SL500 Vs SL300

[Seeker_UK]

Hardly much of a comparison I hear you say. Finances have taken a turn for the better and I've noticed that there are a few SLs (R109s? The model from 89 onwards) around the £7-£8K mark. A few are 24V 300s (I've read somewhere that the 12V isn't a very good powerplant in these) and a couple of 500SLs all have about 130/140K on the clock which doesn't bother me per se (assuming a good service history). My heart says 5l V8 but my head (and my partner) says 3l

I know that all MB engines are good for a quarter of a million miles but which is likely yo give me less trouble, the 6 or the V8? I assume that the V8 would be less stressed..... Also, what sort of difference in fuel consumption could I expect?

 

[television]

I think you mean late 89 on would be the R129. There is not much difference in fuel consumption,due to the power to weight ratio. The 300 uses the 103 engine, the 300,24valve uses the 104 engine, these can all be checked out in the 124 threads. The 500 uses the119 engine ,these can be checked in the 500 SEL, 560SEC threads, apart from the valve lifters, no major faults.

Malcolm

 

[kkmfo]

the 3.2 v6 engines have a known head gasket problem (leaks and needs replacing). Not sure whether this is present on the 300.
your major problem with either 500 or 300 is the wiring loom in the engine bay. It disintegrates and needs replacing at a cost of £500+.
I beleive this problem was corrected in c.1996 but £7-8K cars are likely to be older than this.

Dont want to put you off though!! £7-8K for a 500 is a huge amount of gorgeous car for little money. Buy a good one, haggle hard on the price, and put aside a few hundred quid in case the worst happens.

PS If you are going to buy a 300 don't test drive a 500. You will never be able to resist the pull of the V8!!

 

[television]

The V6 was not put in until 06 98. Most early cars have had a new harness, these cost £135 plus fitting, it only affected cars up to end 92.

Malcolm

 

[Lewis]

Like its been said, don't drive the 500 if you really want a 300, you will fall in love with the effortless pull the 326bhp V8 has.
There is only 1 or 2 mpg difference between the two due to these cars being heavy.
I've had mine for just over a year and it's now up for sale but it's just outside your budget.
Make sure you find one with a full service history, Mercedes main dealer history if you can as you then know the car has been looked after as repairs can be costly. Some cars have lots of electrical motors for seats, mirrors, etc, make sure these all work, mine do and the car is 14 years old.
Make sure the roof mechanism works well and you get a hard top.
Tyres can be expensive so check the amount of tread.
As for your partner driving one, mine finds it such an easy car to drive even though it's very powerfull. Traction control stops the sliding in the wet and its the type of car you feel quite safe in.
Good luck with your car hunting, look at as many as you can and seek some expert advise where you can.

 

[angus falconer]

My heart says 5l V8 but my head (and my partner) says 3l

Get a V8. I'm on my second. You'll save money on CD's as you'll just listen to the motor.

 

[gfern]

They are all fine cars regardless of engine, but the V8 for me everytime. Effortless cruising loads of performance and a lovely sound when it gets up on the cam. I believe if properly serviced these engines go for a long time so I wouldn't be nervous buying one. The fuel consumption I get from my 500 SL is 17mpg overall and have got 24mpg on a long run but I don't think people buy cars like this for economy motoring. Drive a few and see what you think you won't be disapointed.

 

[Flying Scot]

Sl500 Mpg

We have about 1,000 miles on the new to us SL500 with 150K on the clock - runs like a swiss watch and just sounds awesome driving slow or giving that V8 some serious welly - managing 20 MPG over the 1,000 miles which i think is good - i would love to do an LPG conversion on her and have like 40MPG fuel costings but cant find anyone who thinks that is a good idea or who has had a problem free install on the 5ltr V8. I suppose a service with new plugs might improve things a little and with the price of fuel getting very close to a pound a litre i will need to think about this soon.

regards

David

 

[Blobcat]

A simple thing to remember is that you cannot have everything. You can go for a best of both worlds, however that will be a compromise.
My E320cdi is a Power V Economy compromise that I was happy with. I also have 2 bikes and when asked on their fuel economy I answer that I have no idea. I did not buy them for their economy.

 

[Myros]

I was holding off, but have to join in

I drive a 280 daily, and tested a 280 Sl. I then drove a 500 SL and that was it. I've been ruined for life.
These things are like the automotive equivalent of Class A drugs, definitley habit-forming, but much more fun
Put the top down, fire it up and listen to that fruity v8 burble. Even better in a tunnel.
Seriously, don't drive the V8 unless you are a consenting adult who doesn't mind being hooked.

 

[markmerc]

I can't say I would recommend a V8. I had a 380 SEC which was prone to valve gear problems at 70000 miles. Eventually it gave up the ghost. Short journeys to work with a 300 24 valve the fuel consumption works out at 16 to 18 mpg. A long journey 30 mpg. On average I get 20 mpg. Also the six is lighter on the front end. Which is why merc brought out the SL60. To liven up the 500. With the latest car tax and petrol prices going up plus gatsos every where,is it worth having a speed limited five litre? The choice is down to the individual.

 

[davidsl500]

Well the answer is obvious ! The 320 is lighter on fuel, cheaper to service, easier on tyres and you still get the drop dead looks. So its obvious - buy the 500 !!

Go on treat yourself you deserve it ! Get one before petrol is dispensed in eye droppers. If I dont get my regular "fix" on my SL500 I get all grumpy. Get the top down, find a quiet piece of road and blow some cobwebs out whilst having the best rock group in the world playing to you - V8!

Okay, I am still not sure which needle wins the speed game when you boot it - is it the speedo going up or the fuel gauge going down!?

My mate on his first trip in the passenger seat compared it to the best fairground ride as I kickdowned to overtake a few cars.

I have got 26mpg out of it on a long run despite several motorway holdups but then I also blew 20 litres of fuel in 24 miles driving down a few fast twisty A roads....

 

[Seeker_UK]

but then I also blew 20 litres of fuel in 24 miles driving down a few fast twisty A roads....

Tell me this is a typo. I thought my old M6 drank for england but ......

 

[Blobcat]

5.5 mpg pretty good going , I bet that tyre wear was up there as well

 

[davidsl500]

Tell me this is a typo. I thought my old M6 drank for england but ......

No typo, it was actually 23.5 miles - I rounded it up to 24...

There was an awful lot of kickdown as I was doing a bit of an italian tune-up and the top was down. Round town its 12-14mpg.

The Eagle F1's are holding up very well - only 1mm down after 1500 miles (thats a day and half for you Blobcat!)

 

[markmerc]

1mm per 1500 miles? Under 2mm is ilegal. £2500 fine per tyre aledgedley. Sounds like the 500 is an expensive option?

 

[Blobcat]

1mm per 1500 miles? Under 2mm is ilegal. £2500 fine per tyre aledgedley. Sounds like the 500 is an expensive option?

Only 1mm down from new, not only 1mm left...

 

[markmerc]

How much tread on a new tyre?

 

[davidsl500]

How much tread on a new tyre?

8mm is the normal new tread depth

 

[markmerc]

So 6mm legal wear at 1500 per mm if my maths are correct is 6000 miles.About the same as my bike. Swings and roundabouts really.