280sl 1998

[12RM]

I have not had a Merc for a few years but have the chance of a 98 280 SL which is immaculate with 60K miles.
What problems if any can I expect from the V6 engine (my previous MB E320 had the I6). Also how reliable is the auto box in the newer cars.

Thanks in advance.

 

[television]

I have not a Merc for a few years but have the chance of a 98 280 SL which is immaculate with 60K miles.
What problems if any can I expect from the V6 engine (my previous MB E320 had the I6). Also how reliable is the auto box in the newer cars.

Thanks in advance.

The engines are good, mine never faultered,some people say that the 4 valve engines are better than the 3 valve, but the 3 are more economical. The 722.6 box has no real problems and is a good box used right up to late 2003 and 2006 on the AMG cars.

malcolm

 

[12RM]

Is the auto box "sealed for life" with expensive fluid should you want to change it?

 

[television]

Is the auto box "sealed for life" with expensive fluid should you want to change it?

Yes the gearbox is sealed, do what I do, Always start with new oil in both engine and gearbox. The engine is easy, it takes a little longer if you have a bottom cover, do change the filter.
Re the box, its worth changing at around 45-50k, purely on the ground that these fluids do absorb moisture, it has been known for the casings to lose particles of alli. all that have changed the fluid comment on how much smoother the changes are.

Malcolm

 

[12RM]

Re the box. I have a Jaguar and some owners after having changed the fluid, the box fails!
The advise I have been given for that box is both - leave well alone and also, change the fluid. You lose both ways, maybe!

 

[television]

Re the box. I have a Jaguar and some owners after having changed the fluid, the box fails!
The advise I have been given for that box is both - leave well alone and also, change the fluid. You lose both ways, maybe!

As long as it is done in clean conditions you should not have a problem, On the BMW forum everyone is changing the oil in their sealed for life ZF boxes.

Maybe some owner's sense that the gearbox is not as it used to be and change the oil, but a little too late maybe. Anyway it is a hard question and you will have to work that one out. In my life I have changed at least 35 boxes including Jags of the 70's-80s , but these were probably older cars than yours.

malcolm