sl500 anything to look out for?

[Dazzler]

Thinking of buying the above, 2003 model. Anything to be aware of?

 

[lxi]

Thinking of buying the above, 2003 model. Anything to be aware of?

Yup.

In no particular order:

Check service history - services should be 1 year to 18 months apart (typically)
Make sure all electrics work including comforts seat if fitted
Check all four struts for leaks / misting
Check roof works (at least twice)
The longer the MOT the better - front lower balljoints at that age are a possible - check advisories
Check boot floor (right at bottom) for dampness.
Check foam housing for PSE is dry
Check (as best you can) carpets are dry including behind seats
Raise/lower ABS several times
Check rear wheel arches (very inside edges) for rust.

Struts are £1300+ per corner
PSE pump £800
Leaks to boot are easy fix
Wheel arches assuming not severe (mild rust is the norm) easy fix

 

[IanA2]

Yup....avoid 230's get a 129

 

[lxi]

Keep it all in perspective though - most posts here about R230s are the same as most posts about any other model - they are from people with problems. For every one of them, there will be hundreds, probably thousands with no problems!

If the R230 goes wrong it can be expensive as I mentioned above. They are not anything like as bad as their reputation would have you believe. I'm on my third. I've been driving them for a total of 7 years and I'm not a masochist!

 

[IanA2]

Keep it all in perspective though - most posts here about R230s are the same as most posts about any other model - they are from people with problems. For every one of them, there will be hundreds, probably thousands with no problems!

If the R230 goes wrong it can be expensive as I mentioned above. They are not anything like as bad as their reputation would have you believe. I'm on my third. I've been driving them for a total of 7 years and I'm not a masochist!

Hm...I'm guessing that there are more and older 129's on the road; and just from memory on this board there seem to be more posts about dodgy 230's than their elegant elder counterparts. Given the volumes, I think 230's are over-represented. Still as in most things, people have different views.

 

[lxi]

Hm...I'm guessing that there are more and older 129's on the road; and just from memory on this board there seem to be more posts about dodgy 230's than their elegant elder counterparts. Given the volumes, I think 230's are over-represented. Still as in most things, people have different views.

I wouldn't argue with that although a couple of observations (which may be quite wrong): 129s are indeed lovely but round here, 230s are not uncommon whereas 129s are quite rare. Add to that the fact (again I may be wrong) that owners of 129s are less likely to need technical advice from a forum like this as they are not as complicated to work on as the over-engineered, over-complicated (and over-priced for parts) R230.

 

[WG M-B]

I owned a 2003 SL 500. Obviously no labour costs involved in repairs. Still managed to swipe me for thousands in 1 year to 18 months.

 

[IanA2]

I wouldn't argue with that although a couple of observations (which may be quite wrong): 129s are indeed lovely but round here, 230s are not uncommon whereas 129s are quite rare. Add to that the fact (again I may be wrong) that owners of 129s are less likely to need technical advice from a forum like this as they are not as complicated to work on as the over-engineered, over-complicated (and over-priced for parts) R230.

Sounds like you've convinced yourself ....................that 129 is the way to go

 

[lxi]

Sounds like you've convinced yourself ....................that 129 is the way to go

In which case I've worded my responses badly

 

[IanA2]

In which case I've worded my responses badly

You worded it...

 

[lxi]

I also answered the OPs specific question

 

[IanA2]

I also answered the OPs specific question

Pull your horns in. It was banter. God this place is soooooo bloody scratchy these days.

 

[Dazzler]

Thanks for all the replies. Im going to have to have a rethink, maybe another ç32 then!

 

[def90cars]

C32..... with all their problems......

 

[SL350_SWINDON]

Don't be silly. All cars have their problems.
The SL is packed with features and technologies so by its nature something will go wrong on a percentage of products. It's the same with anything you buy. If you buy a lotus Elise then you wont ever have problem with electric windows because it doesn't have them so you won't read bad reviews on that topic - just for example.
You like the SL I assume for the looks, so it's just a case of if your heart rules your head.
The good thing is all problems can pretty much be diagnosed by searching the net and most indies have a huge amount of knowledge on these cars.
The SL350 doesn't have hydraulic struts. The struts are an expensive part so the sl350 could be a compromise.