R230's & Dedicated Merc Forums
Discussion
Hi folks after considering a number of other options I am back to seeking a good usable R230 SL350.
Looking at sub 10k pre 2006 model with the earlier 3.7 V6 and cheaper road tax. Well read on this model in terms of SBC brake unit, water ingress into boot and electrics, fuel tank baffles detaching etc etc and have looked at one or two over the last eighteen months.
In addition to here, what is regarded as the best dedicated Merc forum in terms of knowledge / advice and level of usage?
Any other words of advice on the R230 (other than don't do it)!
Cheers
Looking at sub 10k pre 2006 model with the earlier 3.7 V6 and cheaper road tax. Well read on this model in terms of SBC brake unit, water ingress into boot and electrics, fuel tank baffles detaching etc etc and have looked at one or two over the last eighteen months.
In addition to here, what is regarded as the best dedicated Merc forum in terms of knowledge / advice and level of usage?
Any other words of advice on the R230 (other than don't do it)!
Cheers
They do look great in silver, suits most Mercedes and reminiscent of the early Merc models !
Silver with dark interior would suit best for me and take on board issues keeping a black car looking clean. Is there a definitive buyers guide around, I've pulled together the main points by researching various forums but can't seem to find an up to date guide.
What's your thoughts mileage wise , personally doesn't put me off providing there is maintainence to match. Bought carefully I think a 350 sl will be a great car !
Silver with dark interior would suit best for me and take on board issues keeping a black car looking clean. Is there a definitive buyers guide around, I've pulled together the main points by researching various forums but can't seem to find an up to date guide.
What's your thoughts mileage wise , personally doesn't put me off providing there is maintainence to match. Bought carefully I think a 350 sl will be a great car !
I haven't seen a buyers guide, but as well as the boot seals and SBC pump, the earlier 350's had engine balance shaft issues. There is a big thread over the other side which tells you which engines are affected. It's an easy fix in terms of parts costs, only a few £'s, but involves about 6 hours labour so can turn into a £6/700 job at a dealer.
Most by now should have been modified, but worth checking.
The other issue is ABC suspension, standard on the 500 but optional on the 350. This will give trouble, with pumps and struts costing several £'ks to fix, and the system needs bleeding and fluids replaced on a regular basis. That's the reason I went for the 350.
Other than that, there is some useful info on the MBClub forum in addition to the balance shaft and ABC issues if you do a search.
Mine is silver with grey leather which I think sets it off nicely and relatively low miles at 51k, and one owner. There are some good ones about if you are patient.
Might be worth asking on the MBClub forum if anyone is selling.
Mileage shouldn't be an issue if the car has been serviced properly, but has an impact on price. I think they have probably reached a price plateau now and the good lower mileage cars will be a good long term investment.
I went for the best low mileage/owner car I could find rather than cheaper higher mileage cars.
Most by now should have been modified, but worth checking.
The other issue is ABC suspension, standard on the 500 but optional on the 350. This will give trouble, with pumps and struts costing several £'ks to fix, and the system needs bleeding and fluids replaced on a regular basis. That's the reason I went for the 350.
Other than that, there is some useful info on the MBClub forum in addition to the balance shaft and ABC issues if you do a search.
Mine is silver with grey leather which I think sets it off nicely and relatively low miles at 51k, and one owner. There are some good ones about if you are patient.
Might be worth asking on the MBClub forum if anyone is selling.
Mileage shouldn't be an issue if the car has been serviced properly, but has an impact on price. I think they have probably reached a price plateau now and the good lower mileage cars will be a good long term investment.
I went for the best low mileage/owner car I could find rather than cheaper higher mileage cars.
Edited by Monkeylegend on Friday 1st April 08:48
Cheers that all makes sense. Think the balancer shaft issues affected the 3.5 V6 from later 2006, apparently the earlier 3.7 V6 is not affected so I'm looking at really an 04 to very early 06 car to suit budget and spec.
Been drawn to this one below which is fairly local, price is a little steep though ?
www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/20150727554...
May go and take a look to gauge condition and value.........
Been drawn to this one below which is fairly local, price is a little steep though ?
www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/20150727554...
May go and take a look to gauge condition and value.........
Looks a nice car, and has the sunroof as well. Same colour interior as mine and same year. I paid similar for mine but if it's as good as it sounds it's worth it. I have seen lower mileage cars, two in particular with less than 20k miles up for £15k, and they didn't hang around very long.
Certainly lots of difference in terms of condition / mileage etc.
Comparing the above example with this similar spec but higher mileage example :
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/111948812552
Of course by the time you've painted the bonnet, serviced and rectified any issues some spending has occurred and you're still left with a higher mileage , more worn example !
Comparing the above example with this similar spec but higher mileage example :
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/111948812552
Of course by the time you've painted the bonnet, serviced and rectified any issues some spending has occurred and you're still left with a higher mileage , more worn example !
I decided to go for the best low mileage/ low owner I could find without paying silly money. I hope to keep mine long term so doing 3/4k miles a year it will still be a low mileage car in 5 years time.
I have bought mine as an alternative to keeping money in an ISA at 0.5%, so hope to get some enjoyment without losing to much money. Hopefully it will easier to sell compared to a high mileage example if I fall on hard times
That one looks a nice car, but you really need to drive a few to see how well they wear their mileage. Is 40k additional miles worth saving £3k for? In my mind it isn't.
My current E class has done 287k miles, and is still going strong so it isn't necessarily an issue unless you want to sell, then you can only give them away.
I have bought mine as an alternative to keeping money in an ISA at 0.5%, so hope to get some enjoyment without losing to much money. Hopefully it will easier to sell compared to a high mileage example if I fall on hard times
That one looks a nice car, but you really need to drive a few to see how well they wear their mileage. Is 40k additional miles worth saving £3k for? In my mind it isn't.
My current E class has done 287k miles, and is still going strong so it isn't necessarily an issue unless you want to sell, then you can only give them away.
Think we are on the same hymn sheet here ! I look at the higher mileage car and think it could easily swallow the saving in cosmetics / servicing / repairs then you are left with a higher mileage car.
About 8 years ago I ran an E reg R107 500 SL with 248,000 miles on and it drove superbly giving me no trouble at all ! Just cosmetically challenged ! But I think the R 230 doesn't possess the old school build quality (lovely as they are) hence lower miles probably more relevant than previous generations. I would probably only cover 4-5k miles a year max so as you say in a few years you would be marketing a low mileage car that would be attractive to buyers over and above 150k or so.
Going to view the lower mileage car this next week as it's local. I have looked at a few that were lower priced but a bit tatty ! Will report back on findings !
About 8 years ago I ran an E reg R107 500 SL with 248,000 miles on and it drove superbly giving me no trouble at all ! Just cosmetically challenged ! But I think the R 230 doesn't possess the old school build quality (lovely as they are) hence lower miles probably more relevant than previous generations. I would probably only cover 4-5k miles a year max so as you say in a few years you would be marketing a low mileage car that would be attractive to buyers over and above 150k or so.
Going to view the lower mileage car this next week as it's local. I have looked at a few that were lower priced but a bit tatty ! Will report back on findings !
bigfella70 said:
Think we are on the same hymn sheet here ! I look at the higher mileage car and think it could easily swallow the saving in cosmetics / servicing / repairs then you are left with a higher mileage car.
About 8 years ago I ran an E reg R107 500 SL with 248,000 miles on and it drove superbly giving me no trouble at all ! Just cosmetically challenged ! But I think the R 230 doesn't possess the old school build quality (lovely as they are) hence lower miles probably more relevant than previous generations. I would probably only cover 4-5k miles a year max so as you say in a few years you would be marketing a low mileage car that would be attractive to buyers over and above 150k or so.
Going to view the lower mileage car this next week as it's local. I have looked at a few that were lower priced but a bit tatty ! Will report back on findings !
Good luck with the viewing.About 8 years ago I ran an E reg R107 500 SL with 248,000 miles on and it drove superbly giving me no trouble at all ! Just cosmetically challenged ! But I think the R 230 doesn't possess the old school build quality (lovely as they are) hence lower miles probably more relevant than previous generations. I would probably only cover 4-5k miles a year max so as you say in a few years you would be marketing a low mileage car that would be attractive to buyers over and above 150k or so.
Going to view the lower mileage car this next week as it's local. I have looked at a few that were lower priced but a bit tatty ! Will report back on findings !
Just been out in mine to the coast today, roof down, heater on, and just under 30mpg
Gassing Station | Mercedes | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff