R231 SL500

[ack0]

I have been watching these for some time and now that decent ones can be had in the thirties was hoping that some PH'ers would be able to share their experiences.

Good, bad, indifferent, or nicely understated with a reasonable dose of fast when required??

More or less reliable that the predecessor?

I know that there are lots of 350s about but the V8 is a V8..............

Any views/experience please let me know

Thx

ACK0

[ack0]

Anybody?

[MercedesClassic]

Also keen to know more but don't think they are as commonplace as previous models going by how few I see, possibly leading to lack of response.

I have a R129 SL320 and R230 SL55 F1, both great cars but with foibles that the R231 I think largely addresses. I think people find it hard to see under the less handsome skin compared to predecessors at a rust free alloy body, high tech safety and ICE systems and powerful yet efficient engine.
I read somewhere that the R231 SL500 was quicker than a R230 SL63 which is amazing. I've heard they can be tuned to 560BHP, does anyone know which tuners are the best?

[davidn]

I ran an 02 SL500 for 5 years, car was 5 years old full service history and 30ishK on the clock when I bought it. Used as a daily all fine for fist couple of years and then the well known problmes all started coming.
In no particular order.

ABC suspension pump failed - £1,500
SBC pump failed - £1,100
ABC valve block and pump failed - £1,000 (bit of good will)
Inner door handle snapped - £260
Fuel tank baffle fell off - £2,000
Ballast unit, and other bits in headlight failed - £800
Trims around rear window delaminated and milky - £300 ish
Parking pawl in gearbox selector broke - £400 ish
Air con condensor leaking - £quoted over £2000 to fix, needing whole dash out left it and lived with it.
Keyless go died needing new card - £300

On the plus side, engine, gearbox, diff - no problems
Electrics - no problems
roof - no problems
bodywork - no problems
Interior gizmos - no problems.
Servicing costs - reasonable

To drive - it's no sports car obviously, it doesn't really provide any sensation of speed due to engine and suspension refinement. Although it felt bloody quick when the ABC failed, bouncy, dangerous but quite fun for a short while until you start thinking about cost to repair.

Only advice I can offer based on my ownership is newer the better as alot of problems solved after 07 facelift, pockets deeper the better and buy a 350 to avoid suspension woes.

[MercedesClassic]

That's the R230 not R231 which is the current model being discussed.
However your experience sounds like the 2002 SL500 I ran for few years. Mine also had a failed ECU cost about £2000 from factory. Currently have a SL55 with performance pack, enjoying it but bringing it up to spec.
I'd be keen to know what owners of the current model think. Haven't read any horror stories or much in fact which probably means no news is good news LOL

[GT3hopeful]

Bought a 2015 SL500 with 2k miles and was a great car with absolutely no problems in 13 months ownership. Made mistake of swapping for Ferrari California in February this year thinking it might be close in refinement to SL but it wasn't - great engine/noise but not really daily driver or relaxing GT for long trips ( note to self -must have test drive in future before buying a car). Have sold Ferrari and ordered new SL500 coming next week 25% discount off list. SL500 is relaxing quick car great as daily driver and more than quick enough.
Not many 500s sold in UK so not that common. Couldn't see point of SL63 as not so heavily discounted new ,just a bit quicker and probably not as cosseting. Don't think ABC is sensible option looking at forums ?

[MercedesClassic]

GT3hopeful said:

Bought a 2015 SL500 with 2k miles and was a great car with absolutely no problems in 13 months ownership. Made mistake of swapping for Ferrari California in February this year thinking it might be close in refinement to SL but it wasn't - great engine/noise but not really daily driver or relaxing GT for long trips ( note to self -must have test drive in future before buying a car). Have sold Ferrari and ordered new SL500 coming next week 25% discount off list. SL500 is relaxing quick car great as daily driver and more than quick enough.
Not many 500s sold in UK so not that common. Couldn't see point of SL63 as not so heavily discounted new ,just a bit quicker and probably not as cosseting. Don't think ABC is sensible option looking at forums ?

I was wondering how you were getting on in your new SL500? Anything you like or dislike compared to the preface lifted R231? From photos I don't like the interior compared to my SL55 R230 but I sat in a new SL63 in the Merc showroom and loved the interior. Seats felt amazingly padded compared to mine which are good but a bit hard.
Also OP did you buy an SL500? There's a nice white one on AT for £31k although lowish spec and I think 61k miles which is highest mileage I've seen yet. £2-3k more get you into lower mileage higher spec car.
Not easy finding info on these but your experience was insightful, thanks and happy open-air motoring. DD

[GT3hopeful]

Sorry for delay in replying.
Front end of facelifted SL looks better and auto a lot smoother . Exhaust growls more than 2015 car I had . Still happy after 4 months which is good for me and not tempted to change for SL63 👍

[MercedesClassic]

Thanks for the update and no need to apologise as I've only just read your reply. Great to hear you're getting on well with it. This summer has been pretty dry so I'm sure you've made use of the drop top. I'm loving getting out runs in my SL55 with roof down. Enjoy.