Was buying a used 2004 Mercedes SL500 for Mrs. Wizard a good idea? The CAR WIZARD gives an update

Поділитися
Вставка
  • Опубліковано 8 лют 2025
  • Was it a good idea for the CAR WIZARD 🧙‍♂️ to buy Mrs. Wizard a used Mercedes, let alone the 2004 SL500? They've owned it for several months, how has it performed?
    🔮🔧 AMAZON AFFILIATE STORE: www.amazon.com... 🔧🔮
    🇬🇧🇬🇧 UK AMAZON STORE: www.amazon.co.... 🇬🇧🇬🇧
    🧰 BENDPAK LIFTS: www.bendpak.com 🧰
    👕 CAR WIZARD MERCH: teespring.com/... 👕
    📷 INSTAGRAM @therealcarwizard 📷

КОМЕНТАРІ • 1,2 тис.

  • @cossie60
    @cossie60 4 роки тому +659

    There's a Hoovie car in the background no matter what angle you use with the camera

    • @johnhoey4605
      @johnhoey4605 4 роки тому +26

      Those two guys have a great thing going. Now they just need to find a way to bring in Scotty K., and they’ll take over the world.

    • @starsaber2002
      @starsaber2002 4 роки тому +60

      @@johnhoey4605 no leave scotty out of it

    • @darrenswails
      @darrenswails 4 роки тому +2

      @@starsaber2002 I would like that 3 time if I could.....here you go 👍👍👍

    • @apostlos
      @apostlos 4 роки тому +19

      Hoovie's breaking his own cars to use Wizards for more storage.

    • @DynV
      @DynV 4 роки тому +12

      @@johnhoey4605 He'd keep screaming: endless money pit.

  • @bankait_rex1860
    @bankait_rex1860 4 роки тому +430

    Key point "If you get a mercedes make sure you can fix it yourself" got it.

    • @HALTHEOO
      @HALTHEOO 4 роки тому +26

      I own 2 Mercedes and planning to get another one. I work my own cars so it's not such a big deal to me. Just make sure to atleast have 5k in reserve if something severe does happen and you're not able to fix it yourself.

    • @jordancapps9521
      @jordancapps9521 4 роки тому +12

      He's hinted at the sentiment for all exotics too, unless you are filthy rich.

    • @gannicus1026
      @gannicus1026 4 роки тому +4

      @@HALTHEOO same here ;)

    • @richardbutton1179
      @richardbutton1179 4 роки тому +11

      More like "if you have the patience to fix it yourself"

    • @dodgeplow
      @dodgeplow 4 роки тому +8

      *and make sure you can get wholesale prices for parts too

  • @pcfabris
    @pcfabris 4 роки тому +186

    Mr. Wizard keeps bringing better and better toys for Mrs. Wizard. He's a keeper.

    • @paulhaley5009
      @paulhaley5009 7 місяців тому

      Mr wizard he's a real gent...they seem a solid couple 💑..Good bless them both...lovely fella great video thank you both...

  • @jessebaldwin2661
    @jessebaldwin2661 4 роки тому +108

    I bought a 13 year old SL500 with 47,000 miles on it and It ran beautifully. The only reason I sold it was because my realtor wanted to buy it and paid me top dollar for it. I owned it for 6 years, spent very little on maintenance, and sold it to him for $2000 more than I paid for it. I really miss that beautiful car!

  • @aaronsrose
    @aaronsrose 4 роки тому +362

    Lol. "Giggity" plate on the viper.

    • @rexultimus1422
      @rexultimus1422 4 роки тому +8

      i was about to say; no one saw the viper plate🤔🤣

    • @Rose.Of.Hizaki
      @Rose.Of.Hizaki 4 роки тому +4

      If my memory serves me correctly, that could belong to another youtuber. I have definitely seen it in other peoples videos but i just cant remember who.

    • @ColJonSquall1
      @ColJonSquall1 4 роки тому +2

      I was about to say "Will we hear about the Giggity Viper in the background?"

    • @JustCallMeArtix
      @JustCallMeArtix 4 роки тому +7

      Quag drives dat in his spare time xD

    • @jaimealvarez4722
      @jaimealvarez4722 4 роки тому

      A rich perv in the middle of Kansas. Who would've thought.....

  • @bigbri4090
    @bigbri4090 4 роки тому +108

    Mrs. Wizard added a lot of value to this video...good job!

    • @tanssi2145
      @tanssi2145 4 роки тому +12

      She’s a natural hey! It seems like she has also been pivotal in opening up and encouraging Wizard himself ! Great to see her more and more it’s a great partnership, he sure treats her right haha

    • @studiodevelopers2467
      @studiodevelopers2467 2 роки тому

      @@tanssi2145
      Yes and that is a badass benz

  • @tskichannel2302
    @tskichannel2302 4 роки тому +130

    Hey Wizard, FYI: Your SBC system is probably covered by an extended 25 year / unlimited mileage warranty that was updated by MB USA a few years ago. I have a 05 E500 with SBC that recently had brake errors. It needed a new SBC reservoir...100% covered by MB USA. Often this info doesn't get to 2nd, 3rd etc owners. Maybe have Magic Mike check with one of his dealer friends.

    • @Derek8487
      @Derek8487 4 роки тому +12

      They must of been feeling generous... Or scared of a lawsuit. 🤣

    • @oljefri
      @oljefri 4 роки тому +7

      @@Derek8487 Yep, I doubt that this warranty covers many other countries...

    • @yass123
      @yass123 4 роки тому +1

      It was a new invasion of brake by wire, but they ditched it from 2007+ model from what I remember.

    • @oljefri
      @oljefri 4 роки тому +1

      @@yass123 ok:)

    • @tskichannel2302
      @tskichannel2302 4 роки тому +3

      @@yass123 Yup. My 07 W211 E63 has conventional brakes. (and only 1 battery)

  • @miketeeveedub5779
    @miketeeveedub5779 4 роки тому +5

    Cheapest fix ever? Bought a used mid 90s Mercury Marquis with the 4.6 V-8. It idled nice, but NO power and very slow to accelerate. I did the basics and checked filters for blockages. Started with the air filter - it was nasty! Replaced it, but still same issue.
    I then thought since the filter was bad, maybe there was another blockage downwind. I removed the MAP sensor inlet pipe and looked down it. There was Dandelion fluff and dirt all over the MAP sensor. Cleaned it out with some sensor safe cleaner. The difference was night-and-day. It was like a Mustang after that, tons of power with the proper V-8 growl. Sometime the simplest fixes can have the greatest effect!

  • @HHIVR4
    @HHIVR4 Рік тому +11

    I bought an 03 SL55 AMG with 24k miles on it back in 05.By the time it was 10 years old (96k miles) it was an absolute nightmare and a HUGE money pit.
    I did regular maintenance and fluid changes myself but the ABC suspension,vacuum locks and top hydraulics were EXTREMELY expensive to fix over and over and over.
    Do yourself a favor and dont fall for how beautiful these cars are.They are piles of crap after they hit 10+ years old.
    These cars were not designed to last.They were designed to drain your wallet.

  • @az7378
    @az7378 4 роки тому +5

    05 E500 4Matic here: numerous Airmatic parts replaced, shifter module put car in limp mode and had to replace, EGR valve replacement and EGR tube cleaning, SBC pump makes a lot of noise when hitting breaks (fourms said its normal for it to do that), M113 water pump replacement, M113 coolant tank replacement (was getting message coolant level low (even though it was at correct level)), few bulbs replacement, and future repairs coming. Future repairs: put new motor mounts, transmission mounts, flex discs, and driveshaft center support bearing, soon new rear Airmatic shocks replacement, all four new tires, possible fluids changed, fix up scratches and paint chips, and clean headliner and interior.

  • @auxmike718
    @auxmike718 4 роки тому +56

    Mrs Wizard is a natural in front of the camera!
    Very pretty, too.

    • @Hissmannen
      @Hissmannen 4 роки тому +13

      Agreed.
      At 9:00 she takes her top off.

    • @markh.6687
      @markh.6687 4 роки тому +3

      @@Hissmannen Hahahaha....NO. She takes the CAR'S top off. Major difference.

    • @MarceloBenjamin
      @MarceloBenjamin 4 роки тому +4

      She mentioned in previous videos she's a teacher, so she has experience with talking to audiences. She's a natural at it.

  • @Derek-xr3uq
    @Derek-xr3uq 4 роки тому +74

    Might be ‘old’ but these still look sharp. New wheels really set it off, and a nice sidewall so no rubber band tire harsh ride.

    • @jordancapps9521
      @jordancapps9521 4 роки тому

      Wizard probably does not want those new rims to get broken too...I still do not understand "painted" tires. Low-pro eliminates sidewall wear, yes, but normal low-pro stock sizes work just fine, while preserving the ride and rim.

    • @SI0AX
      @SI0AX 4 роки тому +1

      @Peder Hansen The only benefit is sharper handling. The draw backs are less resistance to damage meaning more likely to get a blowout from hitting a pothole, bending or cracking the wheel. I got tired of of low profile after replacing my 12th $250 tire during a 5 year period of owning a car with 18 inch wheels, so I just bought 17 inch wheels and increase the sidewall % by 5.

    • @SI0AX
      @SI0AX 4 роки тому +3

      @Peder Hansen There is less sidewall deflection. Also it's kind of like running a stiffer spring. The sidewall acts as shock absorption.
      The new trend kind of sucks. Like the Honda Civic Type R coming with 20 inch wheels and a very thin sidewall.The Honda Accord is also available with a 19 inch wheel from the factory. I would have to downgrade to a 17 inch wheel to drive on these terrible roads.

    • @petrosaguilar8916
      @petrosaguilar8916 4 роки тому +6

      All SL models only get better with age.

    • @DylanL69
      @DylanL69 Рік тому

      Oh no those are low profile tires

  • @TheCarusoGroup
    @TheCarusoGroup 4 роки тому +5

    I have a CLK 500 with the same sound that you described as the gas tank baffles. No mechanic has been able to diagnose it. Now I know what to look for. Thanks.

  • @norontboyz5949
    @norontboyz5949 4 роки тому +1

    If you can do the work yourself. Sure. I just bought a 2010 gl350 bluetec for my dad as a gift.
    Needs A LOT of work. But drives amazing. After sorting out the airmatic, brakes, timing chain tensioner and "working on" getting rid of the emissions garbage. Its a nice vehicle to drive!
    If you cannot do the work yourself, RUN!

    • @norontboyz5949
      @norontboyz5949 4 роки тому +1

      @Hermann Froh agree big time! Such a nice and amazing driving vehicle, ruined!

  • @racekar80
    @racekar80 4 роки тому +7

    Your all scared of your own shadow. My 2004 S500 4matic went 200,000 miles with only 1 cat, and one single shock replacement. Sold it and purchased a 2005 S500 4 matic with 25,000 miles for $12,000 and now have 65,000 miles and it has been flawless. Just routine oil and filter and brakes and tires. Keep scaring everyone so I can continue to get great deals on great older MB’s.

    • @ClassicCarCustodians
      @ClassicCarCustodians 9 місяців тому

      Agree. Too many paranoid and scared people out there. I have had two SL’s and both were great.

    • @bobbysworldrox
      @bobbysworldrox 4 місяці тому +2

      Agreed. I keep a lookout for older but low mileage an preferably one or two owner driven

  • @OKMmike
    @OKMmike Рік тому +2

    Thankyou for telling me the problems, and they will not be cheap to fix, unless you are a skilled enthusiast.

  • @B0xlife1
    @B0xlife1 4 роки тому +128

    Mrs Wizard Sees a hole in the middle of the seat, "obviously someone had a taco Tuesday moment" lol

    • @michaelharker6170
      @michaelharker6170 3 роки тому

      That was the best line of the segment. Love it when a proper lady makes a joke without being too crude.

  • @CJHazard
    @CJHazard 4 роки тому +2

    I daily drive my 04 SL500. In fact, I beat the crap out of it on these Humboldt roads. I absolutely love it. I've owned it for 3 years, and I still like it better than other cars 3-4 times the cost. It has enough power to be fun, and is extremely high quality and well built, for the most part. This baffle information is nice information for SL owners; I haven't had this problem yet, but it's nice to know there's an easy work-around.
    One thing that would be nice to know is how to add a bluetooth audio connection, maybe through the old CD changer, or something...
    Enjoy your awesome ride Mrs. Wizard!

  • @yves2075
    @yves2075 4 роки тому +75

    There's a guy who opened the fuel tank like you and attempted to weld those baffles. But I never heard of him again.

    • @houseofno
      @houseofno 4 роки тому +3

      I hope he drained the fuel first before welding it.

    • @MrRobertBatchelor
      @MrRobertBatchelor 4 роки тому +20

      @@houseofno That was the joke.

    • @markh.6687
      @markh.6687 4 роки тому +11

      Woman; "He's an angel." 2nd Woman: "You mean he's that good to you?" Woman: "No, he tried to weld in my gas tank when it was full."

    • @2H80vids
      @2H80vids 4 роки тому +14

      @@markh.6687 An empty tank can be just as dangerous, even moreso. Petrol 𝑓𝑢𝑚𝑒𝑠 will go 💥𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒎💥 before actual petrol.

    • @markh.6687
      @markh.6687 4 роки тому +4

      @@2H80vids Yes, I know, but it would have ruined the joke.

  • @kgchomes
    @kgchomes 4 роки тому +2

    Mr. Wizard, I wish you were in PA! I have the exact same SL500 and it has a parasitic electrical drain! Its my wife's weekend car, so we just keep a battery maintainer on it. It's almost perfect with only 31,000 original miles! All the shops here in my small town are just super busy tire and muffler shops with kids that don't care. They broke all 4 center caps on my brand new wheels on my Suburban, and said, oh well! Sorry, not our fault! Anyway, I love your videos and you have been very informative. Thank you!

  • @elloboblanco9111
    @elloboblanco9111 4 роки тому +3

    She seems nice. Lovely family you have there, God bless the wizards 🙏🏻

  • @tokuzumi1
    @tokuzumi1 4 роки тому +1

    This marked the beginning of the end for long term car ownership. Everything in cars now is computer controlled. Gas pedal, brake pedal, clutch can be computer controlled (rev match, hill assist), cruise control, auto transmission control, suspension, electric power steering, displacement on demand. Golden age for "modern" cars would be 96-2000. You still had OBD2 for diagnosis for engine related items, but a lot of things were still analog. Throttle cables, hydraulic brakes, no tire pressure sensors, minimal airbags, pillars that don't block the entire view behind you and to the side. No direct injection gumming up intake valves. Sure all cars of any era have issues, but you could usually keep an analog car running for much cheaper than a digital car.

  • @bnastali
    @bnastali 4 роки тому +3

    I like to see Mrs. Wizard in front of the camera! My SLK 230 is a 1998 and has been pretty bullet proof too. Cute Yoda shirt, too.

  • @allielerman1414
    @allielerman1414 3 роки тому +1

    Mrs. wizard needs run flat tires. I love the g wagon in the background. I purchased my 2021 mercedes benz gla 250 4matic. I love it. I believe mercedes benz make quality cars and stylish.

  • @kellingtonlink956
    @kellingtonlink956 4 роки тому +9

    I’ve always loved the MB SLs. Every year/version. Congratulations Mrs. Wizard. Happy New Year... and Thanks for the video.

  • @Baloo1856
    @Baloo1856 4 роки тому +2

    Hey Mr. Wizard, did you know that you can open and close the top using the key? Press and hold the unlock button to open the top and Press and hold the lock button to close the top. It will roll down/up the windows first before the top engages, just got to keep pressing the button. Cheers!

  • @lucasstuart-chilcote7069
    @lucasstuart-chilcote7069 4 роки тому +6

    I enjoyed the intro!
    You two seem like great people.
    Enjoy that fun car

  • @chas21
    @chas21 4 роки тому +57

    You should really include wizard kicking hoobie's bentley in the intro.

    • @Julian-do7bv
      @Julian-do7bv 4 роки тому

      I agree lol

    • @dkendrick652
      @dkendrick652 4 роки тому +2

      Why would he kick it? That car is paying for his boat. He probably gives it a hug every time he walks by it.

    • @Julian-do7bv
      @Julian-do7bv 4 роки тому

      @@dkendrick652 because hes tired of fixing it and it keeps needing fixed

  • @eldraino9933
    @eldraino9933 4 роки тому +4

    Me and my mates in Australia love the Wizard - when the pandemic ends, I'll bring the family to the USA and we'll stop past Omega

  • @nathanielallen865
    @nathanielallen865 4 роки тому +1

    Great post! The same can be said about BMWs. If you are not mechanically inclined or don't have a budget,, DO NOT buy a used BMW ever.

  • @ErikDB6
    @ErikDB6 4 роки тому +14

    I was about to pull the trigger on one of these. Until I found out the sheer scale of possible failures and the cost of each. Either a huge wallet, or your own team of mechanics, is the only way to go with these.

  • @JBsC6
    @JBsC6 4 роки тому +1

    Great to see you guys both in the video and thanks for the honest appraisal of MB SL500 running costs...not for the faint of heart was the message I took away unless of course you do the work yourself...and even then...but she sure is pretty...and the car is nice too Mr Wizard. Keep up the great work

  • @Steve-wl5cr
    @Steve-wl5cr 4 роки тому +3

    Almost 400k subscribers! Congrats on your hard work, love the channel!

  • @stevealvi2239
    @stevealvi2239 4 роки тому +2

    Hi Wizard, I used to own a 2008 SL65 AMG. It was a beautiful, fast and sexy ride. Unbelievable HP and Torque. My SL had low miles and still the airmatic and retractable top started having issues. Then, the COMMAND system started acting up. I could have fixed it all myself but chose to sell it instead. I hope your SL will give you trouble free service. I got a C6 ZR1 to replace the SL. I can beat on the ZR1 and it hasn't let me down yet. It is nowhere as refined as the SL, though.

  • @egi75
    @egi75 4 роки тому +3

    the tank baffel problem also can be sloved with magnets. Got that done in my R230 a few years ago. The fix still is working.

    • @mikimiki195
      @mikimiki195 9 місяців тому

      How did you fix it and what magnet 🧲

    • @egi75
      @egi75 9 місяців тому

      Well.. all of that is the secret of my car wizzard in Germany .. I only was allowed to watch from a distance ..

  • @JHuffPhoto
    @JHuffPhoto 4 роки тому +1

    Yep.......good advice. Unless you are prepared to spend a lot of money on repairs and maintenance I would recommend staying away from most German branded cars. As long as you are willing to accept the high total cost of ownership (or have a live in mechanic) having one of these can be a delight as they are very fun to drive and usually have excellent handling characteristics. Started watching your videos when you got your "yacht" and I am gonna subscribe today as I have been enjoying all of your videos. Thanks for the work you put into these.

  • @alanwrobleski
    @alanwrobleski 4 роки тому +17

    I used to own a 2003 E500 and i can say pretty confidently that any mercedes of similar vintage is a huge nightmare of a money pit for anyone who isn't as mechanically competent as the wizard

    • @DylanL69
      @DylanL69 Рік тому

      They can be especially if neglected

    • @monolithworldline
      @monolithworldline Рік тому

      I own a CLS500 that has 300'000km on the clock. I'd say it's reliable. SBC, Airmatic, 7G tonic transmission and the m113 5.0 engine are all fully operational. I've just been fixing the little things, nothing major at all. Crucial info: my car was used frequently for drifting by the previous owner, had CNG installed at some point. The past of the car is terrible and mysterious. Speaks volumes about MB that the car isn't dead, in fact far from dead - I love how it drives.
      Over the years I noticed that the majority of MB owners who are experiencing reliability issues have American made cars. If it is not made in Stuttgart, Germany - do not buy it.

  • @thunderstruck5484
    @thunderstruck5484 4 роки тому +2

    Beautiful car! Thanks for taking us along , my wife bought one for one of the sons from a family friend sole owner same year as yours, everything seems to be working of course I’ll go through it thoroughly and find any issues but not bad for a first car for a teen my first was a 63 rambler wish I still had it! Thanks again your channel is very helpful!

  • @wesleyb82
    @wesleyb82 4 роки тому +5

    This guy seems so much less stressed and annoyed than he used to, happy to see that

  • @michaelciullo4788
    @michaelciullo4788 4 роки тому +2

    I love seeing multiple vipers in the background. Such awesome cars.

  • @markrobinson1458
    @markrobinson1458 4 роки тому +14

    Diagnose Dan the Dutch UA-cam guy, he showed the very same problem with the wire breaking in the loom, it had been missed by others but he's a great tech, 👍

    • @gplusgplus2286
      @gplusgplus2286 4 роки тому

      DD rules, he has some amazing diagnosing videos.

    • @mcmechanic8910
      @mcmechanic8910 4 роки тому +2

      He’s possibly the best tech on UA-cam 👌🏻

  • @joshuanicolai4776
    @joshuanicolai4776 4 роки тому +1

    I love that "it's tons of fun to drive goes suuuper fast" so cute

    • @DScaglione.
      @DScaglione. 4 роки тому

      2.3 tons to be somewhat exact! Heavy car, but it moves!
      😎

    • @joshuanicolai4776
      @joshuanicolai4776 4 роки тому

      @@DScaglione. damn that's a heavy car

  • @giscardrhoda3650
    @giscardrhoda3650 3 роки тому

    So nice to see a husband and wife that are so humble

  • @grxengine
    @grxengine 4 роки тому +7

    Facts, Sir. These cars are tanks if you maintain them. Most Mercedes are. I spent about $1700 when I got mine last year to bring it back up to spec and it been solid and out of my pockets every since. Thanks to you I learned a lot about what to look for when buying and what needed repair based on symptoms. I didnt fix it but worked along side my mechanic to help him 'guess' correctly.

  • @michaelwillman5342
    @michaelwillman5342 4 роки тому +1

    Mrs Wizard is really becoming a natural on camera! Keep it up!

  • @Vacationtime247
    @Vacationtime247 4 роки тому +12

    "What crazy fix have you have ever done that didn't cost anything (like the tank baffles)?" In California the check engine light can not be on in order to pass smog. Got an inexpensive Yukon and when one part got fixed, another was waiting in line to go out. One of the two knock sensors went bad. Really didn't want to have to take off the entire intake to fix the issue. Plus I was on a time crunch to get it smog check approved and back to the DMV in their given time to finish registration. So, cut the wire for the bad knock sensor and ran it off of one. The computer couldn't tell the difference and it ran just fine. So, a quick cut, splice and tape fixed what would have been a few hour job along with extra parts like the gaskets and new knock sensor.
    VT247

  • @ragabnh
    @ragabnh 4 роки тому +1

    I bought 07 SL600, I spent around $7,000 to bring up to show room condition, I have the means and I don't mind spending on a beautiful and fun car, so those calling owners of such vehicles idiots are idiots for driving their own appliances.
    I don't mind spending another $10k this year.

  • @yass123
    @yass123 4 роки тому +19

    The SBC has a 25 year, unlimited mileage warranty if they go bad and they will.

    • @leenevin8451
      @leenevin8451 4 роки тому +2

      Wow that’s crazy

    • @az7378
      @az7378 4 роки тому +1

      I'll never trust Mercedes with SBC.

    • @williamcrawford6543
      @williamcrawford6543 4 роки тому +1

      But the dealer won't fix it believe me

    • @DrRyman
      @DrRyman 4 роки тому +2

      @@az7378
      Still thousands of them on the road without a problem including my own

    • @DrRyman
      @DrRyman 4 роки тому

      @@williamcrawford6543
      It depends on the dealer some of them don’t want to fix it unless there’s an error message or it is actually failed, some will fix it or replace it rather as a courtesy if you have a relationship with a good dealer, they will even pay the price of a third-party replacement if the unit has failed this is a mandatory Warranty it is factory backed. You may call them if you have problems with the local dealership.

  • @madriditunes7021
    @madriditunes7021 4 роки тому +1

    Nice Mercedes... But supporting character that stole the hole show 0:50..... Porsche Spyder 😍.

  • @chrmbly
    @chrmbly 4 роки тому +3

    I’ve always loved this generation of SL. Nice choice

  • @Luke22022
    @Luke22022 10 місяців тому

    I've been looking at an 06 and found this video on a UA-cam search. There is a lot of helpful information in your video, thank you.

  • @jlang8213
    @jlang8213 4 роки тому +12

    I'm digging your Mandalorian tee shirts!

  • @bexaminer1
    @bexaminer1 4 роки тому +1

    Someone has probably told you by now, but the missing button on the driver's side is for the trunk release. That was a good buy. I have a 2011 SL550 and the interior is really quite similar.

  • @JedemPoKucama
    @JedemPoKucama 4 роки тому +11

    That'a such a beautiful car...amazing lines...bought for $5500 he says...in my country they cost like 20...

    • @OMGWTFLOLSMH
      @OMGWTFLOLSMH 4 роки тому +2

      Yep, he's out of touch on the values of these cars. Maybe theirs is a super high mileage one, but one with decent miles and no accident history/clean shape, goes for a lot more than $5k.

    • @TheNuclearBolton
      @TheNuclearBolton 4 роки тому

      Yeah got one for $23,000...

    • @TheNuclearBolton
      @TheNuclearBolton 4 роки тому

      @Peder Hansen I bought a mint Designo addition of this car at an auction for $23,000... totally worth it... except the hydraulic suspension is expensive as ****

    • @petrosaguilar8916
      @petrosaguilar8916 4 роки тому +1

      @Peder Hansen - There are many R107 SL's and even older generations still on the road. This isn't a disposable Corolla.

    • @petrosaguilar8916
      @petrosaguilar8916 4 роки тому +1

      @Peder Hansen - Right, that's why you don't see any 80's ones on the road anymore because they rusted out and were junked long ago. Do you know how many R107's are still around and how much they cost? There is no such thing as a classic Corolla.

  • @benajminharris9102
    @benajminharris9102 4 роки тому +1

    I just love when mrs. wizard comes on the video. She is just awesome. And yes wizard, you are still amazing, as always.

  • @GarthGoldberg
    @GarthGoldberg 4 роки тому +21

    You should start charging storage rent on that turbo Bentley.

    • @darrin1999
      @darrin1999 4 роки тому +4

      lol his labor charges are also storage fees

  • @jeandibb4111
    @jeandibb4111 4 роки тому

    Nice to properly hear from Mrs Wizard! She did a great job. More please 😊

  • @josephberkeley
    @josephberkeley 4 роки тому +8

    Great video. I've always admired the SL500. Your work has cured me of that particular ailment. The more of your videos I watch, the more I think I should just buy simple vehicles that have a track record for reliability.

    • @brandonGCHACHU
      @brandonGCHACHU Рік тому

      Buy a broken Mercedes and put a Toyota motor in it lol

  • @ronkemperful
    @ronkemperful 4 роки тому

    With my 56 Beetle I moved to Phoenix Arizona and found that within a week of moving there during the summer almost every bulb in the car stopped working and I was pulled over by the police for having non-functioning tail lights at night. Like Mrs. Wizard's side marker all of the contacts with the bulbs stopped working and all I had to was to rub the contacts with a little abrasive to get them working again. Great video as always!

  • @ChainBaker
    @ChainBaker 4 роки тому +4

    Rockin' them turban wheels 👳‍♂️ 😄

    • @mikek5298
      @mikek5298 4 роки тому

      Turbine, not turban. At least know about what you speak before saying anything.

    • @ChainBaker
      @ChainBaker 4 роки тому +2

      @@mikek5298 I hope you have a sense of humour in real life.

    • @OMGWTFLOLSMH
      @OMGWTFLOLSMH 4 роки тому +1

      Americans pronounce tur-bine, as turban, for some strange reason. They don't know how to pronounce Mazda either.

    • @alanwrobleski
      @alanwrobleski 4 роки тому

      @@OMGWTFLOLSMH moreso southern & midwest americans

  • @776281
    @776281 4 роки тому +1

    When you do repairs for a customer it needs to be done properly. Fixed a water leak in the head with radiator epoxy, the repair outlasted the car. Yet you could not do that for a customer, it could have failed twenty minutes from when I did it. Cheap fixes are OK when you know what to watch out for later, but customers are stupid and have unrealistic expectations. So would you do the baffle bend for a customer?

  • @kevinbarry71
    @kevinbarry71 4 роки тому +8

    The SBC brakes are under a 25 year factory extended warranty. As for the rest of the car, you are on your own

    • @az7378
      @az7378 4 роки тому +1

      I agree. Got E500 4Matic 2005. Airmatic and everything else it's up to me.

    • @capolato3212
      @capolato3212 2 роки тому

      What’s a SBC break?

  • @raybonecrusher4516
    @raybonecrusher4516 4 роки тому +1

    It looks like you can buy and fix cars at a reasonable cost. I used to trade every two or three years so I seldom had to fix things. I purchased a 2006 Lincoln before I retired and just sold it this spring for $6,000.00. The only thing I did to this car in 14 years was replace the EGR valve and 1 set of tires, this car had 70,000 miles on it. When I sold it everything worked on it just as it did the day it left the dealership. I still have a Lincoln MKX that I use in the winter as it has AWD. I have replaced the front brakes and rotors once, the rear wheel bearings twice, and one set of tires, I replaced the coil packs and spark plugs. It drives like a new car and looks like it came off the show room floor, this SUV has 59,000 miles on it. I do all the work on my cars myself because I don't trust most shops. I bought a Cadillac cts this year and for the first time I'm not sure if I can perform the work on this car as easily as the cars I've had in the past. Modern technology has passed me by. Its to bad you are not in my area, you are one person who I would trust working on my cars. I enjoy your video's your very informative and a top notch mechanic.
    Ray

  • @richardl7759
    @richardl7759 4 роки тому +4

    You can fix the steering wheel with colourlock leather fresh.

  • @Johnnyscarcarereviews
    @Johnnyscarcarereviews 2 роки тому

    Very useful. I like how you cover all the potential problem areas. Gives a potential buyer all the highs and lows. Thank you

  • @arjan0482
    @arjan0482 4 роки тому +5

    That's a nice intro you have there, mr Wizard....

  • @ripvanwinkle9648
    @ripvanwinkle9648 4 роки тому +1

    Bought a Certified Used 2015 ML350 4Matic.
    Let's just say . . . wait for the electrical issues to start, then you won't be so nice about the vehicle. More mileage put on this thing driving to and from the dealership, than actual use.
    I purchased an extended warranty, so not so much out of my pocket at this point. A few months before that ends . . . yeah, I'm unloading this sucker.

  • @drewb5358
    @drewb5358 4 роки тому +69

    Wizard looking at other cars: *Shows failed parts*
    Wizard looking at Mercedes: *Shows ALL parts*

  • @indianboi3
    @indianboi3 4 роки тому +1

    I love Mercedes Benz. I bought my first car two years ago, a 2015 C300 and I’ve had no issues other than regular maintenance. 60k miles with my fingers crossed, hopefully I’ll never run into anything major and will buy MB my whole life!

  • @IndependenceCityMotoring
    @IndependenceCityMotoring 4 роки тому +19

    Love the unconventional fix on the gas tank baffles.

  • @JamesBond-bj2uj
    @JamesBond-bj2uj 9 місяців тому +1

    Another fantastic accurate wizard video! LOVE EM!

  • @josephfriedling9190
    @josephfriedling9190 4 роки тому +7

    Remember when everyone would tolerate the ridiculous cost of MB repairs and service? Then in 1989 something special happened......Lexus

  • @SteveRogers461
    @SteveRogers461 4 роки тому +2

    Great honest review. Wish I had seen this before I bought mine

  • @johnhoey4605
    @johnhoey4605 4 роки тому +26

    Who’s giving the thumbs-down to a Wizard video-especially one with Mrs. Wizard sharing her expertise and insights? I guess there’s no way to please everyone 😳.

    • @cayman9873
      @cayman9873 4 роки тому +3

      No idea why people are negative. I think in 5 years i have given one or two negative marks for video where you cant see anything or hear anything .

    • @MonaichFother
      @MonaichFother 4 роки тому +4

      @@cayman9873 I was concerned about the typical Yank attitude to the environment. Just why does a woman need a 5.0 litre V8 car? Why does a man for that matter? No green, let's save the planet considerations at all. Here in Europe, most cars are 1.0 to 1.4 litre as anything bigger has been Green taxed off the road in efforts to stop human extinction. USA gas price is $0.69 while EU is 1.80 a litre

    • @AUTOdidact77
      @AUTOdidact77 4 роки тому +7

      @@MonaichFother This SL will stay alive 20 more years at least while several generations of the "green" downsized vehicles get trashed with lots of energy required for producing new ones claiming this saves the world... Doesn't make sense for me, I also keep my E500 - not for speed, just for the environment 😇

    • @hansmuller4906
      @hansmuller4906 4 роки тому +1

      I honestly think that most of his downvotes are people who click on the thumbs down by accident. It happened to me at least 5 times while on my phone that I noticed I had accidentally downvoted a video. That's the only logical explanation

    • @houseofno
      @houseofno 4 роки тому +1

      @@MonaichFother what's wrong with V8 cars? The USA isn't Europe and vice versa. We like our V8 powered cars. For one, we don't have to rev our engines to a million rpms to get a V8 powered vehicle moving. No turbos needed. Fillups don't usually cost a small fortune like they do in Europe. We weren't keen on high taxes, socialized medicine, etc. Most American states here have a very low regulatory burden on our vehicles and we like it that way.

  • @paulheyes653
    @paulheyes653 4 роки тому +1

    Check how many times the wheels have been refurbed, you can only refurb them 3 times before they become useless due to a reason i cannot remember, my mate has those wheels on his car.

  • @drewping2002
    @drewping2002 4 роки тому +65

    "Taco Tuesday moment" 🤣

    • @user-sr7mu9ef2q
      @user-sr7mu9ef2q 4 роки тому +3

      Took me a second but I died hahaha

    • @simmcowaPang122
      @simmcowaPang122 4 роки тому

      I read this as she said it and spit my drink out

  • @haljohnson6947
    @haljohnson6947 4 роки тому +1

    yes i see these deals online all the time. and the landrovers too. the other one you didnt mention are all the bmw money pits.

  • @ayayoutuber
    @ayayoutuber 4 роки тому +3

    ebay, get parts and replace the steering wheel or console covers

    • @gplusgplus2286
      @gplusgplus2286 4 роки тому

      Yeah, stick the part numbers in a saved search and snatch them when they come for sale, cheap and good strategy.

  • @dionflorio9249
    @dionflorio9249 4 роки тому +1

    Fixed a known issue on 1997 and up Nissan Pathfinders/Xterras where the back door handles dont work. Just spray some WD40 generously inside of them and let it sit for maybe a day and it fixes itself. I've done this on 6 different vehicles like this and worked everytime.

  • @rosssmith9941
    @rosssmith9941 4 роки тому +7

    Yes mercedes are bulletproof especially the V8s

  • @SteveRogers461
    @SteveRogers461 4 роки тому +1

    I fixed the gas flap mechanism on mine by using a thin piece of plastic inside the mechanism. It's not a solenoid. Its a simple spring mechanism that can be accessed from the trunk. If the repair doesn't work they are about $30 on Ebay

  • @SavedbyHim
    @SavedbyHim 4 роки тому +5

    I got a 2005 CLK, no ABC, no convertible top and no SBC. Super reliable :)

  • @hunterhippensteel
    @hunterhippensteel 4 роки тому +1

    Talk about a crazy free fix, my dad had a friend who welded a connecting rod back together

  • @jordanking6939
    @jordanking6939 4 роки тому +14

    Owning a Daimler-Chrysler era Mercedes is a science experiment in itself.

    • @ahoneyman
      @ahoneyman 4 роки тому +2

      Owning a Chrysler in the Daimler Chrysler is ts own adventure too.

    • @EjinRenos
      @EjinRenos 4 роки тому +6

      Agreed. People think Mercedes just helped Chrysler but it's a two way street as Mercedes looked for cost reduction procedures from Chrysler and it did hurt their reliability.

  • @youandiryan
    @youandiryan 4 роки тому

    Car wizard is one of the few mechanics I trust. On UA-cam I believe he is probably one of the best there is. And I believe in real life he is probably one of the best. I used to own a Mercedes and I can attest to the wiring bending problem!!! It is a common issue and some of them that is where the license plate light and everything is supplied. So what you'll find is the car with the problem will have a flickering license plate light or one that doesn't work at all. I figured this out because I got pulled over haha because of it. The cop said I flew by him and my lights were flickering. It ended up being that wiring harness from constant bending

  • @SteveRogers461
    @SteveRogers461 4 роки тому +4

    Avoid the ABC cars. The shocks can cost 2k each to replace. Once replaced they need to be adjusted using a computer

    • @kianquinn6336
      @kianquinn6336 4 роки тому +1

      @Peder Hansen it is, you can get coilovers and be done with it if that's what you want

    • @AndreasHannoverSL
      @AndreasHannoverSL 4 роки тому +1

      @Peder Hansen But then, it is a normal car. You dont buy a Mercedes to drive like a normal car, that is why they more costly.

    • @md2k8
      @md2k8 4 роки тому +1

      @@AndreasHannoverSL Agreed. Most people buy normal vehicles for point A to point B commutes, if they are real.

  • @LoSGaines
    @LoSGaines 4 роки тому

    I have a two customers that have one of these each. After test driving it I fell back in love with cars again. That v8 is a beast inside that little car. That hydraulic suspension is awesome. It's got me thinking about getting one for myself. A soon as you drive you'll realize and remember that it was almost a $100k vehicle when new.

  • @Reepicheep-1
    @Reepicheep-1 4 роки тому +68

    Sounds like Mercedes needs to stop programming their computers to be paranoid helicopter parents.

    • @VaporeonCompilations
      @VaporeonCompilations 4 роки тому

      @@luciolalazilia2189 In agreement here. Interesting in a way, highlighting the difference in time and perspective, that I am inclined to be confused if a bulb does go out and my car doesn't tell me. Immediately I would ask myself "Surely it would have told me?".

    • @MrDuncl
      @MrDuncl 3 роки тому

      My Golf MK7 did the same thing. What was annoying was that the problem was that the stupid plastic "wedge" bulb holder had melted. I never had any problems with bulb holders on any of my previous cars. As for the Wizards question on bodge fixes I bought a new bulb holder,, sawed the old one off glued the new one in its place and soldered the wires to the connector. Total cost, about £2 but a mornings work.

  • @theldun1
    @theldun1 4 роки тому +2

    Nice whip Mrs.Wizard. Good man Mr.Wizard for keeping her in style. Happy wife happy life!

  • @TigerTT
    @TigerTT 4 роки тому +6

    Damn I remember this car in Need for Speed Most Wanted 05 lol

  • @apscoradiales
    @apscoradiales 4 роки тому +1

    In spite of potential issues, that is a very nice car to have. Cruising with the top down would be sublime.

  • @RareVideosByJavierVargasTV
    @RareVideosByJavierVargasTV 4 роки тому +6

    I got lucky when I bought a used 2003 Mercedes C240, all I had to replace was the battery and the pulleys. Was a perfect car for 3 years until it started randomly shutting off before I sold it to my grandma 😂😂she never drives it anyways

    • @Uhuhss
      @Uhuhss 4 роки тому +4

      Yeah, well done taking money off your grandmother...

    • @carpal08
      @carpal08 3 роки тому

      @@Uhuhss whats she gonna do? save it? lol

    • @ahoneyman
      @ahoneyman 3 роки тому

      Crank sensor. My dad's did the same thing

  • @redamaleki
    @redamaleki 4 роки тому +1

    Nice videos! Can you a Buy this and Not that for AWD/4x4 cars/mid-size SUV's? Would be great for those of us in snow country!

    • @md2k8
      @md2k8 4 роки тому +1

      It should definitely be uploaded for the next buy this, not that video this afternoon.

  • @AutoAuctionRebuilds
    @AutoAuctionRebuilds 4 роки тому +4

    Great video Mercedes always scare me

  • @imaginova88
    @imaginova88 2 роки тому +1

    Love how the Wizard keeps it so real.

  • @jeffperrault308
    @jeffperrault308 4 роки тому +6

    "we haven't had any issues at all with the abc system"....YET

    • @thedoo777
      @thedoo777 4 роки тому +2

      He can handle that, the ABC system has gone 60% down in price there's so many makers of duplicates parts and better Parts actually. O ring problem it would cost him 70 bucks, valve problems expensive pump problems can be a problem

  • @DM-hp7ct
    @DM-hp7ct 4 роки тому +1

    Mr & Mrs Wizard, you make a fabulous team.

  • @wronggg
    @wronggg 4 роки тому +72

    Looks like Hoovies bad ideas are wearing off on you.

  • @donaldcarter4324
    @donaldcarter4324 3 роки тому

    Thankyou for all the great information! I too have one of those and yes she is expensive to maintain, but I new it was no Honda Accord EX6 ( my daily driver) while I am an aircraft mechanic I don't have shop space or a full set of metric tools. My sl is garage kept and only goes out on nice days. And a great debt of gratitude for all the tutorials such as the verio top harness! I hope to at least tackle some maintainance myself.

  • @seeya205
    @seeya205 4 роки тому +5

    Well, I guess he truly loves her since he replaced the rim so she wouldn't have an accident.