Can a Regular Guy Buy and Maintain a Mercedes SL500? Buying Tips and Review on a R230 SL Roadster

[@stevebilenky4059]

Bill you spoke of what most folks don't realize, that is, when you buy a depreciated SL for say $15-$20k, when it comes to repairs you are repairing the $100k car, not the $15-$20k car.

[@kentrobinson2829]

Good point

[@Leo555ZZZ]

If you buy a decent well maintained example ,,and treat it with respect ,,there are no repairs.. Just servicing ,,a lot of which is an easy DIY for those prepared to by a few tools and do some research. The M113 V8 is an extremely reliable engine ,,,all it needs is regular oil changes..

[@stevebilenky4059]

@@Leo555ZZZ Yes, Mercedes engines for the most part are bulletproof with regular maintenance. It's the hydraulics, suspension & tops, tire wear and other peripherals that are chronic and expensive problems. My '99 SL500 needed a blower motor resistor, if available through MB, which it is not, is $611..... for a resistor, the blower motor $550, dome lite plastic housing $300-$500, top ECU $1200 rebuilt etc.

[@williamgermann6551]

AT a dealership a 11 dollar relay final price $1600 Hurry to huntington ny

[@wickedhouston5538]

shut up and buy a toyota corolla

[@recl971]

These videos have got to be KZbin's best well kept secret ,Bill deserves 3 million subscribers

[@805NAVE]

Chris Berry haha right ??? I literally cannot get enough of Bill’s videos

[@mht6848]

Seriously. I think that everytime I watch a video of his.

[@recl971]

Bill's, sense of humor ,charisma, knowledge ,etc are an absolute treat to listen to

[@kriscarmelo]

I know, I should be working and I can't stop watching.

[@themaestro5745]

Bill - Well done on this segment. This was the best practical presentation of purchasing a used luxury car I’ve heard. Bravo my man.

[@silvertrek357]

I love the sarcasm and (barely) veiled bitterness, brother. Keep going

[@herbertjacobs8422]

Finally a review that was helpful. I just bought mine on Friday. A 2003 SL500. I don’t have to read the manual now. Your review was the most helpful of all reviews. Thank you.

[@kidjeff4304]

How was the past 2 years

[@herbertjacobs8422]

@@kidjeff4304 the last 2 years has been but very expensive. So many issues. But I freaking love this car.

[@harutakagura4886]

How many miles when you bought it and how many now? ​@@herbertjacobs8422

[@postalgreetingcards]

Bill - that's one of the most honest assessments of what that car is all about and who should and shouldn't own one and why...I knew there was a reason I follow you :)

[@howardbursey4530]

Bought a Fire Mist 05 SL500 from these guys, a year ago. Bill, and the other salesmen ( sorry can’t remember his name) and the mechanic. They were all honest and went above and beyond during the sale, with some minor repairs after purchase. Can’t say enough about these guys love my car, and would easily buy another one from them. Thanks to the staff at Auto Europa.

[@robincollier5709]

Hey Bill. I am an old Porsche tech. Getting ready to move there looking for a part time job. 60 years old

[@KurticusGT]

After a long week, notification of one of these videos is just the best.

[@benjaminkessler8169]

20 years in the business, all with German cars, mainly with Porsche I've have seen my fair share of financial mayhem. you are the the closest that comes to a true salesman. tell it like it is and tell people what the want and most importantly what they can afford.

[@CJHazard]

I own an 04 SL, same year same model, and this is the best review I have ever seen on one of these. Everything Bill says in this video is dead on. Literally, everything. For the record, after I did a few initial suspension repairs on mine, it's been a reliable daily driver ever since. Great car if you want to drive something special.

[@thedoo777]

I own own one too and I appreciate his humor and spot on honest conversation

[@mellothirty]

I’m considering buying one how often do you drive it ? and when you repaired it how much was the cost

[@mellothirty]

I also make about 100 dollars to 150 a day can I afford this ?

[@rollingstocks]

@@mellothirty I've owned one for a bit over 5 years, and I've put about $25k of my capital into it (not including gas or insurance). You divide that $25k into the 1,825 days I've owned it, and you get $13.70 per day cost to buy and maintain one of these . With that information, I recommend looking at your budget and determining whether or not you can comfortable fit that into your daily expenses.

[@Steven_Will]

​@rollingstocks good stuff buddy 👏 👍

[@WhiteBoardFinance]

Of course. My father and I have been doing this for years. Well maintained used German cars are the best value if you're mechanically inclined.

[@BEGGARWOOD1]

Love Bill, his humour and his constant bitching about the weather

[@JB73691]

Yeah and I live in Canada and consistently bitching about the weather LOL

[@azmike3572]

It would be even better if he kept politics out of car reviews. We watch them for the cars we like.

[@carattop]

@@azmike3572 Speak for yourself. We watch them for the cars we like as well as the snarky political comments.

[@azmike3572]

@carattop I do speak for myself, like almost everyone's posts. But your statement informs us of an unrealized bit of info. Thanks for your input, and stay safe.

[@carattop]

@@azmike3572 I'm sure Bill will continue to do and say whatever he pleases (as he should), regardless of your approval.

[@funguy4utube]

Bill knocks it out of the park once again .... considering cancelling my Netflix and just rely on Bill vids for entertainment !

[@JrIza_914]

I just bought an black 01 SL 500 shipped to NJ from you guys and I tell you can sell anything with your descriptions. Very honest and entertaining. Loving my car btw. Thanks again.

[@drsnooz8112]

Great vid, Bill. You cover all the important points. I'll only add one thing. If you want to own a German prima donna car, leverage the internet discussion boards. They are full of passionate average guys keeping their cars running without breaking the bank. You'll find them to be excellent resources for quick repairs, workarounds and tips and tricks. Ask the right guy and that $3500 major transmission overhaul can turn into a simple $50 part replacement. You will more than recoup all the time you spend researching on these boards.

[@shartingfish5761]

You know you're getting old when you are more interested in the buick wagon in the background more than the SL.

[@David-xh7tn]

just bought my 2nd SL and this video really sums it up for me (im the neurotic that runs to the shop everytime something seems weird) , thanks for being so funny and talking common sense regarding ownership of these magnificent, and sometimes frightening cars.

[@donaldcarter4324]

Bill,your tutorials on the 500sl roadsters have been a huge help! Sorry to see your sales department close but I have visited the service shop in Naples so when I visit the area I know where to take it. Hope you got a new job demonstrating cars ,your good at it!

[@sachemrock]

Bill, great review as always. I also love Bill’s sense of humor and bitching about the Florida weather, his employees or coworkers, and children! This video was very applicable to me as I inherited a Mercedes from a dear friend and am having thoughts as to whether I can afford it. It was no problem when I had my job, but I was the victim of a wrongful termination recently in the middle of a life altering medical condition. I desperately want to keep the car because I love it, but practically it probably makes no sense. This video educated me on what my attitude (normally a perfectionist) should be towards the car and tips on where to service it. I have been bringing it to an independent repair shop that is only slightly less expensive than a Mercedes dealership. This video has given me hope that I can continue to enjoy my Mercedes into the future. I did have my 2nd surgery and it was successful. Now that I am better I can work on fixing my employment situation. With the grace of God I will be able to restore my income to previous levels. Thanks Bill for your insight into older Mercedes Benz ownership for the non-privileged class!

[@TheSixfinger1]

I'm getting an SLK 350 sometime this year! It's got 42,000 on the clock, maintained by Mercedes from new! It's been garaged from new and is in excellent condition! I've been told that the only thing you can't get done by a private mechanic is the air conditioning which apparently needs refreshing once a year? I'm in the UK and it costs £200! I had a quote from my insurance company and was really surprised that they only wanted an extra £80 to add it to my policy which is for two other cars as well! I also think that with any car it's about how you treat them! If your gonna rag the backside off it when cold, then your asking for problems! Treated with respect and regular basic maintenance, should be fine! And fun! 0-60 4.5 sec 0-100 6 secs? Can't wait! Great review!

[@kalyanbv1000]

May I ask how was your ownership experience so far? Which model year was it?

[@TheSixfinger1]

@@kalyanbv1000 No issues! SLK 350! 2005! Love it! And I have been surprised to find a lot of Mercedes parts are reasonably priced!

[@kalyanbv1000]

@@TheSixfinger1 thanks for the info. I always lust for these Mercedes roadsters but I am very much scared of running costs and I am not very good at understanding the mechanicals. Anyways thanks for the info. I ll look for a similar mileage example as yours 😊

[@sputnik8407]

I have one and just love it , but like Bill said stay away from dealer , I found a MB specialist here nearby . Now when I like to add an r129 they are to be terrible !!!! Waiting for Bill to do a video on them. I'm shocked to see how low the prices on the r230 cars are now .......This is a beautiful car !!! Thank you !!!!!!!!!!!

[@donaldcarter4324]

The Sidney Oprah House bonnets are glare sheilds,makes the Instrument panel easier to see especially when the top is down.

[@stevejones1318]

I think you mean Sydney Opera House.

[@donaldcarter4324]

@@stevejones1318 Yes, oops I stand 🧍‍♂️ corrected 😉

[@MW-mv2ox]

I adore these old SL‘s so much, I’ll definitely consider the R230 as a future car 👍

[@thedoo777]

as a former r129 owner I just recently upgraded,,,,the R230 blows the doors off r129. go out and put your car up for sale and be looking for r230..I am kicking myself for not buying the R230 five years ago

[@rayredmond8205]

I have a very well maintained 2009 SL550 am selling because of back pains but I absolutely love this car it’s soooo much fun.

[@grxengine]

Thank you, Bill. I’m a regular guy who bought an exact match of this one a year ago after I saw this video. Got a well maintained one, it’s not my first Mercedes and so I already have a great relationship with a shop when it does go there. It’s a dream to drive.

[@jeffn2723]

Do you still have it? Any major issues? Looking at a few currently.

[@grxengine]

@Jeff N , I do. I did have the accumulators and the engine mounts replaced as the ride was not smooth, but after that it rides like a Formula 1 car. Meanwhile it is not a daily drive car for me so it stays in the garage quite a bit. Just out on good weather days. I am honestly ready to sell because I am moving this Summer and dont want the hassle of moving two cars. Mine is an `07 SL550. Spectacular. Good luck to you.

[@jameshuff9726]

I paid $9,000 cash for my SL. It's black and super nice. I put lowering links, aftermarket wheels and an AMG spoiler on it and it's sexy as hell. BULLETPROOF - The engine and transmission internals, YES! No issue with those at all. MIne did chew up the idler pully, $35 fix from O"rielly's and they had it in stock. Now, the real deal... The hydraulic suspension and convertible top. I've blown suspension hoses twice and fixed it myself on the cheap. Blew the pulsation dampener on the pump also and fixed it myself with an eBay part. The convetible top blew a seal on the ram cylinder that lifts the trunk lid. Also, one of the locking pawls for the roll bar sprung a leak. I had a local hydraulic shop fix the pawl for $5 after I removed it myself. After messing with all that crap, the computer will get confused on occasion. Getting a STAR system is necessary if you're a DIY guy to do computer resets. If I had to send it to the dealer everytime it broke, I'd be broke. If you're not extremely proficient at DIY and can't afford to send it to the dealer, don't buy one of these! If you can figure this stuff out, GO FOR IT! Mine is awesome.

[@SkySemijon]

Hey do you still have the sl? I bought mine brand new in 2003 drove it for 11 years and it didn’t give me much problems but then i didn’t drive it for many years the car was sitting. I felt like i had to put to much money on the car to repair since it was parked for to long and the car was completely down and didn’t wanna start i just recently bought a SL55 amg and it in a very good condition. One thing i realized the car go to low on one side after 48h parked. Its like always different area. First was the front passenger side then today its rear driver side. Im wondering whats the problem. I don’t see any leak at the moment. If you think you know what could be the problem please get back to me thank you!

[@johncoutinho3021]

Great review, right to the point!!! I just bought the same car with the same mileage and sent it down to Bonita to surprise my wife. You produced the perfect video to show her the basic buttons and how it differs from her contemporary E class and her 1987 560SL that she has had for 30 years. Thank you..

[@VoituresIngénierie]

Hi Bill, Not only I run my car channel in French but I also run on a daily basis a CLK 55 AMG. It is my 2nd M113 engine. They are absolute bullet proof. I do confirm that if (as we say in French) you "can put your hands in" it is really feasible for a "regular" guy to own and run those. The ABC on the SL could be frightening but if you are really into mechanic you could stilll replace them by struts and coilovers. Overall those cars are not only magnificient to drive and watch but also a pleasure to run. Thanks for your incredible review (just shared it with my subscribers BTW)

[@recurvearcher6542]

Hi Bill, thank you. Stumbled on this post, I have the SL 350, 2009, had it 4 years, so 15 year old car, loved your review found out how to use things, I didn't know. Yes agree not for everyone, but open road driving in Perth West Australia is fantastic when it's not 45c. Thankfully mine has low klms 63,000 so looks still brand new, and no issues. Great post

[@NathanAlderGigaBITNate]

Ah I love your commentary Bill🤣

[@JoesGoldenGarage]

Thank god u did this. This is a conversation I have with my middle class friends all the time. Actually my parents who have deep pockets (doesn’t benefit me....yet) had a 04 sl55 and they gave up after paying mercedes Benz of Marietta thousands for the top repair. Scurried off and gave it away at a country ass Ford store in blue ridge for an expedition. Anyway I digress. Your story u tell here is on point 💯. Thanks bill again!

[@dr.lyleevans6915]

There is literally a “Blue Ridge Ford” in Mt. Airy, NC. If you know anything about Mt. Airy, it is the birthplace if Andy Griffith, and the town Mayberry was modeled after. So country it is lol

[@JoesGoldenGarage]

@@dr.lyleevans6915 yes. The ford dealer is blue ridge ford as well in blue ridge Ga. I guess they have a couple of locals

[@Austin86646]

God I love this guy. Unlike DD, this guy didn’t walk around his whole life until 3 years ago with a KICK ME sign on him.

[@williamegler8771]

I have driven German and Swedish cars exclusively since I was given a 1974 Opel Manta in 1983. I have owned every German marque over the years and they have all exceeded 275 to 300k miles with minimal issues. Maintenance by the book performed by a competent mechanic and they are rock solid.

[@ocdmods4992]

Thank you for this video. Just looked at an immaculate 06 today. Full service records from Mercedes North Scottsdale since new. It is literally in new car condition. I was on the fence about it until this video. Being very mechanically inclined, have always done all my own work on cars, I am going to go for it.

[@ocdmods4992]

And you cant beat all the big handgun space.

[@Ovie_1]

Go for it! - From a fellow Scottsdale resident

[@MikeBMW]

You know, Bill, you got your really great reviews which are nice and you got that goin' there. Love 'em! Also, great review of this great car! :)

[@jamesh7571]

Interesting Ride! Makes me think twice about purchasing one of these super cars, Say what you will,there's just no denying these truly are pure luxury and roadworthy of excellent motoring regardless, always worth a closer look from the master of SLs, Well done Bill

[@robertlohr1860]

SL500 maintenance issues will eat you alive thousand (s) of dollars as it gets older. Case in point, if the ABC goes out, that’s 5 grand, any issues is big bucks, so be wise in your selection. Owner of 2005 SL 500.

[@1745vlad]

If you don’t like mid 80 come over to Minnesota and enjoy below 0 temperatures . Great car and video! Thanks

[@KylePetersonDmaster223]

Or stay where taxes are reasonable. I am looking to move out of Minnesota cause it's cold and expensive lol

[@exoticsnyc6990]

“You can put an old python 357 or a 50 cal desert eagle in there”..🤣🤣. Awesome review!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@norbertcardenas1876]

Love the review and I think that’s an excellent topic. Owning a 100k vehicle for a fraction of the price is tempting but not for everyone. Clearly nothing drives like a Mercedes’ but you have to understand you will invest money year after year- so set aside $800-1000 bucks for maintence every year. Oil change service is about $500 alone- But I think the feeling you get behind the wheel is totally worth it.

[@danwatne4481]

Come on you can change your oil yourself are you that lazy

[@michaelfisher7835]

I actually had a chance to buy an SL, just like this one. Same color and all, but the thought of the expense to keep it up scared me off. It was a great price and low miles, but I didnt want to get bit later. Still, it is one of my favorite Mercedes ever.

[@duke6j]

I have a fantastic local mechanic that keeps my new Cadillac on the road at reasonable prices than the dealer. I'm lucky to have him. I go to the dealership when they send me promotions on oil changes a tire rotations, but I use my guy for everything else!!

[@jamesfisher684]

As a new 2004 SL owner I appreciate the video. Bill great video.

[@marosenmd294]

Bill, you did a great job you were funny and very helpful with useful information. I own a R107........1983 500SL AMG (grey market Virginia dealer purchase with pick-up at factory in Stuttgart drive/tour in Europe, then ship home. And, I own a model R129......1999 SL500, a Florida purchase originally, I am 2nd owner. I also learned about a couple of toggle switches on console cluster which I have been unsure about. Your wisdom about small oil leaks from valve covers thankfully confirmed my decision NOT to bother with a tiny drop or two from under front end of right valve cover......faint whiff of oil at end of use when car is being parked in my garage, leak is small in that I don't see decrease when dipping the crank case...............WHEW BOY!!......was welcome confirmation when you advise not to worry over small oil leaks from valve covers of the sturdy and dependable V8 engines. Thankyou Bill. (Will stop by Auto Europa, I'm looking for a newer trade-in for my 1999 SL500 with 86K mi, would like a newer pre-owned SL600 M65 replacement to trade for, next time I visit girlfriend in Naples. Thanks Bill!

[@samueljohnvedder6500]

That was half an hour of perfect entertainment :D Thumbs up for this epic dude!

[@zosoachilles]

Bill offers good practical SL advice. Besides being beautiful, if you dig German tech, the R230 is a treasure trove of engineering adventure. I could do without the repetitious gun hiding stuff, but giving props to Bruno Sacco shows appreciation for the brand.

[@elvindelacrur2160]

Thanks you Bill for your HONESTY.

[@HeCute_]

Here I am eating hot wings and watching Bill’s videos. Great video Bill!! I always look forward to your videos

[@billroberts4012]

Bill, Thank you for sharing. Great review and sound advice on repairing and maintaining A older used Benz. I have a 07 Skl55 AMG which the previous owner turned into his Street/track. When I purchased it I was looking for 55amg came across this one in Ohio Asked the salesman about it he said it’s loud and fast, with lots of things n the trunk! the hardest part was trying to find a good Independent mechanic. Hasn’t been bad on regular maintenance I use Bridgestone tire which Wear quickly. Belt tensioning pulley. Interesting story on this one independent told me the fluid was low in the power steering pump, not true Benz dealer told me it was the oil pump not True. Benz does my oil changes I supply the oil(royal purple) I was telling the woman at the Dealership about the noise. She suggested that I just run the car until it dies.and then call benz’s Roadside assistance to tow it to the dealership instead of spending money on diagnostic charges It worked was a pulley. Roadside assistance is free payed for labor and a pulley Thank you again additional video on what to look for in buying a used Benz would be fun. Ie Loved your review of the 98 triple black one owner (woman owner) s500

[@ftffighter]

Roadside assistance is free?

[@christineandrade9918]

Absolutely loved you. Practical and and a sense of humor. Thanks, dude.

[@JohnDoe-de7jx]

This Mercedes has ESP (Extra Sensory Perception) which comes in very handy when you can't decide where to go out to dinner or park the car.

[@tsdelaney]

Good common sense, Bill. I’m a regular guy who has an ‘05 C240 (not quite as fancy as your SL!) but I’ve hardly had to put a repair into it in the 9 years I’ve owned it. It’s been very reliable and the cheapest car I’ve got, relative to a ‘10 Grand Caravan and a ‘17 Forester, which are our other cars. Excellent video... and I’d gladly trade you my C240 for that beauty... even if a cylinder or two leaked!

[@SENIXCNTR]

Great documentary of the car. I have a SL550 2011 that I just purchased this summer. Love your sense of humor

[@miner4life628]

Sir, you are honest, knowledgeable, and funny.

[@benyaminfreedom347]

Bill , your the best about Mercedes Benz information.❤❤❤

[@Clarkecars]

My business partner has a `07 550 SL which is absolutely beautiful, but he's spent well over $10K in repairs during the past 4 years. He's had to replace the power steering which controls the suspension system. It has 2 batteries at $200+ each. On the other hand, my XJ8 and XJ12 Jaguars have cost me about $1K combined over the same period of time.

[@jruerph]

About $2500 yr is about right with ABC and convertible top repairs. Still a lot of value for the dollar though. Getting rid of the ABC will make it more reliable.

[@revinot]

These cars are high maintenance

[@toeleg]

I just drove one for the first time and it seems worth it to me

[@mrru0618]

Very nice video, Bill. You hit the nail on the head. Must be an awesome vehicle to own and drive.

[@nidenZ]

Excellent review! I've been considering owning one of these and you answered many of my questions. Thank you!

[@nicocabrera7675]

Best car reviewer ever! Love his reviews!

[@atatexan]

Cracks me up! I was not at all interested in the car but love the commentary. Bill made me laugh but also learn things about this car and actually think about buying it. But no, I now have an airplane to feed. Thank you, Bill.

[@terrystratford1235]

Looks soooooooòoo dated on the inside, but to look at the actual car, wow, will never age! Awesome bit o kit!! Been my favorite car for along time! I bought a v8 jeep, kicked myself when I realized I could av bought the SL!

[@trojenell]

Bill.... you always so angry bout the weather, the birds, the toddlers i cant.... YOU ARE THE BEST, U GIVE ME LIFE....LOL

[@flycatchful]

I have an SLK320 2002 with 139k miles on it. So far nothing major just the normal brakes and tires.

[@jetguyflying3144]

That's why the jaguar xkr is a better buy. Normal suspension and a less complicated soft top (or go hard top, looks better).

[@RootsRockRebel]

I love how Bill always includes personal armament storage options in his walkarounds, LOL!!!

[@TomLongusa]

A mildly aggressive service department can cover 110% of any car manufacturers dealerships operating costs. The profit on car sales, body shop, & even the parts department, even though you’d think parts would be part of service, are all Icing on the cake. Oh, used car sales too... Great video!!!

[@joefatalooch8057]

My 2013 Eclass has 120000 and runs beautifully. V6 with 305 Hsp. Im keeping it till the wheels fall off.

[@stefanmayr9379]

One of the finest version of Sl"s ever built. Always a great pleasure to drive! Thanks a lot for showing this particular one!! Great vlog as usual, Bill!! Greetings from Austria and take care 👍🇦🇹

[@stevecooper6069]

The answer is YES !! If you have very deep pockets. Good luck ! Your going to need all the luck !

[@ohyeahbabyitson]

Was wondering what the toddler capacity for this trunk is ?

[@silvertrek357]

Depends. They grow up so that fast

[@tarmac1697]

James Napier behind the seats is a parcel shelf or something like that. You can sit two behind there illegally, no belts not safe

[@daneclark3161]

3 with the top down, and 4 with the top up.

[@reubenstefoni9508]

“Eh, she’s still a nitwit”😂😂😂Agreed,Bill

[@brandonherrera2891]

Absolutely

[@drdean9913]

@ 5:45. Saw this video 9 months ago and little did I know my 05 would be suffering the same fate. Yesterday, the left side started sagging...

[@SuperbMoves]

The quality of the older R230 Sl500 or 55 is way better than most cars, its worth every dime but some things can be done on your own, if anything goes wrong its the ABC suspension or something electrical. Brand new these cars were like 90 grand

[@mustang20610]

great job bill, loved listening to you.

[@kriscarmelo]

You are so RIGHT on with the BMW plastic engine. I bought my BMW brand new and have taken very good care of it and the cheap ass plastic engine has been in and out of service for the past 4 months with only 60K miles. I had a 09 CLK but it got totaled by a drunk driver so I got the BMW. No more BMW for me. I have a family friend who's a mechanic who has saved me a ton on the BMW so I'm thinking about fulfilling my desire to have a Benz V12. I really like the old boxy S600, CL600 V12 but its too hard to find a good one. However, I'll take the newer CL V12.

[@futuristicperson3375]

Thanks man, I will go with Elantra 😀

[@stevenlawrence278]

As an owner of a 2003 S55 AMG, I can tell you a bit about the build of Mercedes, and expose a myth. The myth is, Mercedes are somehow a product of some magical phenomenon, and you need to be Gandalf to work on them. Rubbish. A bolt is a bolt, a nut is a nut, except for those with a left hand thread, they all screw in in the same way, they all screw out in the same way, if you can unscrew a nut and bolt, you can work on a Mercedes. The M113 engine, which is in a lot of Mercedes cars, is not completely bulletproof, the timing chains will stretch, causing a lot of rattling, as will the oil pump drive chains. The breather catch box that sits on the right hand valve cover will leak, it does not have a gasket, and sealent breaks down when it gets a bit old. Apart from those, keep changing the oil and filter every year or so, change the plugs every 80000 miles, and it will last for quite a while. The worst thing is the way Mercedes put things together, they seem to deliberately make things awkward to change, I am in the middle of changing the air conditioning condensor, and it has been a nightmare to remove, mainly because of the supercharger intercooler, the removal of which seems to be the worlds biggest secret, without this abortion of a thing, the job would be easier, so 90% of the other cars without a supercharger, wouldnt be too difficult. Suspension wise, they can be a nightmare, and hillariously expensive to repair. I swapped my ABC hydraulic system for a coil spring kit, replacing all four struts for the cost of one new ABC strut, owners will tell you that it ruins the ride, I call that horse sh.t. Electrics on them can be a nightmare, if the car is stored for any amount of time, they will play up. Rust wise, I have not had a real problem, I have seen some Mercedes models that suffer greatly with tin worm, but mine have been OK. The stereo system with sat nav can be a pile of poo, if you get an older one, and sometimes with newer ones, I swapped mine for an Android head unit, much better in my opinion.

[@jeffn2723]

He had me when he said something to the effect of "don't get me wrong, some Mercedes dealerships are good and they're nice people...just most aren't." Lol. Oh, how true. Good luck ever getting a quote over the phone from any of them.

[@Kevin-jf1ww]

i have a 02 cl and 06 ml. only because i have a trusted mechanic. average salary. ebay saves a lot of money with used parts and my mech will put it in for me.eventually will get rid of the cl for newest body style few yrs old. ml is the daily . investing in RE

[@Its_only_a_model]

Ask Scotty Kilmore about Mercedes he'll say it's an endless money pit. Ask Bill and he'll give you a 30 minute video on the actual costs and issues, with a weather and bird report as a bonus. Thanks Bill

[@thedoo777]

I think you're wrong Scotty values r230,, he just bought one a couple years ago not sure whether it's an r 230.there's lots of different Mercedes

[@Cali62825]

Great humor! Thanks for being candid! I’m getting one!

[@andrewjasienski6859]

Great guy with super voice and comments.

[@avmelidor]

In the process of purchasing a 2005 with 45000 miles for 18k. Doing some research. Great information 👍

[@themaddendynasty5099]

I’ve always wanted an sl55 amg. My dream is to buy one in a couple years. I’m just worried about the abc suspension

[@gsten2116]

Been there. The ABC shares the pump with the power steering. Bearings started to go on my 07 55. Cost 3g to replace. I sold it. Fun car but the absolutely will break suspensions on the SL, E, S class make these lease only cars IMO. If they would have simply put springs and shocks like everyone else...

[@timothysmith1460]

Yep, I have the '03 SL500.. looks identical as in this video except I have push button start option on the shifter. Anyway, just spent another 5 grand on that power steering/hydraulic pump and the left rear hydraulic strut from an independent Euro shop. Love the car, but worry. Now I have a SRS light on and they said it needs a passenger seat belt sensor replaced. Sweet car though!

[@themaddendynasty5099]

GS Ten good to know. Looks like I’ll have to have set some money aside specifically to maintain the car

[@themaddendynasty5099]

Timothy Smith sheesh. Sounds like you have to pay to play

[@thatmatty231guy]

TheMaddenDynasty ive had an S600 for 1.5 years no ABC issues I just gave it a full service when i got it. Has 100000 miles

[@marcovega7451]

I owned a 2004 and i drove it to 275,000 miles without touching the engine. Amazing beast! Now i have a 2006 and it feels the same. Suspension is a damn mistake by Benz, but thank God i can afford to maintain it in pristine shape

[@Vercus100]

Seems like the tachometer isn't working on this one. I noticed after Bill started it, it still sat at 0. Even when he started driving, it wasn't moving.

[@EmanuelAli258]

27:50 seems to be working

[@friedrichernst598]

Fantastic sense of humor! I put my toddler under the net in the trunk, forgot it, but during the night I missed the loud crying, and my wife made me go get it. Luckily it didn't pee in the trunk. Nice car! what can I get for my 1980 Oldsmobile with ½ a vinyl top and rusty bumpers for trade in? Mileage unknown, speedometer broke.

[@davebarton9301]

I had one as a daily driver fir 4 years, loved the looks, comfort, and practicality for a sports car with its huge boot. Hated the leaking boot, electrical problems, shit service from MB, but the thing that drove me most mad was the scuttle shake, fir a luxury car I was surprised how bad it was on anything other than a smooth road. And as fir mechanically bullet proof the gear selectors are know fir going and that will cost you over a grand. Oh the suspension, roof motor, pneumatic motor all went wrong. If you still want one you will need a garage and keep it on a trickle charger.

[@mrlaw711]

They should upgrade the boring tail lamps assembly. Cute remark about Skokie. A person would only stay there because they have to.

[@ftffighter]

I pulled the DVD out of my DVD-based Navigation in my CLK, you're right. The phone is WAY more reliable, these systems are so old that you can't trust them entirely. Perhaps an emergency situation at best. So why keep the DVD constantly whirring on 24/7 or upon startup wasting power/creating heat behind the dash? Just stick it in the glove compartment with your owner's manual in a DVD case. P.S. Notice it died at the end?

[@gary1705]

Thanks so much Bill for another great review the SL certainly is a beautiful car enjoy your jovial banter as usual keep up the good work always look forward to seeing your next review wondering what sort of car it will be this time take care mate🙋‍♂️👍

[@vincekearney6010]

What a great guy,Love the funny and informative video.I love that sl.

[@verkkoveijari]

Good review, but you forgot to mention the cost of fixing the instrument cluster. The rpm incorrectly shows 0 at idle and at the end of video you can see how all the warning lights are just blinking. That's a couple of thousand dollars right there.

[@sporadic692]

Not sure about the tach, but those lights are blinking because the camera frame rate cant keep up with the bulbs. If you were looking at it in person, they wouldn't be blinking. Those are the normal lights that are always on, no warnings.

[@verkkoveijari]

@@sporadic692 Hmm, I think you're right. Still it should not show zero rpm when idling.

[@sporadic692]

@@verkkoveijari agreed, that is strange. I own a 05 and it definitely doesn't do that at idle.

[@robrichards3528]

I own one of these ! Very true what he said don’t get over paranoid ! Drive it like you stole it ! but keep it garaged when not using keep an eye on the suspension ! I tend to work it every now and then stop it seizing up just stop worrying on what could be the next thing that go wrong !

[@Extra_dirty_Martini]

I love the sl series from 2003 and up, but the repairs is another thing.

[@ArturoPerez-si2xk]

Well I think than this one is a bit harder, but honestly I would be happy with a 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK 230 Kompressor

[@kiasax2]

Bill makes good points. Here's the point, though: if you buy a cabriolet of some ilk, then you will likely run into issues. If your buy a hardtop or a sunroof then your may find yourself getting away with not having to replace some horrifically expensive part. I have a 2003 CL 55 AMG. My car has the ABC hydraulic suspension system. Yes, that's the system that terrifies everyone. I have found that if your do the maintenance on the system, or works fine. Yes, eventually it will leak. Get rid of the car before you put 500,000 miles on those cars, ok? The thing about my car is that if you get the factory installed 155 mph limiter removed by a very nice ECU tuner, then the car will go very nearly 200 mph. I've had mine up to 187 mph on the race track. That's pretty darned fast even to an F1 driver. I bought mine in part because I fell in love with it when it was the Formula 1 safety car. The cars don't have a B pillar, which no other Mercedes-Benz had ever looked that way. I told myself that if I ever had a chance to have one, I would buy one. So, I did. I bought my wife a CLK 550, which she loved for about 5 years. It was her car that gave me the incentive to get my CL 55 AMG. Hence I began to search for mine and it took me almost 3 years to find my car. Bill's right. You need to learn about these cars before your even consider buying one of these cars. The one he's driving here, the SL 500, comes with a bulletproof engine and transmission. The other things on that car could potentially break. So, if you're going to own one of these cars you have to learn what you're driving. If you can do some of your own repairs, great! Of you can't, then you may need to learn as much as you can before you get ripped off by your mechanic. I'm absolutely serious about that, LEARN! In my case, I started working on cars with my father when I was 4 years old. So I do know how to work on cars. I know engines and I've built racing cars on my own. I actually designed the racing car that a friend and I raced in California. So, I do know what I'm talking about. For me, there's nothing better than a good Mercedes-Benz car. Be safe, be well, and be happy.

[@natehardy3849]

Great review as I WAS considering getting one of these. I'm somewhere between the oodles of noodles guy and the average guy.

[@DomWayne]

Man you got me at ramen noodles. Mate I’m cracking up 🤣