Thinking of getting a SL...

[rexemper]

Hi

I joined this forum a while back when I was looking at buying an E-Class but ended up with a BMW 5 series - that was back in 2007.

Now that the BMW is getting on a bit I've started to think about a replacement. For the last few years I've been thinking about getting an SL but then various things have prevented me from doing so - last such thing was paying for an extension!

Anyway, things that I like about the BMW:

- Reasonable amount of power (but not ridiculous)
- Very smooth gear changes (auto box)
- Soaks up the bumps in the road well
- Feels well planted on the road
- Not much has gone wrong with it

The SLs I've been considering are about 2005/2006 and in 350 guise as opposed to the 500.

Budget would be about £10-£12k. There seem to be quite a few out there in that budget range with mileages around the 50/60k mark.

I've read quite a few of the threads on here about the SL and by and large they seem to be pretty reliable, except for a few things.

The things that I've picked up on here so far are:

- The rear seals can (will?) leak but can be fixed
- Some engines may have an issue with the balancer shaft?
- Standard sound system is not very good
- Battery might drain easily

Are there other things that I need to consider or should bear in mind?

Options that I think I'd like are the panoramic sunroof and parking sensors front and back and maybe the 7 speed gearbox - but are there others that are worth having?

Is there much difference between the 2005/06 models and later ones (is it worth paying more for a later one?).

Whatever I replace the BMW with will need to be able to be used a daily driver and even though the BMW is about 16 years old, it is still lovely and smooth when it gets going.

The SL is something that I've thought about / wanted to get for ages so I thought I should get some real world opinions before I dive in.

Thanks in advance.

 

[SL63 Mark]

Good choice Rex, I prefer the V8s, but many like the sixes too, so I am sitting on the fence about that one. Also, you may avoid ABC with a 350, which is a plus in some people's books. (not mine).

I keep a big diesel Audi for the daily driver. The SL is a fair weather car only, so that would be my recommendation.

 

[LostKiwi]

I seem to recall the 2005/2006 years were the years of the bad balancer shafts on the M272 engines.
At that age you have the choice of ABC issues on the V8s or Balancer shaft issues on the V6.

 

[rexemper]

Good choice Rex, I prefer the V8s, but many like the sixes too, so I am sitting on the fence about that one. Also, you may avoid ABC with a 350, which is a plus in some people's books. (not mine).

I keep a big diesel Audi for the daily driver. The SL is a fair weather car only, so that would be my recommendation.

I might well keep the 5 series for when I need to take the kids someplace and need more than 2 seats.

I seem to recall the 2005/2006 years were the years of the bad balancer shafts on the M272 engines.
At that age you have the choice of ABC issues on the V8s or Balancer shaft issues on the V6.

And this is exactly the type of thing that I'm confused about!

 

[television]

The 272 was fitted from 06/06 on, all have the 7g from about 04, you do need to check that the balance shafts have been done, as said boot leaks are easy, not much ever re battery drains on these later cars, as apposed to the earlier ones. This model is nearly as fast as the earlier 500.

 

[drmw]

nice to haves - pano roof, keyless, comfort seats. As said, boot leak dead easy

 

[00slk]

Can agree with the standard radios, our's sounds like a '60's transistor radio The E class radio is so superior.
Good choice on an SL, my wife's daily

 

[rexemper]

The 272 was fitted from 06/06 on, all have the 7g from about 04, you do need to check that the balance shafts have been done, as said boot leaks are easy, not much ever re battery drains on these later cars, as apposed to the earlier ones. This model is nearly as fast as the earlier 500.

Thanks for that. Is the balance shaft something that would be listed in the service book or on an invoice somewhere? What sort of mileage do problems typically show up with this and how much would it cost to fix?

So it seems that the boot leak and ensuring the balance shafts are done are the main points to look for? Along with the usual of service history, number of owners, MOT history etc.

From this age is it more a question of condition over mileage?

 

[rexemper]

nice to haves - pano roof, keyless, comfort seats. As said, boot leak dead easy

What are 'comfort seats'? Are they the ones with massage facility or something else?

Thanks, I'm still getting my head around the SL and what the different models offered and what was standard vs options.

 

[television]

With an SL the overall condition is number 1, even the interior parts are very expensive. There should be a record of engine work done for balance shafts etc, the cost is not cheap, the exact price I do not know but one can assume that this work has been done before 50k miles.

Strange cars in some ways, often mint or tatty with no in between. Many member pop up any links for cars and we go from there.

 

[drmw]

What are 'comfort seats'? Are they the ones with massage facility or something else?

Thanks, I'm still getting my head around the SL and what the different models offered and what was standard vs options.

comfort seats have massage (used about twice & had it on three!), lots of adjustments for cushions, memory, heated, (force vented not always fitted now)

 

[rexemper]

Thanks - will pop up a few links when I find a few that I like the look of.

In my head I want one with red leather interior....shallow I know, but there it is.

 

[SL63 Mark]

In my head I want one with red leather interior....shallow I know, but there it is.

And why not, here is mine.

 

[rexemper]

Tease....

 

[television]

If you are sure that you want the face lift 06/06 on then this model has a 3 slat front grill and the earlier ones a 4 slat grill. This can help on the search.

 

[rexemper]

If you are sure that you want the face lift 06/06 on then this model has a 3 slat front grill and the earlier ones a 4 slat grill. This can help on the search.

Hi

Not sure yet, is there much difference other than cosmetics?

Back to the balance shafts for a sec - is this something that MB would have done under warranty?

Thanks

 

[television]

Hi

Not sure yet, is there much difference other than cosmetics?

Back to the balance shafts for a sec - is this something that MB would have done under warranty?

Thanks

The only difference worth mentioning is that the 3 slat grill is the only way to tell if it has the 272 engine. Yes loads where fixed under the warranty.

 

[rexemper]

The only difference worth mentioning is that the 3 slat grill is the only way to tell if it has the 272 engine. Yes loads where fixed under the warranty.

Got it, thanks.

And the previous engine (M112?) was fitted till '04?? No real issues with that unit?

This all seems like a fine balancing act!

 

[LostKiwi]

The 112 is a bulletproof engine. Early ones had issues with harmonic balancer pulleys but they were a dim memory by 2004.

Only real issues with 112s are coil packs, crank position sensor (Bosch ones are £80 or less), MAFs and on some oil consumption can be high (had 2 and both used a litre every 1500 miles but current one uses none). Oil consumption can be down the breather issues and is easily fixed.
None of those problems will break the bank.

 

[Painter16]

Had mine for nearly year now 350,2007 love it first merc I've had. No major issues ,had the command unit changed,to more updated pioneer unit,get a good indie merc garage and you won't go far wrong mate