I was the Only Bidder on this $130,000 500HP V12 Mercedes SL600

Did I just score BIG or lose $9K? I found this super cheap 2004 Mercedes SL600 with a 500hp twin turbo V12 at the dealer auction and nobody wanted it. I was the only bidder at $9,000!!! Let's see how it goes!
Sub to ‪@MonkeyWrenchMike‬
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#mercedes #v12 #twinturbo #cheap #cheapcars #auction #autoauction

[@amadeo_serrano]

For the ABC issue, try calling Alex. He went though the complete ABC system on his CL65 and might be able to advise you on what to look for. As I recall, they are both about the same vintage so should be pretty much the same. For a bit of encouragement to continue, I just checked and SL600's with similar mileage are selling for between $22K and $25K so there is definitely wiggle room for repairs.

[@jamesnycgk2487]

alex from LSC is def the man when it comes to mercedes.

[@dirty2jz283]

Alex from LegitStreetCars is very familiar with the car. Plus he has a love for Benz’s

[@Tilemason1]

Not a lot of wiggle, especially if you've got a rouge hydraulic suspension issue. Should have seen if the tightening the 2nd battery lets you get off limp mode

[@Tilemason1]

​@@dirty2jz283 yeah Alex is the dude. He even likes all the consistency of merc failures 🤷 really a special merc guy.

[@RegalCobra097]

Or Tavarish. He had (has?) a SL65 AMG.

[@JrnSkjringrud]

The red buttom is to raise the roof for acsess the trunk more when roof is down.

[@DavidWeinberg-cm9xd]

They are excellent cars, if you can afford the repairs and upkeep? Basically money pits, but fun money pits? Congrats, and good luck with that beast, Randy.

[@ohyeahbabyitson]

I had a 2004 CLK 55 AMG. Same color. $1000 a month at independent shop EVERY month. Didn't even have ABC. When I traded it in 18 months later it still had 15 things wrong with it. Chyrsler era complex Mercedes. THE worst car purchase of my life.

[@markyounglove5570]

how is it an excellant car and a money pit at the same time. If i have to continually spend money to keep it running then its a POS in my mind

[@ellwoodwolf]

He’s gonna love that top failure and the air-ride system... or should I say his mechanic is gonna love the $$$$$$$$

[@g0LdDog00]

The Cadillac's body lines, looks and stance is so incredibly cool.

[@dustinwilson1981]

I'm fairly certain that most of your issues stem from battery condition and from sitting. Very nice car! I'd drive it daily with a smile on me face! Good win!!! Makes up for that Rover

[@mikeslaton6498]

Yep very true

[@junkiexl86]

Trust me that smile would quickly fade as the repair bills add up. These are massive money pits and basically like any other Merc, great lease cars, bad purchases.

[@willstubbs6182]

Worked on one here in the uk kept dieing and cutting out turned out to be the mass air flow sensor intermittent and was covered in dirt , some of the later ones had ride height sensors for the ABC that sometimes fail could be worth seeing if you have them, the one I worked on was slightly newer. Good luck with the repairs, they are really good cars when running right!!!

[@happyhappymtb]

I think you got a good deal! The RED button by the trunk is use to raise the folded top while it is in the folding position in the trunk so that you can access the trunk space.

[@williamcochell9889]

OMG Randy! No matter what happens I think you made the right move! This is why your channel is so great! Great content! Cannot figure out why you were the only Bidder?

[@jamisonfortin163]

It's time for me to feed my dog is that what's wrong with the car is it trying to tell you you need to feed your animal or some crazy s*** like that Mercedes has become so Advanced it's a useless vehicle why did you buy it

[@t.l.robinson2162]

Most buyers are afraid of these cars.

[@CarGod]

That was the factory v12 badge on the back you ripped off, not from autozone lol.

[@thjn23]

I think there's not a single mercedes which has v8 or v12 badge on the trunk lid.

[@peterb3842]

Yep, badge was factory but should be on the front fenders…

[@CarGod]

V12 badge on rear was a dealer option, they put it on if the customer wanted it.

[@seans9125]

@@jerrywilcox9890 I have an R230 Sl600 and can confirm, that's not a factory badge. Perhaps it was added by the dealer, but it's not from the manufacturer.

[@mhasier4u]

SL 600 is not a V12 Biturbo it would be a SL65 AMG.. Trust me I have a 2005 CL65 AMG V12 BiTurbo.. So the fender Biturbo was put on there.. Still the V12 is a good motor and it’ll be a lot cheaper in repairs then a AMG.. Trust me I put more in my AMG then it costs..😢🇩🇪

[@jonscott7686]

Love that Cadillac I would never get rid of that. It’s timeless and beautiful.

[@JO-ku1uc]

Typically these vids present after having been recorded a few weeks or so earlier. Odds are the Caddie has been put up for an auction sale or sold! 😢

[@michaelparker2225]

You just bought the most exciting car on the history of the channel. Patience and lots of money will keep this car running !

[@FransvandenBergeMuziekschuur]

Incredible deal. The best of the best. These cars are rare as hens teeth.

[@allenlenz9412]

... butt smell like a chicken coop

[@FransvandenBergeMuziekschuur]

They will only go up in value. You bought it at the right time if you are able to keep it around for a year or two at least.

[@NOLAItsNotOva]

Seems like the car might be in some sort of limp mode. As for the V12 badge, that's factory lol

[@stevekaphingst4327]

I was just about to say the same thing

[@markzijnrules]

The V12 badge on the sides is oem, the biturbo badge isn't, as is the V12 on the back.

[@TraveladvRajanSRai]

Jus coils not a biggie

[@brucelovell1346]

mark zijn is correct. The trunk V12 emblem and fender BITURBO emblems are not OEM. I own a 2005 SL600. It's a glorious car. So much power across a very wide RPM range, and so smooth. It's like driving a car with some kind of alien spacecraft propulsion system. You just squeeze on the throttle and it just GOES. No drama, no downshifting, just pure unrelenting acceleration.

[@megadudecool]

This made me cry. Im literally looking for a v12 and to know that you got one in decent condition even at the auction for that price makes me so jealous! Also very happy for you thats awesome

[@MFSE7EN]

Mass Airflow sensors are actually a really common failure on these

[@Oneness100]

Yeah, but that should be a $2 fix using MAS cleaner.

[@MFSE7EN]

@@Oneness100 most of the time it's not unfortunately. It is a v12 mercedes, not a honda😄

[@Oneness100]

@@MFSE7EN A Mass Airflow Sensor is a pretty easy sensor to clean. But if you just want to replace them, they aren't THAT expensive. Less than $100 and I'm sure a newbie could replace one.

[@NickBuenoo]

@@Oneness100 where are you finding MAF sensor for under $100 ? eBay?

[@Oneness100]

@@NickBuenoo No, there's some European car parts companies that sell them on line. They might not be official MB parts, I didn't go too in depth on it because I don't own a MB at the moment, but I've seen them for under $100. Personally, I would try the cleaner first to see if it that will solve the problem, if it clears the error code, which it probably will, then that will save you money.

[@Jimsathome]

Randy, good video with Mike. I love the look, and the retractable roof (if it works) is a winner. But it seems the 20 year old SL600 is in a death spiral that may not be reversable.

[@RG7-SEVENTH7]

I really appreciate the interest, exposure you gave Mike, it shows, leaps and bounds, as if you brought him up the success ladder with you. Amazing. I know and join his Page bcuz of you.

[@poseidon3201]

Absolutely BEAUTIFUL very happy for you. Hope to see it returned to it's full Glorious state .✅🏁💯🏆🥇

[@rollingstocks]

As an R230 SL owner, I am LOLing. I'm ten minutes in thinking, "dude is in for a world of hurt" haha.

[@Truetv1]

That highway drive opened the engine spark up. All the components warmed up and the tuned itself. Good purchase. That mf gone run for ever even with problems. That motor is a beast

[@junkiexl86]

Tuned itself right into low 13's on a 0-60 lol

[@dieterlange7581]

In my opinion this was one of your best videos ever👌

[@v12mercedes-benz72]

You must check AUX pump and coolant fluid for intercooler, and every pressure sensor. After that, i think you can get your 500hp back.

[@kylerwalker]

Nice Benz for sure randy glad to see monkey wrench mike too love the cars and the content !!!❤

[@williamkelley7654]

If there is one thing Samcrac understands is a great deal. To me that means RUN!!!!!!! Your gonna spend $10K to make it roadworthy. There's a good reason that no one else bidded.

[@roomi473]

For the consumer offline it needs it battery replaced or charge enough and the convertible top will go down, god willing there no issue with the top great buy!!

[@uzzle21]

Randy , dont just jump to buying stuff brother. first thing try a new voltage transformer for the Coils. Do a abc fluid flush and filter , sometimes the valve blocks seals leak abc is not that bad you can get that thing sorted and you will enjoy it while you have it

[@mbleznyk1]

thats great that you let mike take it for a spin! great friend you are!

[@themaddendynasty5099]

The intercooler (auxiliary water pump) is infamous for subduing the potential of AMG kompressor cars and the turbo v12s like these. It’s a $150 part and could very well be your problem.

[@Starpopper800]

The flaps on under trunk lid deploy when lowering top to cover space vacated by top support rails. That red button in trunk will allow you to raise stored top slightly to access trunk space beneath stored top.

[@thomasbossman]

The vibration in the rear end is the Flex disc on the drive shaft. I would recommend getting in touch with Alex from legit street cars on KZbin he knows those cars in and out he worked on them when they were brand new He's a certified Mercedes-Benz tech

[@MikesMercsandothercars]

Front battery is starter (lead acid) and rear battery is consumer battery (should be AGM). Reason terminal was loose was probably because the rear consumer battery has a tendency to run down and therefore owners disconnect it. Consumer Electric warning turns on when battery hits 11.8v At 12.2v consumer battery is 50% discharged - if you leave it like that for a few weeks (which many owners do), it will be sulphated within weeks). Put a clamp meter round rear battery cable to see if you are drawing excess current when car is off. You need to be REALLY mindful of the order you disconnect the batteries to avoid damage. Alway consumer battery in rear first and then starter in the front. NEVER the other way round. If you put the wrong charger on the consumer battery when its still connected, you can fry the BCM (battery control module). That is an expensive mistake to make. You are a brave man doing a RODEO unless you have new struts, valve bodies , accumulators and fluid. RODEO is a bit like you doing an Ashtanga yoga work out - you will stretch your body much further than you would in your normal daily routine and may damage or dislodge something - same is true of the suspension struts and related components. These days you can get replacement plungers for the rear struts - they often cause intermittent ABC errors - scanner will tell you if you have this issue. My Autel Maxidas DS808 has a bug whereby you cant use it to calibrate (or lower) suspension - throws up "system out of range error". Took me weeks to figure that out. These cars sit higher than expected but you can replace suspension links to lower car. Squeeky suspension is often the front cross struts - Mercedes had a special service paper on the issue. Maybe my SL55 playlist will save you time/money diagnosing some of your issues: kzbin.info/aero/PLONqXqFnLGrjrRMyMj-02uPxLVogBjr8a Mike

[@joespittle1]

It seemed in some of the shots of the gauge cluster that the coolant temp gauge is fluctuating a fair bit. As others have mentioned battery would probably be a logical first step. I would also replace the electrochrome door mirrors. Aside from the squeaky front end this could be a win

[@1floon]

When the professional used car buyers/dealers won't touch a car, it should be a pretty obvious flashing red "run, don't walk" away sign

[@kevinwright1551]

Keep up the great work. Nice job on getting the hot car. Sweet.

[@HerbOldenburg]

Keep doing vids with Mike - you guys are a comedy team - Thanks for sharing

[@ShutterSpeed_auto]

Just bought an 04 SL55 with a very similar front end creak noise. Check the ball joints on the front control and thrust arms, those are pretty common issues 😁😁

[@dexterjsullen]

As the owner of one them easy last over 200k miles but you gonna spend 10k in abc maintenance alone. Then tires cause they easy burn rubber and aggressive chamber angle

[@gethecar]

Those bushings sound like my knees when I get out of bed in the morning. 😄

[@lvleatherby]

I bought a 03 sl500 from iaai with a clean title. Only had a crack in the bumper. Got it for $2900, only had 63k on it. Super fun car

[@brianhayes7618]

Craig from Flying Wheels once said there's nothing more expensive to own than a cheap Mercedes , BWW, BENTLY, ETC Good luck getting this one back to everything working as it should. Be prepared to spend some mula.

[@patrickbyrne3609]

The Consumer battery in the trunk has to be charged to operate the vario roof and some other electronics like heated seats.

[@phil702x]

Two things: 1) for the abc, if it only acts up when you hit bumps, it might just be the reservoir, it’s a little black ball that holds fluid for quicker abc response. Not bad. 2) for the top, check the pump for fluid - trunk, left side, under the carpet I think. They leak and lose pressure. I think it takes pentosin. Easy to fill fluid to power the top. Harder to find the leaks. I had an SL55 with similar issues. Loved the car. Good luck!

[@phil702x]

And third: the hood can lift and lock into place. Look at the drivers side hinge for the locking mechanism.

[@phil702x]

That red button in the trunk helps lift the top when it’s in the trunk so you can access the trunk.

[@brucelovell1346]

Yeah, with the mileage on this car I would recommend replacing both of the ABC system accumulators (that's what you mean by "reservior') and the pulsation dampers. If these components are allowed to fail, the internal rubber diaphragm can disintegrate and expel rubber bits throughout the ABC system which is a major job to resolve. It's definitely best to treat these like a timing belt and just go ahead and replace when they're reasonably close to the end of their life.

[@31847448]

It’s a panty dropper . Good luck . Body metal is worth a small fortune .

[@TimidToaster]

Almost always there is a reason that cars end up at places like that. Love to see some repairs done on that beauty of a car, then enjoy for a little while then send it on down the road to get ready for another car to enjoy! Thanks for the content!

[@rmx77]

i saw something on friday the 21st that mike would have loved. it was a mercedes CLA45 AMG bi/twin turbo 4matic. it also happened to be black. i saw that and thought mike immediately. nice car none the less. thought it must have been expensive new. that happens to be seattle for ya now lots of people driving expensive cars and showing off to the less fortunate.

[@battycowboy]

Without a hat Mike looks more like a news reporter pretty dang good hair for a elder person 😂

[@matzrat5006]

My neighbour has a 2007 SL55, does 12.50 ET's in the 1/4 mile.

[@JoseFlores-mg5se]

Randy to fix the Squeaking noise on the ball joints is very easy all you need to do is buy a needle syringe put it to the oil grease gun and then pinch the ball joint rubber and grease inside all the rubber joints untill it get filled all front joints . Then drive the vehicle. A-day or 2, the noise will go away ! Also, the Mercedes, when you have consumers offline, that means that the convertible top will not operate and other functions .That is because the accessory battery in the trunk has low voltage even if the top works it will not untill the battery is fully charge

[@ZombieTide]

I love the Time Lapse drives in your videos back from the Auctions Randy!

[@001sander2]

One of the prettiest cars Mercedes ever produced ❤

[@HHIVR4]

You are going to have lots of fun and spend LOTS of money fixing the ABC suspension.. You have to pull the motor to replace the ABC hoses and the parts are CRAZY expensive.

[@rockb]

3+1 cars, 28 cylinders, and two very cool guys

[@kapekodbob]

You just got passed by a boat ! So flat out there. Come to New England for some curves and hills. This'll be fun getting it right !

[@glen7201]

As an sl600 owner, I can tell you that if you can't wrench that car yourself,and are looking for someone to do the work cheap,this is not a car for you.I do all my own work as this is what I do for a living,but I would only have a shop that knows this car in and out work on it,this is why so many of them are in the condition they are,because the second or third owner had a "buddy that could fix it".

[@geraldcoe1123]

Put the V12 on the Leaf! 🤣🤣🤣

[@christhegamer2607]

Randy call Alex from legit street cars. He should know about the ABC suspension. Also check for the harmonic balancer as well.

[@Vip-np8op]

I found, when you use the right chips, putting the chips in the oven on broil for 60 seconds first makes a big difference.

[@dayquills]

the rattle at 45 sounds like a torque converter issue, since thats about the speed the converter clutch will lock up.

[@jeffmac3071]

This episode had everything, buying an auction car, road trip, and Randy and MWM.

[@just4kicks950]

Beautiful ride Randy ✨️🚘🔥🔥💯. I'm wondering how many owners that gorgeous ride has bankrupted & left for dead on its journey. Wish you luck dude👍Salute Randy & Mike 😎🙉 ✌️

[@rubyred93chev]

_Alex Palmeri is definitely the MB guy(and former Mercedes-Benz of Chicago service tech). Have to love this $130,000 Benz for less than $10K. Best of luck sorting out all the mechanical issues._

[@philipbickham7551]

Randy you are living it because I’m loving it and I’m just watching the video

[@mancsblue]

Excellent video Old mercedes always scare me with all that technology and age against them Always good to see Mike too

[@garrettdodson6110]

That actually is a real Mercedes v12 badge but is was font style they used in the nineties. Look at an S600 sedan from 1996. Same badge where the V and 1 connect at the top. However, there was never a v12 badge one the trunk of an sl. They were moved to side fenders

[@keviemac]

Great little car, a little love and can serve you well BUT regardless what you paid for her , i can tell you from personal experience you still own a $130,000 vehicle to maintain. I get a great deal of pleasure from mine and turned out to be a great value vehicle.

[@gertdekock2216]

That red button right side of the boot in SL models that allows you to raise the roof up when stowed open to allow boot access

[@haskellburks]

Hello Randy and Mike aka Monkey Wrench Mike. The 2004 Mercedes SL600 V12 BITURBO is a great looking car. Can't wait to see the videos on it.

[@LSnium]

The best duo on KZbin lol

[@furiouswolf777voodoo4]

Take it to mercedes first, let the pros fix it then enjoy. Its a auction car, its there for a reason. Good luck!

[@7SUK1]

That's how you spend too much on cars like this. Randy isn't going to do that because he just said in the video he doesn't want to spend more than the car is worth and with the ABC problems, the random engine dying, and the convertible top not functioning. He would never get his money back out of that car.

[@furiouswolf777voodoo4]

@@7SUK1 Well said...spot on

[@7SUK1]

@@furiouswolf777voodoo4 Thanks for being respectful

[@gordonil30117]

Randy, you and Mike can fix this and make a profit. Good buy

[@t.l.robinson2162]

You got a very good deal on this car. Even with the minor sorting out that you will have to do you will still make a nice 💰.

[@31847448]

Highest unleaded supreme fuel fill up , check oil and coolant . Air up tires to about 35 or door decal label . Keep it running . Undo roof safety latches put down the windows before you try dropping the top . Try to pop the trunkninbcasectgerexarexsux cases of wine in the back or a pair if studded winter tires on plain Jane wheel spares.

[@boriss.861]

Alex (Legit Street Cars) is the Merc Trained expert on the 600s

[@ThriftMachine]

Those older Meecedes hate ethanol fuel, loves to clog injectors. Run some BG44K through it, back in the day there was a Mercedes tech bulletin to clear the injectors and was approved by the engineers.

[@craigslistmademerich5451]

When ever I get cars like that even range they got straight to the dealer for diagnostic u got a great buy but it up on BTA when it's perfect.

[@brucegambill6303]

Could be needing a battery or a suspension module . You did buy it at auction where the cars are there for a reason. That and maybe a tune and major service.

[@thatmatty231guy]

Hi mate as a v12 s600 owner for 4 years who has rebuilt the engine and done extensive abc work (on my channel), PLEASE inspect the car fully before thrashing it and doing rodeo on it, you’re just going to end up breaking something and making things worse. Drive it hard once you know she’s in top working order. If you have any questions about ABC or the engine I’m happy to help.

[@Coral-reef.]

Man one day i want to own one of these sl they are just so beautiful

[@fabist8102]

Hi the two friends and All fans....very nice style for this car..after fix, your profit 'll be hight..good future work.Congrats

[@nathankim7664]

I still think it's a good buy. Who knew that a loose battery terminal could be the cause of all your troubles? Well, take your wins when you can get them! Adjusted for inflation, this would've been $212k in 2023 dollars. Gee whiz for sure! To put that into perspective, you could buy FOUR brand new 2003 Mercedes ML 350s for the price of this one in 2004. Goes to show how much someone spent on this almost 20 years ago. Wonder if the previous owner was a celebrity, movie director, assistant producer, or lawyer for a celebrity??? Previous owner was certainly a big fish in Beverly Hills!

[@charleswildman137]

Just for laughs and giggles there should be a drag race between the SL600 and the KIA!

[@mikesharp8653]

Sweet Mercedes for sure. Randy you can use WD40 to remove the V12 residue. Takes it right off, no paint damage at all.

[@OatesSteve]

The rear battery is the convenience battery, the Front is the starter battery, bet the top works now , V 12 it’s probably back to full power. The red button in the trunk is for it when the top is down, it will bring the folded top up so you can put luggage in the trunk, these cars only seem complicated, They need tender, loving care, they reek havoc When the batteries Aren’t fully charged, the loose cable was a big Problem It put everything out of whack. Wow you got lucky that loose cable is many of the problems. Now you can do the rodeo, The front suspension parts aren’t that expensive and not that difficult to do. It’s a common problem on the R230. Good luck take your time and you get everything sorted out. The R 230 SL55 amg are the best bang for the buck. they are bullet proof. The V 12 also are bulletproof except for those damn coil packs.

[@apprentice_pleb]

I'm not surprised you were the only bidder on a gas guzzling V12 with only 500hp. Many modified 4 cylinders can put out that power

[@andrethomas7096]

Look at Randy all bougie and ghetto fabulous. I love it. That Benz may cost you a grip be careful bro.

[@ralpharzt]

Also that piece that slides up and down you open the trunk. It has to be locked down in order for the roof to work. It has like sensors

[@eddiesouther]

The abc buttons on the console work backwards. When the red lights are on the suspension is at the highest position.

[@theappalachianrambler]

This is a beautiful car even if it is silver! I think this will be a great car for your channel. Should be alot of great content.

[@fabienpoupon8493]

Have you checked the battery voltage when the engine is running ? The voltage regulator on the alternator is known to fail on older cars and it would explain why all the accessory consumers remained shut off even after a minute of engine running, why the battery voltage is still low after the trip, why you can't operate the convertible top and why it died while performing the rodeo test.

[@AutoAuctionRebuilds]

I show in the video what caused all of this.

[@fabienpoupon8493]

​@@AutoAuctionRebuilds you showed that the main battery needs to be recharged. But is the car's alternator able to recharge it while running ? About the coil packs, there are guys who can repair them (in Poland if I remember well). There is also a german company that repairs the 90's biodegradable wiring looms and that may be able to repair coil packs too.

[@0161pumaste]

great video fellas, i love it when youre on the road! the check engine light could be a lambda sensor making it run lean, hence the lack of power?

[@Nick-rc5rk]

Hi Randy nice car hope it has no issues once so ever and u can get your money back

[@Mlive722]

You can def drive it low i drive my sl55 like that and sl500 little above the fender your good. But i swapped sl500 for adjustable coilovers. Check bcm module you dont need any fires with this beautiful thing

[@ralpharzt]

The button in the trunk is to lift the hardtop when the roof is down so you can gain access to your trunk

[@mikaeljonsson4686]

Love the SL600! Proper engine... 😉

[@alfredearlydmin4395]

A very good purchase indeed.

[@fahrfromrunnin]

Original spark plugs? Wouldn't be surprised.

[@philipbickham7551]

Mike loves gripping the grain he should make the switch I love your 65

[@GTSam]

I'm gonna love this series.

[@terabyte1695]

Hi Randy, my cousins a mechanic and he said that the merc SL600 has the problems you have, Roof issues, ABC pump, wiring harnes problems and Window operation, he has been mechanic for 30 years and worked on just about every car..nice car but could be expensive to keep..Red button in boot/trunk is something to do with Roof.

[@rossfield8850]

I drove this engine in the CL600 and it’s an absolute beast, to the point where you struggle to get traction down. So there’s gota be a glitch somewhere. Lovely car! I’d restore it, but I’m a moron when it comes to old Mercedes…..

[@IKhanNot]

When Randy and Mike start wheeze laughing I play it over like 3 times.