The Best Mercedes Nobody Wants? 2004 Mercedes Benz SL500 - History, Review & Drive
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- Опубліковано 6 сер 2024
- For Decades the #MercedesBenz #SL has been ultimate status symbol, but the #R230 model seems to be overlooked? I dive into the History, as well as review and drive the 2004 Mercedes Benz #SL500. Is this the SL nobody wants?
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Go to my review of the SL I think you could get a video I posted! it is an amazing car! High mileage ones you can pick up for 12,000 and under! bulletproof engine and transmission, weak spots on the car are the ABC system but the cost to prepare them has come way way down! Remember these were all driven by old men at one time in the comfort mode! I put away 750 a year to maintain the car! I don't like the looks as much of a newer car the r231,. My car pulls a 5.80 to 60 and that's fine for me! I just love the roar of the V-8 engine and the top down with my Doberman
Thanks for the comment!!! It really is a great car to drive… the owner of the car in the video absolutely loves it and daily drives it! I’ll check out your vid shortly!
This car is fast. I just got a 2005 R230. For me, this car and its speed are basically the benchmarks for fast. It's basically the very beginning of what I would consider a fast car. Anything under a 15-sec quarter-mile is pretty quick. I have heard of people hitting low 14s or even high 13s in this generation SL500 with very little upgrades or even stock. That is fast by any stretch of the imagination. Pretty much going any faster than that is pretty pointless unless you're trying to hurt yourself or others. I am pretty sure that is what they were going for. For merging or just passing and getting ahead of a bad driver, its plenty fast. If your definition of "fast" encompasses more than just quick straight-line speed, like going around corners and darting through traffic, then the SL500 and its ABC suspension are going to be faster than basically 99% of cars on the road. I think more and more people are going to start realizing this is the best value on the market right now. The price history would suggest as much, as they are going up, especially for low mileage examples. The body style is the perfect blend of new and classic. In a sea of overstyled and gaudy designs, the classic body lines of this generation SL are GORGEOUS. At the same time, most people I have asked so far think it is somewhere between 8-10 years old (sometimes newer). It still looks modern while keeping a classic look. Also, with power everything, rain-sensing wipers, parking sensors, heated and cooled seats, keyless go, and even adaptive cruise (literally the only option mine does not have, unfortunately) if you want it, this car has options that many brand new cars still don't have or even offer. I think its safe to say I'm a fan.
@@jeffn2723 Well stated! I'm in the market for a SL55 07-08.. I'm actually considering giving up a few toys in my stable to get a lower mileage, well kept example. Wish me luck! Lol. Best wishes!👍🏼
@@thalo9237 Thanks! If you can make it to Florida or would not mind having it shipped, they have the best deals on them BY FAR. GOOD LUCK!
@@thalo9237 Oh and I have noticed the AMG ones are a bit harder to find low miles, but not impossible. Mine has the AMG appearance package and I am thinking about having Brabus tune it and maybe even ask them about doing something crazy like a turbo hahaha. The turbo would probably cost a fortune and not be worth it, but wouldn't mind IHE and they can do some stuff with the cams that would make it quite a bit faster. What other cars do you have if you don't mind me asking? Curious.
I bought one for £9000 with only 70k miles 2006 really looked after by the owner. I put away £100 a month as a set aside for any maintenance or repairs. It’s cheaper than buying a brand new hatchback!
I had a 2004 SL 55 AMG for 12 years. Had the top hydraulics fixed 2 years ago, before that had motor mounts replaced along with the crankshaft position sensor. Total was under $3500 US for all. Drive it once or twice a week to the office. Put 26,000 miles on it in 12 years. Love the accleration and handling. At 80, its a keeper!
you just have to man up and repl the abc hoses, accumulators and struts. then the hydraulics for the hard top. this will cost you but the repair is good for 10 years. best to buy one that needs these repairs and is priced according. i am a mb tech and own this car. it is a very good quality car. the problem when poor people who want to look rich buy them and then complain about having to put 15k into them. these cars were 90k 20 years ago! i bough a mechanic special, put 15k in parts myself, and now drive a car that runs like it did when brand new.
Outside the materialistic bubble of the need to look like ken and barbie my old land cruiser had 420,000 miles on it and was also near 90k at the time of purchase. I change the oil every 5k owned it 5 years and didn't spend a dime in repairs. The fact is, quality is in the eyes of the beholder and who's parked fixing and who is out driving.
A Mercedes tech eh? Can I have like 9 hours of your time by chance? I have about 3,000 questions lol. That's cool though! Oh, and yes, I agree. I think the problem with a lot of these older Mercedes is that people who can't afford them buy them. I just bought a 2005 SL500 with 36K miles. I am really hoping it will be good to me for a while. I had it fully checked out before buying, which is something I have always said I will do when looking for a new ride but never do. Anything I should look at doing around that mileage?
@@jeffn2723 change every fluid in the car. also if the motor mounts are more than 3 yo then buy Lemforder motor and trans mounts. look around and buy an extra ABC pump. set aside money for the abc hoses
@@narcissistinjurygiver2932 I have noted these things and def will do them. Hey, have you ever heard of someone doing a Distronic retrofit on an R230? I heard its possible and was just curious about it. Thanks for the reply.
@@jeffn2723 don't think it is possible.
It certainly may be a “mediocre example”, but it’s my daily driver I purchased a couple years ago and it’s been phenomenal. Museum quality? No. Daily driver with over 100k on the clock? Yes. With a history of Corvettes, Land Rovers, Acuras - none have been more fun, reliable, and noteworthy than my SL.
i bought my SL500 R-230,03 model 3 months ago,i just love this car i don`t want to have another car for sure. i enjoy every minute i am out driving this beautiful car
I bought my 2005 SL500 for 16K in 2021 with 63K on it. She just turned over 80k. I am the 3rd owner and the other 2 took real good care of here also. This car was always my dream car and she does not disappoint me. This car is great to drive and look at. Since she is 18 years old I do expect things to happen and I have a few. I have had work done on the hydraulics, and the AC has been replaced, but I have an awesome mechanic so I don't worry. Folks look at this car and can't believe her age due to the very modern look, and being taken care of. I do have a savings account with the name of "Dream" for when she needs something, but compared to the original price when new, and the price I paid she is worth it to me.
I have a 2005 SL500 I bought off the showroom floor. 18 years old now with 95k miles. The Style always looks modern, never ages, and the hardtop convertible is sweet to have. I did pay 100k for this car new, and it's a keeper for me. I do spend 1k to 2k a year to maintain it, but money well spent.
I have been a happy 04SL500 owner since 2016. The car has Formula 1 inspired suspension and braking. The safest fast car you can own! The Italian designer put lots of Alfa Romeo design into the dashboard instruments which I love. After owning five Alfas this car is bulletproof by comparison. Change the oil and suspension filters and plug it into a trickle charger if you cannot drive it at least twice a week. Then no issues and you still have that 25 year warranty on the SBC braking system.
I'm looking at one I found for sale for 13g, but I'm sure I can talk him down at least a couple gs, anyway he said he had to unplug the battery in the trunk because if not he'll have to jump it, I didn't know if this was something I was gonna have to spend money on to get repaired myself, or (after reading your comment) is just something I'll have to live with and do like you said?? Any tips and advice is greatly appreciated, it truly is a beautiful piece of machinery, just don't want to have buyers regret if you catch my drift, thanks
R230 SL's really are an absolute bargain. As you say achingly pretty and they have the folding metal roof which is it's ultimate party piece. Bought the wife a facelift 2007 SL350 with the revised engine and gearbox 7 years ago now and we both absolutely love it. It is optioned with the ABC suspension which gives a super smooth and refined ride but can be expensive to fix. However, a faulty ABC pump was diagnosed as a simple 'O' ring failure and was fixed for a few pounds when Mercedes wanted £900 + fitting to replace the whole ABC pump. So ABC can be fixed economically if you avoid Mercedes dealers. I would recommend the R230 SL highly as long as you just want to waft around in comfort and style. It is definately not a sports car.
You don't think so? I have a 2005 SL500. For me, driving it for the first time was the type of experience I would associate with a sports car. It sort of reminded me of what I always figured driving a Porsche would feel like. Heavy and substantial but ready to go at the same time. It's about as fast as the 2004 Pontiac GTO I had with a LS1 Corvette motor in it. I would consider both of those cars sports cars. Would you say it's more of a grand tourer though?
This is such an iconic design. I cannot wait to put my hands on one of these. The body has such unique lines and curvature I can’t even grasp the age of it.
Still own a 2008 SL 550.. she was high maintenance when I first met her.. $ 900 for convertible top cylinders, $1200 front brakes and rotors, $400 rear tail light, $325 oil change, $765 2 front tires, $790 2 rear tires.. once the initial expense, She’s been pretty good..all she needs now is a screen for the radio $500.. The exhilarating drive was well worth the money needed to get her right… nothing like 155 mph with the top down
Gotta pay to play as they say 🤷♂️. Hehe thanks for the comment and checking out the vid! Enjoy your SL!
$325 oil change??? You got scammed. Filter costs $16 and the engine takes 8.5 quarts of oil.
@miseryparty3726 that's the usual rate.. 9 quarts of Mobile 1 and filter plus labor.. $325.00 .. Only good thing is that it lasts 1 year
@@tgorulez Sorry man you got robbed. Learn to change your oil.
What “labor charge” lol? Filter takes like 2 minutes to remove. Oil drains in like 5-10 minutes. Costs less than $100. $16 for the filter and $55 for 10 quarts of oil. I always have 1 quart to spare. If you can’t set aside a spare 10-15 minutes “once a year” for a simple oil change…seek help
how is the car a female again???? ''she'' try IT, I love considering my SL to be a Germanic alien thing.
I have a silver 04 red interior and at 71k miles it needed a few pricey items replaced but I bit the bullet and got the repairs done. The car hasn't seen rain in years. It's a nice weekend car for sure! Having the ABC/ Power steering fluid service is a must. $800 but better than several thousand 🤑. British owners highly recommend this too. I find some DIY maintenance on this Benz easier than my 1981 CameroZ28.🤨
How much times do you pay 800? Like month or months ?
I would probably have the ABC fluid flush every 4 years or 10,000 miles. Unfortunately mine doesn't get out much these days.
Thanks for the nice vid! As a 2007 SL R230 owner I'm shocked by how this example creaks so much in the interior. Mine now has about 60k miles and nothing creaks at all. My dailys are usually leased newer cars and none of them ever had a nearly comparable interior quality as my R230. I've owned newer Mercedes, Teslas, Audis and VWs. The first facelift is a much better car in many ways. Very improved faster V8, better interior materials and subtle but good exterior changes. And I also have the wooden steering wheel which looks so good. Only thing I have to do is repair the massage function and Distronic (the fact that you could already get one with adaptive cruise control in 2001 is just mind blowing for me). Also the upper outer part from one door handle is a little loose but that's it. Keep it maintained and you're fine. People forget that a once $100k car which now costs $35k still has the maintenance costs of a $100k car. And of course a car with more tech is more likely to break. But that doesn't make it a worse car. Because if it works, and it will do 99% of the time, it works better than anything else that's much cheaper to maintain (easier tech). Take the ABC for example. Ride quality is awesome.
I have a 2009 SL550 so far so good it runs and looks great. Drove it from Philly to Georgia and what a fun drive with or without top down. Great power. Tired do wear out if the pressure isn’t according to specs. I found a great shop to keep it serviced so far never paid more than 350.00 a year for annual service.
It's funny, you always hear all these horror stories. But, now that I have talked to tons of people about these, I would say more often than not, people say they have had either zero or very little problems with them. I am going to chalk it up to the fact that when people have a reliable car they tell a few people, but when you have some horrible expensive issue you make sure everyone knows. At least I do, by complaining about it. I think that is where the bad rep comes from. I am crossing my fingers and hoping I have good luck with this car. I got an SL500 with 36,000 original miles, so I think I will be good for a while. Knock on wood.
as we know, 2009 facelift is when they perfected the beast, my 2011, it was a babied car, but these things are just so well made, it's incredible, I just do have some rattles and creaks though, but it's mostly the roof parts, it's arguably the most luxurious car the common man can afford, does not mean shit it's 12yrs old, it's better than any new bmw or mbz, or anything for that matter! and it's so good looking, I don't know if I will buy an r231 next time I buy an SL, the r231 is UGLY
I have the SL R230 350 which doesn't have the troublesome ABC but standard coil over suspension. I have been freaked out a few times by this car & it's complexity BUT it's steadied out. I'm enjoying it now. Iv'e had it over 3 years & replaced more parts than most cars I've ever owned but it's given me more pleasure than other cars I've owned. It's my 3rd SL. I shall sell it soon because I'm going traveling but will get another R230 for sure especially now I know what to look for.
I own a 2006 SL500, and I think it is a great car. Honestly, I have put some money into it. I had to deal with a few oil leaks, which cost a few thousand to repair. Aside from that, the car turns head all the time and is a blast to drive. I feel that Mercedes could have pulled more power out of the 5.0 V8, but at 305 hp the car still quick. I also own a 1984 380SL. I agree that the 1980s SLs were really great. My 380SL has had fewer problems than my 2006 SL.
Was one of those leaks a crankshaft seal by chance? Just wondering because it's something I am going to have to do here before too long.
Gotta love the Benz. Awesome video
Thanks very much! Glad you liked it!
I own a vintage 04 R230. The car does everything right and not a nightmare to maintain and repair. I use Cabrolet Hydralics in Sarasota Florida to service the top cylinders. Easy fix. Near 100k miles and tight as a new one . Fun and satisfying to drive. BG
Just came back from a road trip in my 04 sl500 r230 wow amazing car. Very comfortable on a road trip
Awesome! I bet it gobbled up the miles with ease.. definitely was made for it! Thanks for the comment 😎
I’ve got the 2003 model with the AMG package. I love this car, I bought it 10 years ago and only drive it on the odd weekend over the summer months.. it still looks amazing even though it’s 19 years old, black on tan, mint interior, no rips, leather looks new, carpet has no wear marks at all, previous owner definitely took care of it.. it’s not the fastest car out there but I didn’t buy it to race, it’s all about showing up in style
They really are cool cars! The owner of the car in the video absolutely loves it and plans on keeping it for many years! Thanks for the comment!
Nice! I just bought a 2005 SL500 with the AMG package. It only has 36,000 miles, so it sounds like the owner before me was someone like you. I figure most people who own these have more than one car. Anyway, I think it is fast. Not super fast, but what I would call like the benchmark for the very start of what you would call fast enough to be a "fast" car. Just my two cents. I am sure just a few grand into this motor and everything else would make it as fast as a Corvette of the same year if one were so inclined. Have you upgraded the stereo? It's the only thing that sucks on these. I just make CDs, but for the 2005 they took the aux out for some weird reason. No good way to connect Bluetooth, but I have heard there's some type of adapter out there.
*and by stereo I mean head unit. The speakers are amazing actually.
@@jeffn2723 Hello Jeff...i think the car is fast enough...im 57 years old and i have enjoyed my racing days on the street with tires buring and engines reving into the redline area lol..those days are long gone, the population now has increased greatly in my neck of the woods and all of these new people are immigrants...we all know how they got their license....most should not even be driving...i drive for a living so my license is top priority for me!! Plus now its time to cruise in style, i have reached that point in life to sit back and enjoy what i have accomplished without the help of a partner.....no inheritance either, i earned mine with a little sweat...you learnd how to play the game after a while too....let the young boys do the dirty work and for less pay lol...
As far as the stereo... for a car like mine that is 19 years old, the Bose system sounds better than anything of the factory systems in my other vehicles...the Ford Mustang has the Shaker system but it doesn't sound as nice, my Ram 1500 has the Alpine system but it too isn't near as good, my Harley has the factory stereo and its nice enough to listen to when cruising, my Hyundai Sonata...well, its good enough as the daily driver for work etc and all year round, the other vehicles are strickly summer toys on weekends lol...
There is no such thing as an 'AMG package' on an SL500. There is a 'Sport package' option which has nothing to do with AMG, other than having those three letters stamped on the wheels. The mechanicals and performance of cars equipped with this option is identical to that of cars not so equipped. In contrast, an actual AMG vehicle, such as a SL55 AMG, is a vastly different animal with far more power and much better mechanicals.
R230 is the peak of SL
Yes.
Nice!!! love that whip!!
Me too!
incredible cars! I bought a 2006 - SL500 and like it so much I bought an SL600 to go with it! wow!
best bargain for Mercedes lovers. It is absolutely amazing. Good looking
i own an SL 55 for ten years now.. never had an issue with the ABC but i also maintained it, never lowered it and took it for a drive regularly..
I have 2004 SL500 with less than 45k. Next repair is the acceralotar. Love the car. Looks and runs great.
From what I’ve read on the forums as I an thinking of picking one up is to flush the ABC / PS system to run a seal reconditioner non swelling type in every hydraulic system. PS, ABC, and Roof hydraulics. Stiffing seals and seal failures are the downfall of this car. IQM is what is sworn by on the Merc forums and the ones that use it have zero issues with leaking struts, valve block, accumulators or tandem pump failures. Blowing a line seem unavoidable at some point best to do a custom m18 hydraulic hose for less than 1/2 the cost of oem
Just got a 03 AMG 55SL. It drives like glass. Wonderfully smooth. I'm also deep into replacing the roof cylinders. It's a huge job, that the dealer wanted 8k to do. The 11 cylinders will run 1500 plus core charge, but the hours and hours needed to strip the interior out and get to all the cylinders is no joke. The infotainment system has to go. Other than that, it is a badass car for very little money.
Solid, honest review on a cool car!
😎👍
Glad you liked it!!! Definitely a cool ride
I love mine! The 3 problems: brake system, after a certain number of brake pedal applications, system must be renewed. Cost: $3,500! -Although in USA they have a lifetime garanty. 2) Rattle in gas tank. The baffle plat that prevents the gasoline from splashing around, breaks loose. Very noisy and annoying. Cost repair: $2,500 (I repaired mine with 2 magnets ($65). 3) Vario roof.Sometimes takes 5 minutes to open or close. Will have to replace pump with rebuilt one. Cost: $500 plus installation. Mine is a 350 SL,I live in Germany. It does not have the hydraulic suspension, which can cost thousands of dollars to repair. I do most of the repairs myself. Last job was motor and transmission mounts. They are hard to get to! Forget the Navigation! Last update was 11 years ago. Iphone. But I love this car. I've had it up to 150 MPH for a few minutes on the autobahn. Gas mileage is not too good. Nothing rattles in the interior. Would certainly buy another one!!!!!
I've had my SL for 17 years now and couldn't agree with you more the R230 the most beautiful SL made to date but only the first version of it every other update ruined the overall look of the car in my opinion. I enjoyed your video keep them coming
Greatly appreciate that! Thanks for watching :)
Must agree '1st version' before anything else was changed. To my eye is the best.
Agreed, Mercedes should not have tried to rehash the original R230 design, all these facelifts from the R231 onwards......why??
They finally got it right with the brand new shape SL towards the end of 2022....at least they've moved away from trying another version of the R230.
Absolutely! The facelifts ruined it. I still remember a warm summer evening in the early 2000s. I was walking through my small village when this car was passing by. It looked like a spaceship, like a diamond on wheels. An absolute dreamcar!
r230 is the best looking sport car ever made, it's that simple, and maybe just for the added bonus that you can afford to own one!
I was keen to buy an SL. However the price of the car might have come down but the parts haven’t and you will need to replace plenty of them. Approaching 20yo. In Australia they are expensive.
I think it’s the best shape and the technology bang on
My building manager bought a 2003 w bumper tp bumper warranty. Spent most of the first 2 or 3 years in the shop and the warranty didn't cover the repairs needed. it kept her broke. She drove it to Dallas from Houston and it broke down and needed towed to the MB dealer. They wanted $14000 to fix it . Most of it the ABC suspension system. Of course, the top quite. PSE system quit. I trailered it back and have spent many weekends fixing it. It breaks down faster than I have time to fix it. Headlights, horn, battery control, where would I stop.
Thinking on picking up one of these locally it’s been sitting , I ve been learning of the weak points, and the expenses however I know drivetrain is a beast and tough. It would just be extra kick around car don’t care much about it. Just see what can be done with it for fun , will plan a budget for the crap that goes wrong. Maybe a very few performance enhancements, and good updated modest custom stereo system
I Love my 2002 500SL !
The engine and trans in this model are bulletproof, likely the best MB V8 engine for reliability.
I have a 2003 500 XL..money pit. 2 sets of valve covers, ac compressor, dreaded suspension repairs, brakes, rotors, climate control, tires, 16 spark plugs, fan blower. Fun to drive when it works
tires, brakes rotors, sparks plugs are wearing parts so i wouldnt count that in..
I have a 2004 that looks exactly like this one. The only problem I have had with this is the suspension, it's OK now.. I also have a fully restored 1976 450 SL.
It's the biggest bargin that you can find Tavarish has one he changed out the hydraulic system for a strut and link kit and his R230 was an amg.model but they all can be changed over there's company in Florida and euro parts that makes kits for them and Rock auto
Yea but what happened to Tavarish with his manual gear box conversion ? 🤣
My friend I had bought a 2004 that I'm having problems with the convertible cables broken if you can give me some tips about how to fix it I appreciate it
I'm looking at an 05 one, as the shape i love i wouldn't even use the convertible roof so it shouldn't break right?
Very interesting video but the author left out one glaring item...The ABC system or Active Body Control System. It was also interesting that this car had the system removed and swapped in coil overs as evident by the missing ABC reservoir that normally resides next to the Power steering reservoir.
I own a R230 since 13 years and I sort of agree and disagree. Yes it is a great car and great fun to drive BUT it certainly is not too easy to work on. You really need to learn the requirements which can differ from „any other car“. As important spare parts as hydraulic pumps or valve blocks for the abc are not available from Mercedes it is highly recommended to join a SL club to secure access to refurbished or new small batch production parts. Who ever considers a R230… get the SL 55 AMG.. it‘s a day and night difference to the 500 😎
Just purchased one
Awesome congrats! They are awesome cars.. thanks for the comment!
Beautiful car
Indeed it is!
Love the car ...👍🏼
Mine is 2004 SL55 AMG
Fully loaded silver one
I love it ...
Thanks for the comment! Yep I think the owner of the car in the video has his eyes on an SL55 next!
I’ve owned a 2003 R230 SL500 since 2008 to this day….so this gives an idea of how “oooh so scary they are !”
..yes these cars need maintenance, yes you will need a top quality independent specialist who won’t rip you off & yes you can do lots of repairs yourself….the R230 SL will reward you way more than any car on the road.
There are so few around on the road at the moment, so many people comment on the car’s beautiful timeless elegance !
..yep the classifies are awash with sub £7k etc, but please please please don’t buy a cheap one, these ones have simply been driven to the ground with little in the way of ongoing maintenance.
Main thing…. Make sure you have the capacity to be able to trickle charge the second battery in the boot/trunk…. If you cannot park the car in a garage overnight or at least have a charge point outside then buy a Prius instead !
This generation of Mercedes SL is my dream car and I already own a 2009 CLK550. For anyone who isn't keen on facing expensive repairs to the R230's hydraulic suspension system, Strutmasters sells conversion kits that will enable the car to run just fine on adjustable shocks and springs, while shedding all the dead weight associated with the hydraulic suspension.
Forgot to mention that NEOMAX also offers spring and shock conversion kits for numerous makes and models of vehicles that were factory equipped with hydraulic suspensions. I am not affiliated with either outfit.
Yeah. You could. But it wouldn't be a "TRUE" SL anymore. Seems like the car would lose its integrity and value.
Late to the conversation but in the process of buying a r230 350. As long as you find one without shot electrics they're easy enough to work on
I'm selling mine & it all works like it should. I have to pay 23K to the dentist.
I'll take it
R230 is a great car .... SL500 is definitely the best buy .... does it all.
nope 550's, better engine.
I have a SL500 2004 and I love this car. But it does scare me due to all the people that tell me that it's a money pit. Even my mechanic
Lol, it can be scary… but I think they are beautiful cars and worth saving! Appreciate the comment Albert!
It's because when people have some horrible expensive repair on these, even though it's rare, they tell everyone. So, that is the rep they get. Nobody really remembers if you tell them you've had no problems with only minimal maintenance the last few years, but if you say the dealership charged you $8gs to replace the ABC system, well then everyone is going to hear about it. Maybe kinda the same thing with the mechanic. He isn't really talking to as many people having good luck with them. At the same time, I am sure he knows that yeah these have a few more than usual problem areas that can be spendy as they age. It's basically just the type of car you should start saving for the next repair on right when you get it. I do that and start slowly putting a little away for the repair after that too. That way when or if it does happen, its already paid for. That's how I have always approached the slightly older German cars I have owned. Anyway, I am going through the same thing bro. I just got it and scared to drive it because something will blow up. I am learning that there is no point worrying about that. If it happens, it happens. But I do think its a bit less likely to happen than many people make it out to be.
@@jeffn2723 I agree . All of my issues were rear battery low voltage related. Never was anything wrong - just the scary bright red warnings on the dashboard! New batteries and a trickle charger in the garage - and no further problems.
@@gotglasses Iv'e had my warning light going like it Christmas , all ok now with new batteries.
Ok fine . I want it . I don’t care if nobody sees this pro machine
Thank you for this helpful and accessible information. I keep leaning toward and away from the SL in various trims for a couple of years now. I’m leaning heavily toward a 2014 R231 550SL with an AMG styling package and in fantastic condition with complete detailed dealer service record history for the place I would take it to anyway. Still holding a nearly $30k price tag but it seems well worth it and I can’t afford a newer one.
Appreciate the kind words Bryant! That 14’ SL sounds like an excellent candidate. Let me know how ya make out!
What are those wheels? I love it
skip the first few years of the r230, abc issues are going to happen, 2009 facelifted ones don't have any abc problems, they really made that feature better and I am not going to lie ABC suspension is unlike anything else, it's like a dream.
Good honest review, you want to see bad quality, try an SLK. Drives great, good power, almost exact dimensions of the old 300SL. Higher horsepower, but interior does not just creak, paint comes off and plastics break. So Bad. Car is not even worth enough money to fix the pieces.
Thank you!!
I know a man that has 2 of these cars.. bought them new and shows them at cars shows.. the gull wings
I have a 2005 SL600 with a V12 of course. I do all the maintenance myself but I do it properly with quality parts.
I can't stand the cheapskate mentality some people have when buying these cars. Especially when they think they get a deal buying one at a good price with many problems.
Someone once said to me:
There is nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes
I’ve heard that saying many times lol!
Anyone who's owned a P38 Range Rover has the highest pain threshold for maintenance and repairs. Mine ended up catching 🔥 lol.
Haha! Correct
It's not because I have 3 sl
But to be honest
Google the Brabus kit and the lorinser kit too
I have both
And they r fucking amazing
Love the brabus kits!
Owned 2 I like the sl 550 better great car for the money
Want to purchase a used Convertible for my wife, the only brands that carry Convertibles are Mercedes, Audi & BMW. Been told Mercedes have been high-maintenance for years, have read several Mercedes owners changing the oil every 1k miles. ?!? BMW even more maintenance $$$$ and Audi has the quality interior craftsmanship...although I'm not a fan of Turbo 2.0 engines. Any advice wouid be appreciated. Thank you.
Funny I'm looking at a 2005 SL 600 with 17k miles. 1/3 the price of a 2022 S-500 at 125k gas mileage close after all these years. Big difference when it comes to understanding the mechanic of the two. At least I'm able to understand the engine components on UA-cam. With a V-12 I'll be the only one parked with more spark plugs. It would be nice to drive something
from yesteryear and still, be the talk of the parking lot. The two function SL will be extremely exciting to drive as a coupe or roadster. And when you compare car payments well just say
I'll have some coins in my wallet. I think some older vehicles get better with time. I'm happy I'm looking at a 2005 to buy rather than 2022 Mercedes anything. 4/5/22
I just bought a 2005 SL500 with 36k miles. DO IT! 17k miles? That is low. I have only seen one 2005 SL500 for sale with that low of miles since I have been tracking them. Even the 36,000 I haven't seen but a few times if that. The 5th generation SL has aged like a fine wine. Gorgeous body lines in a sea of tacky overstyled new models on the road IMO.
This car is at the bottom of it's depreciation cycle, it's an SL. In the same way the Porsche 996 was unloved for quite sometime, this SL will also rise in value and so will the 996 continue to do so, once the aftermarket makes ABC repair much cheaper (it's getting there already), people will be onto these like hot cakes.
The people who admired and lusted after these when they were new are a few years away from being financially capable of owning an appreciated and classic version of this car, but like all things in life it's cyclical. People don't want a prestigious car that's worthless, they want one that's become or becoming valuable. Just wait a few years and people will be running at these hand over fist.
You'd be surprised how many people buy a Mercedes and then almost never do any maintenance ,,
next thing you hear about is how unreliable they are and how much they cost to repair.
If you maintain them properly , they are actually a great car.
Spot on 👍
I had a 500bsl,and S and two 560sl. 560sl was more fun. And reliable
I'm torn. Should I, or shouldn't I ?
Life is short lol.. go for it!
Best looking sl apart from the 300 sl
I owe one and if you can get past the ABC issues you WILL have... These cars are amazing!
Ive have a 2004 sl500 and the transmission has been acting funny with staying stuck in 2nd or 3rd gear and the top stopped working because of a leaking o ring personaly im tired of working on it and ready to sell if anyone intersted.😢
I've always wanted a sl500-550, they are such beautiful timeless cars, but after buying my first Mercedes (ml350) I wasn't impressed, it looks nice, build quality is poor, really bad gas mileage for a 6 cylinder, but I do like it better than my BMW (5 series) BMW (break my wallet) always has problems...
Ya sadly the ML’s don’t have the best reputation.. but they are wonderful when they work lol!
Dump the ABC components and it is a great car.
So funny when you hear emericans say " coup" instead of coupé... usa is another world
Haha kinda like aluminum…. And Z lol. Thanks for watching 😎
Use both it's an abbreviation.
A better title for your video should be , The lost Generation Mercedes SL how and why?
I like it!
Nope.
“A Mercedes-Benz must always look like a Mercedes-Benz.”
- Bruno Sacco.
Nice!
I hAvE a 2006 w/25k 500SL AMG... tHeY should hAd bEEn mfg witH a linked trickler system installed aNd an expandable computer for phone adaption aNd other updates
2009 SL driver here. That's a mediocre maintained example. I can tell from the headlight cataracts and broken dash grill. For a better example of a 2003 SL500 check out BQT's interior analysis. ua-cam.com/video/TPv7N2YAH0Q/v-deo.html
What would you say is a good number of Carfax maintenance history reports for a 2005 SL500? I bought a 2005 SL500 with just 36K miles, but it does have a few little problem areas. No wearing on the seat bolstering like I have seen a lot, but there is a bad hole in the seat I patched up. Looks like some sort of accident because aside from that, the seats look brand new almost. A couple rock chips and micro dings in maybe 2 or 3 spots, but I am nitpicking. Oh and the Command screen has some spots on it, but that thing needs to go anyway wayyy too old. The wood accents near the shifter and on the steering wheel have cracks, but I have been reading some people wear that like a badge of honor on these and almost consider it like the patina on a coin you wouldn't want to fix. Other than these things, flawless interior. Nothing looks faded or unclean. The engine bay and everything in it look suitable to eat off of dang near. Everything else looks basically pristine and brand new. It's a trip to see a 17-year-old car that looks like it just rolled brand new off the lot. There are a couple small issues like it needs new TPMS sensors and it thinks it's 136 degrees outside, but I am guessing those aren't too bad to repair. I really paid attention to the dash, the rubber seals, and looked for rain leaks. AMG appearance package, keyless go, parking sensors, glass roof, and that classic Mercedes brilliant silver paint...I couldn't pass it up. You can tell a lot about someone and how they take care of their vehicles based on the type of tires and batteries they use. When I saw the Michelins and genuine Mercedes and AC Delco batteries, I knew I was golden.
Buy a R129!
Not a bad choice 😎
I've had that and r230 blows that one away
@@thedoo777 Same ! And the R107 all different cars really all good but the R230 'next level'
Nobody wants the repair costs!
The R129 is the better SL.
Hanson was a better band than Led Zeppelin.
not if it comes to driving dynamics..
@@sp7873 Or looks ! What's left 😂
This model and the previous SL were the best models.
All the latest ones look shit with those shitty tablets!
I'm selling a SL 2005 with Only 81k Miles for Only 9500
Where are you?
That car is nothing but a headache, The End.
It is the Chrysler SL nobody wants. Don't buy the R230 v12. Open-deck thin wall cylinders warp and only solution is a new engine or an LS swap.
I doubt everyone on here has a SL 😂😂😂stop capping
fs 'what like grannies on the sexting making out they are 25'
These cars are absolute junk after they age.The ABC suspension is an absolute nightmare and costs a literal TON of money to repair.
Each strut is about $2000 just for the part and if youre REALLY lucky youll have to pull the engine to replace the ABC hydraulic lines not if WHEN they start to leak.
I have owned my 2006 since 2008, and it is a car I will not sell as it is a masterpiece of art and engineering that I enjoy frequently. I have to reside in two locations and I miss the SL so I’m on the hunt for a 2017-20 that I think did evolutionary justice.
R230's are lovely cars unfortunately this one is ruined by those hideous wheels.
I bought an SL500 R230 its been nothing but a headache, the car is too complicated when a simple engineering solution would have worked better and lasted longer, I would not recommend buying one.
Definitely not for the faint of heart! Thanks for the comment!
I feel yea ! Once you iron them out they seem ok. iv'e have some bad times but get through them but I have the 350 which doesn't have the troublesome ABC
Worst car to ever own believe me..should've bought a lexus
Chinese plastic fittings.2000.2008.rubbish build quality..
Ya they definitely aren’t the old school Benz tank status!
@@ImperiiAuto You know what though my son has A Volvo & his wife a VW 'They are both rusting & not wearing /Fairing as well as the R230. He jumps at the chance to borrow mine.
Lots of issues and only one can make.this car a write off considering repair and part expenses .even just regular maintenance done properly will kill you .... FORGETABOUTIT !
Finding a mechanic to work on it is a problem. I have a convertible roof problem that will not retract trunk works. Everything else pomp is perfect. I saw many many videos that that would help to pinpoint the issue. So I put it for sale for cheap but people will haggle with me to appoint where they want it for close to nothing.
The dealer, of course, does not want to work on it. It will give you some insane quote.
My agony
Ugh sorry to hear that!