Guards Red 996
Discussion
I started keeping track for the first year or two and then realised it was bad for my sanity haha! Truth be told it wasn't too bad to run, I'd say around £1-2k a year but after a while I think I lost a bit of faith in it with the final coolant leak. I've not heard from the new owner but hopefully he's had some success!
Yeah the SL will likely be a different type of beast for maintenance, I've so far fixed a seat not folding forward properly (memory reset sequence - £0!) but I've noticed the rear demist doesn't work (hopefully fuse) and the hot air can be intermittent (common issue apparently, an electric valve under the scuttle panel - £50 for the part surprisingly!). The V8 sounds lovely and returns about 24mpg on average so far, which is about the same as the 996.
The plans are to maintain and enjoy, I think I might replace the ancient command headunit with an android unit (one of those ones that looks the same so as not to spoil the looks of the interior, but is actually modern). And then strap a supercharger on it for a baby SL500 AMG. Not really, thats a bit above budget at the moment...Its definitely had a gentle life, the rear tyres are stamped as 2013. So they're also on the list.
Couple more pictures:
Another free fix, I've sorted out that horrible bit of netting...
And next to a CLK in the work car park, similar designs and all that.
Yeah the SL will likely be a different type of beast for maintenance, I've so far fixed a seat not folding forward properly (memory reset sequence - £0!) but I've noticed the rear demist doesn't work (hopefully fuse) and the hot air can be intermittent (common issue apparently, an electric valve under the scuttle panel - £50 for the part surprisingly!). The V8 sounds lovely and returns about 24mpg on average so far, which is about the same as the 996.
The plans are to maintain and enjoy, I think I might replace the ancient command headunit with an android unit (one of those ones that looks the same so as not to spoil the looks of the interior, but is actually modern). And then strap a supercharger on it for a baby SL500 AMG. Not really, thats a bit above budget at the moment...Its definitely had a gentle life, the rear tyres are stamped as 2013. So they're also on the list.
Couple more pictures:
Another free fix, I've sorted out that horrible bit of netting...
And next to a CLK in the work car park, similar designs and all that.
CornedBeef said:
Funnily enough the previous owner had replaced both batteries recently after it had a fit! Definitely investing in a trickle charger. The upshot on these is the engine and gearbox are solid as a rock, its the suspension that'll give me the sleepless nights. Basically the other way round to a 996!
I had to replace both batteries (they were completely knackered) & my dad had kindly unplugged my battery conditioner and closed the boot 
I found that the high level brake light is the way in & that some parts are readily sourced from EBay at considerably less than the dealers. However, if you replace both batteries you need a specialist to sort the ECU error messages. My dads’ car is an 03 with only 45k miles & sadly lack of use is the issue. It’s a nice GT car but sadly has limited luggage space with the roof down.MrC986 said:
I had to replace both batteries (they were completely knackered) & my dad had kindly unplugged my battery conditioner and closed the boot I found that the high level brake light is the way in & that some parts are readily sourced from EBay at considerably less than the dealers. However, if you replace both batteries you need a specialist to sort the ECU error messages. My dads’ car is an 03 with only 45k miles & sadly lack of use is the issue. It’s a nice GT car but sadly has limited luggage space with the roof down.
Typical that. I assume just the standard Ctek battery conditioner to that boot battery is all thats needed? I found that the high level brake light is the way in & that some parts are readily sourced from EBay at considerably less than the dealers. However, if you replace both batteries you need a specialist to sort the ECU error messages. My dads’ car is an 03 with only 45k miles & sadly lack of use is the issue. It’s a nice GT car but sadly has limited luggage space with the roof down.I did discover that the space behind the rear seats is a storage area, and that the seatbelts there are actually to strap in luggage while you're off touring about with the roof down! Love details like that.
CornedBeef said:
The SL is going in for a bit of that loving at my local specialist mid next month! Still loving it, I've got some spacers and lowering links inbound.
The car looks good doesnt it!
It certainly does but then I am biased with an SL55 in the garage The car looks good doesnt it!
Not sure how successful the lowering links will be as the ride height sensors on the ABC can sometimes get 'confused' if links are added. You might be better with a lowering module for the ABC. Allows you to mess about with the ride height all you want from the cabin.Hi all, I have purchased the vehicle. Its currently booked in to get a complete check over before I take delivery. I have been in communication with CB on the vehicle so I can get a complete understanding of what has been done and what hasn't.
My intention is to restore the car to its former glory as it has developed some rust in places and will need paint. I noticed oil leak, few other issues that need resolving in terms of bushes and interior leather needs a refresh in places.
I may start another thread showing the restoration. As a car care brand owner and professional detailer for many years my intention is to make this car as perfect as I can whilst its with me.
My intention is to restore the car to its former glory as it has developed some rust in places and will need paint. I noticed oil leak, few other issues that need resolving in terms of bushes and interior leather needs a refresh in places.
I may start another thread showing the restoration. As a car care brand owner and professional detailer for many years my intention is to make this car as perfect as I can whilst its with me.
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