HONEST BUYERS GUIDE MERCEDES R230 SL! PARTS NOT AVAILABLE! NOT GOOD NEWS, MERCEDES NEED TO FIX THIS!

[@sprautos]

Hope you all enjoy, hope this doesn’t put anyone off 😂 I do honestly like the r230 SL it’s a beautiful car and aged very well 👌 as always thanks for the support and all the best everyone. Also Check out the description for more details about this video.

[@tommoose1973]

Another one to look out for is if they've had the recall done for the Active Body Control. Before the recall the pipes from front to rear were known to catch fire because they were routed close to the exhausts

[@Trubshaw2]

I’m sorry, but I’m not a great fan of your presentation style, unlike the other contributor comment. You seem clinically depressed! I’ve got SL55 I love it it’s been outside all this winter with the pissing down rain and it hasn’t got a drop of water in it. I treated all the seals with STP stop leak at the end of the summer and checked all the drain holes . I appreciate what you’re saying about the cost of things, but my SL55 was £12,000 this time last year it hasn’t missed a beat. When you look at the depreciation on a new car going out of a dealership a lot of people would’ve lost more than £12,000 in that year. It did come with a massive services history and I’ve only taught it up the last 4 1/2 years where the last guy had it and he spent £18,000 on it! I am expecting some big bills, but given the fact that it will see off 99% of everything else on the road and it will never depreciate less than £12,000. I think it’s a bloody bargain! So just cheer up you seem quite knowledgeable but your presentation spoils it, it’s the opposite of enthusiasm😂

[@sprautos]

@@Trubshaw2 sounds like you got a bargain, and glad to hear it hasn't leaked a drop that's great news. Probably because you've kept ontop of things i highly recommend doing what you've done as i suggest in the video. Sorry you don't like my personality, filming your self isn't easy. I think calling people clinically depressed who you don't know, have never met, and know nothing about is a bit strong. Its easy to judge sat at your laptop/phone watching someone's homemade video, i am certainly not an actor or a tv presenter i don't need to do these videos but allot of people appreciate the time and effort i have put in regardless of how i come across might take some information away from a video that my help them and that's the intention. There are plenty of happy chappy over the top car channles out there for you. All the best.

[@Mrs.Thatcher]

Agree with most comments here. I don't watch this channel for some slick youtuber who has no ability or talent, I watch this out of a fascintation for car repairs and to see someone who has more knowledge and experience in their field than 99% of graduates. The dry humour is a bonus - love the channel

[@sprautos]

Thank you 🙏

[@clementwoods7177]

I reckon your presentation style is bob on mate, even if you say you’re out of your comfort zone. These videos are gold for anyone with an interest in the models covered.

[@sprautos]

That’s brilliant feedback thank you 🙏 Hearing that makes us carry on. All the best.

[@pobinr]

No nonsense & no silly backround music. Excellent vids

[@russellbeaumont7131]

At first, I was a bit doubtful about the dead pan delivery. Having seen them all, I love it! Especially when they crack out a superbly funny comment. Keep it up.

[@MrDosSantos991]

I love your videos because you have something a lot of other youtubers don’t have and that’s inner peace💯

[@ChrisPatrick-q6k]

I really like this guy, he's got the Popular Upper 6th Gramm'a'r school pupil thing going on. Plus, Zero BS

[@Millennial_Manc]

*grammar school.

[@ChrisPatrick-q6k]

@@Millennial_Manc I failed my 12 Plus!!!!🙃

[@malcolmgay2206]

Great you are reviewing these really great cars Most common fault for some owners is "SL not being used regularly". Water leaks. Commend you reminder to owners to ensure drain holes etc are cleared regularly. Doubt a dealer ever does that. Mine (2006) leaked when I got it and it was 12 years old. Simply luricated all my SL seal's boot roof, doors etc, with what I will call slip jelly (think pool pump seal silicone). MB sell such a recommended lubricant. Thank the MB dealer issue is they don't have lubricating these seal, so if you buy a MB dealer serviced car second or third hand, say 10 years old, it has probably never seen seal lubricant. 😢🎉 In torrential rain shortly afterwards, and there gave been no leaks since lubricating the seals. Understand this is recommended as needing to be done every four years. Also works effectively on car sunroof seal's (not SL's obvously). Part availability s a worry. Tank baffle fail only applies to early R230's Your thoughts about owning one yourself is spot on. They are a Pussycat, or a Tiger, depending on the mindset of your right foot. Thank you for the video and frank discussion.

[@sprautos]

that's great info for the everyone thank you. These cars need keeping on top of don't they.

[@malcolmgay2206]

@@sprautos Agree which is why prepurchase inspections by wizzards like yourself are essential before you buy. Another thought that may help people is to put the roof down at least once every two months, so nothing binds. My R129 I had for 16 years (I did 180,000klm in it) & currently have an R230 (20,000klm in 6 years) and neither roof mechanisms has never failed or needed repaired. Now if I could just say that about my hydronic struts....💷💷💷 ouch 😩 (I put this down to periods of no use, due to travel & illness etc) So find every excuse to take them on trips of at least 20 miles every two weeks.

[@reinmansmith]

I agree with all of your points but especially with the regular use aspect. So many of these cars don’t turn a wheel for months and then people why they have issues. Despite mine being a ‘garage queen’ and not generally for use on wet rainy days, I always ensure she gets out for a run most weeks and I always raise and lower the ABC suspension and lower and raise the roof. When she goes in for service I ensure that they lube the seals and mechanism as well. A superb car that’s a joy to drive but like all the best things in life she needs looking after 😊

[@davidperry3531]

When I started watching these videos, I thought that with the dead pan presentation, I would soon turn off but now I love them with the drôle sense of humour. One thousand ponds for these parts really cracked me up but imagine when Mercedes says, sorry, these parts are unavailable. I am sure that parts for BMWs of this age are still readily available.

[@tonyb1184]

I like straight talking reviews/guides well done for that. The fact parts are unavailable or factory back order blows my mind. Had to scrap my Mum's late 2007 Volvo S40 because of the brake master cylinder and servo being unavailable. A solid car with no rust and 80k miles. 😮 Do you think manufacturers want older vehicles off the road? It has crossed my mind.

[@sprautos]

thanks Tony, yes it could be looking that way that they may be pushing the older cars off the road, even though there not that old to me.

[@gtjack9]

Great to see you’ve got a KZbin channel. Known in many car groups as the best indie MB specialist in the north and got my C63 back on the road multiple times. Love the presentation style, very down to earth, the slick production style you see everywhere these days can really take away from the content. This is bang on.

[@sprautos]

Thank you very much, appreciate that 🙏

[@briansmith2570]

You are correct in that the SBC pump is still covered here in the US.

[@eztyson]

I just watched Car Wizards video on his wife’s SL500. He fixed the loose baffles with long nosed pliers, he got them into the tank in situ, he just grabbed the loose baffles and twisted them against the tank to essentially spring load them back in place. A quick and free solution to fix. Longevity wise 🤞🤞😂

[@ConesuelaLadyTailor]

Don't know if it's true but I was told the caliper pistons are made from hard plastic and heat over time causes the outer part to mushroom so when they are pushed back the part of the piston that has enlarged binds inside the caliper. Currently, I have been waiting six months for an SL windscreen on back order. Was initially told six weeks.

[@sprautos]

That is true they are. Very good info. Thanks 🙏

[@4418CARLOU]

@@sprautos Plastic pistons????

[@wolfgangezeh2221]

Mercedes will always be my default choice of car. Nice video with a lot of educative points. As long as people like you exist, these cars will live longer.

[@sprautos]

Thanks! 👍

[@MarkF-tc3iq]

Great video but note struts can be rebuilt with seal kits for much less than £1,500 and fuel tank is a mod with a spring to stop rattle (both done on mine)

[@sprautos]

that's good to know for the viewers in the comments thank you.

[@georgedaville4662]

I bought a 1 yo SLK in 2006, funnily enough the first thing I did was put seal lubricant on all of the seals! Great video, love your delivery style , straight to it no fluff! Keep up the good work work 👍😎

[@sprautos]

Thank you 🙏

[@melvinphillips786]

All joking aside, I own an SL350, more videos on the model please!!!!

[@Parknest]

The R230 is a beautiful car but I'm glad I've got my W204 saloon. You're doing the right thing by highlighting these potential problems and the (lack of) availability of such problem parts. I did suffer the back order problem when I had to have the rear subframe replaced on my W204. Thankfully, it was covered by the corrosion warranty but the rear subframes were on back order for a while.

[@sprautos]

I’ve waited 14 months for a egr valve on back order before now.

[@dhdove]

We bought our 2003 R230 SL350 (3.7 V6) at 40K miles in 2010 and kept it for eleven years, sold it at 90K miles. Fabulously comfortable, toured all over the U.K. and Europe, happy to cruise at 120mph on the autobahn, such a beautiful car. The cabin leaked, ice on the inside of the windows and pano roof in the winter, never managed to cure it. The boot leaked, despite having the seal replaced by MB. Both rear arches rotted, not covered by MB Warranty and had to be re-built and re-sprayed. Auxiliary battery went flat regularly if you didn’t use the car every day and had to be replaced due to failure several times. Eventually the boot leak did for the charging unit and it was too expensive to repair given the car was nearly nineteen years old. Traded it for a 2014 SL400, Lovely car. Did we regret owning it? Not a bit. Probably one of the best looking SL’s ever, super smooth and comfy ride, turned heads wherever it went, great technology for the time. I do think they’re getting a bit long in the tooth now unless you have very deep pockets, such a shame.

[@sprautos]

it is a good looking car. and a good example of how your car still leaked despite having new seals! you definitely need a yearly budget for one these days.

[@steveg8817]

I ran a R230 SL350 ( designed and produced under the guidance of the accountany at Daimler Crysler) ,bought new for 13 years and had most of the "common" problems. You didnt mention brake pedal swich failure which stops the gear selector from moving , the disintegrating catalyst, and the rusting bottom to the rear window and wheel arches. all have DIY fixes. I now have a R231 SL 400 and its a far better build quality Join the MB Club and get all the info. The R230 club captain has run his 2003my car for over 21 years and 250,000 miles! Still going strong😁

[@sprautos]

I can’t mention everything the video will never end 😂 there is always something. Good to see the club captain is still getting the miles in. I do like the 230 Sl

[@phil25051]

Another great video Sam. I like that CLK55 in the background.😁😁

[@sprautos]

Me too! 😜

[@MrLr25]

Great video and is fast becoming one of my favourite channels! The SBC pump recently failed on my W211 and Mercedes quoted me £2425.56 just for the pump itself. They do buy back your old unit for £380 so the net cost would have been just over £2000. I ended up getting a used unit from Prestige Allpart for £450.

[@sprautos]

Ooo wow they must of shot up in price, I always remember estimating customers £1500 supplied and fitted when we were doing them all the time as but was always a grand five or a few quid

[@North_side_cargo]

Top take from this video: you either need loads of money or loads of knowledge, preferably both. Safe to set aside 2-3k a year in servicing.

[@sprautos]

Spot on

[@judemurphy3356]

I really want one of these but i have to say i think i will leave it one the back burner for now . Mercedes really need to up there game for there parts. Great job on the vid lads

[@TheoSmith249]

There are so many things on ALL CARS that can fail. I have one of these and it does help to be a bit of a DIY owner. You didn't even mention the hydraulic roof valves and leaks. 😂The hard top engineering is quite impressive. The design of this car is a huge sell feature for me. It stands up to current vehicles. Particularly up to the 2009 models.first time seeing your channel. Subbed. ☑️

[@sprautos]

Thanks for the sub! I haven’t had to many issues with leaking roof rams tbf. Plus I didn’t want to make the video any worse 😂

[@TheoSmith249]

@@sprautosYou very kind ... If I was in the UK you would be my guy! .

[@htw9594]

The price for parts and labor on all high end cars makes the price of the car the smallest part of long term cost. It is a great thing to have access to people that are well trained, knowledgeable, and honest. Nice to watch true masters at work. After this video, I’ll stick to my invisible Camry and Avalon.

[@pres0783]

You are my favourite mechanic. You should been a stock broker. Emotionless sticking to the facts. Thank you for the review. I’ve been looking at metal roof convertible for a wile as a summer car and as I wanted something more manly I was concidering SL or a Lexus SC 430. Guess your video answered my question. It has to be the Lexus. Thank you.

[@paulhaley5009]

Great video..i was looking to purchase a 350 but after watching this you can't get the parts...its like buying a horse and cart but without the horse...so i really do like the look but unfortunately i won't get one...but Great video thank you..

[@reinmansmith]

An interesting video, thanks for sharing your expertise. I agree that regular maintenance as ever is the key, and that includes preventative maintenance of the known faults you highlight. But if you do your homework and seek out a good one, they are bargain luxury GT motoring. I bought my 2003 SL500 3 1/2yrs ago for £9500. Full service history with receipts etc with glass panoramic roof and the specs that I wanted with 78,000mls on the clock. I put aside £2000 as a repair fund and top that up with £100 per month and I am still well ahead with money still in the bank. Within my spending though has been preventative spend. Although it had been serviced when I bought it, I had the gearbox fluid changed (it had been done previously at 38,000 although it is not on the service schedule) and I also had the ABC fluid changed with a new updated filter. Whilst there was no evidence of leakage around the boot/rear window seal I’ve had that replaced along with the updated gear selector locking pawl. I have also had the crankshaft TDC sensor replaced as they are another known fault. The only item to have failed in the last 3.5yrs is the brake sensor module (and they are generally expected to last around the 80-100k miles) which cost £1100. As others have said, with such a low purchase price, (which is less than you would lose in depreciation on many cars in 1 year of ownership), so long as you budget for repairs and have money set aside, then you are getting a luxury GT car, which at 20+yrs old still turns heads wherever I go, for less than the price of a new hatchback shipping trolley! What’s not to like 😊

[@Foxtechconsultants]

There's some therapeutic about listening to him talk about Mercedes. Just picked up an SL55. Thrilled that I happened upon this channel. Please keep going!!

[@sprautos]

@@Foxtechconsultants welcome aboard 🙏 Plenty of content for you to catch up on 🙌

[@bogstandardash3751]

Thank you for this video. I was going to buy one as a daily driver, but parts being redundant and a £7k per 12k miles running costs is just too much. Mine would work much harder than that one so I can expect similar or worse.

[@stuarthall2523]

I appreciate your honesty. Pal of mine has one, loves it but had a few problems including the water leak. Not sure if I’d have one with many parts not being available. Makes you wonder why tho.

[@grahamamey3201]

I honestly think a lot of the SL problems stem from lack of use. I only have one car, and yes it's an R230 SL350, my second. It obviously doesn't have the ABC issues of the V8's but everything else is pretty much the same. Only non service item I've needed is a rear window regulator. It's used in all weathers and so far making sure the seals are lubricated and the drains kept clear its stayed dry in the boot. I just love the look of them and the way they drive. They're old cars now but cheaper than buying some new boring looking modern car on a PCP. Thanks for the video, don't just say you'd have one, get one, you'll love it.😊

[@sprautos]

agreed, under use is just as bad as to much

[@erniestarkey8856]

I had a 2010 S550 that leaked from rear trunk(boot) liner. It shorted out the navigation command module. $5,000 new at Mercedes. Had it rebuilt for $1,800 U.S. dollars here in Florida. Mercedes can do better than this for the money you pay. Great video.

[@lincolnvlogs8965]

GREAT VID! MY RECOMMENDATION IS TO BUY 2 OR 3 OF THEM AS SPARES! GREATEST CAR EVER MADE!

[@xmaxbabilo]

Thanks for including prices for the parts. Very informative. We defo need more vids on various young timers.

[@sprautos]

Will do!

[@wilkodog5252]

You’re very watchable as you tell it how it is in a manner that is easy to understand. Keep em coming mate👍🏻😁

[@sprautos]

Thanks mate good comments like that keep us doing more 🙏

[@angusbettini3598]

Great Video mate. 03 SL500 here and yes it's expensive to maintain but it makes up for it in how it drives and looks. A lot of what you have mentioned are wear and tear issues. Parts that aren't meant to live forever. I think also the biggest thing people forget is how expensive these cars were new. In AUS they were over $300k. 20 years on you are still maintaining a $300k car.

[@sprautos]

spot on mate, people forget they are maintaining the cars value new! not used plus now there older they require more maintenance than ever.

[@john3892]

Your videos are superb. You are clearly an expert - and I enjoy your down-to-earth sense of humour. But you reinforce my view - after my wife and I have owned A, C, and E Class Mercedes plus an SL, two V class and a G-Wagen - that Mercedes cars are over-priced, unreliable junk. We finally saw sense and changed to Porsche, Honda and Skoda.

[@sprautos]

Thanks for watching!

[@01menyou]

I've got a Reliant Kitten, and they all leak. Top tip: drill a hole in the floor. Two holes if the first doesn't sort it.

[@sprautos]

😂

[@miamimo70]

Please do a similar video on the 3rd gen CLs , 2007-2014

[@pamed76]

Yes, here in the USA we have an extra 25 years warranty on the sbc system. Personally, I love the brake feel.

[@sp7873]

6:10 how he closes the trunk lid is the best sign he s an expert

[@williampatrickfagan7590]

If I heard correctly, the maintenance over 20 years equates to 760 pounds a year, excluding the repairs needed in this video. SEcond point,I suggest anyone looking for water leaks use a very inexpensive smoke bomb. The type gas installers use to check the draught or pull of exhaust gasses from the gas burner to the chimney flue. You light the gas bomb,, You close all the doors, Smoke is shown escaping from the car. As far as I know. You can get them in a harmless colour dye. That will show you the track or path and ingress egress of the smoke takes. Beauty of this the dye track can be chalked so you know where to start looking examining. 60 years ago, Ford cars were notorious for water leaks. You fix a leak in one place, the leak finds another way inside the car.

[@CemlynRoberts]

Another fantastic review, 🚙👌It’s disappointing to hear that parts for this beautiful car is limited by MB.

[@gbjeppm]

To be honest £7.7k over 10 years with a mercedes specialist on an R230 is not bad at all. I know its low mileage, but a lot of the seals etc are time not mileage dependent. Thanks for the walk around video, am really enjoying the content.

[@sprautos]

Not bad is it for the ten years it’s just the miles. 50p a mile 😂 Glad your enjoying 🙏

[@dominicwood3750]

I was also surprised it wasn’t higher, considering the cost of standard servicing and it uses a lot of quality oil.

[@LH17578]

Very informative for those who own the R230 SL , reece made me chuckle lol.

[@raycooper9307]

Thanks for an informative and useful video. Really enjoy the dry humour - I had a SL55 and the Merc Tech was known as ‘the Grand Man’.. all those years ago.., didn’t stop us buying the r230’s though. Want to buy another.., just need Sam’s humour to laugh when the bills start flowing..!!

[@sprautos]

Glad you enjoyed it! 😂 the grand man 😂

[@godfreysautomotiveservices]

Parts are a nightmare as you mention. Last abc pump we had to source from abroad like yourself. Tank baffles we have repaired here just using cable ties but I have seen people using the magnet repair online. They are a lovely car but like you say, every repair on these normally starts at a grand 😅

[@deuce9769]

The SBC pump was still under warranty here in The Netherlands for models that were about 10 years old and had x amount of miles, naturally they were all older and had exceeded the mileage. Components like the shifter unit and Gtronic we'd send to ACTronics to get repaired

[@jaydalal438]

Battery control module is no longer available new from Mercedes. Only used ones and they are 2000 euros. Which is more than the new one from dealer when they were available

[@s61095]

I've had my front ABC Valve block done as my SL was throwing "ABC Visit Workshop" message on the dash. $4,968.37 CAD before VAT; this was done at a Merc Indy Shop in Vancouver, BC using genuine parts. Another potential ABC expense on top of the other common ABC issues.

[@AdrianDean-d5h]

I have owned a 1992 300SL-24 for 9 years and driven it for 63k miles. It now has 137k miles on the clock. The total cost of maintenance and repairs is £22,315, which equates to £2,479pa. Recent big ticket items are 2 new front wings, a new S/S exhaust system inc. a catalytic converter. The C/H gasket was changed at 65k miles under a previous ownership by SPR Autos (Steve) and is currently not leaking - well done lads!. The reason for this post is that running a SL is not cheap but I like driving it and hope to get 200k miles on the clock before I pop my clogs. I have a modern B Class and A Class (wife's) but would much rather drive the SL.

[@greighooper5295]

Jeez u need a mk1 yaris mate😂

[@terrypotter6763]

Thanks so much for taking the time to explain the slk gearbox issues. Top man

[@markbradford4569]

That such a good looking car still !!!! I still love them 20 years on. But, the running maintenance costs have always put me off getting another SL350

[@sprautos]

It certainly is.

[@Billy-xw8uu]

Very well made informative video, l couldn't agree more with the faults and issues which l had with my SL55 . A good person l followed was 'Gold Element Autoworks' and 'nd_72.' The gearing on my roof failed which l replaced. I changed my tandem pump for 1 off a mercedes ML55 after putting my car on coilovers. MSL remapped mine to 540bhp. Then other electrical failures and constant battery drain started happening and l gave up on it, like in the video l'd still buy another one because it is such a good looking car. Now l have a W124 with OM606 setup.

[@ConnorA21]

I think your videos are cracking. Your a chilled laid back guy that gets the work done without any fuss, i want a job with you lol 😆

[@racqueteer5606]

I was seriously thinking of buying one of these, so cheers mate I owe you a pint ! There's now more chance of me winning the Euro millions - which I'd need to own one 😄

[@sprautos]

😂😂

[@24bellers20]

Having had several cars from my local Merc dealer I asked him if he could get me an SL. He just said don’t bother, you’ll lose too much money.😊

[@sprautos]

😂😂😂

[@faz6870]

Great video but it has put me off buying a SL, especially the parts issue. I hope it's not the same case for my CLS63

[@sprautos]

CLS 63 👌

[@michaelfk2548]

Thank you ....very informative !....

[@steveclement9815]

Another brilliant video. Keep them coming they are all very interesting and informative.Well done Sam.

[@SWLW436]

Still think these are one of the prettiest SLs and have aged well. Donking fuel tank used to annoy me but was still a pleasure to own. I like the 210 wearing the SL 18s in the background too.

[@sprautos]

yes that was a rare w210 e55 mag estate, I didn't get chance to film.

[@Judith-c6r]

Strange how Mercedes warranty in USA is much better than the UK. They cover issues way out of normal warranty. Must be something to do with the legal system in different countries. Many of these steel folding roofs have leaks throughout all manufacturers. The weight of them crush the seals which loose the rubber flexibility and leave water gaps. Great video, so interesting.

[@boerboel7777]

Absolutely! I own a SLK, notorious for rear subframe collapse due to rust (inferior metals, no corrosion coatings, E class also affected). Not fun when this happens. Merc USA got sued in a class action lawsuit so agreed to fix it FOC, regardless of age. Here in the UK? No recall, no DVLA involvement and MBUK refuses to sort it. So you're bang on about litigious countries getting better service. Quite a shame.

[@uemackay1592]

Great video, loads of very useful information. Hard to find videos like this on KZbin about Mercedes and Mercedes themselves don't seem to make it easy to problem solve and fix issues. I am having trouble with a eclass 2017 coupe, it has a wiper malfunction message on cluster, i have changed wiper motor and stalks, all relays and fuses good. No wipers no washer, any help would be hugely helpful. Ty

[@sprautos]

If it goes via the SAM unit possibly a fault there. “Complete guess without proper investigation”

[@uemackay1592]

@@sprautos it does go through the Sam, i changed the relays and relevant fuses in the Sam. Just wondering do I need to you a star machine to tell the car it's had a new wiper motor? Thanks so much for your reply, where I live DIY or main dealer are the only options. Thanks again

[@sprautos]

Wiper motor is plug and play

[@uemackay1592]

@@sprautos I have ran out of time and options and the car has gone into the dealer 😐 I wish i would have changed the SAM out but live and learn.

[@christophneuscheler8694]

I have a garage, and only take it out on sunny days :-) 2009 SL550 (Canada).

[@joemcaleer3521]

Why not send your video to MB,it may shake them up....very Honest podcasts keep them coming.

[@Leo555ZZZ]

'Is there anything good you can say about it ' ? It has the great M113 engine.

[@johnellis9715]

Scared the crap outta me! Been looking at buying one, not a 500, a 350, and specifically a 7speed 2006 to 2008 but not so sure now 😮

[@sprautos]

haha don't let it put you off, but its good to know the ins and outs of these things so you know what your in for should you come across any problems.

[@peacefulpleb]

Weird flicker on some of the internal shots. Good video thanks. They must hate you in Stuttgart, but keep telling truth. Who would buy one, apart from you?

[@stephencox1955]

With your knowledge and Rees sense of humour,are you not amazed at the costs of the vehicles,that what appears to be a desirable car has so many potential issues,could it be lack of use ? Another amazing video,thank you.😅

[@sprautos]

It certainly could be, I always say these things need using!

[@j14phe]

Brilliant walk around you told me everything that I wanted to know about it and I have one mines has a leaking boot haha and no garage John a friend from Glasgow

[@wernerdanler2742]

Seems someone I watched mentioning that brake controller that hits a limit of number of brake pumps could be reset. Except tor having to replace my transmission valve body, my 01 e320 was a pretty trouble-free car. Mercedes has cheaped out on their interiors though.

[@sprautos]

you can reset the counter but that is your 'white pre warning service brake visit workshop gone' next is complete fail. so its risky.

[@Freddie118]

Think I will stick with my Honda crv !Great video I love the funny bits appearing keep it up!

[@aqibfreed4672]

Great vid. Could you make a video on how you learned so much about mercedes cars, im sure its a great story to tell

[@sprautos]

We’re doing a q&a Mybe add it to the YT post I did the other day 👍

[@liamgale3664]

Great video guys 👍 Would love to see a buyers guide for the W213 E Class.

[@ChristopherKaneTV]

Great video, really enjoying the channel. Anything in the pipeline for an R129?

[@sprautos]

Thank you 🙏 Yea I’m sure we will get some 129 action. I’m sure we will do something on all the models given time.

[@greighooper5295]

After watching this excellent no BS vid il stick with my 2001 toyota yaris, so i can sleep at night like a baby 😂😂😂😂

[@peternic1]

With the accent and the drumming (9:50), I thought for a moment it was Ringo doing this vid😉. Also, SPR seems like a fun place to work!!

[@sprautos]

😹

[@ricardomatos6316]

Really enjoyed your video. Your presenting style is quite funny and sarcastic which I enjoy. Please ignore these haters. Unfortunately some people find it easy to be very rude to someone they never met. Keep it up 👌

[@sprautos]

Oo yes easy to hate on someone you’ve never met. We leave them to it.

[@ricardomatos6316]

@@sprautos I have been watching your videos. Really enjoying them. Honest and straight forward 😊

[@chrisbailey459]

Sad state of affairs for a billy Benz one of the reasons I have stuck with mine is the availability of genuine parts and reliability . The c280 I own has been bullet proof for the time I have owned it bought at 70k now just over 210ks and going ok. Regards Chris Bailey

[@asdreww]

Great video. why do they leak water though? I mean it's rubber seals - weren't these perfected back in the 1990s?

[@sprautos]

I have no idea why they did such a bad job, a question for MB

[@markcarter9476]

The gear selector issue is a cheapish fix as you can by the specific part within the gear selector that fails and therefore avoid the inflated cost from Mercedes for the whole unit. I've owned an R230 for 10 years now and on balance I would say it's been a very reliable vehicle. The most annoying issue for me is that you can't change your own brake pads as you require the Mercedes software to lock the SBC system to retract the brake pistons. Overall I love the SL R230 and think it represents phenomenal value for money, you get a £70k vehicle for £10k. My advise is buy the face-lift version from 2006-2008.

[@sprautos]

you actually don't need to hook up the Diag to replace pads, leave key in ,keep all doors shut and do not open! change pads as normal, if you want to be extra safe unplug sbc unit. a brake fluid change however is a different story. agree really good value for money for luxury

[@ianmuir3640]

I bought a vacuum pump from Florida just to be sure it’s nice and dry

[@PointNemo9]

Florida has a tropical climate, they get a lot of rain

[@Conservator.]

Try California next time, or Nevada if you want to be absolutely sure. 😁

[@driveguy]

I've spent that in a years ownership of my W164 ML. Painful now I've thought about it. 😢

[@sprautos]

😂

[@os5811]

Could you guys do more buyers guide videos very good content 👏

[@sprautos]

More to come!

[@pobinr]

Buy an R231 instead. Faster, more powerful lighter, nearly all aluminium. No over complicated suspension. I just bought an R231 SL 500, I absolutely love it. Not that much dearer than an R230 & probably cheaper in the long run as hopefully won't have all the maintenance issues. We'll hopefully. Fingers crossed🤞

[@TimQwant]

Thanks for a wonderful video for a really wonderful car. Such a shame it's so "unreliable" and hard to get fixed because of the many "hard to find" spare parts. Which Mercedes do you think could be considered the most reliable in the around 10.000 pounds category (around 2005-2015)?

[@sprautos]

I would say a w212 e class are pretty good.

[@bigsmk9168]

Every part you listed not available I’ve been able to find easily. Some are remanufactured though. All are for a reasonable price. But I’m in America. I wouldn’t think it would be much different for the UK.

[@sprautos]

there is some aftermarket stuff knocking about, but i am talking genuine, i have spoke to lads in over the pond and i know they cant get a genuine ABC pump. spoke to others in the uk and no one can get the stuff, possibly a battery control unit from the classic centre.

[@G20Details]

The SL is an absolute icon, I would love to own one, 7k over 10 years is not really a big deal, I have a CLS W219 from 2010 and I’m sure I’ve probably spent similar in 2 years of ownership. Great video anyways as always

[@ftffighter]

Way to go! ADHD for the win!!! LOL this was a good episode for sure! Thank you for putting the work into making them for us and wow, I had no idea Mercedes STILL hasn't fixed the leaky boots... I honestly do not know what to say about that! This was a huge deal when it first came to light, if Mercedes would've invested as much into fixing the problem as they had on attorneys then MAYBE they would've fixed it lol. All in all it makes no sense though, the SL's are Mercedes's sort of "Baby" within the company. A lot of love went into designing them decade after decade. To neglect them this bad on an engineering level just boggles me.

[@sprautos]

It’s a shame Mercedes usually love the Sl model and keep well stocked on parts.

[@ftffighter]

Right? Despite all that you've shown, if I found one in good enough condition and was only going to use it as a weekend ride, I would still get it. These supposedly drive so beautifully! Somebody on the forums just bought one today and I linked him this video, he's in love with the car though it sounds like and you know what? I'd say it's worth it for that alone. Life is short and we only get one shot to experience all that we can. P.S. I just noticed the CLK! lol that's beautiful!@@sprautos

[@MillfieldWheels]

Would love the same video on the SLK.

[@Crispy99999]

Assuming that the parts availability would extend to the later model R230s, from 2008 - 2011 with the facelifted front...stands to reason that most of the rest of the cars are the same.

[@bryanporter3025]

Always great videos and keep them coming 👍

[@joseborrerovega7755]

Super informative! Thank you!

[@LifeInKent]

Love the videos mate. Notice you have a 2003 CLK55 too like me - any chance of doing an engine mount replacement video? I’ve started the challenge today (in the pouring rain too) and whilst I’ve got the drivers side in, how the hell do you get to and replace the passenger side?? There’s just no room!! Would love to see you guys so this and learn from you all

[@sprautos]

Ahhh we just done some a few weeks ago. We do t get chance to film everything. Exhaust off is a massive help.

[@LifeInKent]

@@sprautos Arh so you get to it by taking the exhaust off - damn - bit of a job for a driveway job - would love to have seen a video on this

[@thedoo777]

I Went with his hiro Coil overs.. Just just replace these struts and have the liquid drain out of it I didn't worry about the rest of that abc system and I'll tell you something it's a little bit faster and it handles much better! .. The difference in the ride I can't remember it it's where the market really small,, Do not get the old man's mode I think you will be disappointed I drive it at the sport mode and the difference is just negligible.. Race cars require sway bars I didn't notice it in my driving time... I wonder whether the cell value will go up I doubt it? Anybody know of an indy mechanic around St Louis

[@gianfrancoa]

I'm glad that I have a much simpler R170 V6 6sp

[@1234minster]

Great looking mercedes, great video

[@iamyourfuture808]

Do you service other makes of cars or is it mercs only? I like your approach and would trust my car in your hands.

[@sprautos]

Only Mercedes I am afraid 🙏