Mercedes-Benz R230 SL500. Great value or a liability? | Tyrrell's Classic Workshop

[@roadwarrior144]

YAY!!!!! An R230! Worked on many of these in my job, the hydraulics (suspension and vario-roof) can make one tear one’s hair out. As my baldness can attest. It is a shame Mercedes is not supporting these classics-in-waiting as they should with keeping parts like critical control units in stock. This gorgeous machine is definitely in immaculate condition and with ALL of the most desirable options! !! Hope to see more videos of this car again in the future!!!

[@scottpeterMA]

Loved it.! Would be nice to see you drive it, saying the usual, 'Yes! There it is' as you throttle it

[@clc2328]

If they supported owners with replacement parts they wouldn't be able to sell them new cars......

[@ethangarage]

For me this was/is the most beautiful car of the 2000's. Been itching to buy one, there was an extremely low milage example going for 7 grand but I fear the £6000 bill for the ABC suspension hydraulic line where you need to dismatle the entire bottom end of the car to fit the line. I had hoped someone would come up with a permanent solution but it seems you have to continue to pay £1500 for the hydraulic line and the 40 hours labour to fit it. Having recently worked on a BMW 8 series, being able to source the parts however expensive is what makes the repair possible. Do you know if there is anyway to reduce the repair bill for the ABC hydraulic line for the ABC suspension?

[@craigyirush3492]

@@clc2328they do. There’s a whole MB Classic division for the older cars.

[@roadwarrior144]

@@ethangarage Fear not! There is a means by which one can convert the complete suspension system to a standard coil spring and damper set-up thereby precluding the thousands of pounds of cost to repair the ABC system. However, the ride will bot be what it once was unless extra time is taken to corner-balance the complete car and adjust the damping to get the ride close to what it once was in comfort mode. That having been said, it would likely be a pretty sizable bill for all of the parts and labor required for all of the work to be performed. In my view, it does not cost one alot of money, but rather it saves one alot of hassle of repairs and malfunctions. If the car is to be kept for the rest of your days then the conversion might be a worthwhile investment for peace-of-mind. If the car is to be kept for 18 months or less, then spend the extra cost on a premium example and dont bother with the conversion. Merely my two-cents worth. I hope I was of some help.

[@NickForest999]

There is a vitally important lesson here…we should be making cars last 30+ years rather than constant replacing with what purports to be more environmentally friendly. The environmental “cost” of a 20 or 30 year old car has been well and truly sunk ages ago and it makes sense to keep them going. It goes almost without saying they’re more interesting to drive too…😎

[@derekheeps1244]

I kept my 1957 W105 Ponton 219 for 38 years .

[@clc2328]

No profit in dependable long life cars....ask the Maytag repairman

[@OnTrackDetailing]

I kind of agree but also technology evolves, engines do get significantly more economical, powerful and generally reliable, furthermore advances in technology do come along. There is an argument for people who say "cars are only made to last a few years now!" - I am not sure i necessarily agree with that, many high mileage cars are in excellent condition still. Sometimes you need to just draw a line - I myself moved from a 172k Golf to a 60k Golf, because it's a PHEV and has a few upgrades (DSG , Car play, etc) which I could have retro-fitted, but I am still left with a 172k Golf. Which has a significantly higher total running cost potential, even if absolutely nothing went wrong with it for 2 years and 50k! What a peach of a car.

[@DuncanMcOkiner]

​@OnTrackDetailing point well made. The major issue with all modern vehicles, 2014/15 onwards, is all the emission nonsense to meet euro 6. The most fatal low emission brain fart to these engines being the low tension piston rings.

[@greatestytcommentator]

This r230 has the same face as my c220 coupe.. which I bought for 700 quid 4 years ago. just run in at a mere 180,000 miles.. Love it.

[@reinmansmith]

As a fellow owner of a 2003 SL500 for the last 4yrs, I’ve been waiting for you to feature yours. I agree entirely with your summation, a superb car for so little money but, as with any machine, good maintenance is the key…... I bought mine specifically because of it’s excellent maintenance history and the fact that it had always been used, (as opposed to sat in a garage) averaging 3-4k miles per year. I bought it with 78,000mls on the clock and immediately had the gearbox serviced (it had previously been done at 38k) as well as changing the ABC fluid and put in an updated filter. I’ve now owned it for 4yrs and have just enjoyed my latest ‘Grand Tour’ trip down to Florence via the Swiss Alps and the Italian Lakes.. It really is the perfect GT car, comfortable, able to eat up the miles in style and can return 30mpg while sitting at 130-140kph on European motorways. With the panoramic glass roof you have all the comfort and quietness of a hardtop while enjoying the view of the sky and, when you reach the riviera and fold the roof down, you can cruise in style and still turn heads as it really is still a beautiful car. Like you say, whenever I park up I always turn back to look as it it really is such a beautiful car 🤩

[@sp4604]

if the dash goes out then you're screwed

[@Lemingtona-x5g]

nice story but no mention of running costs

[@paulreilly3904]

That's fantastic. My favourite thing to do is tour Southern Europe. Done it twice successfully, in my BMW and my friends Mercedes. Can't wait for the next time.

[@reinmansmith]

@@paulreilly3904 some fantastic roads and scenery to enjoy, definitely best done behind the wheel of a great car or on a classic motorbike 👍

[@chrispenn715]

​@@Lemingtona-x5ghave a look at SPR mercedes specialists KZbin channel - he has several videos on the R230 and includes costs

[@CJ-go7ff]

Love all your videos but it’s especially nice to see when you cover a car that’s attainable for most of us car appreciators

[@bikerboy4944]

Great cars, I've detailed probably hundreds of them. One of the most important things to do with these is to keep the folding roof seals in good condition, treating them regularly with a product such as Gummi Pflege. The seals dry out and then the boot leaks, there are a lot of electrical gizmos in the boot well which get wet and costs thousands to put right.

[@Kicki355]

What a great episode. I own an 2011 SL500 , bought it almost new and still have it. I love this car, because it's very comfortable as well as variable. The fuel consumption is sensationally low considering the size of the engine. So far did not have any serious issues and the car still runs great.

[@iain_tyrrell]

Good to hear!

[@tramptruck4859]

I have a '94 SL 500, your comments about "sealed for life" and preventive maintenance are SO correct. Thanks for a fascinating video 😊

[@christopherjensen5007]

Who would like to see an Iain Tyrrell and Harry Metcalfe road trip? Perhaps Switzerland? That would be awesome! I love these guys!!! 😃

[@SavedbyHim]

With Harry's SL600

[@pogues1]

I need a sticker on the back of my car , saying, don't laugh it's paid for. I fully appreciate your balanced love of cars.

[@daweigo6851]

😅😅

[@roygardiner2229]

When leaving the car you turn around and admire it. That speaks volumes. I feel the same about my Raleigh Grand Prix bike. It's not the top of the range, when I bought it in 2010 it cost me $115, it's easy maintain, and it's as tough as old boots. I love it. The complexity of some of the systems on your car would daunt me.

[@thelews4]

Have a 2006 SL500 with 64K miles. Bought it in 2012 with 28K miles for $38K. Has the AMG appearance package, pewter/charcoal. Use it as my summer daily driver, now putting 3K miles a year or so on it. Have taken two trips in it, 3500 miles and 1500 miles round trip. Great road car, plenty of luggage room for two of us. Bought some thin gel seat cushions off Amazon for the second trip, seats get a bit hard after a couple of hours. Issues with the car have been minor. New trunk closing mechanism this summer which I replaced myself. Other than that, besides maintenance, I can't think of anything that's been repaired on the car. It does settle down in front when sitting for 10 days or so. I place blocks under the jack points when in winter storage. Pumps right up in spring. I will definitely take your advice and flush the ABC and PS fluids. And yes, as with many first generations, it is a good looking, well balanced car.

[@alexandervanwyk7669]

Thank you Sir for an awesome assessment. For many years I (now a retired ((poor)) technician), I considered to buy one of these but always bailed out. I owned wonderful Mercedes's ("85 500 SE, 500SEC etc) but about 20 years ago I bought an original 986 Boxster. Still enjoy it as perhaps the most marvellous daily driver on the planet. When my boys and girl left school we tracked the car frequently, always at its limit. Now the kids are long gone. At 67, I'm retired but this 986 lives on. Maintained by myself and still looks brand new, words can't express the joy I'm still having of owning her. It is simple, robust, tough as a Willis jeep and over engineered as a farm tractor, l am so thankful that it found me. Yes Someone, my boss actually, a doctor, asked me to source it, bailed out and I raised my house bond to buy it. Love you all from S Africa.

[@iain_tyrrell]

Thanks for your appreciation. The 986 is indeed a great car. We won’t mention the IMS bearing!

[@chrisr975]

I have one of the first of these, registered in April 2002 (not 2003 😊). It’s now on 103,000 miles and has only covered a few miles a year recently. Replacing the rear suspension units on the garage floor was fun but really satisfying when it was a success. I love the subtle power of the V8 and will probably keep it forever.

[@tbbfilms5031]

Totally agree with your comments- I own a 2003 R230 but an SL350 (in Jasper blue) which I also turn back to admire. Such a lot of car for the money which, if a well maintained and good condition example should really be worth much more!

[@monk3yboy69]

Best colour …Jasper Blue

[@almathias6538]

Also these models were a technological upgrade as far as the hard top goes as well. The long standing problem with the R107 and R129 models was the whole hard top removal and installation as well as stowage of the heavy and cumbersome hard top. Most owners hated that about SL’s. These solved that issue and were definitely a step in the right direction.

[@DaveSpecC]

100% agree about the styling, same goes for S classes of this era vs later. It's a shame the early 65's are so rare, always been a dream for me.

[@Richard57072]

I was after an Aston Martin Vantage 4.7 for my 60th, and then I read about the SL55 and couldn’t believe how cheap they were!! 😮 I am now five years into ownership and it has been a cracking (mostly dry day) car. I personally worked on the ABC system following a failure, and gave it a fluid flush. It has worked great since. I agree with another poster, the dampers should all be changed at 40-50k miles, before they fail. The SL500 is even greater value. 👍 I agree with you about the looks, it is a very pretty car that has aged well 😍😍😍

[@wewillmakeit3615]

To all r230 owners: Change your SBC brake pressure bulb, every 10 years! If it it tears (and it will!) you have 0 brakes from one moment to the next. Terrifying. Also swap all the suspension bulbs. If those are old, they will stop buffering the pressure spikes in the ABC system and the hoses will start leaking one after another. Personally I think this is more important than changing the fluids. Do that too though. 😂 I agree about the rest of the video. Great cars, good looking. I have a 500, too, since 2019.

[@jeremyfdavies]

“Britain’s horrendous roads…” never was a truer word spoken. Anyone who’s done the M25/M20 trek to the Tunnel knows the feeling of unmitigated joy and comfort when tyres touch that lovely French tarmac. Very good point about comfort and larger profile tyres. great video, thanks!

[@frankb5603]

What a reversal ! Traveling abroad in the nineteen sixties the English roads were smooth and the French roads were incredibly bad.

[@Lemingtona-x5g]

lovely French tarmac to the Paris ghettos?

[@simes205]

And no road works.

[@iain_tyrrell]

Thanks again!

[@BeauQuillen]

@@Lemingtona-x5g You must be racist!! As a Queer Jew I fully support taking people from the Middle East who are a threat to Israel and sending them to Western Europe and the U.S.!!

[@awdrpepper]

For reference, the cheapest R230 SL500 on sale in Australia is $37,000 (AUD) or ~£19,000.. and the most expensive is $75,000. They are all spec'ed with a boring black or grey interior, and black or silver paint, and none are particularly 'low mileage'. To hear that you can buy a decent example of cars like this for under £5,000 is somewhat... depressing. Of course we are much less likely to run into [catastrophic] rust problems, and that means one less headache (migraine) to deal with. Still, you Brits are very lucky and I'm mildly envious.

[@derekheeps1244]

I hate that colour combination too and much prefer a nice mushroom leather interior with a good external colour ; my SL was Signal Red with mushroom ; my various other cars have been either Mushroom or grey leather , with Nautic or Azurite Blue , Almandine or Ruby Red , one of my W126s was 199 Blue/Black with Mushroom Leather , and the other two were Petrol Blue with mushroom - all really nice combinations . I can go back much further having had a Ponton in medium red with red Tex , a Fintail in stone grey with red leather , a w115 in white with red tex , a W114 in light metallic blue with blue cloth and a W116 in a darker blue with blue velour . There have been many others but grey exterior with black interior - no thanks !

[@gori277]

Tell me about it, I absolutely despair going through Classic Car Auctions and Car Auction videos from the UK. One simply cannot believe how many bargains are on offer whereas here it’s 200.000+ kms cars costing an arm and a leg.

[@dominicwood3750]

These are cheap in the UK. Silver with Red leather harks back to the original SL from the 50s

[@iain_tyrrell]

You’re right- cars here in the U.K. can be so cheap compared to other territories

[@cormorant_on_arock7934]

Then look into the cost of shipping one to Australia?? Or for that matter, look into the cost of shipping one from America - where they're even MORE affordable... But I'm guessing you're too good for America. Lol

[@dferrari4841]

Had my 2007 SL350 R230 (Facelift) for about 4 years now. It's a fantastic fun car with all the extras (including cooled seats) also with pano roof etc. No ABC! Wonderful condition, always properly garaged, 88K miles FSH. More than enough power for me and economical too! :) Just a pity the road tax is so ridiculous it'll drive a lot of this era cars off the road? I fully intend to keep mine as long as possible... It's in rare Thulite Red with beige Nappa and wood. Ridiculously cheap. I love it! Thanks for covering it Iain, been looking forward to this one! Regards, Nick (in Cornwall)

[@MrAndyj007]

im looking to get an r230 was thinking mid twenties for the mpg? isa that about right

[@davidhopkinson205]

I’ve got exactly the same model and colour scheme, inside and out. The Thulite red is chameleon-like and really pops in brighter light and dazzles in sunshine. Love it! Took it to Lake Garda and back this summer. Fantastic touring car. Had the rear window lower seal replaced, and the 7-speed gearbox control module replaced in 7 years and 20k miles.

[@davidhopkinson205]

@@MrAndyj007Easily 33-35 mpg on a long run. 28 mixed motoring. Just done 2500 European tour this summer in my 2007 350

[@iain_tyrrell]

Thanks to you too. Sounds a lovely car

[@thedoo777]

Yeah I think I'll upgrade to a 2007 2008 after that they changed the headlights bug ears

[@andyrbush]

I worked for over forty years in oil industry maintenance and reliability engineering and maintained my own cars since a teen. It feels as it the machines have their own spirits, because after you change the oils and do other work on them, they seem happier. Call me crazy but I used to talk to the machines, but I found that my compatriots did the same and we all found that it helped with diagnosing their problems.

[@tg_ny]

That is the last of the SLs that had classy styling. The modern cars are overstyled and most brands style their cars with front grills which are way too big. The more expensive S and SL class cars in the USA all require expensive annual maintenance. One of my uncles was paying $5,000 per year on maintenance on an S class built in the early 80s; he ended up selling it and buying one built in the 60s because it was built better. I also agree with going with the smaller diameter rims. They provide a more comfortable ride. If you go above 17 inches in diameter in the New York area, rims will crack or bend or you will just lose the tire because of the poor quality of many of the roads and the potholes which develop late in the winter. Larger rims look great, but you sacrifice ride quality and dependability.

[@martinsv9183]

An S from the 80's is not going to be expensive to run as long as it hasnt been trashed prior as many have. Then the dominoes will fall.

[@alanclarkeau]

High profile tyres - YES!!

[@lptomtom]

Can't wait for the trend of ridiculous rubber band tires to pass, larger tires are so much more affordable and comfortable!

[@jamesrobert4106]

Elegance and comfort is a forgotten concept​. @@lptomtom

[@danapeck5382]

Thanks! Interesting, practical change of pace. All the best

[@iain_tyrrell]

Thank you. Best to you too:-)

[@civlyzed]

Thanks for another Sunday afternoon upload!

[@markalbert4652]

Good to hear you say that you turn and look back at the car when you walk away from it! They say if you don't do that, then you've bought the wrong car. I had an Alfa Romeo 159 until a few years ago, and I always looked back at it after I parked it. Such a beautiful looking car. It's good to appreciate the effort the designers of our cars have gone to.

[@cvautos22]

These were & still are great cars. Real grand touring motors. Worked on a few when I was employed for a Merc dealer in the UK. The early ones had the SBC brakes same as the S Class & E Class 211 of the time. They also did an SL65 AMG which was a V12 which is very rare. Was lucky enough to drive a few. Always great content from Tyrells 👍.

[@chriseden640]

Hi Ian, agree entirely, the R230 is much better looking than the later ones. 2 years ago I bought a 2008 350 on the basis of no air suspension and lower maintenance. Love the car. Thanks for the review and suggestions, some people say changing fluid can disturb dirt etc. but I don’t agree. I will get the auto transmission fluid etc. changed

[@dferrari4841]

I did the same, bought a 2007 SL350 to avoid the suspension malarkey etc. Love the car, had it for four years now. I'll be changing the fluids now as IT suggested. I'll also be looking into brake accumulator possible defects and mentioned by other here!

[@jcollins1305]

What a beauty Iain! It’s funny, when I was a kid in the 80’s I was in awe of Mercedes Benz, they seemed to me the pinnacle of solidly built, stout, beautiful vehicles. Then to hear you say that they got the timing chain wrong, and that they had “sealed for life” fluids really made me realize that they’re not the same MB. Anyway, thank you for the tour of this beautiful machine, here’s to many more years of happy motoring!

[@blahblahwhatblahblah]

To be fair, he was talking about the timing chain on the 1980s cars, not his SL, so they were always capable of making mistakes.

[@jcollins1305]

Thank you, I was mistaken. Just the same, Mercedes to me as a kid were perfection in my mind 😊

[@veselinmarinov8787]

Another great and informative video, I do enjoy the depths of tecnical know how you go into Mr. Tyreell. Great work for keeping the old R230 going and I am glad you enjoy it. Trully timeless body design and great comfort for the age of car. Shame MB couldn`t carry it through with the facelift models. A week ago I had to pass on one of these, the 3,7L model as I neither had the time or will to repair and it would have been scraped otherwise. The list of repairs it required was quite long, sadly it was owned by a doctor which had no mechanical sympathy to cars. Hope the new owner, a MB enthusiast and also mechanic will bring it back to life and enjoy it just like you do. Please keep up the good work and video content. I do have passion for the classics and it`s nice to see what tech has been used on the ones I haven`t had chance to work on in my previous employment.

[@iain_tyrrell]

Thank you

[@user-gc1zn5mn4p]

Iain, as an owner-driver of Mercedes-Benzes for 26 years I especially enjoy your M-B videos. Also, I've driven SLs so I can state from personal experience that you made a wise choice buying your SL. In fact I drove the AMG version of your car at the M-B AMG Academy at Lime Rock in Connecticut, U.S.--it was a rocketship on wheels. All cars need maintenance yet I can honestly state that the maint. on my M-Bs has been much lower than on any other make I've owned.

[@iain_tyrrell]

Good to hear. Ownership can be a bit of a lottery but lots of cars can fall into that category

[@Barnagh1]

The key to these is the word ‘garaged’ which you mentioned at the end. If it’s not garaged, rainwater will get into the boot and all the black boxes for all the systems are in there, and they are £1,000 each. I had a SL350, glorious car but I never saw 30 mpg. Anything from 8-9 to 25-26 was the norm, and I drove it gently. The rear subframes on these and many other MBs are all being replaced by the dealers, without charge, check it out.

[@brucelovell1346]

To be fair, *all* convertibles should be garaged or they will eventually suffer a similar fate. All convertibles have some sort of drainage system that will eventually get clogged with debris if left out in the elements, causing water intrusion and subsequent electrical and rust problems. You can park them outside without issues, but you must be meticulous about keeping the drainage system clear.

[@Barnagh1]

@@brucelovell1346 I agree, but not all of them have the amount of very expensive gadgetry that resides in one of these SLs.

[@iain_tyrrell]

Very true- proper operation of the seals is crucial

[@MarkoVukovic0]

Such a lovely car, love the styling. The SL was always years ahead in terms of tech and mod cons. I have an '07 SLK 55 with 160K+ Kms on the clock and still going strong. The M113 is probably one of Merc's most reliable engines ever.

[@eyespythesky124]

That just made my Sunday evening shine! Always a pleasure to step into the workshop and get a good lecture on what’s real and what works better. I love the style of those long Mercs and they do look comfortable.

[@grahaminkpen5436]

Hi Ian, have an SL350, they were never fitted with airmatic. Just good old shocks and springs. I love mine, never gave a jot of trouble.

[@ninja12lawbreaker]

Lovely car Iain, I had an S350 for 5 years on 05 plate, I was still finding clever engineering features on it the same month as I sold to be minicabbed in Cardiff. I looked at SL 500's a couple of years ago and you are right, they are very expensive now for an old car

[@frankhawl3997]

Next to the 300SL, the Mercedes SL500 is one of my top 3 favorites designs. I love the fact that you can go top up or down. So many times I see a beautiful car and say I wish it at least had a lift-off hard top. This is a outstanding example. This is a Beautiful restoration. Thanks for sharing.

[@puggzymalone5824]

Thanks for doing a video on the SL 500 I've nearly bought one twice! First time I bought a Gen 3 MR2 and the second time a Porsche Boxster S (996). So went for the more sportier option both times but they are great cars and look amazing (in my eyes). One day I will own one!

[@russellmalone3532]

I really enjoy your videos and as I’m off work for 3 months after an op I look forward to my 5pm Sunday slots even more ❤

[@stco2426]

Nice episode. Good to point out the servicing remains related to the original price, not what the market values these or any car at.

[@matthall7525]

I think the same. This is a pretty and well proportioned car. Obviously this engine is the most reliable V8 they have built and it runs very economically. I know stories, if you drive it not too hard it is 40 to 45mpg, which is pretty good for a 5 litre motor.

[@d23bw]

Great to see a beautiful desireable car that is attainable. Your videos are a tonic , due ,in part, to your deep and genuine enthusiasm for your passion and business. I know you have worked hard to get where you are, but lucky dog all the same. Good on you dude and thank you.

[@iain_tyrrell]

Thank you!

[@samurai-capybara]

My favourite KZbinr covering the car I hope to buy one day! Christmas has come early.

[@samurai-capybara]

("KZbinr' meant with the best will in the world! I know you're much more than that).

[@iain_tyrrell]

Thanks:-)

[@Andrew-zv4fm]

After hearing this with the "sealed for life" transmission fluid, I think that is what killed my mom's E320 wagon. She had a 1997 E320 wagon we had the car since new back in the late 90s and for almost 10 years the transmission went at 70,000 miles. My mom drove the car locally

[@bernardh9994]

I love Ian's raw honestly..

[@kingkreole9121]

Me too.

[@Lemingtona-x5g]

yeh not like dishonest used car sales men

[@iain_tyrrell]

Thanks

[@sturmanaskie]

Ha just bought one a few weeks ago ! A real beauty, turns heads a lot, elegant, classic, drives wonderfully

[@YusssoM]

I know that you mostly deal with older cars but I like that you make video for these early 2000s cars as well. I hope that this video is successful so you'd make more of these. Maybe not a car you own, but a car you used to own or a car that you have worked on.

[@digijams]

I own a 2010 BMW 335i with every factory m-sport option and power pack installed by the dealer. Hydraulic rack, 6 speed, 19" M wheels. 123,000 miles and every option works, even the active lights, headlight washers, and every interior light. Love that car, such a great driving GT car. I get what Ian is saying.

[@TheEarlofK]

I agree that this an elegant and timeless Mercedes-Benz design, probably one of their last compared to the brutish monstrosities they make today. I often look at 'cheap' Mercedes and then realise that I neither have the money nor the skills to maintain them, but for you it's clearly a perfect purchase.

[@paullawrence3541]

I had an identical SL500 a few years back. Now have an 03 SL55 because I liked it so much. But the 55 is a real wolf in sheep’s clothing. It munches miles effortlessly (albeit at 16mpg) and sounds great doing it. Try one Ian.

[@markcole1473]

Great choice Iain and a nice review as usual😎The R230 is indeed the last of the classily styled Mercs, and amazing value at the moment! I have a 2004 SL500 in the same colour scheme as your car (love the "Berry Red" leather) but with the later 7 spd g'box.

[@iain_tyrrell]

Pleasure- thank you

[@johnmcfall375]

Love my SL. Might only be the V6 275bhp. But no ABC and fuel economy was a big influence on my decision. Great to see people being positive about a complicated car 👍🏻 keep up the good work

[@ruutbianchi4358]

Thank you Iain for reviewing one of your own more "normal" cars. It's becoming a youngtimer! I really can imagine you love this car, it is beautifully engineered and will drive smoothly. Recently I was driven by one of my Morgan friends in his, I believe 10-years old, Mercedes S-klasse 500S, with I believe active contour seats which inflated the seat-sides in corners, so you it kept you better seated. He told me it sees bumps ahead with a camera, so they are leveled out as you pass them. And that in more than 10 years ago designed car! It felt really well, and although he doesn't need the space off the car, he cannot separate of it. I suggested to him next time wear a hat and I will sit in the back with sunglasses on ;-). As a car lover and Morgan driver he is in Spain at the moment in his Morgan for an event and vacation and even with preventive maintenance a rearview mirror glass fell off on the way in France and his fuel gauge stopped working, but it doesn't stop him of loving the car. It would certainly not happen on the Mercedes. Thank you for sharing this video and please go on!😍

[@iain_tyrrell]

Thank you for that. Morgans are great fun too!

[@laurieharper1526]

I agree. It is a pretty car. "Lifetime fluids" has always stuck me as a nonsense, too. It depends how you define "lifetime" for a start and it seems such an obvious way motor manufacturers try to ensure vehicles don't last and we have to buy new ones. Perhaps I'm just an old cynic.

[@tacfoley4443]

Like the 'lifetime' grease lube on the Porsche Boxster and 996 engine........washed away by the engine oil, the lack of grease allowed gear bearing to collapse and disintegrate - the result? Four cam chains out of sync and a great meeting of valves and pistons. Apparently 8% of ALL engines made between 1996 and 2005, met an end like this - mine included.

[@matthewrooke386]

They are a good looking car, so good in fact I bought one, I use it daily and is very reliable so long as I keep up the maintenance which isn’t to bad.

[@bryon541]

I’d love to have an 03 Mercedes Benz sl500. I have a 2018 Mercedes Benz E400 right now. Love it. I may be crazy to want another Benz. Lol

[@derekheeps1244]

My neighbour across the road had almost the twin of that car , same year , same colour , SL500 and with lots of toys , including a TV that no longer worked ( think it was analogue ) . I went out for a run in it a couple of times and it felt very fast , very impressive , so much faster than my W126 500SEL with the older M117 single cam engine . I had an SL too , but I was never so glad that I'd bought the earlier R129 , and a 300SL-24 at that , than when my neighbour told me that so much of the stuff on his car had stopped working , and there was a burning smell from the back ! We looked under the panel behind the drivers seat ( no back seats in the R230 ) and there was a module that had fried and much of the surrounding wiring had burned out . He eventually got some back street place that was willing to get parts from a donor car then cut and splice wires to get it running before he got shot . I ran my R129 for seven years , and did just about everything myself - it was basically a W124 underneath , and I've had lots of them , still run a W124 estate today , and they are so easy to look after and keep running if you are handy with the spanners . Just as you mentioned , regular fluid changes are a must , not only engine oil , coolant , ATF , but in the estate cars you have the hydropneumatic self levelling at the back , many people are scared of it but is is simple and reliable ; and only a couple of things go wrong - one is the pipes can rust through at the back , and if you lose the fluid the pump can run dry , and especially on the six cylinder ones , the tandem pump that runs the SLS and PAS is an expensive little item , so it is really worth checking those pipes regularly ; the level control valves can get covered in crud off the road and can become disconnected , and lastly the spheres can burst , although I've never had that problem in any of my five W124 estates . What I do do , though , is to change the ZHM mineral oil fluid every couple of years , by exactly the method you showed with the syringe ; and getting back to point here , on the R129 , the soft top is raised and lowered by a hydraulic system using exactly the same ZHM mineral oil , and the reservoir sits under the spare wheel ; again I changed that fluid every other year , but then I left my hard top in my mothers garage and had the soft top down virtually every time I drove that car ( ambient temperature permitting - they say don't raise or lower it below circa 8 deg Celsius or risk splitting the plastic windows ) ; I never had any trouble with my roof hydraulics , but did have to adjust microswitches a few times - great thing about the 129 was it used blink codes , no need for a computer ; just my trusty AVO meter 8 and count the kicks of the needle to learn where a fault was ! Anyone can work on one of these . I do plan to get another R129 , probably will be another 6 cylinder one , much as I'd love to finally get a V-12 , but I fear that would be too costly to run and too complicated .

[@deltajohnny]

@derekheeps1244 Great post! 👏👏

[@SirPaolo777]

Very good point about “buying the maintenance”, Mr Tyrell. As cars values drop, they become tempting ownership propositions for people without such deep pockets, as those who bought new. Yet, the double whammy of an older car likely to need expensive repairs increases too.

[@CauliflowerMcPugg]

Your Merc was truly a great buy. I'm looking forward to receiving my cap as summer is on its way for us in NZ.

[@iain_tyrrell]

Please send an email via the Iain Tyrrell website. Thanks

[@MrGman2804]

Ian Tyrell is just the man if you like cars. I am thinking of getting one of these R230's, and it was very useful to hear what he had to say. A great car guy, and a proper English gentleman aswell.

[@iain_tyrrell]

Thank you for that

[@sid9983]

It is a very pretty car😀😀😀 you are right!!

[@andrewbarton8525]

Couldn't agree more. I bought a 2002 clk convertible Brabus 3.8 conversion in 2003 two years ago for 2k . Love it.

[@ilmarspurins8723]

I recomend changing the hidrolic fluid of the roof mechanism too Its a real simple job

[@craigjones2878]

I’ve owned my cars for many years now but I still turn and admire the lines every time I walk away. That’s how I know I bought the right cars.

[@darylwalford8697]

A beautiful example of a fine car, I own it's rather basic cousin, a 2002 C240 which has been excellent. 100% agree that preventative maintenance is the key to keeping older cars in great shape, at least rust isn't an issue where I live in Australia, my 22 yr old car still looks like new underneath.

[@gavinhill4121]

Loved this. Nicely explained

[@richardfenner6096]

Iain, I have a '95 R129 SL320. Love it, and everything your say about them is spot on.

[@silver750iL]

The (plentiful) 350 models generally don't have airmatic and ABC suspension (just springs/shocks) so aren't a bad choice.

[@erkkavilhunen7852]

As I understand it 1st facelift change to 3.5L V6 from earlier 3.7L version made engine better. Normal non ABC suspension and 3.5L 2006-2008 SL350 is possibly one to have.

[@simro31]

I had a 2002 S500 lwb. Loved it to bits. Wish I’d have brought it to you to be looked after. I didn’t know who to use, too complicated for many but too old for a main dealer. It rusted and developed small faults. Sadly scrapped in the end.

[@iain_tyrrell]

Sorry to hear that, but glad you had pleasure out of it

[@harrysheffield624]

Great episode Ian . . . really enjoyed it !!

[@lindaoffenbach]

Very much agreeable Iain in the notion that M Bs as have become as they are, somehow do lack the distinctive presence they ones had. On quite some models today, only the star on their cars is their give away. The R230 has plenty character, although the rear and front designs are indeed not in harmony. However, overall they still are a wonderful style of very much M B motoring.

[@thedoo777]

I have been driving with coilovers for a couple years hiro coilovers. I've also heard many other brands of coilovers work just as well. So no need to worry about abc. I drive sports mode not an old man's mode not in a race car mode. They caused me about a thousand bucks and labor install those was about 630. I couldn't be happier. No I wonder what they hold their value so well.

[@theretoocs]

Wise words indeed Iain. Many people are seduced by a low purchase price for an ‘exotic’, but don’t account for maintenance costs. As they say, ‘you can afford to buy it, but can you afford to own it?’. It’s a lovely car, have always admired their looks from any angle.

[@MercMad113]

Definitely the last good lucking SL, and those standard wheels are 17" not 16", but absolutely make the ride far more forgiving especially on a non ABC car. As you say the R230's have reached the bottom and the rough cars will now supply parts for the better one's until the aftermarket repair companies take them on. I don't see any reference to Webasto being involved in their Vario Roof development, interesting.....I had assumed Karmann.....but may be confusing that with their assistance in producing other models. A roadtest report would be nice too !!

[@iain_tyrrell]

You may well be right on Karmann!

[@crisholmurb007]

I first commented on problems with the ABC - but now you got to it. Totally agree with you on how to maintain the ABC system.

[@aidenCBR94]

ian will you be showing and possibly driving that lovely red Diablo, fantastic videos, they are a highlight of any day!

[@iain_tyrrell]

Thanks- yes video will be done one day

[@luislealsantos]

The magician shows another mechanical wonder. What more we want when tyrrel is back.

[@sirjosephwhitworth9415]

Someone once said about maintaining cars of this calibre....all of life's costs are high. It may be worth a fraction of its new price in 20 years but the repair and service costs remain constant. Nice video.

[@kevgermany]

Merc had a lot of rust problems when they switched to Russian 'steel'😢 in the 90s. My neighbour's E class was in every year under warranty for rust issues. I heard they switched back to German steel around 2010. My E class was rust free after 10 years. On the auto boxes, can't agree more. My German dealer insisted on changing the fluid every 125000km. Even though it was sealed for life. I love the shape of these. But can't afford mercs now I've retired.

[@vibingwithvinyl]

It was also due to switching to new water-based paints.

[@Lemingtona-x5g]

thought it was down to no galvanising

[@matthewstephenbrown]

Had a 2005 champagne colored SL 500. Was my favorite car. But it ate up $1000 ABC shocks and often the after market shocks are garbage. But when it all worked it was magnificent. The key point is just because you get the car for 10k, the maintenance is still that of a 100k with a LOT of hydraulic lines.

[@chrisbowditch6684]

I have a v12 one of these, amazing cars. I've also changed the ABC fluid and filter to help avoid frequent ABC failures

[@philiptidmarsh]

I can related to the advice given here. I have a slightly older E55 AMG Wagon and have had to go through all the fluids, change suspension and brake pipes and do a lot of rust prevention. As much as I love it ,it is not particularly desirable ,and it is a lot harder to keep on top of than my other supposedly less reliable cars , looking at you my also much loved old Range Rover !

[@Yorkshiremadmick]

I still love my R129 SL320 straight 6 Owned since May 2010 I love the old girl.

[@dhdove]

I share your love Iain. Our “new to us” 2003 R230 SL350 took us round Ireland, Scotland, Côte d’Azur, Germany (Sindelfingen), France and many other places without fuss and in absolute comfort. Cruised effortlessly on the autobahn at 120mph with speed limiter engaged (my wife in the passenger seat). After eleven years and 55K miles it succumbed to water ingress and electronic problems which were too expensive to justify repair so traded it for a 2014 SL400. The R230 series are very a lovely design and a bit of a hidden gem….. I’ve now got a 2017 SL500 which I agree isn’t as beautiful but I think carries on the tradition of the SL series with even more mind boggling technology eg ABC “Curve Function” suspension technology. MB has lost the plot on the latest SL I think, it’s not really an SL at all, more of an AMG Porsche rival. End of an era sadly.

[@Tipo107]

Great and accurate review, thank you. The R230’s big brother, the C215 (CL), especially the 55 Kompressor (which I have), is also a fantastic car and real bargain right now 🙂.

[@iain_tyrrell]

Thanks- a future classic there

[@audriusbaranauskas6227]

The early R230s' aged really well.

[@PorscheRacer14]

Still love the looks of these cars. Hats off to you maintaining this modern classic and keeping it proper.

[@shaywhelan1]

I had that one in that colour. Loved the growl from the engine, the starter button on the top of the gear stick, the space. I didn't keep it that long. Was worried about the bills if something went bang. Actually, I have a video of my son testing the roof for me

[@AntonyRichards-jx8vr]

Iain loves it because he’s not paying £80/hr labour costs to have it fixed. My local MB specialist has a yard full of these with repair bills outstripping their values. When I said I was tempted to upgrade my R129 he said don’t do it!

[@phil4977]

The power steering and the ABC suspension run off the same pump. I had a 2005 CL500. The same engine as your SL - it was never a problem, very reliable and robust. The Suspension could be problematic at times, however, the driving experience is excellent

[@gairnmclennan5876]

I have always admired these cars. Great looking well designed too.

[@guyosborne2696]

Excellent comment, 'a £4K car but you are maintaining an £80K car'. The same goes for JLR products, people buy them second/third/fourth hand for low money and then complain when the maintenance bills are high.

[@gaetanperrier74]

Very nice this car is on my list for a longtime. I would like to see an episode on the XK8 1999-2006 model. It is also another great car and extremely affordable here in the us.

[@iain_tyrrell]

Thanks- see what we can do

[@BikeThrottleOfficial]

Perfect mechanic’s car!

[@SimonWallwork]

A lot of good points here. Sometimes a car is just a good fit with its owner, even if it isn't worth a fortune. I've had the same street car since 2009, because I just love it!

[@johndavey72]

Good evening lain . Talk about more bang for your bucks ! I must say thàt l do prefer these in darker colours ie that beautiful dark blue but when you pay second hand Citroen C1 money , who's complaining 😂 l worked at a Mercedes approved crash repair /warranty shop in the mid 2000's and all Mercedes were notorious for structural and panel rust . If you hadn't meticulously kept to warranty demands Mercedes would dimiss any claims for rust damage . As always iain many thanks for sharing your passion and knowledge .

[@paulelverstone8677]

Aged well, haven't they. I was never over-enamoured with the bug-eye look and those enormous rear light clusters and probably would've preferred a Jag XK equivalent but nowadays, I think the styling has grown more into what we come to expect. Better than Mercedes current offerings imho...

[@stanislavczebinski994]

"You don't buy just the car - you also buy it's maintainance" - I'd go even further. You don't buy the car - you buy it's preowner. Meaning: It's hard to correctly judge the car and it's history just from looking at it. Judging the preowner correctly is often easier - if you got the skill. That's why I preferably buy from private people - not from dealers. Suprises are a lot less likely - and the "warranty" of most dealers aren't worth the paper they're printed on.

[@aussiebloke609]

2:07 The "bug-eyed" look of the 1995(!) 210 E-Class always reminds me of the Jag XJ saloons, especially the Series 1. So, no wonder that styling looks good on the Merc - it's a modern slant (literally a "slant") on a classic styling touch from almost 30 years earlier.

[@michaelgallagher7082]

Stunning looking car. looks very well built and safe.❤