragging rights!

Probably best to test drive the cars you like and decide for yourself.

I drive a 400 and find it far from flat but then, I've never driven a 500 or 63!

 

[ninjamagic]

Yup -- a drive is a good idea but I'd still appreciate the theory first, if you know what I mean.

 

[SL63 Mark]

Buy the SL63, you know it makes sense. (And if it doesn't you'll have a lot of fun and an awesome car).

 

[John Laidlaw]

Buy the SL63, you know it makes sense. (And if it doesn't you'll have a lot of fun and an awesome car).

Must admit if I was to go back in time and revisit the SL experience I’d have gone directly for the SL63!

 

[ajlsl600]

enjoy whichever, try both . i very happy with sl600 ,until it goes wrong .i will likely trade it in the autumn if i can find a reasonable dealk.

 

[Submariner1]

Must admit if I was to go back in time and revisit the SL experience I’d have gone directly for the SL63!

I have Had a few R230s, and as the OP had an SL55 ... he would definitely miss the AMG roar and pulling power

 

[LostKiwi]

enjoy whichever, try both . i very happy with sl600 ,until it goes wrong .i will likely trade it in the autumn if i can find a reasonable dealk.

No.....!
Yours is stunning Andy... And a proper iron fist in a velvet glove.
I better start buying lottery tickets...

 

[Monday]

I am now daydreaming of an R231 early SL500, or possibly the SL63 - But the first question my wife asks, what about the reliability? Does it have the ABC system problems or similar.

If I get the SL500 -- how does it compare with my old SL55? (I did drive the R231 SL350 which was a bit flat.)

Thanks!

I can't answer for the R231 SL500 but the R231 SL400 feels a much more solid and reliable car than the R230 SL350. [The 400 twin turbo engine replaced the 350 sometime after 2013.] Stiffer, all aluminium body (except windscreen rollover), no SBC and tidied up and more reliable electrics (single battery). I believe ABC became optional on both the 400 and 500 so a 500 may not necessarily have ABC.

 

[alexanderfoti]

The ABC is essentially the same with some detail changes (filter is very difficult to source and goes into the tank from underneath, from what Submariner has said). It ISN'T the magic carpet style system of the W222/ derivatives which is much improved.

Filter goes in from the top like others. It's the return line that goes into the bottom, so bleeding and flushing the system needs an expensive tool or you end up spilling it everywhere.

 

[ninjamagic]

Okay - a better question is -- what seems to be the annual maintenance/repair cost on the R231 SL63?

Everybody said to keep £3k free for the SL55 per year -- and I think, in 7 months it cost me £1k for tyres and petrol tank and ABC flush.

 

[alexanderfoti]

I would budget the same, 3K.

IF you had kept the SL for a few years, it may have needed a PSE pump, or an ABC pump or a strut, all of which would have eaten into your 3k reserve.

 

[rorywquin]

I can't answer for the R231 SL500 but the R231 SL400 feels a much more solid and reliable car than the R230 SL350. [The 400 twin turbo engine replaced the 350 sometime after 2013.] Stiffer, all aluminium body (except windscreen rollover), no SBC and tidied up and more reliable electrics (single battery). I believe ABC became optional on both the 400 and 500 so a 500 may not necessarily have ABC.

Mine has two batteries

 

[Monday]

Mine has two batteries

I'll put my specs on and have another look tomorrow.........

 

[rorywquin]

I'll put my specs on and have another look tomorrow.........

The UK cars have a QR code in the doors and petrol cap lid for emergency services to scan - shows strong points, batteries etc

 

[Monday]

The UK cars have a QR code in the doors and petrol cap lid for emergency services to scan - shows strong points, batteries etc

Well, I wouldn't have found that, even with my specs on....... Presumably that is in the locker behind the driver's seat, the one that on the R230 had a flip up lid to access one of the fuse boxes. But is no longer "user accessible" on the R231.

Is that a starter battery? I had assumed from the size of the AGM battery buried in the boot that there was only the one combined starter/consumer battery.

 

[John Laidlaw]

Well, I wouldn't have found that, even with my specs on....... Presumably that is in the locker behind the driver's seat, the one that on the R230 had a flip up lid to access one of the fuse boxes. But is no longer "user accessible" on the R231.

Is that a starter battery? I had assumed from the size of the AGM battery buried in the boot that there was only the one combined starter/consumer battery.

Good question! Knowing MB you probably have to access it by removing the wheel arch liner!

 

[rorywquin]

Well, I wouldn't have found that, even with my specs on....... Presumably that is in the locker behind the driver's seat, the one that on the R230 had a flip up lid to access one of the fuse boxes. But is no longer "user accessible" on the R231.

Is that a starter battery? I had assumed from the size of the AGM battery buried in the boot that there was only the one combined starter/consumer battery.

I'd guess #1 is the cranking battery presumably able to supply the CCA needed!
I have a storage box behind the passenger seat. The one behind the driver has fuses (but I've never looked in there).