R230 SL500 Roof - how quick

[mark_le_b]

I am test driving an 02 SL500 today (and am aware of some of the pitfalls) - but was wondering when I check the roof for leaks into cabin (and boot) - how quickly should it open and close to be considered in good operating order?

Thanks in advance

 

[MikeInWimbledon]

It's 16 seconds for the mechanism to work.

(Might seem slow in terms of 2019 values, but it stopped passers by in the street, 17 years ago.)

In reality - no one gives a toss about time. The issue is whether it does its job properly and seals correctly.

The roof may seem the obvious potential weak point to investigate, but smooth functioning ABC is a bigger area to address. What maintenance has been done, and what invoices are around to evidence it.

Overall, insanely reliable cheap cars. But the cheapest R230 to buy is usually the most expensive to run.

.

 

[lordlee]

Roof operation is one thing but also the condition of the rubber - especially along the seal at the base of the rear window. Worth opening the ABC reservoir and seeing how black the fluid is. Unless its recently been changed its going to smell like burnt almonds. If its pretty black factor the cost of change into your offer price. Otherwise I'd want to see excellent maintenance from a proper MB specialist or MB Dealer. Worth looking to see if the following have been changed for extra peace of mind - ABC tandem pump, SBC pump. I'd want to see good branded tyres too. If its on a forecourt its worth taking a look at it the following day before the dealer has had a chance to fire it up to see if its sat down on its suspension which would mean an ABC system leak.

That aside I loved everyday with my SL500 - what a brilliant car.

 

[mark_le_b]

Roof operation is one thing but also the condition of the rubber - especially along the seal at the base of the rear window. Worth opening the ABC reservoir and seeing how black the fluid is. Unless its recently been changed its going to smell like burnt almonds. If its pretty black factor the cost of change into your offer price. Otherwise I'd want to see excellent maintenance from a proper MB specialist or MB Dealer. Worth looking to see if the following have been changed for extra peace of mind - ABC tandem pump, SBC pump. I'd want to see good branded tyres too. If its on a forecourt its worth taking a look at it the following day before the dealer has had a chance to fire it up to see if its sat down on its suspension which would mean an ABC system leak.

That aside I loved everyday with my SL500 - what a brilliant car.

Thanks - its a private sale - but I will be very picky and am going to take it to my trusted independent for a once over before I made an offer

 

[MikeInWimbledon]

I've just clocked that you're on Jersey. If it's been a "Garage queen," with rare or seasonal usage, you'll probably see frequent battery replacement. (There are two). This is nothing to be concerned about - for some silly reason the car gently drains battery, which can be a problem if it isn't started for 6-8 weeks. It won't be a fault of this specific car, just of that pattern of usage. If you're going to use it rarely, just buy a battery conditioner and you'll be fine.

 

[mark_le_b]

I've just clocked that you're on Jersey. If it's been a "Garage queen," with rare or seasonal usage, you'll probably see frequent battery replacement. (There are two). This is nothing to be concerned about - for some silly reason the car gently drains battery, which can be a problem if it isn't started for 6-8 weeks. It won't be a fault of this specific car, just of that pattern of usage. If you're going to use it rarely, just buy a battery conditioner and you'll be fine.

It would actually be a daily driver - so hopefully no issue on keeping battery charged up

 

[BTB 500]

It's 16 seconds for the mechanism to work.

(Might seem slow in terms of 2019 values, but it stopped passers by in the street, 17 years ago.)

Mostly ones who hadn't seen an SLK in the preceding 5 years though?!

 

[E55BOF]

Deleted

 

[E55BOF]

...Overall, insanely reliable cheap cars...

Apart from the roof seals, the roof mechanism, the SBC, the ABC, the PSE pump, the boot lock unit...

The engine and gearbox are pretty sound, though.

 

[mark_le_b]

Apart from the roof seals, the roof mechanism, the SBC, the ABC, the PSE pump, the boot lock unit...

The engine and gearbox are pretty sound, though.

it had NO SERVICE HISTORY (or receipts) - so avoiding it (seemed to drive ok though) - but too risky!

 

[E55BOF]

No history whatever? That's very unusual for a car like an SL500. What was the reason for it?

 

[mark_le_b]

No history whatever? That's very unusual for a car like an SL500. What was the reason for it?

Not one scrap - I even called the dealer and the independent here and they have no record of any work. It must have had some bits done, but no idea where and no proof. Clearly one to avoid. I'm the polar opposite, I even keep receipts for things like wiper blades if I change them between services

 

[E55BOF]

It hasn't had a number plate change, has it? My SL500 had what appeared to be a six-year gap in its service history, but when I found out the registration it had then worn, the independent which had done the work confirmed all the details on their system.

 

[MikeInWimbledon]

Apart from the roof seals, the roof mechanism, the SBC, the ABC, the PSE pump, the boot lock unit...
The engine and gearbox are pretty sound, though.

To put it in context, less than 10% of the all the R230's ever built have been written off, some 12-17 years after they were built.

Cars need repairs for sure, but the R230 is well built and has usually led a quiet life.

It's why SL's live for decades, long after the coupes, saloons, and limos have been consigned to the crusher.


.

 

[mark_le_b]

It hasn't had a number plate change, has it? My SL500 had what appeared to be a six-year gap in its service history, but when I found out the registration it had then worn, the independent which had done the work confirmed all the details on their system.

It has - but I checked using VIN

 

[E55BOF]

If it was done by an independent, they may have invoiced the work using just the registration; they had on my car.

If the owner really has no service records at all, he's going to have trouble selling it other than stupidly cheap. Only a real mug would pay the going rate for a car as complex as an SL500 with no history, and it's not the sort of car that doesn't get serviced.

 

[mark_le_b]

If it was done by an independent, they may have invoiced the work using just the registration; they had on my car.

If the owner really has no service records at all, he's going to have trouble selling it other than stupidly cheap. Only a real mug would pay the going rate for a car as complex as an SL500 with no history, and it's not the sort of car that doesn't get serviced.

I know them well at the dependent they checked both reg and vin - plus its Jersey there are only a handful here so if they'd seen it they'd remember

 

[l5foye]

I am kind of bemused when I see someone referring to leaking roofs on SL230's. Sometime ago I advertised roof seals, a 36 page MB technical document along with a CD dealing with what MB calls water ingress. I was open to any offer . No one expressed any interest. Can I conclude from this that SL230's no longer suffer from leaking roofs? Somehow I doubt it.

 

[c63chris]

I am kind of bemused when I see someone referring to leaking roofs on SL230's. Sometime ago I advertised roof seals, a 36 page MB technical document along with a CD dealing with what MB calls water ingress. I was open to any offer . No one expressed any interest. Can I conclude from this that SL230's no longer suffer from leaking roofs? Somehow I doubt it.

Usual problem with t’internet, people tend to post problems rather than “nothing wrong with my car”. Had mine 3yrs and just routine servicing. Probably just jinxed myself now!

 

[E55BOF]

I am kind of bemused when I see someone referring to leaking roofs on SL230's. Sometime ago I advertised roof seals, a 36 page MB technical document along with a CD dealing with what MB calls water ingress. I was open to any offer . No one expressed any interest. Can I conclude from this that SL230's no longer suffer from leaking roofs? Somehow I doubt it.

They all suffer from roof leaks sooner or later. Same goes for SBC failure, ABC problems and pneumatic system problems.

I probably didn't have my SL when you posted your ad. Have you still got the roof seals and the supporting stuff? If so, how much would you want for them? PM me if you like; my roof leaks...