New SL500 owner

[Steviec100]

Hi all. Just picked up my first ever Mercedes, a 2003 SL500.
It appears to be looked after but I’m going to have lost of questions.

 

[Blobcat]

Hello and welcome

In at the deep end already

 

[LostKiwi]

Hello and welcome

In at the deep end already

Indeed!

OP welcome to the forum. I'm sure you'll be in need of advice before too long.
The SL is a great car but it's a demanding mistress!

 

[dry run]

Welcome

 

[John Laidlaw]

Welcome.....no doubt you’ll be posting and checking archives....

 

[bembo449]

always admire anyone who buys such a car for their first foray into a brand new to them , especially one who doesn't appear to know what horrors potentially lie ahead , it looks great though pal , stunning machine

 

[Steviec100]

I’ve always wanted a V8 and it seems Mercedes do the best in my budget.
I hope I’ve bought wisely. The last owner had it for 8 years and didn’t scrimp on having work carried out mb.

 

[Craiglxviii]

Hello and welcome. Can you say “ABC”?

 

[LostKiwi]

I’ve always wanted a V8 and it seems Mercedes do the best in my budget.
I hope I’ve bought wisely. The last owner had it for 8 years and didn’t scrimp on having work carried out mb.

The biggest concerns you will have are:
1. SBC - this is the Mercedes fly by wire braking system. The pump has a lifespan. This isn't the issue it once was as pumps can be had relatively cheaply.
2. Water leaks - the area around the bottom of the rear screen is prone to leaking. This gets into the boot and can kill expensive electronics, specifically the central locking pump. Lift the boot floor and check left hand side under the roof pump. The central locking pump sits in a foam casing. If it's wet get the leak fixed ASAP. Also make sure the key works in the boot lock as if the pump fails that's your only way in.
3. ABC - this in Mercedes Active Body Control. Based on the oleo pneumatic system developed by Citroen it's an incredible piece of work giving compliant ride but with near zero body roll, pitch or dive. It allows the car to corner far faster than you'd believe possible. Look out for any leaks from struts (£800 EA parts only), pump (uses the same assembly as the power steering but is a separate pump - around £800) pipes or valve blocks (2 of these, rebuild kits are available). ABC also has 4 gas accumulators (similar to Citroen's gas spheres). These are £400 and when they fail can cause the pump to whine, hard ride or warning messages on the display. ABC maintenance is critical to avoid issues. A filter change and hydraulic fluid change every 2 years is vital.

 

[flowrider]

The biggest concerns you will have are:
1. SBC - this is the Mercedes fly by wire braking system. The pump has a lifespan. This isn't the issue it once was as pumps can be had relatively cheaply.
2. Water leaks - the area around the bottom of the rear screen is prone to leaking. This gets into the boot and can kill expensive electronics, specifically the central locking pump. Lift the boot floor and check left hand side under the roof pump. The central locking pump sits in a foam casing. If it's wet get the leak fixed ASAP. Also make sure the key works in the boot lock as if the pump fails that's your only way in.
3. ABC - this in Mercedes Active Body Control. Based on the oleo pneumatic system developed by Citroen it's an incredible piece of work giving compliant ride but with near zero body roll, pitch or dive. It allows the car to corner far faster than you'd believe possible. Look out for any leaks from struts (£800 EA parts only), pump (uses the same assembly as the power steering but is a separate pump - around £800) pipes or valve blocks (2 of these, rebuild kits are available). ABC also has 4 gas accumulators (similar to Citroen's gas spheres). These are £400 and when they fail can cause the pump to whine, hard ride or warning messages on the display. ABC maintenance is critical to avoid issues. A filter change and hydraulic fluid change every 2 years is vital.

My indie (Phil at Welwyn Merx) advised me against changing the ABC fluid this year as despite the last change being 2 years ago the car has only covered 3500 miles since.

 

[flowrider]

Hi all. Just picked up my first ever Mercedes, a 2003 SL500.
It appears to be looked after but I’m going to have lost of questions.
View attachment 50323

Welcome to the forum. Everyone loves an SL especially a V8 SL. The experience of owning and driving far out ways the possible pitfalls IMO.

 

[LostKiwi]

Welcome to the forum. Everyone loves an SL especially a V8 SL. The experience of owning and driving far out ways the possible pitfalls IMO.

Agreed. When they're going well they're a joy.

 

[A.J.]

Hi Stevie, welcome to the forum

 

[DSK]

Exceptional choice of car! Welcome to the forum.

 

[McDonald]

Welcome Stevie, mine has brought me nothing but joy. I smile when I catch sight of it and grin from ear to ear when I'm driving it. This summer you'll be doing the same. I'm sure.

 

[noonboots]

There is no other car I can think of that I would replace my SL with. I wanted one one for 15 years. I hardly use it but I get a buzz just looking at it.
Every other car I only want till I see something else.

 

[Srdl]

Hi and welcome to the forum

 

[LostKiwi]

There is no other car I can think of that I would replace my SL with. I wanted one one for 15 years. I hardly use it but I get a buzz just looking at it.
Every other car I only want till I see something else.

The only car I like driving more than my SL is my other SL

 

[theoddbod]

welcome!