Bought an sl320 on an s plate for £6000

[SL GO]

I cannot believe my luck today as I bought an SL320 on an s plate for only £6000. It is a limited edition and has a full service history (131k) with only three previous owners (last owner for four years). I have been looking at SL’s for about two years on and off and it would appear that now is the perfect time to buy (second hand) given the recession and the new SL launch.

I viewed one other this weekend (same year and mileage) and I was surprised to see in the service history that the gear box was replaced at 90k at a cost of £3300. I have had a 190e (k reg) and a e280 (m reg), both of which had done over 140k by the time I parted with them and neither had a replaced gear box. Is this normal on the SL320? If so, what other major expenses can I expect at this age with this mileage? There were also large bills for the ECU unit, catalytic converter and even rust on the back wheel arches. The average service bill was about £600.

It is great to finally join the team so I welcome you all with your comments, views and any questions you might have.

 

[Cole@MBS]

Welcome!

What a result!!!

 

[television]

Hello and welcome,,I had a 99 for 2 year and a great car, the boxes are good, just those cats on the V6 and I cut mine out as have done many others

 

[SL GO]

Thank you all for your comments.

I can not wait to collect it this Satuerday. The build quality is outstanding in comparision with my cuurent E280. I will be sure to post some photos on Saturday for all to view.

 

[st4]

Thank you all for your comments.

I can not wait to collect it this Satuerday. The build quality is outstanding in comparision with my cuurent E280. I will be sure to post some photos on Saturday for all to view.

Welcome. A new box is a blessing in a way, much less for you to worry about now. A failure at 90k miles is rare but not impossible if the original owner never changed the gearbox oil and drove it hard. The engines are tough on these things. Enjoy.

 

[stats007]

Is it a straight six Designo Edition?

Sounds like a bargain, even with that mileage. New bushes, springs and dampers all round should help!

 

[SL GO]

It is the V6 at 230 BHP. Are the head gaskets prone to going on these SL320’s?

 

[stats007]

Not aware of any limited editions from that year with the 1999MY facelift?

 

[television]

Yes as stats, I have all of the 08-98 on price list and books, no limited edition, maybe some one has bought the badges off Ebay and put them on the front wings

 

[SL GO]

Yes, I guess that is what has been done then. Any idea about the gaskets?

 

[television]

Yes, I guess that is what has been done then. Any idea about the gaskets?

You can forget about gaskets on that engine, its a very good lump with the minimum of troubles, it seams to work better in the 129 than any other

 

[Mrtibbs]

Hi SL GO
Well done indeed. May I ask if it is a beautiful blue colour? If so I was going to look at it for my wife, but she decided that one MB in the house was enough and decided to have a Saab 9-3 HOT Aero convertible instead (it is a similar blue to the SL that I am referring to)
Hope that you are justifiably thrilled with your new toy

Keith

 

[Courtyard]

Confused

Picked up a beautiful 2000 Blue SL320 last night in London to drive from London to Belfast via Holyhead. About 5 miles up the MI a combined BAS,ESP and ABS warning appeared and the speedo and fuel consumption gauges stopped as did the mileometer. Leaving the MI at the next service stop noticed that power had dropped whilst acceleration on the off ramp. Stopped and put the auto into park then selected drive and then reverse panic no response. Turned off on the ignition as instructed in the manual - lights had gone out and gearbox seemed to have fixed itself. Had a quick plate of chips to calm the nerves (as you do) went out started -lights still off (maybe it was all a terrible dream) - 5 mins more up the motorway lights on again. Had to drive all the way like this guessing my speed with the rev counter. With deep foreboding consulted the forum - could this all be caused by a faulty brakelight switch ?????.

 

[television]

There is a very good chance that this could be the brake light switch, Change it only £10

Welcome to the forum and yes " I had one of those once"

 

[SL GO]

Hi SL GO
Well done indeed. May I ask if it is a beautiful blue colour? If so I was going to look at it for my wife, but she decided that one MB in the house was enough and decided to have a Saab 9-3 HOT Aero convertible instead (it is a similar blue to the SL that I am referring to)
Hope that you are justifiably thrilled with your new toy

Keith

Hi Keith,

Yes, it is a beautiful blue colour with the number plate S*** LGO which formed the basis for my membership name! I can only thank you for not viewing it as I had enough competition as it was :+) I now have the car and it runs like a absolute dream.

Let the summer roll on..............

 

[stats007]

Any photos?

 

[SL GO]

I will get some posted on the weekend. My ESP/ABS light come on this morning and it has not gone off. I called the garage and they have said that the light needs replacing but not sure what this means. They have advised it will costs about £90. Any ideas what this means?

 

[television]

Brake light switch, it cost £10 and 15 mins max to fit and easy

 

[horgantrevor]

Any pictures of the new car for us show the girl off