R230 SL350 or SL500-Reliable steeds?

[daveco]

My father is looking to purchase one of these and a big bugbear with his previous Mercs has been reliability; he's been unlucky with his last two S-classes but still loves the character and look of their cars.

Does anyone have any experience with them, from an ownership/mechanic's perspective?

Is he better sticking with the SL500? I read on here this engine was the strongest of the lot.

[daveco]

Bump.