Should You Buy a MERCEDES SL500? (Test Drive & Review R230)
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- čas přidán 22. 08. 2024
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This was the very last design that Bruno Sacco did before he retired. So it’s still touched by his design genius and will be a future classic.
Exactly!
I worked in a hotel where they did a press launch for the SL, all the journalists and test drivers stayed and took the cars out for the day on a set route. They each got given a print of the original design by Sacco and it was hand signed by the late Sterling Moss. I have one and it looks even more futuristic than the finished SL that got produced.
Edit: want to buy it Matt? 😀
Bro im more into bikes all my life. Yesterday my gf went to pick her bimmer from a used luxury cars dealership. They had one silver of those in a corner ..absolute beauty . Dealer said it was his own car and is basically like new. And the idea it has a v8 underneath. Mmm
@@MrMarko4 I would buy it...
Unlike most automatics, you get excellent engine breaking when changing down manually. For that reason the 5 speed is better than the 7 speed.
If you've got the top down in an SL55 and you change down manually, the sound is wonderful.
CAUTION. I took my SL55 to my local Mercedes main dealer for an MOT. They failed it on the hand-brake (it was stuck in the off position) and said that to fix it, they would have to dismantle some of the bodywork to get to the mechanism and the cost of that and reassembly would a £1k. I called my mobile Mercedes specialist, who does my servicing, and he jacked the car up and released the mechanism in 5 minutes and didn't even charge me. So I don't mind shaming Mercedes of Reading, who will never get any more of my business.
That reminds me of my local jag dealer who charged me £200 to fix my cigarette lighter it took them 45 minutes to realise that a washer inside it was causing it to short
I own a SL55AMG and i love it to shift down, the sound is amazing.
The electronic handbrake was my most recent repair and I had to get new rotors and I opted for new brake pads Akebono are the best and they don't cost much more money! It cost me a little over $260
@@thomasm.7058 Ever notice how these reviews are all SL 55, Sweet car
@@thedoo777 Of course, it's a beautiful car, really nice sound you can hear it direct when you start the engine. The over all design is timeless. It's smooth and aggressive to drive together. Over all it's a really nice car, especially when driving open.
I've got a 2003 40k mile SL500..... I paid 11k and it's the best money I've ever spent....you were on point with your review....incredible if you get the right one....a garaged one is infinitely better than the ones that stand outside....
That will no be like 13-15 grand good job! I’m buying a 04 with 70,000 miles for 12,000$
one of the few modern timeless designs certainly
I will never forget working for the Mercedes Canary Wharf dealership in 2003, when this SL500 first came out. I made a promise to myself when I God willing win the lottery or get left some inheritance, this car will top my list.
I think the real difference in performance between the 350 and 500 is down to torque. Close to 30% increase for the 500 really makes a difference. Great review as always Matt, telling it like it is, warts and all. 👍
Thanks for watching!
You’ve got to be the greatest salesman of all time. I can’t watch one of your videos without wanting one of whatever you’re selling. Keep up the great work!
Great car but when the ABC suspension goes its £1k a corner and more for the pump. The SL350 has spring suspension and is therefore the one to have IMO
I drove a supercharged cl55 for 6 years from 105k to 135k, in that time nothing wrong with the suspension, everything else though......don't believe the forums
@@jinkazamamonkey what happened? also its 55 amg not 500
@@jinkazamamonkey I had a 2002 SL500 with ABC - it was horrendous, nothing but faults, ABC alone cost me thousands. That’s not “a forum” - that’s me.
I’d never touch an ABC car again - I’ve got a facelifted SL350 now - conventional springs, and really there’s no difference - except when you turn it on and it doesn’t lighten your wallet by a thousand quid, or you get back to it and it’s sunk on one corner (and if the steering was turned it’s ruined the wing/fender). Never again.
@@Biskawow no it’s a 500 look there is no amg body kit or badge or even the light , ect…
@@Garage_Distinct_Clips the dude I was answering said he had problems with his 55, so I said "thats 55 not 500" meaning its not same car
Thank you very much! Awesome scenery to film and review this classy and beautiful SL500.
And you keep it real, also diligently emphasizing the importance of proper custodianship 👍
Thank you very much!
Trends change, class stays forever.
These are rare enough that they have retained their "baller" cache each time you actually see one on the road. They just have a 'presence/gravitas' and everyone knows it's something special
Its aged so incredibly well. So many other cars seem to look dated the minute the next model is released but this one really does continue to look great. I wonder... A future classic?
SL's are always classics :)
I bought an r172 slk 350, it is absolutely fabulous, 300+ bhp, smaller and lighter than an sl. I am currently on a 1500 mile tour round Spain and the car fits in all the tiny towns and parking places, it is fast economic and exceptionally comfortable. Having driven many sorts cars over the last 55years, i can honestly say this car is far and away the best smile permile you can get.
I have had an SL500 from new in 2008 and have never had any mechanical, electrical or any other issues with it. It still looks as good as the day it came out of the showroom. It has cost me about £4,500 a year in depreciation but otherwise its running costs have been about £300 a year VED for the seven months I have it on the road, about the same again for full comprehensive insurance (with an £800 deductible) and annual servicing costs of between £300 and £1,000 depending on the service required. It has always been a pleasure to drive and the hard top convertible is one of its best features. The satnav is a bit primitive now but I have always got my phone if I need better directions.
As much as I love the design of the R129, the R230 looks more elegant and modern, while still being well-proportioned.
If you said it was a 2016 model I probably would believe it, still looks modern.
Amazing car, Though I’d still rather have the Jaguar XK which is more Beautiful, Faster, and Ironically more Reliable. I bought mine when I was 17 off of a Sketchy man in Florida, best bad decision ever.......
Yeah I have to agree with you there
Which generation of XK?
I was just thinking that I have a xk also I don’t want to tempt fate by saying it’s been totally reliable but it has been
A 17 year old in a Jag XK? Your insurance premium must have been hilarious.
@@sandersson2813 in the US
Another great review. I’ve had one of these earlier R230 SL500s and the suspension was a nightmare - constant issues, nearly bankrupt me.
I’ve now got one of the very last R230 facelifted SL350s which - in my opinion - is superior to the earlier 500 in every way. It’s more powerful (315bhp), more economical (mid 30s on a run which is crazy), better electronics and no ABC. I love it - far better car.
Oh and it’s got those twin bonnet bulges and the Messerschmitt gills so looks mental!
I’m going to keep this one til they ban them.
Tough choice for the young man about town - one of those, or an E Class estate with the Bonkatronic Mattress option. 😁
Lol
A great review again and having owned SLs can thoroughly recommend them. Bulletproof mechanicals but keep the preventative maintenance up and check water ingress into the boot area. Also invest in a reasonably priced fault code analyser which can pinpoint those issues on the engine management system.
I've got a 2007 sl 550, 5.5 litres V 8 it's the newer engine compared to the sl500. It's 385hp and 395 torque with the 7 speed transmission. I've driven it for about a year and a half (2 summers) and I love it. This is the first v8 I've had in a long time, v6s and 4 cylinder for 14 years previously. The v8 torque is so noticeable especially when you step on it when you're cruising at highway speed. It propels you to illegal speed so quickly, it's a thrill.
Interior is very similar to the 2006
Sooo much better than the wet 350. This car is clearly a weekend car, no point cheaping out on a silly V6. In my view !
Thats quite right. If you're not using it everyday you might as well make it more special
Timeless car. Great with the V8. An absolute bargain at the side of a contemporary 997. What’s not to like?
And another good review 👍
Another soft landing!
I’m crushed.........I’ve got a mini-disc player, Christmas time too, how cruel. Bah! Great review again. Have as good a festive season as circumstances allow.
hahah Thanks! You too!
Beautiful automobile. Still relevant after all these years. One of the only roadsters a man can drive which doesn't mean you have your sexuality questioned, or questions referring to your move into barbering.
Hahah thats right
Didn't know ABC could be serviced, that makes a massive difference. Maybe make playlist on 'Things You Didn't Know About Your Favourite Cars And Were Too Afraid To Ask'?!
Merry Christmas, thanks for the vids.
Haha not many people know but it makes sense really. Merry christmas! All the best for 2021
@@HighPeakAutos *Laughs in beloved ML*
All the best for 2021, keep on keeping on!
as a MB tech. I 100% agree with what you said. I got one of these cars from my client for 1200usd. I totally went thru it and replaced all warn out parts and the ABC system. Now I have one hell of a car that is in good shape. it is like driving a 90k usd car.
Always worth remembering that just because you can afford to buy a car that once was £50k doesn’t mean that you can afford to maintain it for a couple of hundred a year. Lovely looking car though, will be a future classic.
These older Mercedes are terrific cars, until something breaks, then you need real cash to repair them. I owned the E500 and it had to be towed 3x so I finally got rid of it. I loved it, but it was so expensive to repair. If you can't fix it yourself, stay away from the 02-09 Mercedes models. All of them! (or be willing to pay to tow and fix them in the shop)
In 2007, they did a minor facelift to the R230 and also upped the engine to a 5.5L V8 putting out 380bhp. I had one and it was awesome. Sounded brilliant too.
That's the one to buy if you can stump up the few extra quid. You get upgraded brakes, auto, steering, stereo, gearbox etc
I used to own one of these cars and agree with everything you say about these cars pros and cons . Sadly sold mine last month as just had not used it enough to justify the running costs this year, however new owner is an enthusiast so going to a good home .
What were the running costs of these please and thank you? Did need to convert the pump suspension to coilovers?
@@Steven_Will I had the pump suspension repaired by replacing the pump and valve lock , I saved a lot of money by buying branded parts in Europe rather than UK and using a independent specialist to fit them . The engine and gearbox, mine was 7g tronic , are very reliable with regular servicing however the car is very complicated electronically and error messages all too common which have to be investigated. Insurance was reasonable obviously fuel consumption is high as to be expected with a V8 engine but depends on how you drive it. UK Road tax was in the highest band £600 annually. Would suggest you consider SL350 as does not have the pump suspension and running costs are more reasonable. Always buy one with full service history and with all the checks done regularly. These were very expensive cars when new and although are a bargain to buy used expect pitfalls along the way.
Excellent as always Matt Merry Christmas to you and yours
Thanks! Same to you!
I remember in your S350 review when you said the 500 MB was 'pointless , not economical like the s350 or fast like the S63 ' , I guess things have changed 👍
Haha thats true. In the S Class the diesel makes more sense, the 500 is a bit of a waste
'Almost like he's got a vested interest in talking it up! 😁
@@ph8077 So what? Has he ever made any secret of the fact that he's a trader, what else would you expect? Jesus...
Definitely agree with leaving a merc from this period sitting there. Got my S500 back from specialist after 10 months (don't ask) and the dash was like a Xmas tree... After 2/3 days of driving she is now warning light free.
The suspension system in those cars are very suspect.
Another great one have a cracking Christmas
Thanks, you too!
You sell these cars so well in these vids. everyone ends with me thinking - perhaps I should sell my old Volvo and buy one of these SL500’s... ;-)
Beautiful car the SL is - it is almost up there with the Rover 75 for design exuberance and driver appeal. Pure class when driven by the tall, young, handsome, discerning driver - especially in Rover's Connoisseur trim. 😂😂😂😍
Yes gorgeous R230 SL in my opinion is the last SL that is beautiful from nearly all angles, designed by the great Bruno Sacco it is the prefect full stop to his time at MB. The newer ones reallly look angular odd and very chav and chintzy now. Your SL 55 is an absolute keeper Matt!
Thanks! I love them
If money was no object, yes I would have one. Its a lovely shape, and very very comfortable. The maintenance, insurance and running costs aside. I've only ever driven the sl55, not in anger as it wasnt my car, but wow what a car. Effortless torque and acceleration. Awesome machine.
Thats quite right. They're lovely cars
I'm 51 now and still don't think I'd be ready for a SL yet.
SL''s have always screamed old man to me.
Oh and Minidisc was a great format suppressed by an industry obsessed with profit, fantastic performance killed by the hand that feeds.
I've always had the head of an old man so I'm fine with that
Always thorough with the reviews. I recently bought an 06 SL65 with 42000km. Absolute dream come true for me. The R230 is definitely the last of the beautiful SL shapes.
Wow! Good choice
Great review as usual, I went for the 350 as I was worried about coming out one morning to a low rider sitting on drive springs and shocks easier to fix, also agree don’t let battery’s run low I did and it’s a world of pain! Happy Christmas and stay safe.
Merry christmas
Hi there, I am drawn to the 350 as I have a 350 CLK and it drives great and like you have stated the suspension is the worrying factor, as a friend had a SL500 and had to replace the two front ABC front shocks which came in at £2000, for half that you could replace all of the suspension and control arms and ball joints and track rod ends. How do you find the performance and fuel economy as its a heavier car than the CLK.
After this SL model, the design started to look melted.
The SL55 AMG is still a Very fast car even by 2day standards👏
I agree. I own an R231 SL63, but I like the R230 shape better. Other than looks, the one I went for is completely on another level.
@@peterbratu I traded my r230 for a 231 and still miss the 230 . Mind you neither of them comes close to my R129
I am taking my SL63 on track days quite often. I was watching some videos I took last year at Bedford and the noise of the car makes gives me goosebumps every time! That, plus the fact that I was murdering everyone else on the track. Can't wait for this year's track season!
All the Best to you and yours this Christmas
May I take a moment to thank you and Hubnut between the two of you this year you have kept me sane
May your channel continue to boom
Regards Ste
Thank you for watching! Merry Christmas!
Trouble with the SL500 is that every time an SL55 rumbles past you'll wish you'd bought one...
Yep
yea, i know
How about straight piping and putting pops and bangs tune on the sl 500?
@@andrindoka6312 Er...even if one did eventually manage to recreate on the 500 that organ-jangling yet polished native rumble, it still wouldn't add that thin wail of the supercharger when one really gets going...and, of course, one would still be almost 200 horses down. Simply wouldn't have the gravitas of the SL55...
@@okeyezeilo6187 i agree, you are right
Thank you & Merry Christmas.
Same to you!
I’ve had one for 6 years, and it really is reliable but good maintenance is the key word. Driving this SL with it’s V8 is just a dream. The SL500 with the 7 speed and the 387bhp V8 is the one to have IMO.
I like that big long sharkish bonnet, a handsome motor for sure. The sound of a V8 is going to get less common as EVs take over, I can see this becoming an appreciating classic. Top review as ever mate 👍
Totally agree
When Mercedes was was still Mercedes...
lol, this merc was such an money pitt
And by mercedes u mean Daimler Chrysler
I'd have one in a heartbeat - trouble is once I got in, my sciatica would mean I'd never get out! I had to get rid of a E350 CGI Cabriolet for that reason (funny story about that particular car, took some friends out to lunch, they sat in the "occasional" seats in the back - when we got to their house he could not get out - no matter how hard I pulled on his arm - he was well and truly stuck! In the end had to drop the roof, work myself round his back and lift him up by his armpits - if it had been the coupe the fire service would have had to cut the roof bloody roof off!
As an ex-pat living in Australia the one thing I miss is how cheap used cars are in the U.K. Everything here is basically double the price......
Try Malaysia, everything that isnt a Proton has a massive goverment import tax, up to and probably beyond 100% in some cases.
Ex post in Spain here, think it’s nearly three times the price here.
@@livingalpujarras Any reason? is it just greedy for profits?
One important point though Dean, our used cars here in Australia are not rusty. The UK? Not so much. ;) Old, non-collectable Mercedes are still pretty cheap in Australia really -- not to mention the fuel to run a V8 Mercedes costs a fraction of what it would in the UK.
@@TassieLorenzo yes I can’t argue with that 👍🏼
Give me an early SL500 with the M113 and the 5G not the 7G and you have a winning combo!
Yes good point. The M113 is a great engine
Gorgeous. Benz has truly designed some recent stunners. From a CLK owner!
Nice review👍
I never really liked the this generation SL when it was new. After the R129 SL, it looked unsubstantial and felt a bit underwhelming. Now though, I think time has been very kind to it, and the R230 is now emerging as a svelte and sophisticated modern classic. I still prefer the previous generation, but the R230 now has a very strong appeal, and I'd completely understand why someone would buy one today.
Hell yes you should. I've owned two of them. Some of the most mechanically sound cars on the road today.
Great value for money
Excelllent and honest review, was very tempted to buy one myself recently as a second car but having previously run a 928 and a 996 exactly as you say even if you get a well looked after car they are still over 100 grand new so have a reserve of 2 k and keep that topped up and enjoy, also make sure you have good breakdown cover if planning long journeys especially on the continent.
Another spot on review... please, don't change your format. The balance of information and humour aligned with personal experience is just on the money!..
Thanks! Merry Christmas
I drive a CLK 320 3L V6 - I've found a great independent Mercedes dealership, I'm also a member of Mercedes Facebook forums, a great place for help and advice. You're absolutely correct saying have car fund for repairs. They will go wrong, but when they do you're fully prepared and it wont hurt so much.
Happy Christmas
Great content as always, Matt
Thanks guys ...
I bought a 500SL 2004 unused since 2008 from a retired Chelsea banker. Full MB service. As a precaution I changed all the oils. The car is a dream to drive.
This will be the last boys toy car.
Good review although if the ABC hydraulic suspension goes wrong you could spend about £4000 to repair.
My wife has a 2006 SL500 and its used every day (or it was until Covid). We brought it at 5- years old with 14k miles on it for £24k, a complete bargain as it's got extras like the glass roof as well. It's now done about 50k and nothing has gone wrong. You are very correct about the battery. The car has two. No issues with the main battery used to start the car but if you doesn't use it for two weeks you will find the aux battery will be flat and you get a 'no convenience functions available', among other things that means the roof won't open! Drive for 5-miles and they return. The radio and navigation are beyond unusable and just leave the voice control alone! It's serviced each year by a local specialist and it's no more than I pay for a BMW 5-Series.
How could anyone give this a thumbs down?
I'd love to try the SL500 but too scared to after the suspension nightmares I had with an E500. If you're after a coupe with that engine and gearbox combo, you can get a nice CLK500 for £4K with regular spring suspension and normal brakes. Make sure it's 2004 or after unless you like rust. I ran one for a year and sold it for more than I paid for it (Maintenance included)!
Wow you had an E500 ,now that is the ultimate sleeper car...👍
Q. In buying an SL500 to a budget would you be better getting an older car with lower mileage or a newer one with higher mileage? Love the review by the way
Great Vid and thank for uploading. Really enjoyed this vid, Love the SL range, so tempted to buy one, but I'd rather wait for the right XK8. Thanks for all you do Matt. Have a great Christmas.
Thanks for watching!
My neighbour has one of these in silver, he is not a man of wealth either. From a distance it looks good , but is starting to show it's age in little ways. It lives outside all year and is driven daily(on LPG), your car is in a far nicer colour and actually sounds like a V8 should, somehow all I ever hear from across the road is a lot of induction roar and never any V8 burble. However I think I would rather spend £10k to £15k on an R129 SL500, but that just my own preference.
Also on these check for damp in the boot the seals can perish around the roof which is a expensive job
Thats right. Better to keep them garaged
I have an R231 and it is the best car I have ever owned. It truly can do daily driving, is comfortable and the interior is beautifully made with enough modern technology and some superb buttons that show just how wrong touch screens really are. My engine is creamy smooth, it has all the performance you can ever use on the road, is wonderful with the top down and is always a joy to drive. Mine is only on 21,000 miles but feels unused..and it has been serviced by Mercedes Truro who have been perfect. Thank you for this honest review of a car too many do not consider nor understand. Next..an AMG GTR!!!😃😃😃😃
I’d love an AMG GT
First time that I've watched that Matt. My son and I went to look at 6 series the other day and it wasn't the car for me. But there was an SL in the showroom and I couldn't take my eyes off it, to the point I took it for a test drive. I loved it. The thing that stopped me buying it was that I don't know enough about Mercs, I've been driving beemers for 20 years. Great video once again Matt 👍
Lovely old motors, really can’t fault old cars , especially 90’s and early 2000’s cars. New cars are brilliant but far too technical for me 👴
Well thanks.Now the trouble has started.Was happy with my Diesel Focus.Now SL Mercedes,Audi A5 Cabriolet, Porches Cayenne and others are giving me sleepless nights.Not to mention heated seats.Will be watching what you have for sale.Great movies.Stay safe and may your business prosper.
Love these SL's. Matt see if you can box off another video before Christmas day and the new year if you can :)
That's the plan!
@@HighPeakAutos that's great you can tell a lot goes into these videos🔥 Have a good evening Matt 👍
What the hell Matt your killing the overtime and simultaneously educating BMW fanboys ? Will find an award for you somewhere down the back of my Audi back seat pal. Quality content hats off to the editor again. Merry Christmas sir. John
Cheers John
Great video Matt thank you very much once again. Really appreciate the very frequent uploads! Amazing car would be a dream to own one.
My '06 SL 500 is the exact spec of this one! The best purchase I ever made _ with only 105,000km and full service history, the last 24 months of ownership has been an absolute pleasure. Yes, some expensive ABC repairs/services etc _ all well worth driving in such luxury and prestige! Love the R230!!
Great choice!
How much for the ABC?
Always believed I was destined to buy one of these and thought long and hard right up to the moment on pulled up alongside me on the east lancs top down I looked across and kid you not the bloke driving it had blond gelled hair sunglasses on top of his head and his sweater around his shoulders!! He was my age 70s that was it for me, no gell
Blond gelled hair? Is he in an episode of happy days or a 50's commercial for soft drinks?
Haha people with jumpers over their shoulders normally drive 911s
So tempted to have a ride over and have a good look at it, it really is beautiful. But in the present climate I can't unfortunately. I did sit through all the adverts; before, during and at the end!! So I want a medal AND a discount when I visit!! best wishes for Christmas and the New Year.
i genuinely get butterflies in my stomach when i see you have a new video review
Watched review a couple times now- impressive mate🤙🏻. Already commented about seeking alternative options having a tad more rear seat compatibility for couple grand kids if ever needed. Ie perhaps similar to BMW E46 M3
Used to have a 2013 SLK250 which I loved, obviously different to the SL, however I did consider buying an SL a few years back, ended up with a C230 V6 instead, 19mpg lol. Good video as always, keep them coming!
The lines just flow on the SL R230 range and will do forever.
Merc Audi BMW designers have just lost the plot, facelifting everything to pure ugliness IMO.
The SL55 AMG is the baby to have.
Had mine 4 yrs now with just 37k miles it's the dogs #####cks
Thats the one I've got too
I have a CLS500 and love it, I’ve considered the SL500 just concerned about cargo space, good review..
2 videos in the space of 24 hours.... am I dreaming :p
Hahah
@@HighPeakAutos i missed a trick. Should have said - Christmas has come early 🙄🤣
I had the same odel as you are testing about 10 years ago, it had only covered 20k miles when I parted with it but it cost over £5K IN REPAIRS IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS OF OWNERSHIP ..THE ELECTRIC S ON THESE CARS ARE APPALING IN REGARDS OF RELIABILITY.. you mentioned the hydraulic suspension this failed as I was driving through the South of France and cost over a grand to repair at a merc dealer down there just for a small electrical component..lovely car just eats money though
I own an SL55 in black - every word of this review is true. And SPR Autos in Stockport are indeed superb Mercedes specialists.
Good choice!
another good report matt..best of luck for 2021 youve kept us going cheers and have a great one
Thanks! Merry Christmas!
Still a good looker and one for the person with a few bob. Good and interesting review. Happy Christmas.
Thanks great review great commentary as always
My pleasure
R230 the best! I still hope to get one :D
Hi Matt, not sure if you’ll pick this up. My much loved, low miles R129 SL320 has been driven into. The damage is quite extensive - starting on the edge of the drivers door, going into the rear wing just before the wheel-arch. My body shop says it needs a new rear wing, repairs estimated at £7,000. The body shop guy estimates the value of the car to be between £14-£18k. The other party’s ins co have agreed to pay to fix it. But now we’re having difficulty sourcing a new wing. I’m not sure what to do next. Getting them to write it off will probably cause an argument with regards to value. Not sure I want to keep it after its fixed (if its fixed). I’m considering a R230 SL500 instead. I’d value your views.
Great video matt...lovely car...I've always been a jaguar man myself forty years or more had seven now...just brought a beautiful sixteen thousand mile xfrs seven years old beautiful absolutely beautiful...but I've been looking for a great condition 500 sl maybe a 2nd Owner car ..really do like the look of the cars now yes definitely gonna get one hopefully the right one...thanks matt good luck fella 👍
It's cars like this make me miss England. You can get these in Canada but you can only drive it 5months a year I love my 2019 F150 but not the same is it! Great video have a great Christmas.
What's not to like about an R230, one of many on my 'to buy & experience' list!
Have a great Christmas chap.
Cheers,
Chris
Thanks! Same to you! Cheers
Can't speak for the SL specifically, but the lesser sedan models of this period really suffered from less than quality materials; peeling chromed plastic handles, stitching splitting, plastics breaking....2000 thru 2012 were The Dark Ages for Mercedes as they ramped up production and built to price rather than standards. Thankfully that ended in 2013.
The issue is that a reputation for quality, built and nurtured for generations, was thrown away with a decade of corporate negligence. Look at Lexus, it's taken them 30 years and people are only now starting to associate that brand with quality. It'll be a long road back for Mercedes to catch rivals again.
I have a C350 Ian’s think the build quality is very good
I bought a 2003 SL500 in 2009 with 35K miles. Drove it only 12K miles over the next four years but accumulated $16K in repair bills from my independent mechanic! A great looking and driving car but a nightmare to maintain. Buyer beware!
Another great vid you make these older cars very appealing the ones you have always seem in such lovely condition have a merry Christmas.🎁🎄
Thanks, you too!
Nice. Totally agree. Still looks the part and great value.
Thanks for the video. Lovely car!
Great review again Matt.
Merry Christmas to you and yours
Cheers
Mike
Think the SL is one of the very few cars with a folding metal roof that manages to look really stylish. A very tempting car for the money but you are right to give a health or should it be 'wealth' warning about repair costs! If I was in the market for a car like this I too would probably go for a Jag XK/XKR but the SL would be a close second. Thanks for the review! When is the SLK review? lol!
I agree