Discussion
Good Morning. Bit of advice please. I'm considering replacing my 320SL V6 for a low mileage (60k) 2003 500SL. It's fully loaded and from the description seems a nice example, pan' roof etc. I'm aware of possible corrosion around the rear wheel arches, ABC system defects and leaky boot seals. Are there any other potential trouble areas I should pay attention to please? Is fuel consumption vastly different from the 320 V6 in real life? Thankyou for any helpful advice. J C.
John042 said:
Good Morning. Bit of advice please. I'm considering replacing my 320SL V6 for a low mileage (60k) 2003 500SL. It's fully loaded and from the description seems a nice example, pan' roof etc. I'm aware of possible corrosion around the rear wheel arches, ABC system defects and leaky boot seals. Are there any other potential trouble areas I should pay attention to please? Is fuel consumption vastly different from the 320 V6 in real life? Thankyou for any helpful advice. J C.
Probably the other thing to check is the SBC braking system. The SBC pump works on a number of applications before it tells you it needs replacing. The system can be reset but will eventually need replacing. Mercedes were replacing these FOC a few years ago, but don't think they do now.Re fuel consumption, I have a 350 which does 27/28 ish on a run. I wouldn't think the 500 will be much worse.
Had my 2003 since new though it is more of a spare car and has only 24,000 miles on it. Generally very reliable. Two items were a problem. The hydraulics supporting the boot lid failed and had to be replaced. The more serious issue was very recent. Complete brake failure and dash lit up like a Christmas tree. Dealer told me there was a hidden warranty and replacement parts were installed no charge. Not sure what the specific failure was but it happened me on a downhill. I was travelling slowly and managed to turn into a flat road. Found I had minimal braking if I jammed in hard. Other than that had zero problems with the car which is still as new.
John042 said:
Thanks for the replies. Interesting about the brake applications. Obviously no way of telling how many miles you have left pending replacement? Thankyou. J C.
It works on a count, something like 200k applications, (not necessarily the correct fig) then the system says visit workshop, where they will ask you for about £800 plus to replace it. In the early days Mercedes accepted the system was below par and replaced as a goodwill gesture. It's possible most have been replaced but it is worth checking.The system can be reset by an independent, but will eventually get to the point where the pump needs to be replaced.
It's not the end of the world financially, but worth allowing for if it hasn't been done.
You can usually here it priming the brake servo every so often to maintain pressure in the system.
I fully understand the lure of the more glamorous R230 but for what it's worth I did the opposite to you and am very happy. I owned a 2004 SL500 in 2007/8 seduced by a long time admiration of SL's, it was beautiful to look at and drive even if the packaging was compromised by the need to store the roof meaning no rear seat space and a smaller boot.
I had read about the drop in build quality but hoped that a couple of years into production it might be better. Unfortunately not. It suffered most of the common problems especially the suspension and electrics. At the service the Dealer rang to say there were some additional items to replace including suspension struts etc on a 4 years old, 40,000 mile car totalling £3,000+....
So I think the small differences in fuel consumption could be the least of your worries..... but they do look lovely still
Forward on 7 years and I realised that a late model R129 with the later engine/ electronic gearbox/modern safety equipment etc but with old Mercedes quality was the way to have a fantastic SL that is understated elegance on top with high quality underneath. I found a beautiful low mileage 2001 example and never plan on selling it.
I hope things work out for you whatever you decide.
I had read about the drop in build quality but hoped that a couple of years into production it might be better. Unfortunately not. It suffered most of the common problems especially the suspension and electrics. At the service the Dealer rang to say there were some additional items to replace including suspension struts etc on a 4 years old, 40,000 mile car totalling £3,000+....
So I think the small differences in fuel consumption could be the least of your worries..... but they do look lovely still
Forward on 7 years and I realised that a late model R129 with the later engine/ electronic gearbox/modern safety equipment etc but with old Mercedes quality was the way to have a fantastic SL that is understated elegance on top with high quality underneath. I found a beautiful low mileage 2001 example and never plan on selling it.
I hope things work out for you whatever you decide.
GPH said:
I fully understand the lure of the more glamorous R230 but for what it's worth I did the opposite to you and am very happy. I owned a 2004 SL500 in 2007/8 seduced by a long time admiration of SL's, it was beautiful to look at and drive even if the packaging was compromised by the need to store the roof meaning no rear seat space and a smaller boot.
I had read about the drop in build quality but hoped that a couple of years into production it might be better. Unfortunately not. It suffered most of the common problems especially the suspension and electrics. At the service the Dealer rang to say there were some additional items to replace including suspension struts etc on a 4 years old, 40,000 mile car totalling £3,000+....
So I think the small differences in fuel consumption could be the least of your worries..... but they do look lovely still
Forward on 7 years and I realised that a late model R129 with the later engine/ electronic gearbox/modern safety equipment etc but with old Mercedes quality was the way to have a fantastic SL that is understated elegance on top with high quality underneath. I found a beautiful low mileage 2001 example and never plan on selling it.
I hope things work out for you whatever you decide.
This ...I have done the same journey .The R129 styling looks better every day , the roof unlike the one on my R230 works faultlessly .I am very pleased with mine .I had read about the drop in build quality but hoped that a couple of years into production it might be better. Unfortunately not. It suffered most of the common problems especially the suspension and electrics. At the service the Dealer rang to say there were some additional items to replace including suspension struts etc on a 4 years old, 40,000 mile car totalling £3,000+....
So I think the small differences in fuel consumption could be the least of your worries..... but they do look lovely still
Forward on 7 years and I realised that a late model R129 with the later engine/ electronic gearbox/modern safety equipment etc but with old Mercedes quality was the way to have a fantastic SL that is understated elegance on top with high quality underneath. I found a beautiful low mileage 2001 example and never plan on selling it.
I hope things work out for you whatever you decide.
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