R230 real world mpg between SL350 & SL500
Discussion
I've been seriously considering buying a sub £10k Merc SL350 and was wondering if there's that much difference between the SL350 and the SL500 in terms of fuel economy?
I'd be looking for Keyless Go, aluminium trim and a panoramic roof. If I expand my search to include SL500s then I'll stand a much better chance of finding one with these options.
MPG isn't that important, but I have a petrol Range Rover aswell so would like something that does more than that if possible.
I'd be looking for Keyless Go, aluminium trim and a panoramic roof. If I expand my search to include SL500s then I'll stand a much better chance of finding one with these options.
MPG isn't that important, but I have a petrol Range Rover aswell so would like something that does more than that if possible.
whiteonyx said:
considering the same but more interested in benefits / disadvantages, ref running costs, reliability
Yeah I've done a fair bit of research on both, I'm not too worried about water leaking into the boot etc as I can fix thinks like that. ABC suspension costs scare me a bit on the SL500 though! 
I also read that they weren't galvanised until late 2004... not sure how true that is but as I had 98 W202 which literally dissolved in front of my eyes, it could be a consideration!
markw996 said:
Yeah I've done a fair bit of research on both, I'm not too worried about water leaking into the boot etc as I can fix thinks like that. ABC suspension costs scare me a bit on the SL500 though!
I also read that they weren't galvanised until late 2004... not sure how true that is but as I had 98 W202 which literally dissolved in front of my eyes, it could be a consideration!
Sadly the rust is an issue, I've seen it on an early car. However is only visibly seems to affect the rear wings, because the rest of the bodywork I'm led to believe is aluminium. Therefore when buying on of these always look at the lip of the rear wings I also read that they weren't galvanised until late 2004... not sure how true that is but as I had 98 W202 which literally dissolved in front of my eyes, it could be a consideration!
.No input on mpg but did test drive 350 and 500 as well as later 5.5 500. 350 went well in a cruisey way and was a pleasing thing. I was quite charmed by it. The 500 went better but seemed to need winding up to really move, which surprised me (I am guessing it's quite long geared). The 5.5 500 was genuinely fast.
350 would not phase me to own, and the lack of ABC makes it cheap. A friend has just acquired a 350 with radar cruise and, I think, ABC, so high spec 350s are out there.
markw996 said:
Yeah I've done a fair bit of research on both, I'm not too worried about water leaking into the boot etc as I can fix thinks like that. ABC suspension costs scare me a bit on the SL500 though!
I also read that they weren't galvanised until late 2004... not sure how true that is but as I had 98 W202 which literally dissolved in front of my eyes, it could be a consideration!
Hi Mark,I also read that they weren't galvanised until late 2004... not sure how true that is but as I had 98 W202 which literally dissolved in front of my eyes, it could be a consideration!
Just come across your post whilst doing some research on a potential purchase...you mention you found some info on late 2004 cars...funnily enough the one ive seen (mentioned in the topic i start 'some help with sl500'..) is a late 2004 and the chap claims there is no rust or leaks on his car....please can you point me to the direction of where you got your info from?
thanks in advance
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