Discussion
No, you will probably spend a bit on the ABC suspension, struts and pump are expensive, something like £1000 or so per strut, and £5/600 maybe for the pump.
The system also needs flushing/ fluid change on a regular basis
If it's an earlier car up to 2005 or so you have the SBC pump which operates the braking system which is on a life cycle determined by no of applications. This can possibly be reset but can be £7/800 for a replacement.
The boot seals leak letting water into the roof mechanism/motor. OEM seals can cost maybe £1500 ish to replace. Not sure about the roof mechanism/motor.
The instrument binnacle can be problematical and is quite costly to replace.
I think those are the major things to look out for. Find a 500 with those items sorted and you will have a lovely car.
Earlier cars also suffered a bit of rust so check carefully.
The system also needs flushing/ fluid change on a regular basis
If it's an earlier car up to 2005 or so you have the SBC pump which operates the braking system which is on a life cycle determined by no of applications. This can possibly be reset but can be £7/800 for a replacement.
The boot seals leak letting water into the roof mechanism/motor. OEM seals can cost maybe £1500 ish to replace. Not sure about the roof mechanism/motor.
The instrument binnacle can be problematical and is quite costly to replace.
I think those are the major things to look out for. Find a 500 with those items sorted and you will have a lovely car.
Earlier cars also suffered a bit of rust so check carefully.
I have recently exited the ferrari market and wanted something more sensible and usable. Ended up buying a beautiful SL350. 2005 37k miles in lovely condition. What a fantastic place to sit. Superb value for money and pretty future proof as well as bullet proof. Really pleased with it
CHIMV8 500 said:
dont want to blow the bank.
If that's on your list then steer well clear of an early SL500. They can be absolute money pits (I can't be bothered going into all of my tale of woe - I bought a 6 year old R230 in 2008, 50K, FMBSH, perfect. But every single thing that could go wrong went wrong. It was shocking. Utter s
t)My advice (unless you are obsessed with the V8 "thing") would be to go for a 350 and as new as you can possibly manage. The newer 350s are quicker than the older 500s anyway.
I'd love a 2004/05 SL 500. They look gorgeous, sound fantastic and appear to be value for money. Is this a good time to buy? Perhaps I could keep for 5+ years and lose little on it.
However, the horror stories I hear of the bills payable to keep these things on the road has put me off for the time being. Shame as I really would love one.
However, the horror stories I hear of the bills payable to keep these things on the road has put me off for the time being. Shame as I really would love one.
Major issue on the 500 counterbalanced engines the steel was made of chocolate
Details here http://www.mercedesmedic.com/check-my-mercedes-ben...
Details here http://www.mercedesmedic.com/check-my-mercedes-ben...
e600 said:
Would you not consider an AMG 55 SL. I think these bottomed out on price 12 or 18 months ago and are now steadily appreciating. Same issues regarding suspension, brakes and roof seals, also fuel tank baffles can let go which is rectified by ................a new fuel tank.
Yep this is the one to have, goes wrong just as often as the 500 but everything is twice as expensive ;-)If it's a cheap motoring experience you're after the R230 is not the car to own.
Gassing Station | Mercedes | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff