SL Ownership

[AvtarD]

Greetings All,

I am looking to step into Mercedes ownership after some scrimping and saving and my desire is to purchase an SL. I have done some research (in the form of reading such as the Mercedes magazine buying guide) but wanted to get the perspective of those in the know, for example:

- What should I really look for?
- Is there really that little difference in fuel consumption between the 350 & 500 (according to the magazine)?
- What are the must have extras?
- What should be avoided?

From what I understand I should definately go for the later cars post 2004 with the 7G auto and the widescreen nav. Also I live in West London so would appreciate any recommendations regarding good indi garages that could ensure such a car is maintained in the way it should be.

Thanks in advance.

 

[mirras]

Have a wee look here, slightly different question being asked but the answers do give some insight to ownership and things to look for...

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/general-discussion/72536-sl55-sl500.html

 

[AvtarD]

Thanks

 

[jimmymidnight]

My step dad has had both the SL350 and the SL500 and from driving both quite a lot, i can say that the 500 is the one to get, it's not silly quick but there is definitely a noticable difference, and it just feels a bit nicer on the motorways.

Also he found that the 500 had a lot more to offer inside, with the active air suspension, keyless entry and push button start etc...

the only real downer he's having at the moment is the keyless go keeps failing at the moment due to an intermittent signal (or something like that) and it's going to cost a far bit for mercedes to reprogram it all.

I'd definitely take a spec'd out 500 over the same 350!

 

[Matt45]

I have a 350 and find it plenty fast enough and just great to own. All the R230s are complicated thus expensive if they go wrong. I would go for the post 04 wide screen sat nav but depending on your budget wouldn't worry about the 7 speed gearbox. It can be a bit jumpy and the 5 is smoother and still used on the V12 cars. You'll have plenty of torque not to need 7 gears. Other extras would be telephone prep as the system works well through the car and the law is only going to get stiffer. I have a CD changer which is handy. Some other toys like TV are just asking to go wrong and believe me this is an expensive car to keep maintained. The SL has most other extras as standard. A full service history would be essential. Check for leaks in the diff and the gearbox, and if you test drive it make sure you do with the roof up and the radio off so you can hear any rattles etc. Dealers always drop the roof so you can't hear any problems. The roof should work 100% or step away. Also water leaks into the boot at the front of the boot lid can be damaging to electrics in the boot. Other than that it's like any other car. V8s are lovely for the noise, but if you want speed get the 55. I get 30mph+ from mine on a long run but loaded to the limit. 20mpg around town. The 350 has convetional suspension which is [IMO] easier to live with than the air assisted on the 500. The 350 is slightly cheaper on insurance too and there are 4 less spark plugs when your £1000+ service comes around. Hope this helps.

 

[Rovinghawk]

I get 30mph+ from mine on a long run.

Seems a bit slow to me.

RH

 

[Matt45]

Seems a bit slow to me.

RH

Perhaps I should have said 130mph! I meant MPG. What a mistake to make.