Wow that is super low miles!! I love this engine/chassis combo…just one of those cars that you don’t need stats to know it’s special!! Thanks for watching and commenting!!
Bought mine in late 2002, 2003 model year. I've driven 200,000 miles so far. The M113 engine is solid...it's been well maintained. The ABS system has been rebuilt...all shocks, hydraulic pump, accumulators, etc. replaced. Radiator replaced. Water pump twice. Brake pads and rotors. Two sets of sparkplugs. Replaced a couple of those hydraulic shocks after 7 years. Air pump for the trunk replaced...twice. Drivers window regulator replaced. Tie rods and thrust arms replaced. Both catalytics replaced. Otherwise regular standard maintenance. The hardtop stopped working recently. ...that's a big fix. I'll deal with that next summer. It's kind of a love/hate relationship with the R230. On curvey roads and hills, the handling is fabulous. And owning convertble, it's like having two cars in one...the top down experience through wine country is nothing short of exhilarating...especially in a 20 year old designio R230.
I'm possibly picking one up with 70k miles! seems very well maintained but rebuilt , anything i should worry about? and what is the yearly spend on repairs
@@ben_gurin The major problems and expenses center around the ABC architecture. Make sure you have a mechanic get it up on a rack and check for leaks at each shock and lines prior to purchase. Check for leaks around the power steering/ABC pump. Check the fluid level and clarity for the PS/ABC pump. If the ABC system is sound, annual maintenance would primarily be engine oil changes. At 100K, I serviced the transmission fluid/filter with no problems and changed the plugs, check the maintenance manual for service levels required, either A or B which light up on the dash. Grab a flashlight and look for any signs of coolant leaks at the secondary water pump located at the bottom left in front of the left fender well, as well as in and around the water pump, hoses, etc. Check for oil residue on the exhaust manifolds, which indicative of a valve cover gasket leak. Check for rough idle which may indicate an issue with old vacuums lines which replacement is not too bad of a DIY, the exception of the one that runs directly inside of the intake manifold which you do NOT want to mess with (replacement of that one vacuum hose requires removal of the intake manifold). While it's on the rack, check the condition of the engine mounts, which require periodic replacement, and you might as well get an idea on the condition of the suspension bushings as well as the brakes. In terms of the roof, it's a luck of the draw when that needs repair. You really can't predict when any of those components, which are many, hydraulic valves, pump, hordes of microswitches, the gears on the trunk flaps fail. Same goes with the soft closing trunk vacuum powered mechanism which is a DIY repair. That's all I can think of at the moment. It's my daily driver and I now have 209,000 miles, but I recently replaced the coil packs, ignition cables, plugs, leaking valve cover gaskets, MAF sensor and worn gaskets associated with the Mass Airflow sensor, the vacuum lines (not the one that goes into the intake manifold), secondary water pump and 20-year-old associated hoses. Still runs like a champ. Fingers crossed. (Never got around to repairing the roof, tho. Maybe at some point when I have free time).
@SnuggleFits wow ok thank you for the tips!! so i would probably lean towards getting a coilover conversion once the abc system starts having issues, the car is at 70k miles and has 40 service records so looks promising, i will definitely look out for all of that!! very much appreciated
@ben_gurin Ask the seller when the last time the wheel bearings were packed. If the answer is never, ya might want to make that a priority as preventive maintenance. The ABC, when performing well, handles corners like none other. Good luck 👍 and enjoy your ride.
I agree totally , for my Infinity G37 is much firmer and other cars I looked at before getting the SL were so harsh , still it corners perfectly . But as you said as long as the abc works . I had my fixed and it really was nothing compared with some scary videos . Thank you .
Yes there is so much information now out there on the ABC system that it really can be maintained fairly easily. Lots of rebuild kits and rebuilt parts that can keep you away from the Mercedes parts counter!
love mine. Paid 1200 for it. rebuilt the entire ABC and then the RHT along with all the worn out parts. you can get them cheap if you have abc problems. these were very reliable cars when I worked at the dealer.
I had mine for about two years, I formally drove in r129, it is the best daily driver sporty yet luxurious! This is not his true sports car, but if you want to you could drive it anyway you like. Oh do get a radar detector! 0 to 60 in an ABC sports mode 5.8 0 to 60. It has a couple more suspension settings comfort and then regular sport. I have an 80 pound Doberman girl who rides in the passenger seat with me looking so proud! I just like the classy look of the r 230 versus the r231. The good news is that these cars are going up in value finally. Mr. Cassidy a very good review. If you haven't drummed in one of these things make this your second car and have fun with it
The 5th generation is the best looking body style of the SL. I just got one, was looking at them forever. Have you had any problems with yours? How many miles on it if you don't mind me asking?
@@jeffn2723 I haven't had any leaks in the roof but I keep mine well-oiled and and use it all the time. This is going back about 5 years .front Right struts problems. Car too low but when you start driving it is fine. I can go one month at time and it can happen 3 times a day. It obviously works. What I do then is just an add a little bit of fluid. And yes the air conditioner cost me major repairs. First the condenser,I and then the lines were clogged a second time
By the way this one will be on the carsandbids.com auction site on September 11th. no reserve :-) I'm going to be selling several cars on there. Not a dealer or anything just trying to have some fun with cars. Thanks for watching!
Apparently, people have run quarter miles in the low to high 13s with little more than high-end air filters, exhaust, and all that kind of stuff. I consider that pretty fast. I always considered a 14 second quarter mile to be the standard for fast. This will do about that stock with the little paddle button shifter option I have been reading. I also read recently read something where someone said a Mustang GT is the standard for fast each year. If you're about that or lower, its a fast car. If not, its not fast. I thought that was pretty funny. A Mustang GT or a Subaru WRX would be a good race for one of these. Depending on the year and driver, the SL500 might win. If you really want it fast, go for the SL55. I never saw the point of driving super fast. Its dangerous. If you want to drive fast take it to the track. This thing would school a Mustang or WRX at laps. If you want the car that will win 9 times out of 10 in a short straight-line race, sure go for a Mustang. But if I needed to pick one for jumping in and I dunno like rushing to the hospital ASAP or rushing out of town when the zombie apocalypse hits, you best believe the SL500 wins all day around those corners haha. This thing is faster and better at handling tight corners than many "fast cars."
I just bought a 2012, last year of the R230. It has the 19” AMG wheels which I love the look of but the ride is a little hard. Thinking of moving to 18’s instead (I drive in New England so roads not great). Has anyone done that? Is there huge difference in ride quality with a 1” drop? Tires are Michelin A/S 3+ which I’m guessing are not the best tire for pure comfort.
Yes I have the 20 Brabus wheels on, they are very good but if you want du cruise without having the ride to hard go with the 18‘s you wont regret it !!!
Just found your channel! I live in Nashville and I’m a older car lover! On the market now for a R129. Do you know much about them? Also, any local recommendations of shops that can work on them? Just moved to town 3 months ago. Thanks man!!
Hey Mario welcome to Nashville! I actually just bought a 1994 SL600 r129. it needs a few things that I'm going to make videos with on my channel then I'll probably sell it. Should do an introduction video within the next week on it so you'll be able to see it. Check out Eurosport auto shop out in hermitage. I've known Lee for about 20 years and they are fantastic with all things import. He does some high-end Ferrari and Lamborghini stuff but also Asian and European as well. Thanks for checking out the channel there's going to be a lot of cool stuff to come :-)
Lot's of people go that route and I get it...ABC can be expensive and frustrating. Check out the Car Wizard's ABC delete:ua-cam.com/video/uO4-maGqnWM/v-deo.html. Thanks!!
Maybe you've already done the coilovers, but if not should you be able to find an independent Mercedes specialist who really knows what to do you might be lucky. Lots of people complain about ABC but poor maintenance and calibration will make a mess of ABC. When it works it is superb.
HUGE difference! Almost no wind in the car at highway speeds. I didn't have one at first for my 2003 SL500, bought on off ebay, and it was worth every penny!! Thanks for checking in!
There's plenty of companies out there that have superior parts when a Mercedes part breaks and they will. The great thing about these cars the engine and transmission are absolutely bulletproof!
Just got a 2005 with only 50,000 miles.. it’s a dream to drive. So mint.
Wow that is super low miles!! I love this engine/chassis combo…just one of those cars that you don’t need stats to know it’s special!! Thanks for watching and commenting!!
It still a timeless looking car, inside and outside. I have the 55AMG and I love it to drive, the engine sound is amazing every second you drive.
I LOVE the 55AMG!! Came really close to buying a broken one last week. There will be one in The Cave future :-)
I got an 06 600 V12 it’s so nice and still fun especially on the autobahn
Nice!!! We are ALL jealous of you blasting the CL600 down the autobahn... awesome!!!
Bought mine in late 2002, 2003 model year. I've driven 200,000 miles so far. The M113 engine is solid...it's been well maintained. The ABS system has been rebuilt...all shocks, hydraulic pump, accumulators, etc. replaced. Radiator replaced. Water pump twice. Brake pads and rotors. Two sets of sparkplugs. Replaced a couple of those hydraulic shocks after 7 years. Air pump for the trunk replaced...twice. Drivers window regulator replaced. Tie rods and thrust arms replaced. Both catalytics replaced. Otherwise regular standard maintenance. The hardtop stopped working recently.
...that's a big fix. I'll deal with that next summer. It's kind of a love/hate relationship with the R230. On curvey roads and hills, the handling is fabulous. And owning convertble, it's like having two cars in one...the top down experience through wine country is nothing short of exhilarating...especially in a 20 year old designio R230.
I'm possibly picking one up with 70k miles! seems very well maintained but rebuilt , anything i should worry about? and what is the yearly spend on repairs
@@ben_gurin The major problems and expenses center around the ABC architecture. Make sure you have a mechanic get it up on a rack and check for leaks at each shock and lines prior to purchase. Check for leaks around the power steering/ABC pump. Check the fluid level and clarity for the PS/ABC pump. If the ABC system is sound, annual maintenance would primarily be engine oil changes. At 100K, I serviced the transmission fluid/filter with no problems and changed the plugs, check the maintenance manual for service levels required, either A or B which light up on the dash. Grab a flashlight and look for any signs of coolant leaks at the secondary water pump located at the bottom left in front of the left fender well, as well as in and around the water pump, hoses, etc. Check for oil residue on the exhaust manifolds, which indicative of a valve cover gasket leak. Check for rough idle which may indicate an issue with old vacuums lines which replacement is not too bad of a DIY, the exception of the one that runs directly inside of the intake manifold which you do NOT want to mess with (replacement of that one vacuum hose requires removal of the intake manifold). While it's on the rack, check the condition of the engine mounts, which require periodic replacement, and you might as well get an idea on the condition of the suspension bushings as well as the brakes. In terms of the roof, it's a luck of the draw when that needs repair. You really can't predict when any of those components, which are many, hydraulic valves, pump, hordes of microswitches, the gears on the trunk flaps fail. Same goes with the soft closing trunk vacuum powered mechanism which is a DIY repair. That's all I can think of at the moment. It's my daily driver and I now have 209,000 miles, but I recently replaced the coil packs, ignition cables, plugs, leaking valve cover gaskets, MAF sensor and worn gaskets associated with the Mass Airflow sensor, the vacuum lines (not the one that goes into the intake manifold), secondary water pump and 20-year-old associated hoses. Still runs like a champ. Fingers crossed. (Never got around to repairing the roof, tho. Maybe at some point when I have free time).
@SnuggleFits wow ok thank you for the tips!! so i would probably lean towards getting a coilover conversion once the abc system starts having issues, the car is at 70k miles and has 40 service records so looks promising, i will definitely look out for all of that!! very much appreciated
@ben_gurin Ask the seller when the last time the wheel bearings were packed. If the answer is never, ya might want to make that a priority as preventive maintenance. The ABC, when performing well, handles corners like none other. Good luck 👍 and enjoy your ride.
I agree totally , for my Infinity G37 is much firmer and other cars I looked at before getting the SL were so harsh , still it corners perfectly .
But as you said as long as the abc works . I had my fixed and it really was nothing compared with some scary videos . Thank you .
Yes there is so much information now out there on the ABC system that it really can be maintained fairly easily. Lots of rebuild kits and rebuilt parts that can keep you away from the Mercedes parts counter!
love mine. Paid 1200 for it. rebuilt the entire ABC and then the RHT along with all the worn out parts. you can get them cheap if you have abc problems. these were very reliable cars when I worked at the dealer.
Absolutely! These cars can be bought cheap if they're inoperable. Little bit of knowledge and they can be brought back to life! Great job.
@@cassidycarcave2781 yea, mine runs like it did when new. great car.
Timeless for sure.
I had mine for about two years, I formally drove in r129, it is the best daily driver sporty yet luxurious! This is not his true sports car, but if you want to you could drive it anyway you like. Oh do get a radar detector! 0 to 60 in an ABC sports mode 5.8 0 to 60. It has a couple more suspension settings comfort and then regular sport. I have an 80 pound Doberman girl who rides in the passenger seat with me looking so proud! I just like the classy look of the r 230 versus the r231. The good news is that these cars are going up in value finally. Mr. Cassidy a very good review. If you haven't drummed in one of these things make this your second car and have fun with it
Can't imagine a better car to cruise around in with a dog!! Thanks for watching!
The 5th generation is the best looking body style of the SL. I just got one, was looking at them forever. Have you had any problems with yours? How many miles on it if you don't mind me asking?
@@jeffn2723 I haven't had any leaks in the roof but I keep mine well-oiled and and use it all the time. This is going back about 5 years .front Right struts problems. Car too low but when you start driving it is fine. I can go one month at time and it can happen 3 times a day. It obviously works. What I do then is just an add a little bit of fluid. And yes the air conditioner cost me major repairs. First the condenser,I and then the lines were clogged a second time
Probably the best convertible ever made and a superlative long distance luxury roadster for the interstates.
Could not agree more Lawrence! And for the price they are these days really nothing competes.
By the way this one will be on the carsandbids.com auction site on September 11th. no reserve :-) I'm going to be selling several cars on there. Not a dealer or anything just trying to have some fun with cars. Thanks for watching!
Apparently, people have run quarter miles in the low to high 13s with little more than high-end air filters, exhaust, and all that kind of stuff. I consider that pretty fast. I always considered a 14 second quarter mile to be the standard for fast. This will do about that stock with the little paddle button shifter option I have been reading. I also read recently read something where someone said a Mustang GT is the standard for fast each year. If you're about that or lower, its a fast car. If not, its not fast. I thought that was pretty funny. A Mustang GT or a Subaru WRX would be a good race for one of these. Depending on the year and driver, the SL500 might win. If you really want it fast, go for the SL55. I never saw the point of driving super fast. Its dangerous. If you want to drive fast take it to the track. This thing would school a Mustang or WRX at laps. If you want the car that will win 9 times out of 10 in a short straight-line race, sure go for a Mustang. But if I needed to pick one for jumping in and I dunno like rushing to the hospital ASAP or rushing out of town when the zombie apocalypse hits, you best believe the SL500 wins all day around those corners haha. This thing is faster and better at handling tight corners than many "fast cars."
I just bought a 2012, last year of the R230. It has the 19” AMG wheels which I love the look of but the ride is a little hard. Thinking of moving to 18’s instead (I drive in New England so roads not great). Has anyone done that? Is there huge difference in ride quality with a 1” drop? Tires are Michelin A/S 3+ which I’m guessing are not the best tire for pure comfort.
Yes I have the 20 Brabus wheels on, they are very good but if you want du cruise without having the ride to hard go with the 18‘s you wont regret it !!!
The R230 came out in Germany in 2001. Did it only get to the US two years later?
Crazy right? The 500SL held on here through 2002 MY with the "new" R230 SL500 arriving in the US as a 2003 Model.
yes
Have you ever reached 100 degrees for the coolant?
Just found your channel! I live in Nashville and I’m a older car lover! On the market now for a R129. Do you know much about them? Also, any local recommendations of shops that can work on them? Just moved to town 3 months ago. Thanks man!!
Hey Mario welcome to Nashville! I actually just bought a 1994 SL600 r129. it needs a few things that I'm going to make videos with on my channel then I'll probably sell it. Should do an introduction video within the next week on it so you'll be able to see it. Check out Eurosport auto shop out in hermitage. I've known Lee for about 20 years and they are fantastic with all things import. He does some high-end Ferrari and Lamborghini stuff but also Asian and European as well. Thanks for checking out the channel there's going to be a lot of cool stuff to come :-)
As far as the r129 goes, common trouble spots are the wiring harness up until 96. Also, after 95 they had a better transmission...
@@cassidycarcave2781 As an owner of an SL I too think highly of Lee and Eurosport.
@@jamesstewart6236 Yep they're the best in Nashville!!!
Yep they're the best in Nashville!!!
I’m having ABC PROBLEMS, going to BC COILOVERS. Wish me luck!
Lot's of people go that route and I get it...ABC can be expensive and frustrating. Check out the Car Wizard's ABC delete:ua-cam.com/video/uO4-maGqnWM/v-deo.html. Thanks!!
Maybe you've already done the coilovers, but if not should you be able to find an independent Mercedes specialist who really knows what to do you might be lucky. Lots of people complain about ABC but poor maintenance and calibration will make a mess of ABC. When it works it is superb.
Mercedes Experts, Pompano Beach, Fla. Coil-over suspension job on mine...great.
I am going with Hiro coilovers tomorrow wish me luck
Mr. Cassidy would you suggest a windscreen for the r230? I've heard you should get one and it makes very little difference
HUGE difference! Almost no wind in the car at highway speeds. I didn't have one at first for my 2003 SL500, bought on off ebay, and it was worth every penny!! Thanks for checking in!
I have one for sale if anyone is looking
@@tombiondi9969 what brand
@@thedoo777 windschott (german company, I can send pics).
The suspension scares the beejesus out of me.
They're not so bad :-) besides, most of what breaks I've made a video on how to replace! Thanks for watching and commenting.
There's plenty of companies out there that have superior parts when a Mercedes part breaks and they will. The great thing about these cars the engine and transmission are absolutely bulletproof!
Car is live on carsandbids.com no reserve auction :-)
I have a Doberman which owns my car I put the top down and cruise with my Doberman
Thinking about buying one with 120,000 , how likely is it the abc will fail, and what about coil over conversion?
Coil over kit is $1,500 abc is $2,500 a piece new. Do the math
2005 SL 500 ABC hydraulic
Dude, you are awesome, fu&@ 0-60!
I know right? The total feel is what's important not just one stat. We all know when a car is fun I don't need a stopwatch.
This is one of the best looking SLs!! Too bad is unreliable as hell
Both statements absolutely true!! Thanks for watching and commenting!!
The R230's what?