Buying an SL500

ace577

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Hi everyone,

I'm looking to buy an SL 500. With my budget it will either an 2003 or 2004. I've had a 2000 S class before and, while lovely to drive, it had constant faults, particularly the air suspension.

Is the SL500 similarly unreliable? I think it looks great. I haven't driven one yet but I'm sure the drive will be fine I'm just concerned about how reliable they are

I'm considering these two in particular:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classi...=Automatic&model=SL CLASS&page=1&modal=photos

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classi...&transmission=Automatic&model=SL CLASS&page=2



thanks
 

Blobcat

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Hello and Welcome,

They are very nice when working, however I believe the collective noun for R230 SL500's is a "Worry"

SBC and ABC are 2 possible ticking time bombs along with water leaks which take out the PSE pump in the boot, and corrosion on the rear wheel arches
 
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ace577

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Thank you for the welcome Blobcat. That's a shame. I thought that might be the case. My other options within budget are a BMW Z4, Lexus SC430 or an older Porsche Boxster. My preference is by far the SL500. It looks amazing but I'm not sure It's worth the risk on the reliability front
 

sl500amgsport

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I have owned the SC430, was 100% reliable with a nice sound and comfortable ride so can vouch for that but not considered pretty or a true sports car by most.

Mercedes SL500 R231
 

peterws1957

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Thank you for the welcome Blobcat. That's a shame. I thought that might be the case. My other options within budget are a BMW Z4, Lexus SC430 or an older Porsche Boxster. My preference is by far the SL500. It looks amazing but I'm not sure It's worth the risk on the reliability front
A lot of SL's go through life without major problems. As Blobcat says though you are better to be forewarned. Lots to choose from so it's a question of finding a well maintained one with good history and leak free. Rectifying problems with SBC and ABC is not as costly as it used to be, but a slush fund for future problems is wise. Could always go for an SL350 version, most of which don't have ABC.
 

Blobcat

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Thank you for the welcome Blobcat. That's a shame. I thought that might be the case. My other options within budget are a BMW Z4, Lexus SC430 or an older Porsche Boxster. My preference is by far the SL500. It looks amazing but I'm not sure It's worth the risk on the reliability front
You could get a good R230 but I don't think you could ever fully relax.

Z4 - just no, SC430 - no on many levels, Porsche Boxster - you could get a very good one and if you have access to a good Porsche Specialist you could do well although I wouldn't have one just because of the 911.

If you're looking at Boxsters and Z4's why not try a later R171 SLK in V6 (M272) guise? Non of the worry's of an SL (No SBC or ABC) and if you get one on 16 /17" wheels they're comfortable for long distances (I spent over 6 hours in mine yesterday covering 374 miles :))
 

marlowboy

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Good Luck! I’ve changed from an 02 SL500 to a 04 SL350. Had the dreaded Boot leak, Pump rebuild required and as stated, the dreaded Corrosion on arches and body seams, not good. Originally the car lived in Scotland and they do like their Salt ups there! The 350 thankfully has none of these problems, a “Southern” Car that did not go out in the Winter. I miss the V8 purrrrrr but sleep better at night!
 

JBell

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If you're looking at Boxsters and Z4's why not try a later R171 SLK in V6 (M272) guise? Non of the worry's of an SL (No SBC or ABC) and if you get one on 16 /17" wheels they're comfortable for long distances (I spent over 6 hours in mine yesterday covering 374 miles :))

I would be looking at an SL350 instead of the SLK (no offence intended), there is a lovely one in the for sale section and no ABC issues
 
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ace577

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Thanks for the great advice everyone. So I'm better off getting either the less powerful SL350 or an SLK?

I like the SL as it's bigger but the SLK could be an option too as long as it's not too cramped inside
 

Blobcat

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I would be looking at an SL350 instead of the SLK (no offence intended), there is a lovely one in the for sale section and no ABC issues
It's an option, might have to get an earlier one which could have balance shaft issues and SBC still (along with water leaks and PSE)
 

Flyinspanner

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And remember that people only post up tales of woe!

No one randomly posts up ‘my car is working well with no faults” :)

My CL500 has ABC, in the 3 and a bit years I’ve owned it, has had a pulsation damper fail, replaced and a flush and fluid change, and a union nipped up where there was a weep.
It’s my every day driver, it’s not a cosseted weekend car.

So the perception can be a bit skewed, ABC is a bit better ‘understood’ now and received wisdom is now to get the fluid changed every couple of years. The pumps are now available refurbished from MB for around £500 with a warranty, so the costs have fallen massively. (And much safer than the units advertised on the Bay, refurbed in Eastern Europe). Valve block rebuilds with Viton o rings are reasonable. (Think kits are around £75 if you want to do it yourself)
The ABC system is very comfortable, and remember it was originally called “active suspension” when it was on F1 cars, so it’s not like it’s a poor type of system. Keeps the car nice and flat when pushing on in the twisty bits.

Maybe when you are looking at cars, just ask the seller about any maintenance carried out on the system. Check the colour of the fluid. Get a flush/refill and filter change.

Whatever car you buy, there will at some point be some issue, sometimes small, sometimes big, if you are buying the SL as a long term thing, it makes sense to buy the version that you really want, (get the flush ASAP and reduce your worries), otherwise you may forever be thinking ‘if only’ :)

Good luck with the search.
 

Blobcat

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Thanks for the great advice everyone. So I'm better off getting either the less powerful SL350 or an SLK?

I like the SL as it's bigger but the SLK could be an option too as long as it's not too cramped inside
Try one is the best advice I can give, a R230 SL500 is a wonderful and comfortable car an R171 SLK280/300/350 is also a great car. 6'2" driver without issue (not me - my son...) and with decent luggage you can easily get enough in the boot for a few weeks away and still fold the lid
 
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ace577

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I had a look at the SL350s listed on autotrader. I don't mind so much the drop in power but I really want a black one and the only black ones are SL500s. If they've already had the SBC and ABC issues sorted are they likely to reoccur? And they haven't had them sorted and it goes wrong how much does it cost to fix?

Edit: Flyinspanner answered my cost question- thank you Flyinspanner.
 

JBell

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flowrider

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I had a look at the SL350s listed on autotrader. I don't mind so much the drop in power but I really want a black one and the only black ones are SL500s. If they've already had the SBC and ABC issues sorted are they likely to reoccur? And they haven't had them sorted and it goes wrong how much does it cost to fix?

Edit: Flyinspanner answered my cost question- thank you Flyinspanner.
I have had my SL500 for nearly 3 years and maintenance costs have been no more than on any other premium car. People will hark back to the days when ABC parts cost lots of money but this is no longer the case and SBC doesn't even enter my mind as a concern given that a rebuilt pump can be had for under £400 these days. Any poorly maintained car will give you trouble and the SL is no different. Bear in mind that the only saving with an SL350 is the lack of ABC but you then lose out on the excellent ride quality plus the V8 experience. Just make sure maintenance has not been neglected and buy one of the good ones.

PS Have you had a black car before? They are buggers to keep clean :confused:
 

ajlsl600

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clk3202001,sl6002003 with everything regrettably sold ,A class 170cdi auto. NG/TF1800 ML250
Hi everyone,

I'm looking to buy an SL 500. With my budget it will either an 2003 or 2004. I've had a 2000 S class before and, while lovely to drive, it had constant faults, particularly the air suspension.

Is the SL500 similarly unreliable? I think it looks great. I haven't driven one yet but I'm sure the drive will be fine I'm just concerned about how reliable they are

I'm considering these two in particular:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201812012908630?price-to=8500&advertising-location=at_cars&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly New&onesearchad=New&make=MERCEDES-BENZ&seller-type=trade&sort=price-asc&postcode=nw21hu&radius=50&transmission=Automatic&model=SL CLASS&page=1&modal=photos

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201809190652510?price-to=8000&advertising-location=at_cars&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly New&onesearchad=New&make=MERCEDES-BENZ&seller-type=trade&sort=price-asc&postcode=nw21hu&fuel-type=Petrol&radius=30&transmission=Automatic&model=SL CLASS&page=2

there is a good amount of luck,or lack of it involved. the r230 is a stunner to look at and drive. do a really long research, try at least 6 there are some v nice low miles cars around. if you can stuff 3/4 k in the bank after purchase go for it ,if not dont , you may or may not need the back up,if all good after 6 months treat yrself. if you travel far get a good recovery policy ,there are a number of issues which however unlikely can turn you into a non mover with this model ,it should be remembered it was NOT designed for the DIY or the short pockets. if yr handy with the tools and pc literate you could have some grand motoring, very glad i had mine,miss it,but not sorry to forget SBC ABC ect. but there is enormous help and advise on here..i spent a long time looking before i leaped

thanks
 
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sl500amgsport

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Not been washed for a week, ceramic coating black problem solved
a3bee50d6a3eab1fe31542abf1baa7dd.jpg


Mercedes SL500 R231
 

flowrider

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I should ceramic coat my black S5 but I need to sort the stone chips first :(
 
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ace577

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I have had my SL500 for nearly 3 years and maintenance costs have been no more than on any other premium car. People will hark back to the days when ABC parts cost lots of money but this is no longer the case and SBC doesn't even enter my mind as a concern given that a rebuilt pump can be had for under £400 these days. Any poorly maintained car will give you trouble and the SL is no different. Bear in mind that the only saving with an SL350 is the lack of ABC but you then lose out on the excellent ride quality plus the V8 experience. Just make sure maintenance has not been neglected and buy one of the good ones.

PS Have you had a black car before? They are buggers to keep clean :confused:
That's reassuring, thank you. Yes, my first car was black. It is a pain, every tiny scratch stands out too
 

ajlsl600

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liftcar (3).JPG mine was obesian black ,lovely, no scratches as well.
 

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