I had a gorgeous fairly low mileage 2004 SL500 (64,000 km) and got rid of it 2 years ago. The ABC light lit up my dashboard and I knew it would be trouble. I enjoyed every moment driving this car but it was time to part ways. It is still hands down the best car I have ever owned to this very day.
I've got the same rust problem on my sl. I'm holding out because the milage is so high. 189000miles. I don't want to be spending loads of money on the rust if the car packs in 😂 2 and a half years of ownership I've had. My maintainance cost up to now have been. Abs sensor £250 Auxiliary belt main crank pulley idaler pulley and belt. £230 Front pads fitted £90 4. Tires £550 2 .services £280 each Not bad for 20k miles in just over 2 years. Going to run it in to the ground. It's not my main car but I use it quite oftern even through winter.
Hi there! I own a sl500 mars red and sand interior with amg package, I recently blew my rear accumulator and the car bounces on the road now. 130k miles. I Tried adding a quart of hydraulic fluid. It Helped for a bit but still abc warning! I Ordered a brand accumulator on its way. Before I blew the accumulator, the car feels just as you say very special and have to be careful, it’s speedy. Thanks for video update!!
Excellent looking motor! I decided to purchase the SL350 as I thought the suspension system on the 500 might prove to be expensive in the long term. Non the less after two year ownership of the 350, I thoroughly enjoy the drive, cruising out and about in the sun with the roof down, puts a big smile across my face every time. Excellent video Richard and great to hear you are keeping the 500 long term.
JOHN LANE thanks for your kind words. You are certainly correct that the ABC can be expensive. I replaced both front struts just over a year ago - not cheap 😬
@@FastandFun Wow 2.5k, John I haven’t had a chance to watch your videos fully but I’m assuming there’s common faults on this car. I’m looking at one with 87k on clock, 02 plate, I’m assuming there should be a list of repairs to look out for that perhaps previous owners have done? ie I’ve always had a bmw, and on the e92 335i (prior to 2009) facelift they all seemed to have turbo and fuel injector issues etc Cheers
Identical to mine in every way from the looks of it,year,model,engine,wheels,color,interior and the rusty wheel arches that i need to get fixed.Had mine 3yrs and its always been my daily driver as i dont have far to get to work,took it to the festival of speed last year and stayed in Brighton from Manchester on half a tank,was getting 31mpg after about a hr of driving but as a daily its more like 15mpg.I find most of the problems are down to the amount of technology on these cars and if you keep the batteries and alternator in good shape then they are very reliable,its the 1st place i would look if you have a problem.Its also amazing what a fluid and filter change will do as well on something like the ABC system even with the red dashboard warnings.I still get a buzz every single time i get in it,and even better if its a day off and sunny and i can get the roof down.They just ooze quality and feel like nothing i have driven before from the power and sound to the ride quality comfort and brakes.All from a car that cost me less than 6k but was 76k when new and has been pretty reliable.Enjoy your lovely SL500 for many years to come and if we look after them im sure they will go up in value as they are the best looking for a long time before and since.
For sure it’s the technology that makes them a little “iffy” on reliability, having said that, I’ve found mine more reliable garaged (dry) and on a CTEK trickle charger (when left for over a week).
AS for the size difference against the Miata, you have to remember that the SL is made for a complete different purpose and even market. SL is very much an American creature being sold first for New Yorkers in the 50's. Even now the R230 is considered a small car here at 179" L by 73" width. The Miata feels like a toy on American interstates at 85mph being thrashed around relentlessly by double tractor trailers.
The ABC Reservoir is marked with 2 lines ..... Top is oil level with engine off and system at rest. The lower mark is the operating level. You can use these marks as an indicator of the hydraulic systems health , so to speak. The oil level should NOT drop below bottom line. This could indicate fluid loss in the hydraulic system or possible blown accumulator.
I have not had any R230 rust issues in New York. Car needs a garage and that helps when they salt the streets. The UK may be worse. The left rear fender liner has to be removed if you service / remove the ABC valve. That process can certainly mess up the drainage hose. As on all cars you have to flush out the wheel well especially since you have steel on aluminum parts. The 300SL I used for a few months was a lot worse since it had a full length aluminum belly pan which took hours to put back on so ended up rarely replaced which made a mess of things.
These weren't the build quality of an R129 and the early R230's are mostly likely to suffer with corrosion. A good one is however a pleasure to own, they are very under rated and such good value. In time the prices will firm and increase.
The dirty little secret of the r 230 is there a lot will quicker than Mercedes puts out, my pulls a 0 to 60 in 5.8 seconds(abc sport mode)and it's crucial to do the adaptive transmission reset once every three months! It's really really simple go on the Internet! it drives like a new car just incredible! And for God sakes get a radar detector these cars automatically go over the speed limit by 15 mph
Tim, most of the SL’s I’ve viewed (at summer shows) all seem to suffer. It’s a known weakness but earlier you catch it the better. I just hope yours doesn’t turn into the nightmare that mine was (although mine was significantly worse because of the split rubber drain hose).
I’d argue that using an SL daily would probably do it justice as too many are parked away during the week and only used at the weekend. If you can afford the running costs that it’d make a great daily 👍🏻
Hi, nice vid. Taking my 350 out after lockdown and the back battery modulator is gone and radio won't turn on. Hope it's not too big of a job. I love the shape of these cars.
Hi, I’ve found that since I’ve had my SL plugged into a CTEK trickle charger I’ve had no electrical gremlins. If you can, it’s worth connecting one directly to the Aux battery in the boot (trunk) if the SL is left for any more than a few days.
Great update and good to hear your ownership views and issues. I’m considering an SL500, but wonder if you get rattles or creaking from the plastic roof cover in the boot? My dad had a mk2 slk which i think has a similar system and it made a noise constantly if the roof was up and it was in the ready position. My old SLK mk1 had a material rollout one which didn’t make a noise.
I’m assuming by plastic roof cover you mean the luggage/roof partition in the boot? There are certainly no squeaks or rattles from within the boot, although you can hear some minor noise from the roof when fixed in the up position. But it’s only very minor over poorly surfaced roads. I hope this helps.
I’m contemplating getting one of these for a Sunday/Funday car! Are there any real pitfalls to look out for or are they just a joy to drive? Looking at one the same colour and wheels as yours! Looks great!👍😊
I’d watch all my videos on the SL which will give you an insight into the running costs. These are marmite cars, one day you love it, the next hate it! They are extremely expensive cars to run, with poor reliability (MB went through a poor period in the early 2000’s!). I spent on average c.£2k per annum on servicing and repairs. The big cost is the suspension! But when it’s all working, there are very few better 20 year old GT cars I’d rather be sat in. Good luck 👍🏻
20 years old and still have stunning looks. In about a year I hopefully buy a SL500 or maybe a SLK380. The SL is such a beast in my eyes.
I own both as well. Just did a total restore of an 03 sl500. rebuilt entire ABC and everything else.
I had a gorgeous fairly low mileage 2004 SL500 (64,000 km) and got rid of it 2 years ago. The ABC light lit up my dashboard and I knew it would be trouble. I enjoyed every moment driving this car but it was time to part ways. It is still hands down the best car I have ever owned to this very day.
I've got the same rust problem on my sl. I'm holding out because the milage is so high. 189000miles. I don't want to be spending loads of money on the rust if the car packs in 😂
2 and a half years of ownership I've had.
My maintainance cost up to now have been.
Abs sensor £250
Auxiliary belt main crank pulley idaler pulley and belt. £230
Front pads fitted £90
4. Tires £550
2 .services £280 each
Not bad for 20k miles in just over 2 years.
Going to run it in to the ground. It's not my main car but I use it quite oftern even through winter.
Hi there! I own a sl500 mars red and sand interior with amg package, I recently blew my rear accumulator and the car bounces on the road now. 130k miles. I Tried adding a quart of hydraulic fluid. It Helped for a bit but still abc warning! I Ordered a brand accumulator on its way. Before I blew the accumulator, the car feels just as you say very special and have to be careful, it’s speedy. Thanks for video update!!
Excellent looking motor! I decided to purchase the SL350 as I thought the suspension system on the 500 might prove to be expensive in the long term. Non the less after two year ownership of the 350, I thoroughly enjoy the drive, cruising out and about in the sun with the roof down, puts a big smile across my face every time. Excellent video Richard and great to hear you are keeping the 500 long term.
JOHN LANE thanks for your kind words. You are certainly correct that the ABC can be expensive. I replaced both front struts just over a year ago - not cheap 😬
@@FastandFun
How much did you pay for that replacement John ?
@@FastandFun
I work for mercedes and would love to an SL500 one day like yours
@@SuperKoreanzombie I went with reconditioned units that were c.£900 each and then several hours labor plus VAT so was c.£2.5k!
@@FastandFun
Wow 2.5k, John I haven’t had a chance to watch your videos fully but I’m assuming there’s common faults on this car. I’m looking at one with 87k on clock, 02 plate, I’m assuming there should be a list of repairs to look out for that perhaps previous owners have done?
ie I’ve always had a bmw, and on the e92 335i (prior to 2009) facelift they all seemed to have turbo and fuel injector issues etc
Cheers
Identical to mine in every way from the looks of it,year,model,engine,wheels,color,interior and the rusty wheel arches that i need to get fixed.Had mine 3yrs and its always been my daily driver as i dont have far to get to work,took it to the festival of speed last year and stayed in Brighton from Manchester on half a tank,was getting 31mpg after about a hr of driving but as a daily its more like 15mpg.I find most of the problems are down to the amount of technology on these cars and if you keep the batteries and alternator in good shape then they are very reliable,its the 1st place i would look if you have a problem.Its also amazing what a fluid and filter change will do as well on something like the ABC system even with the red dashboard warnings.I still get a buzz every single time i get in it,and even better if its a day off and sunny and i can get the roof down.They just ooze quality and feel like nothing i have driven before from the power and sound to the ride quality comfort and brakes.All from a car that cost me less than 6k but was 76k when new and has been pretty reliable.Enjoy your lovely SL500 for many years to come and if we look after them im sure they will go up in value as they are the best looking for a long time before and since.
For sure it’s the technology that makes them a little “iffy” on reliability, having said that, I’ve found mine more reliable garaged (dry) and on a CTEK trickle charger (when left for over a week).
AS for the size difference against the Miata, you have to remember that the SL is made for a complete different purpose and even market. SL is very much an American creature being sold first for New Yorkers in the 50's. Even now the R230 is considered a small car here at 179" L by 73" width. The Miata feels like a toy on American interstates at 85mph being thrashed around relentlessly by double tractor trailers.
The ABC Reservoir is marked with 2 lines ..... Top is oil level with engine off and system at rest. The lower mark is the operating level. You can use these marks as an indicator of the hydraulic systems health , so to speak. The oil level should NOT drop below bottom line. This could indicate fluid loss in the hydraulic system or possible blown accumulator.
Great info - thanks Murray 👍🏻
That rust situation sounds shocking! Great to hear that you have had it all taken care of. Well done.
Thanks 👍
I have not had any R230 rust issues in New York. Car needs a garage and that helps when they salt the streets. The UK may be worse. The left rear fender liner has to be removed if you service / remove the ABC valve. That process can certainly mess up the drainage hose. As on all cars you have to flush out the wheel well especially since you have steel on aluminum parts. The 300SL I used for a few months was a lot worse since it had a full length aluminum belly pan which took hours to put back on so ended up rarely replaced which made a mess of things.
These weren't the build quality of an R129 and the early R230's are mostly likely to suffer with corrosion.
A good one is however a pleasure to own, they are very under rated and such good value. In time the prices will firm and increase.
The dirty little secret of the r 230 is there a lot will quicker than Mercedes puts out, my pulls a 0 to 60 in 5.8 seconds(abc sport mode)and it's crucial to do the adaptive transmission reset once every three months! It's really really simple go on the Internet! it drives like a new car just incredible! And for God sakes get a radar detector these cars automatically go over the speed limit by 15 mph
I have just notice a small rust bubble on the bottom of the rear arch on my 2002 SL500. So annoying.
Tim, most of the SL’s I’ve viewed (at summer shows) all seem to suffer. It’s a known weakness but earlier you catch it the better. I just hope yours doesn’t turn into the nightmare that mine was (although mine was significantly worse because of the split rubber drain hose).
wanting a new daily kind of change it up every year and i was wondering would you comfortably daily this
I’d argue that using an SL daily would probably do it justice as too many are parked away during the week and only used at the weekend. If you can afford the running costs that it’d make a great daily 👍🏻
Hi, nice vid. Taking my 350 out after lockdown and the back battery modulator is gone and radio won't turn on. Hope it's not too big of a job. I love the shape of these cars.
Hi, I’ve found that since I’ve had my SL plugged into a CTEK trickle charger I’ve had no electrical gremlins. If you can, it’s worth connecting one directly to the Aux battery in the boot (trunk) if the SL is left for any more than a few days.
Hi I have the same car , how many miles are on it? Thankfully I live in hot climate in the USA! Thank you !
@@mrkongsimr I sold this one around 3 years ago but had about 75k miles on it
Great update and good to hear your ownership views and issues. I’m considering an SL500, but wonder if you get rattles or creaking from the plastic roof cover in the boot? My dad had a mk2 slk which i think has a similar system and it made a noise constantly if the roof was up and it was in the ready position. My old SLK mk1 had a material rollout one which didn’t make a noise.
I’m assuming by plastic roof cover you mean the luggage/roof partition in the boot? There are certainly no squeaks or rattles from within the boot, although you can hear some minor noise from the roof when fixed in the up position. But it’s only very minor over poorly surfaced roads. I hope this helps.
I’m contemplating getting one of these for a Sunday/Funday car! Are there any real pitfalls to look out for or are they just a joy to drive? Looking at one the same colour and wheels as yours! Looks great!👍😊
I’d watch all my videos on the SL which will give you an insight into the running costs. These are marmite cars, one day you love it, the next hate it! They are extremely expensive cars to run, with poor reliability (MB went through a poor period in the early 2000’s!). I spent on average c.£2k per annum on servicing and repairs. The big cost is the suspension! But when it’s all working, there are very few better 20 year old GT cars I’d rather be sat in. Good luck 👍🏻
Why would you compare a Miata to a Mercedes?? Ridiculous.
I was showing the full spectrum of 2 seater sports car size by comparing to the MX5/Miata.