Thinking of buying a late 2012 SL500 4.7 Biturbo

[lolboy147]

Hi all, finally looking to scratch that itch and buy my first ever V8 before I get too old to enjoy it.

I love my E350 CDI Coupe but it has to go.

I've seen an SL500 from a dealer, very low mileage of 25K, from pictures (I can't go and see it) it looks in fantastic condition and the interior is just plain beautiful with a burr walnut dash. I'm in love. Before I commit anything near to the £25K asking price are there any red flags I need to be aware of?

I believe that this is the R231 model.

 

[ajlsl600]

Post pics I had the r230 v12 bi-turbo. Think it very hard to beat c, capacity.

 

[A.J.]

From the pictures it looks lovely doesn't it

 

[lolboy147]

Yes it does look beautiful, just wondering if there any known issues to be aware of. My 2012 E350 has never let me down or cost me anything other than servicing and consumables (tyres, pads etc). If this SL is similar build quality I'll be happy as a pig in muck.

 

[John Laidlaw]

R231 is a beautiful thing indeed!
Roof and boot seals largely improved from the 230 I've heard (from @rorywquin who has a lovely example of the 400), your 500 will have ABC suspension, which was a bit well.....flawed shall we say. Again I hear the 231 is improved in that respect.
Engine and components bomb proof, and the interior is a great place to be. I see it has air scarf which is a great thing to have.
Any link so we can see the spec/extras?
OK one thing....I don't believe that V8 Bi Turbo badge(s) belongs on the boot lid (on front wings I think), and not sure if its a genuine badge either....minor point and easy fixed

 

[John Laidlaw]

HK Sound
AMG body pack
nice additions ....
looked more closely at the V8 Bi Turbo badge and definitely stuck on

 

[Blobcat]

Link to the advert

 

[ajlsl600]

Hi all, finally looking to scratch that itch and buy my first ever V8 before I get too old to enjoy it.

I love my E350 CDI Coupe but it has to go.

I've seen an SL500 from a dealer, very low mileage of 25K, from pictures (I can't go and see it) it looks in fantastic condition and the interior is just plain beautiful with a burr walnut dash. I'm in love. Before I commit anything near to the £25K asking price are there any red flags I need to be aware of?

I believe that this is the R231 model.

Very nice.

 

[A.J.]

HK Sound
AMG body pack
nice additions ....
looked more closely at the V8 Bi Turbo badge and definitely stuck on

If you look at the advert that BC has posted the link to it definitely is an afterthought, it's wonky ! . Easily fixed

 

[Blobcat]

One for you @John Laidlaw

 

[John Laidlaw]

One for you @John Laidlaw

oh FFS!!

 

[John Laidlaw]

If you look at the advert that BC has posted the link to it definitely is an afterthought, it's wonky ! . Easily fixed

yeah , I did some sleuthing and found the dealer and saw that!

 

[lolboy147]

HK Sound
AMG body pack
nice additions ....
looked more closely at the V8 Bi Turbo badge and definitely stuck on

Thanks for this. Me being a bit dumb about model variants, and because I'm considering buying this "sight unseen" that makes me a little nervous. Is there a chance that if the BiTurbo badge is a retro fit then the car may not be as described? Or pranged up the rear and the wrong badge fitted?

My son-in-law is in the trade and assures me that, esp now, internet buying is getting bigger and the buyer retains the right to say "thanks, but no thanks" when he finally sees the car - with a full refund. But I'd rather reduce my risk, obviously.

Thanks for the feedback.

 

[Blobcat]

Thanks for this. Me being a bit dumb about model variants, and because I'm considering buying this "sight unseen" that makes me a little nervous. Is there a chance that if the BiTurbo badge is a retro fit then the car may not be as described? Or pranged up the rear and the wrong badge fitted?

My son-in-law is in the trade and assures me that, esp now, internet buying is getting bigger and the buyer retains the right to say "thanks, but no thanks" when he finally sees the car - with a full refund. But I'd rather reduce my risk, obviously.

Thanks for the feedback.

It is a Bi-turbo, the previous owner just wanted the great unwashed to know...

Looks like a nice example. Just done a search on autotrader and there are some great SL500’s out there for very little folding.
By all accounts the 4.7ltr V8 is a great engine

 

[John Laidlaw]

It is a Bi-turbo, the previous owner just wanted the great unwashed to know...

Looks like a nice example. Just done a search on autotrader and there are some great SL500’s out there for very little folding.
By all accounts the 4.7ltr V8 is a great engine

this! I checked the Total car detail on this one and it is genuine enough, just as you say someone has the idea the detail needs to be plastered all over the boot...

 

[John Laidlaw]

Thanks for this. Me being a bit dumb about model variants, and because I'm considering buying this "sight unseen" that makes me a little nervous. Is there a chance that if the BiTurbo badge is a retro fit then the car may not be as described? Or pranged up the rear and the wrong badge fitted?

My son-in-law is in the trade and assures me that, esp now, internet buying is getting bigger and the buyer retains the right to say "thanks, but no thanks" when he finally sees the car - with a full refund. But I'd rather reduce my risk, obviously.

Thanks for the feedback.

it's little to worry about IMO, just as BC says some folks are a little OTT on this stuff. My SL500 was badgeless for the opposite reason....I took the liberty of doing a quick Total car check against the reg and it seems to stack up as a decent motor.
you might find a slightly better equipped/optioned one if you kept looking not that there is much more to add really (maybe rear view camera, distronic and keyless go...some folks hate the latter to be honest).
I would check that the car still has a wind deflector supplied and insist if it doesn't

 

[lolboy147]

it's little to worry about IMO, just as BC says some folks are a little OTT on this stuff. My SL500 was badgeless for the opposite reason....I took the liberty of doing a quick Total car check against the reg and it seems to stack up as a decent motor.
you might find a slightly better equipped/optioned one if you kept looking not that there is much more to add really (maybe rear view camera, distronic and keyless go...some folks hate the latter to be honest).
I would check that the car still has a wind deflector supplied and insist if it doesn't

Thanks again for all the help. Much appreciated. I think I might well go for it although my wife is already asking friends & family to place bets on how long before I lose my licence! I've pointed out that my last two speeding tickets were gained driving her MX-5 - what does she know.

BTW - here's the extras so it seems to have most of your suggestions:

Extra features
These are in addition to what this car typically comes with as standard:

• AMG Sports Package
• Harman/Kardon LOGIC 7 Surround Sound System
• Active Park Assist
• 19" 5 Spoke AMG Alloy Wheels
• Airscarf - Neck Level Heating
• Wind Deflector - Electrically Operated
• Reversing Camera
• Ambient Lighting
• Analogue Clock
• Fuel Tank - Increased Capacity 75 Litres
• Burr Walnut

 

[John Laidlaw]

Thanks again for all the help. Much appreciated. I think I might well go for it although my wife is already asking friends & family to place bets on how long before I lose my licence! I've pointed out that my last two speeding tickets were gained driving her MX-5 - what does she know.

BTW - here's the extras so it seems to have most of your suggestions:

Extra features
These are in addition to what this car typically comes with as standard:

• AMG Sports Package
• Harman/Kardon LOGIC 7 Surround Sound System
• Active Park Assist
• 19" 5 Spoke AMG Alloy Wheels
• Airscarf - Neck Level Heating
• Wind Deflector - Electrically Operated
• Reversing Camera
• Ambient Lighting
• Analogue Clock
• Fuel Tank - Increased Capacity 75 Litres
• Burr Walnut

Looks worth going for then!

 

[bembo449]

Lovely looking car thow im not a fan of the 231 in black

 

[peterws1957]

Does look like a nice car, but there's no way I'd be sending £25k to someone I don't know for a car I haven't seen. On a couple of occasions I've turned up to look at cars that have looked great in photos to find that they were total sheds. My advice would be not to do it. Anyway from today you can drive anywhere to get some exercise.