Was buying a used 2004 Mercedes SL500 for Mrs. Wizard a good idea? The CAR WIZARD gives an update

[@cossie60]

There's a Hoovie car in the background no matter what angle you use with the camera

[@johnhoey4605]

Those two guys have a great thing going. Now they just need to find a way to bring in Scotty K., and they’ll take over the world.

[@starsaber2002]

@@johnhoey4605 no leave scotty out of it

[@darrenswails]

@@starsaber2002 I would like that 3 time if I could.....here you go 👍👍👍

[@apostlos]

Hoovie's breaking his own cars to use Wizards for more storage.

[@DynV]

@@johnhoey4605 He'd keep screaming: endless money pit.

[@bankait_rex1860]

Key point "If you get a mercedes make sure you can fix it yourself" got it.

[@HALTHEOO]

I own 2 Mercedes and planning to get another one. I work my own cars so it's not such a big deal to me. Just make sure to atleast have 5k in reserve if something severe does happen and you're not able to fix it yourself.

[@jordancapps9521]

He's hinted at the sentiment for all exotics too, unless you are filthy rich.

[@gannicus1026]

@@HALTHEOO same here ;)

[@richardbutton1179]

More like "if you have the patience to fix it yourself"

[@dodgeplow]

*and make sure you can get wholesale prices for parts too

[@aaronsrose]

Lol. "Giggity" plate on the viper.

[@rexultimus1422]

i was about to say; no one saw the viper plate🤔🤣

[@Rose.Of.Hizaki]

If my memory serves me correctly, that could belong to another youtuber. I have definitely seen it in other peoples videos but i just cant remember who.

[@ColJonSquall1]

I was about to say "Will we hear about the Giggity Viper in the background?"

[@JustCallMeArtix]

Quag drives dat in his spare time xD

[@jaimealvarez4722]

A rich perv in the middle of Kansas. Who would've thought.....

[@pcfabris]

Mr. Wizard keeps bringing better and better toys for Mrs. Wizard. He's a keeper.

[@paulhaley5009]

Mr wizard he's a real gent...they seem a solid couple 💑..Good bless them both...lovely fella great video thank you both...

[@jessebaldwin2661]

I bought a 13 year old SL500 with 47,000 miles on it and It ran beautifully. The only reason I sold it was because my realtor wanted to buy it and paid me top dollar for it. I owned it for 6 years, spent very little on maintenance, and sold it to him for $2000 more than I paid for it. I really miss that beautiful car!

[@patrickprendergast9589]

tell me more

[@johndavies8608]

so Mrs Wizard has a lead foot! you go girl!

[@carguy1697]

Go buy it back! You never know

[@CHRIS198490]

so this video is not truth ?

[@DonaldFields-xy9ee]

I have a 1999 r129 sl500 that only has 61k ghe funnest car I've ever owned

[@bigbri4090]

Mrs. Wizard added a lot of value to this video...good job!

[@tanssi2145]

She’s a natural hey! It seems like she has also been pivotal in opening up and encouraging Wizard himself ! Great to see her more and more it’s a great partnership, he sure treats her right haha

[@studiodevelopers2467]

@@tanssi2145 Yes and that is a badass benz

[@az7378]

05 E500 4Matic here: numerous Airmatic parts replaced, shifter module put car in limp mode and had to replace, EGR valve replacement and EGR tube cleaning, SBC pump makes a lot of noise when hitting breaks (fourms said its normal for it to do that), M113 water pump replacement, M113 coolant tank replacement (was getting message coolant level low (even though it was at correct level)), few bulbs replacement, and future repairs coming. Future repairs: put new motor mounts, transmission mounts, flex discs, and driveshaft center support bearing, soon new rear Airmatic shocks replacement, all four new tires, possible fluids changed, fix up scratches and paint chips, and clean headliner and interior.

[@miketeeveedub5779]

Cheapest fix ever? Bought a used mid 90s Mercury Marquis with the 4.6 V-8. It idled nice, but NO power and very slow to accelerate. I did the basics and checked filters for blockages. Started with the air filter - it was nasty! Replaced it, but still same issue. I then thought since the filter was bad, maybe there was another blockage downwind. I removed the MAP sensor inlet pipe and looked down it. There was Dandelion fluff and dirt all over the MAP sensor. Cleaned it out with some sensor safe cleaner. The difference was night-and-day. It was like a Mustang after that, tons of power with the proper V-8 growl. Sometime the simplest fixes can have the greatest effect!

[@tskichannel2302]

Hey Wizard, FYI: Your SBC system is probably covered by an extended 25 year / unlimited mileage warranty that was updated by MB USA a few years ago. I have a 05 E500 with SBC that recently had brake errors. It needed a new SBC reservoir...100% covered by MB USA. Often this info doesn't get to 2nd, 3rd etc owners. Maybe have Magic Mike check with one of his dealer friends.

[@Derek8487]

They must of been feeling generous... Or scared of a lawsuit. 🤣

[@oljefri]

@@Derek8487 Yep, I doubt that this warranty covers many other countries...

[@yass123]

It was a new invasion of brake by wire, but they ditched it from 2007+ model from what I remember.

[@oljefri]

@@yass123 ok:)

[@tskichannel2302]

@@yass123 Yup. My 07 W211 E63 has conventional brakes. (and only 1 battery)

[@HHIVR4]

I bought an 03 SL55 AMG with 24k miles on it back in 05.By the time it was 10 years old (96k miles) it was an absolute nightmare and a HUGE money pit. I did regular maintenance and fluid changes myself but the ABC suspension,vacuum locks and top hydraulics were EXTREMELY expensive to fix over and over and over. Do yourself a favor and dont fall for how beautiful these cars are.They are piles of crap after they hit 10+ years old. These cars were not designed to last.They were designed to drain your wallet.

[@auxmike718]

Mrs Wizard is a natural in front of the camera! Very pretty, too.

[@Hissmannen]

Agreed. At 9:00 she takes her top off.

[@markh.6687]

@@Hissmannen Hahahaha....NO. She takes the CAR'S top off. Major difference.

[@MarceloBenjamin]

She mentioned in previous videos she's a teacher, so she has experience with talking to audiences. She's a natural at it.

[@B0xlife1]

Mrs Wizard Sees a hole in the middle of the seat, "obviously someone had a taco Tuesday moment" lol

[@michaelharker6170]

That was the best line of the segment. Love it when a proper lady makes a joke without being too crude.

[@Derek-xr3uq]

Might be ‘old’ but these still look sharp. New wheels really set it off, and a nice sidewall so no rubber band tire harsh ride.

[@jordancapps9521]

Wizard probably does not want those new rims to get broken too...I still do not understand "painted" tires. Low-pro eliminates sidewall wear, yes, but normal low-pro stock sizes work just fine, while preserving the ride and rim.

[@SI0AX]

@Peder Hansen The only benefit is sharper handling. The draw backs are less resistance to damage meaning more likely to get a blowout from hitting a pothole, bending or cracking the wheel. I got tired of of low profile after replacing my 12th $250 tire during a 5 year period of owning a car with 18 inch wheels, so I just bought 17 inch wheels and increase the sidewall % by 5.

[@SI0AX]

@Peder Hansen There is less sidewall deflection. Also it's kind of like running a stiffer spring. The sidewall acts as shock absorption. The new trend kind of sucks. Like the Honda Civic Type R coming with 20 inch wheels and a very thin sidewall.The Honda Accord is also available with a 19 inch wheel from the factory. I would have to downgrade to a 17 inch wheel to drive on these terrible roads.

[@petrosaguilar8916]

All SL models only get better with age.

[@DylanL69]

Oh no those are low profile tires

[@TheCarusoGroup]

I have a CLK 500 with the same sound that you described as the gas tank baffles. No mechanic has been able to diagnose it. Now I know what to look for. Thanks.

[@bnastali]

I like to see Mrs. Wizard in front of the camera! My SLK 230 is a 1998 and has been pretty bullet proof too. Cute Yoda shirt, too.

[@OKMmike]

Thankyou for telling me the problems, and they will not be cheap to fix, unless you are a skilled enthusiast.

[@elloboblanco9111]

She seems nice. Lovely family you have there, God bless the wizards 🙏🏻

[@CJHazard]

I daily drive my 04 SL500. In fact, I beat the crap out of it on these Humboldt roads. I absolutely love it. I've owned it for 3 years, and I still like it better than other cars 3-4 times the cost. It has enough power to be fun, and is extremely high quality and well built, for the most part. This baffle information is nice information for SL owners; I haven't had this problem yet, but it's nice to know there's an easy work-around. One thing that would be nice to know is how to add a bluetooth audio connection, maybe through the old CD changer, or something... Enjoy your awesome ride Mrs. Wizard!

[@yves2075]

There's a guy who opened the fuel tank like you and attempted to weld those baffles. But I never heard of him again.

[@houseofno]

I hope he drained the fuel first before welding it.

[@MrRobertBatchelor]

@@houseofno That was the joke.

[@markh.6687]

Woman; "He's an angel." 2nd Woman: "You mean he's that good to you?" Woman: "No, he tried to weld in my gas tank when it was full."

[@2H80vids]

@@markh.6687 An empty tank can be just as dangerous, even moreso. Petrol 𝑓𝑢𝑚𝑒𝑠 will go 💥𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒎💥 before actual petrol.

[@markh.6687]

@@2H80vids Yes, I know, but it would have ruined the joke.

[@kgchomes]

Mr. Wizard, I wish you were in PA! I have the exact same SL500 and it has a parasitic electrical drain! Its my wife's weekend car, so we just keep a battery maintainer on it. It's almost perfect with only 31,000 original miles! All the shops here in my small town are just super busy tire and muffler shops with kids that don't care. They broke all 4 center caps on my brand new wheels on my Suburban, and said, oh well! Sorry, not our fault! Anyway, I love your videos and you have been very informative. Thank you!

[@kellingtonlink956]

I’ve always loved the MB SLs. Every year/version. Congratulations Mrs. Wizard. Happy New Year... and Thanks for the video.

[@norontboyz5949]

If you can do the work yourself. Sure. I just bought a 2010 gl350 bluetec for my dad as a gift. Needs A LOT of work. But drives amazing. After sorting out the airmatic, brakes, timing chain tensioner and "working on" getting rid of the emissions garbage. Its a nice vehicle to drive! If you cannot do the work yourself, RUN!

[@norontboyz5949]

@Hermann Froh agree big time! Such a nice and amazing driving vehicle, ruined!

[@lucasstuart-chilcote7069]

I enjoyed the intro! You two seem like great people. Enjoy that fun car

[@Baloo1856]

Hey Mr. Wizard, did you know that you can open and close the top using the key? Press and hold the unlock button to open the top and Press and hold the lock button to close the top. It will roll down/up the windows first before the top engages, just got to keep pressing the button. Cheers!

[@eldraino9933]

Me and my mates in Australia love the Wizard - when the pandemic ends, I'll bring the family to the USA and we'll stop past Omega

[@nathanielallen865]

Great post! The same can be said about BMWs. If you are not mechanically inclined or don't have a budget,, DO NOT buy a used BMW ever.

[@ErikDB6]

I was about to pull the trigger on one of these. Until I found out the sheer scale of possible failures and the cost of each. Either a huge wallet, or your own team of mechanics, is the only way to go with these.

[@allielerman1414]

Mrs. wizard needs run flat tires. I love the g wagon in the background. I purchased my 2021 mercedes benz gla 250 4matic. I love it. I believe mercedes benz make quality cars and stylish.

[@chas21]

You should really include wizard kicking hoobie's bentley in the intro.

[@Julian-do7bv]

I agree lol

[@dkendrick652]

Why would he kick it? That car is paying for his boat. He probably gives it a hug every time he walks by it.

[@Julian-do7bv]

@@dkendrick652 because hes tired of fixing it and it keeps needing fixed

[@giscardrhoda3650]

So nice to see a husband and wife that are so humble

[@rosewd2]

I think the way the bulb system works is it looks for changes in resistance. So if your not using the Mercedes euro bulb and you go to the us equivalent the pair of bulbs should be replaced - ie left and right marker bulbs.

[@stevealvi2239]

Hi Wizard, I used to own a 2008 SL65 AMG. It was a beautiful, fast and sexy ride. Unbelievable HP and Torque. My SL had low miles and still the airmatic and retractable top started having issues. Then, the COMMAND system started acting up. I could have fixed it all myself but chose to sell it instead. I hope your SL will give you trouble free service. I got a C6 ZR1 to replace the SL. I can beat on the ZR1 and it hasn't let me down yet. It is nowhere as refined as the SL, though.

[@alanwrobleski]

I used to own a 2003 E500 and i can say pretty confidently that any mercedes of similar vintage is a huge nightmare of a money pit for anyone who isn't as mechanically competent as the wizard

[@DylanL69]

They can be especially if neglected

[@monolithworldline]

I own a CLS500 that has 300'000km on the clock. I'd say it's reliable. SBC, Airmatic, 7G tonic transmission and the m113 5.0 engine are all fully operational. I've just been fixing the little things, nothing major at all. Crucial info: my car was used frequently for drifting by the previous owner, had CNG installed at some point. The past of the car is terrible and mysterious. Speaks volumes about MB that the car isn't dead, in fact far from dead - I love how it drives. Over the years I noticed that the majority of MB owners who are experiencing reliability issues have American made cars. If it is not made in Stuttgart, Germany - do not buy it.

[@JHuffPhoto]

Yep.......good advice. Unless you are prepared to spend a lot of money on repairs and maintenance I would recommend staying away from most German branded cars. As long as you are willing to accept the high total cost of ownership (or have a live in mechanic) having one of these can be a delight as they are very fun to drive and usually have excellent handling characteristics. Started watching your videos when you got your "yacht" and I am gonna subscribe today as I have been enjoying all of your videos. Thanks for the work you put into these.

[@jlang8213]

I'm digging your Mandalorian tee shirts!

[@tokuzumi1]

This marked the beginning of the end for long term car ownership. Everything in cars now is computer controlled. Gas pedal, brake pedal, clutch can be computer controlled (rev match, hill assist), cruise control, auto transmission control, suspension, electric power steering, displacement on demand. Golden age for "modern" cars would be 96-2000. You still had OBD2 for diagnosis for engine related items, but a lot of things were still analog. Throttle cables, hydraulic brakes, no tire pressure sensors, minimal airbags, pillars that don't block the entire view behind you and to the side. No direct injection gumming up intake valves. Sure all cars of any era have issues, but you could usually keep an analog car running for much cheaper than a digital car.

[@wesleyb82]

This guy seems so much less stressed and annoyed than he used to, happy to see that

[@michaelwillman5342]

Mrs Wizard is really becoming a natural on camera! Keep it up!

[@youandiryan]

Car wizard is one of the few mechanics I trust. On KZbin I believe he is probably one of the best there is. And I believe in real life he is probably one of the best. I used to own a Mercedes and I can attest to the wiring bending problem!!! It is a common issue and some of them that is where the license plate light and everything is supplied. So what you'll find is the car with the problem will have a flickering license plate light or one that doesn't work at all. I figured this out because I got pulled over haha because of it. The cop said I flew by him and my lights were flickering. It ended up being that wiring harness from constant bending

[@Steve-wl5cr]

Almost 400k subscribers! Congrats on your hard work, love the channel!

[@SteveRogers461]

I fixed the gas flap mechanism on mine by using a thin piece of plastic inside the mechanism. It's not a solenoid. Its a simple spring mechanism that can be accessed from the trunk. If the repair doesn't work they are about $30 on Ebay

[@egi75]

the tank baffel problem also can be sloved with magnets. Got that done in my R230 a few years ago. The fix still is working.

[@mikimiki195]

How did you fix it and what magnet 🧲

[@egi75]

Well.. all of that is the secret of my car wizzard in Germany .. I only was allowed to watch from a distance ..

[@madriditunes7021]

Nice Mercedes... But supporting character that stole the hole show 0:50..... Porsche Spyder 😍.

[@chrmbly]

I’ve always loved this generation of SL. Nice choice

[@JamesBond-bj2uj]

Another fantastic accurate wizard video! LOVE EM!

[@markrobinson1458]

Diagnose Dan the Dutch KZbin guy, he showed the very same problem with the wire breaking in the loom, it had been missed by others but he's a great tech, 👍

[@gplusgplus2286]

DD rules, he has some amazing diagnosing videos.

[@mcmechanic8910]

He’s possibly the best tech on KZbin 👌🏻

[@benajminharris9102]

I just love when mrs. wizard comes on the video. She is just awesome. And yes wizard, you are still amazing, as always.

[@grxengine]

Facts, Sir. These cars are tanks if you maintain them. Most Mercedes are. I spent about $1700 when I got mine last year to bring it back up to spec and it been solid and out of my pockets every since. Thanks to you I learned a lot about what to look for when buying and what needed repair based on symptoms. I didnt fix it but worked along side my mechanic to help him 'guess' correctly.

[@paytongarcia7188]

On the gas latch I had an issue where the little tab wasn't springing back and locking the gas lid so it was stuck open. I found the gas cap latch with the vacuum lock replacement online and you enter through the trunk and take the passenger side carpet and peel it back and the gas filler is right behind it. 15 min.

[@GarthGoldberg]

You should start charging storage rent on that turbo Bentley.

[@darrin1999]

lol his labor charges are also storage fees

[@DScaglione.]

Glove box opening is a major problem on these models. Gotta pull the latch, and literally bang on the right side of it (door open), and she’ll open! The AUX input for the radio is inside the glove box! Once opened, remove side panel and snake your hand or a tool to tighten the loose latch-cable. Yeah ... Daimler/Chrysler! Great video! God Bless 😎

[@Vacationtime247]

"What crazy fix have you have ever done that didn't cost anything (like the tank baffles)?" In California the check engine light can not be on in order to pass smog. Got an inexpensive Yukon and when one part got fixed, another was waiting in line to go out. One of the two knock sensors went bad. Really didn't want to have to take off the entire intake to fix the issue. Plus I was on a time crunch to get it smog check approved and back to the DMV in their given time to finish registration. So, cut the wire for the bad knock sensor and ran it off of one. The computer couldn't tell the difference and it ran just fine. So, a quick cut, splice and tape fixed what would have been a few hour job along with extra parts like the gaskets and new knock sensor. VT247

[@Luke22022]

I've been looking at an 06 and found this video on a KZbin search. There is a lot of helpful information in your video, thank you.

[@yass123]

The SBC has a 25 year, unlimited mileage warranty if they go bad and they will.

[@leenevin8451]

Wow that’s crazy

[@az7378]

I'll never trust Mercedes with SBC.

[@williamcrawford6543]

But the dealer won't fix it believe me

[@DrRyman]

@@az7378 Still thousands of them on the road without a problem including my own

[@DrRyman]

@@williamcrawford6543 It depends on the dealer some of them don’t want to fix it unless there’s an error message or it is actually failed, some will fix it or replace it rather as a courtesy if you have a relationship with a good dealer, they will even pay the price of a third-party replacement if the unit has failed this is a mandatory Warranty it is factory backed. You may call them if you have problems with the local dealership.

[@bexaminer1]

Someone has probably told you by now, but the missing button on the driver's side is for the trunk release. That was a good buy. I have a 2011 SL550 and the interior is really quite similar.

[@racekar80]

Your all scared of your own shadow. My 2004 S500 4matic went 200,000 miles with only 1 cat, and one single shock replacement. Sold it and purchased a 2005 S500 4 matic with 25,000 miles for $12,000 and now have 65,000 miles and it has been flawless. Just routine oil and filter and brakes and tires. Keep scaring everyone so I can continue to get great deals on great older MB’s.

[@ClassicCarCustodians]

Agree. Too many paranoid and scared people out there. I have had two SL’s and both were great.

[@bobbysworldrox]

Agreed. I keep a lookout for older but low mileage an preferably one or two owner driven

[@JBsC6]

Great to see you guys both in the video and thanks for the honest appraisal of MB SL500 running costs...not for the faint of heart was the message I took away unless of course you do the work yourself...and even then...but she sure is pretty...and the car is nice too Mr Wizard. Keep up the great work

[@josephberkeley]

Great video. I've always admired the SL500. Your work has cured me of that particular ailment. The more of your videos I watch, the more I think I should just buy simple vehicles that have a track record for reliability.

[@brandonGCHACHU]

Buy a broken Mercedes and put a Toyota motor in it lol

[@michaelciullo4788]

I love seeing multiple vipers in the background. Such awesome cars.

[@drewping2002]

"Taco Tuesday moment" 🤣

[@user-sr7mu9ef2q]

Took me a second but I died hahaha

[@simmcowaPang122]

I read this as she said it and spit my drink out

[@malcolmgay2206]

GLOVE BOX STAYING OPEN At 9:50 something you say the centre glovebox won't stay up. The design requires you to take it past 90 degrees and it clicks into a hold open Then you push it down holding it as you do it and it closes. The shallow glovebox is useful too. More info please (R230 owner - love em)

[@rosssmith9941]

Yes mercedes are bulletproof especially the V8s

[@haljohnson6947]

yes i see these deals online all the time. and the landrovers too. the other one you didnt mention are all the bmw money pits.

[@ChainBaker]

Rockin' them turban wheels 👳‍♂️ 😄

[@mikek5298]

Turbine, not turban. At least know about what you speak before saying anything.

[@ChainBaker]

@@mikek5298 I hope you have a sense of humour in real life.

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

Americans pronounce tur-bine, as turban, for some strange reason. They don't know how to pronounce Mazda either.

[@alanwrobleski]

@@OMGWTFLOLSMH moreso southern & midwest americans

[@ronkemperful]

With my 56 Beetle I moved to Phoenix Arizona and found that within a week of moving there during the summer almost every bulb in the car stopped working and I was pulled over by the police for having non-functioning tail lights at night. Like Mrs. Wizard's side marker all of the contacts with the bulbs stopped working and all I had to was to rub the contacts with a little abrasive to get them working again. Great video as always!

[@kevinbarry71]

The SBC brakes are under a 25 year factory extended warranty. As for the rest of the car, you are on your own

[@az7378]

I agree. Got E500 4Matic 2005. Airmatic and everything else it's up to me.

[@capolato3212]

What’s a SBC break?

[@dionflorio9249]

Fixed a known issue on 1997 and up Nissan Pathfinders/Xterras where the back door handles dont work. Just spray some WD40 generously inside of them and let it sit for maybe a day and it fixes itself. I've done this on 6 different vehicles like this and worked everytime.

[@drewb5358]

Wizard looking at other cars: *Shows failed parts* Wizard looking at Mercedes: *Shows ALL parts*

[@moashy2735siu]

Hahaha

[@markh.6687]

Show ALL the parts!

[@thh420]

Coming from a Mercedes shop, I like that model, as long as it's not mine. The wiring is why. The harness is made from "green" materials. That rot by the time the warranty is up. Also they guzzle gas compared to the 09 ups.

[@IndependenceCityMotoring]

Love the unconventional fix on the gas tank baffles.

[@gplusgplus2286]

it was a good fix.

[@DM-hp7ct]

Mr & Mrs Wizard, you make a fabulous team.

[@arjan0482]

That's a nice intro you have there, mr Wizard....

[@thunderstruck5484]

Beautiful car! Thanks for taking us along , my wife bought one for one of the sons from a family friend sole owner same year as yours, everything seems to be working of course I’ll go through it thoroughly and find any issues but not bad for a first car for a teen my first was a 63 rambler wish I still had it! Thanks again your channel is very helpful!

[@josephfriedling9190]

Remember when everyone would tolerate the ridiculous cost of MB repairs and service? Then in 1989 something special happened......Lexus

[@imaginova88]

Love how the Wizard keeps it so real.

[@johnhoey4605]

Who’s giving the thumbs-down to a Wizard video-especially one with Mrs. Wizard sharing her expertise and insights? I guess there’s no way to please everyone 😳.

[@cayman9873]

No idea why people are negative. I think in 5 years i have given one or two negative marks for video where you cant see anything or hear anything .

[@MonaichFother]

@@cayman9873 I was concerned about the typical Yank attitude to the environment. Just why does a woman need a 5.0 litre V8 car? Why does a man for that matter? No green, let's save the planet considerations at all. Here in Europe, most cars are 1.0 to 1.4 litre as anything bigger has been Green taxed off the road in efforts to stop human extinction. USA gas price is $0.69 while EU is 1.80 a litre

[@AUTOdidact77]

@@MonaichFother This SL will stay alive 20 more years at least while several generations of the "green" downsized vehicles get trashed with lots of energy required for producing new ones claiming this saves the world... Doesn't make sense for me, I also keep my E500 - not for speed, just for the environment 😇

[@hansmuller4906]

I honestly think that most of his downvotes are people who click on the thumbs down by accident. It happened to me at least 5 times while on my phone that I noticed I had accidentally downvoted a video. That's the only logical explanation

[@houseofno]

@@MonaichFother what's wrong with V8 cars? The USA isn't Europe and vice versa. We like our V8 powered cars. For one, we don't have to rev our engines to a million rpms to get a V8 powered vehicle moving. No turbos needed. Fillups don't usually cost a small fortune like they do in Europe. We weren't keen on high taxes, socialized medicine, etc. Most American states here have a very low regulatory burden on our vehicles and we like it that way.

[@houseofno]

I love that baby Yoda shirt. My crazy fix on my car that cost me almost nothing? When I first bought my 1988 BMW 750iL, the instrument cluster was acting weird. The gauges wouldn't turn on until you ran the engine for a few minutes, the trip odometer kept resetting to zero when you turned the car off, and the backlighting for my main odometer died, making it very difficult to read the mileage. The dealer wanted $700 to replace the cluster. I went online and discovered the bulbs could be replaced cheaply, and three of my five capacitors were dead. I replaced all bulbs and capacitors for $13 (caps were thirty cents each) and today I have a perfectly working cluster.

[@wronggg]

Looks like Hoovies bad ideas are wearing off on you.

[@petrosaguilar8916]

They are very good ideas. Think KZbin dollars.

[@uncleheide]

That SL is so nice. Mrs Wizard has a really nice fun car. Good on you guys.

[@richardl7759]

You can fix the steering wheel with colourlock leather fresh.

[@chuckcts-v3460]

Wizard, had a 1980 Cadillac Eldorado with a baffle issue. The baffle/bowl that surrounded the fuel pick up in the tank came loose, it would then on occasion short out the fuel pump. I dropped the tank and took the pick up out, then had to hold the baffle up and cut a piece at a time off until I could pull it all out. Only issue after that was, the pump would loose suction and stop the car when below 1/4 tank. Just didn't let it get below 1/4.

[@JedemPoKucama]

That'a such a beautiful car...amazing lines...bought for $5500 he says...in my country they cost like 20...

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

Yep, he's out of touch on the values of these cars. Maybe theirs is a super high mileage one, but one with decent miles and no accident history/clean shape, goes for a lot more than $5k.

[@TheNuclearBolton]

Yeah got one for $23,000...

[@TheNuclearBolton]

@Peder Hansen I bought a mint Designo addition of this car at an auction for $23,000... totally worth it... except the hydraulic suspension is expensive as ****

[@petrosaguilar8916]

@Peder Hansen - There are many R107 SL's and even older generations still on the road. This isn't a disposable Corolla.

[@petrosaguilar8916]

@Peder Hansen - Right, that's why you don't see any 80's ones on the road anymore because they rusted out and were junked long ago. Do you know how many R107's are still around and how much they cost? There is no such thing as a classic Corolla.

[@SteveRogers461]

Great honest review. Wish I had seen this before I bought mine

[@Reepicheep-1]

Sounds like Mercedes needs to stop programming their computers to be paranoid helicopter parents.

[@VaporeonCompilations]

@@luciolalazilia2189 In agreement here. Interesting in a way, highlighting the difference in time and perspective, that I am inclined to be confused if a bulb does go out and my car doesn't tell me. Immediately I would ask myself "Surely it would have told me?".

[@MrDuncl]

My Golf MK7 did the same thing. What was annoying was that the problem was that the stupid plastic "wedge" bulb holder had melted. I never had any problems with bulb holders on any of my previous cars. As for the Wizards question on bodge fixes I bought a new bulb holder,, sawed the old one off glued the new one in its place and soldered the wires to the connector. Total cost, about £2 but a mornings work.

[@alexs1154]

To answer the question at the end of the video: Had a no-start. Showed up as 'missing crank signal' on the diag port (obd-none, mind you) and three of us were on that one. Traced it all the way between modules to a pin on the ignition computer (LH 2.4/EZK combo...) and after said 'zero dollar fix' (meaning used a good used spare controller) the car was back on the road. It always pays to have some spare components and electrical schematics on hand; seems like no matter how well-made the components are, there are always 'weather conditions' that leave moisture and condensation around enough to interfere with those connectors that never see the light of day. Same thing with cleaning off old ground connections, little bit of a nail filer and some de-oxit save countless hours of meter-based, divide by two troubleshooting that usually doesn't throw a code. We'll say it again: those little 'cheater' relay switches on that affiliate page can save a REALLY expensive repair bill and all that downtime to oxidized grounds. The "Don't assume anything" advice is the best thing to getting those zero-buck fixes under anyone's belt. Don't ask how I know this!!! :>)

[@ayayoutuber]

ebay, get parts and replace the steering wheel or console covers

[@gplusgplus2286]

Yeah, stick the part numbers in a saved search and snatch them when they come for sale, cheap and good strategy.

[@SurfingWithTheMartian]

Hey Mr. Wizard I have a MB 2007 SLK 280 and the bulb in the yellow side marker kept going out also. Like you I thought at first it was a problem with the wiring or the bulb socket. Turned out there was a stress crack in the plastic housing/lens assembly that would let water in that would consistently corrode the bulb and socket causing them to fail. I sealed the crack with epoxy and no problems since. You might want to check that out. Thanks for your videos I’m learning a lot.

[@jordanking6939]

Owning a Daimler-Chrysler era Mercedes is a science experiment in itself.

[@ahoneyman]

Owning a Chrysler in the Daimler Chrysler is ts own adventure too.

[@EjinRenos]

Agreed. People think Mercedes just helped Chrysler but it's a two way street as Mercedes looked for cost reduction procedures from Chrysler and it did hurt their reliability.

[@christophercolumbus8944]

this car is so perfect there will be thousands of tutorials for years to come dealing with broken parts replacing pumps wires etc etc

[@TigerTT]

Damn I remember this car in Need for Speed Most Wanted 05 lol

[@RaymondLewis-hw4jo]

I have a 2003 500SL Designo- lots of wood trim. 28000 miles. Love it.

[@1980jezza]

If I lived in Kansas, I would do a apprenticeship at Omega Auto Clinic 👍

[@jeandibb4111]

Nice to properly hear from Mrs Wizard! She did a great job. More please 😊

[@bharrison1970]

Mrs. Wizard is pretty.

[@revolutionday1]

"Pretty" weird......

[@kk6199]

Dont simp. She needs to wash her hair and shower.

[@seddam]

@@kk6199 disrespectful

[@matthewstephenbrown]

I had an 05 SL 500. It was my favorite car ever. What I didn't know is that the previous owner had hit something and it wouldn't hold a straight line. I took it to shop after shop and nobody could fix it. And finally in a parking lot I told a tech to grab a tap measure and we measured the centerline from wheel to wheel on both sides (which is easy with a Mercedes star). Driver's side was 1/2" off. An ebay part later and she was dead straight. Basic maintenance and that V8 is pretty bullet proof. Once in WV I was having a little too much fun and the dynamic roll bar deployed itself - it goes up in less than a second if it thinks the car is about to flip and it makes a lot of noise. The Achilles heel on the cars though is the ABC system. It is amazing when it all works but when it fails, oh boy. Each shock is 1k, the accumulators (which need to be replaced with each shock) are $400 and so on. If you own one of these and the ABC light ever comes on, turn off the car immediately. A buddy had a S600 and his wife drove it with an ABC light on. It blows out all the fluid out at something like 1000 psi and then a 2k pump then burns itself up when it runs dry.

[@SteveRogers461]

Avoid the ABC cars. The shocks can cost 2k each to replace. Once replaced they need to be adjusted using a computer

[@kianquinn6336]

@Peder Hansen it is, you can get coilovers and be done with it if that's what you want

[@AndreasHannoverSL]

@Peder Hansen But then, it is a normal car. You dont buy a Mercedes to drive like a normal car, that is why they more costly.

[@md2k8]

@@AndreasHannoverSL Agreed. Most people buy normal vehicles for point A to point B commutes, if they are real.

[@samegross6337]

The “it happens” I’m dead !! You guys are so wholesome.

[@glennmcgee1729]

Car Wizard's ex-girlfriends watching this video are telling themselves they could be driving a sweet Mercedes now.

[@jmd7244]

Like the new intro esp the sped up parts. I would just change one thing and that is the end with the Yacht I would have you scale up the yacht on a ladder also sped up and finish with you standing on the deck rather than on the ground. I would also have you finish not with your arms crossed but with your arms up. Tyler would approve. Love your videos

[@jeffperrault308]

"we haven't had any issues at all with the abc system"....YET

[@thedoo777]

He can handle that, the ABC system has gone 60% down in price there's so many makers of duplicates parts and better Parts actually. O ring problem it would cost him 70 bucks, valve problems expensive pump problems can be a problem