My Cheap V12 Mercedes SL600 is far Worse than I Expected! It DIED!

In this video we attempt to diagnose all of the issues with my cheap R230 Mercedes SL600. It is far worse than I expected, and it randomly died - and won't restart. GREAT!
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#mercedes #mercedesbenz #v12 #cheapcars #diy

[@WWRD1234]

Randy oh my God is that car is a nightmare dump it back at The auction

[@AutoAuctionRebuilds]

Don't think for a minute I'm not tempted lol. I'm in the middle of negotiating with FCP Euro for a potential sponsorship. It's the only way to fix this car affordably.

[@jargo7251]

Why? It's good content, it's gonna be somewhat fun to fix and it's gonna be more reliable for the next owner. Sure, he's gonna spend a lot for parts and stuff, but it was a cheaper Mercedes after all.

[@allanbrooks3060]

Randy run from this car

[@bradleyborno71]

Randy that motor for the top is Bad. I didn’t hear it at all

[@anthonyprince2556]

@@AutoAuctionRebuilds fcp euro is the way to go

[@Wolfmots]

I have an SL550, such a great car. I'm 55 and able to work on my own cars, if I want to, but at this stage in my life I'm able to understand what's broken and where so it doesn't take much to find the parts on FCP or RockAuto and have them installed. I've had Vettes, loved them all, BMW, Jeep and Mercedes but I must say that of all of the cars I've owned this little car makes me smile every time I drive it.

[@sp7873]

i have an sl55 and i can just confirm this. it needs some maintenance but thats ok. a very neglected car can for sure create problems..

[@pbattis1]

Randy taking on a bi turbo v12 Benz so I don't have to. Thank you Randy. It's so relaxing watching you wrench on that v12.

[@patrik5428]

Got 1999 sl 600amg v12, crazy how good car is no issues whatsoever Sad to see this happening

[@HandsomeMoose]

🎶 Oh Lord, won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz? 🎶

[@francoad]

I had this same car back in 2005. That car was at the dealership at least every 6-7 weeks and would stay around 1 -4 weeks. Luckily I bought the warranty for $4,300. the repairs filled at least 4 inches of a folder stacked. The sales guy says, well you know these V12s are a lot of work. I said, funny, you didn't tell me that when I bought it. The great part was each time it was in the shop, I was given their rental vehicles for free and full of gas.

[@jaythomasanhk]

Sounds expensive randy 😢..why can't you like fall in love with a Lexus 😂

[@sybsygstgstsgysg5330]

Monkey wrench mike moment

[@themaddendynasty5099]

Lexus are lame

[@markkrispin6944]

​@@themaddendynasty5099 and so is your momma.😂

[@01Elantraaa]

@@themaddendynasty5099 the world flipped upside down

[@jato62]

It's like falling in love with a stripper.

[@Alps6408]

07 SL55 owner here, these cars are amazing but when they fail… they fail spectacularly and it’s usually expensive, I mean these were $130k plus cars when new and their maintenance reflects that. The V12 cars are amazing and so so smooth! Low hydraulic fluid means there’s a leak, also don’t use the CHF 11S. For the roof you want to be using ZH-M fluid. They are 2 different types of hydraulic fluid. I would remove all of the fluid that you added and replace it with the correct type. With the leaky strut you should replace them in pairs.

[@GFS695]

Such a beautiful car, sucks that it has issues but i personally love that you're working on it, makes great content imo, always risky purchasing these type of vehicles but the beauty of it is intoxicating.

[@manoman0]

People lose their minds just because it's a Mercedes.

[@hmuench64]

Yes, she is a Beauty! And it is a masterpiece! Randy, please don't give up on her! A German... ;}

[@KINGZZPVP_YT]

I agree, despite owning a lemon Mercedes (well, my mom did).

[@Alabastard]

Those pressure sensor codes are for pressure leaks under the engine covers. The code for the plunger is internal to the abc strut. And the vario top is most certainly the limit switch

[@jeffreyalexander4325]

I have a 2004 SL600 and had the same non start issue recently. It is your fuel pump. It is going bad. There are several components that need to be replaced - the fuel filter, pump control module, the fuel pump and the fuel pressure sensor. Your car is 20 yrs old, these components are aging and will fail. This might contribute to your misfires. Also do an injector test (I have an Autel as well and you can check the status of the injectors) and changed them out over the winter of this year. Let me know if you need some guidance, I have had mine for the last 1.5 years and have done a lot of maintenance on it to bring back up to spec. Everyone is right, it is a money pit, but on a beautiful afternoon with the top down, you can't beat it!!

[@Vetteman372]

At least you have a good attitude when things don't go right.

[@JW-lo2bh]

The S600 is an amazing car and well worth saving. Sensors aren't expensive and you can have the strut rebuilt or you can replace all of them with coilovers. It's well worth saving. Or, you could sell it to me!

[@jordanking6939]

When Doug DeMuro reviews used luxury cars, he never tells you it's a maintenance nightmare.

[@albshore8]

As an owner of a 04 e500, I am surprised that Mercedes have so many issues being a luxury car. and not just the used ones.

[@gregabbott6833]

Looking forward to the verdict on the hard top convertible and if the power from the v12 will be restored… you got this man!!!

[@ryzen397]

that benz is gorgeous.

[@aaad01]

Thanks for being courageous and making this MB video. Love this channel!!!!

[@stevesposato9124]

I had a Mercedes 500 SL with the convertible top and hardtop. What I found is if the tank for the convertible top is low one of your pistons is leaking somewhere it may not be obvious it may not show up but that tank only goes low when one of the piston starts leaking and they do leak so my guess would be that one of the pistons is also leaking in addition to that motor being possibly bad.

[@FransvandenBergeMuziekschuur]

This Mercedes is a keeper.

[@adamgrant1787]

I used that same CRC Electronic Cleaner to fix a older radio I bought the other week that wasn't working at all now it's working that stuff is great.

[@harleydude-xo8pu]

Randy I have a suggestion for new content on your channel. You buy a car, let your viewers hear it run and then ask for comments on how to fix. You then have videos that you try and fix from suggestions from your viewers, you make sure to mention the viewers who suggested the fix and see if it works. You title the video series did the suggestions fix the problem.

[@nigelpique6272]

This is better than TV, Netflix or any other network service! Thanks Randy, from The Netherlands!

[@davidfrank2824]

After watching this video I dropped to my knees and thank God I did not buy myself one. A few weeks ago I came across two really good deals. As far as mileage and upkeep they were pretty much even. I was going to flip a coin on which one to go look at first. I started seeing some people have problems with these cars but most of them are very high mileage. Lucky enough that as I was trying to decide both of them were sold within a day or two of each other. Seeing what your car is doing with decent miles on it makes me realize I dodged a bullet. I've already been a subscriber to your channel that's why this video popped up today. I'm definitely going to follow what you do with this car. I still wouldn't mind having one especially a 12-cylinder. A good thing for me is that I have a very good scan tool. It might even be one that you are using. Don't be so quick to jump on parts that you come across. When I was doing some research I was looking up suspension parts. There are few different dealers out there that offer everything for one price. You also dodged a bullet with that suspension. There's a KZbin guy who does a lot of Mercedes. He had suspension problems with an AMG that had him talking to different people around the world. He used to be a Mercedes mechanic. One of his big problems was one of the pumps blew out and sent debris throughout the system. He got lucky with being able to clear most of the hoses. I can't believe that cleaning the contacts really made a difference. I had a pickup truck back in the 80s that was experiencing a lot of electric issues. It came just out of the blue. My dad was still around and he told me to check my grounds in the car. Shore nuff the one that I had tied my radio to became very loose and all I did was tighten the bolt and that fixed everything. One odd part was I didn't have any problems with the radio. I am looking very forward to watching more from you.

[@just4kicks950]

I wish you all the best on that beautiful ride Randy 🎬🚘🔥🔥👍

[@Oklawolf]

See if you can hit the flap switches and connectors with the contact cleaner as well. Free is better than $50. IIRC Arnott Industries has rebuilt ABC struts. I looked into them when your original S600 videos tempted me enough to start looking for (and then talking myself out of) an S600 myself.

[@fredrezfield1629]

that's not necessary he needs the STAR that way he can program the "wings" not flaps to close them. that COULD be his issue. there are other factors too but he needs the computer to troubleshoot the roof.

[@theappalachianrambler]

I love these type of videos. Better than a dozen Copart videos put together! I hope financially the car works out and you get alot of views and content because I know that is the bottom line.

[@user-ew2ju3gr6v]

I still have nightmares from a 2004 SL500 i use to own...

[@HappyFish50]

I love mercedes… Have always had one since highschool

[@johnoksys7713]

Good Video Randy Good To See You Trying To Trouble Shoot A Nice Classic

[@canyouguessthenumbergames]

When Randy kept saying I’ll be, I thought he was going to say I’ll be dipped. L O L

[@cliffordkinnear9705]

Nice car, complicated but nice. Randy may I suggest you read up on the operation of the convertible "hard top." Find out what components, be it hydraulic or electronic would prevent the normal retraction and extension of the top. The limit/travel switch/sensor needs to checked with a test light to see if its grounding out when it's not supposed to. Also use your multimeter to test for voltage, reference voltage, ohms, and feedback voltage. The power top switch on the console starts and stops the operation of the top electronically. You'll have to check all the switches and sensors to see which one or more are stopping the top from retracting. Don't just start replacing parts-- troubleshoot and diagnose the issue first. The same goes for the fuel injectors, spark plugs, coil pack(s), and the spark/coil control unit. If you want content, make a series of videos how you went from the SL-600 being broke to being fixed correctly. You can fix it, patience is the key,.......................

[@SwampBoysGarage]

Another great video!! Great job on getting her back running.

[@Robertsmith-xl9ix]

Loved the video Randy, your trouble shooting and diagnostics make for interesting viewing, I am sure you can sort the old Merc out with your knowledge skills, it will be an interesting ride for sure !

[@RandomGuyDan]

Alex over at Legit Street Cars should be your buddy on this one. He's a former Mercedes Master Tech and did a SL65 AMG a couple years ago.

[@bigalsbikeandauto]

Loved this one brings me back to the S600 Sedan days!

[@zomisland03]

Hope you😢 get this running good. Love the 12 cylinders!

[@romeoalphafoxtrot9517]

Beautiful looking car. A person could spend a ton of money keeping one of those on the road. Really a great video! I love watching you work on diagnosing and fixing its issues.

[@MDavidG1]

Your comments beginning at 40:31 are SO TRUE! And that's exactly why beautiful exotic high maintenance cars and beautiful exotic high maintenance women have so much in common. Enjoy them while they are happy...

[@rayphillips332]

This is good content love it keep it up the Mercedes is a really nice car.

[@Robert-ws3mk]

Absolutely Love this channel !

[@bk_goatkim679]

Well this didn’t turn out well 😞. At least you have the Kia! Love the weekend fixing videos, and the weekday walkaround!

[@jpbassseniorbasssenior323]

Loved the shop vac hood holder 😁I learned so much watching you 👍👍😜

[@Dave-hc6pp]

First advice, never buy a v12 Mercedes. Second we (my wife) have a 98 SL 500. We were driving back from a trip and I went out to get in it and because the battery was dead in the key fob the security system wouldn’t let it start. We had the key but still couldn’t start it. The local Mercedes dealer couldn’t figure it out. Unload that piece just as fast as you can.

[@erich84502ify]

When they run and drive they're awesome

[@simon_sjw9973]

Great video again Randy

[@outmybitness]

Hi Randy! Love this car!!

[@billkiesewetter1271]

Great content! Reminds me of the early days of your channel…..keep it going. Great analysis….Mercedes are a real challenge…….been there. Probably not worth the time or cost.

[@lonemountain3049]

new subscriber i love your videos man, excellent content, keep it up dude

[@Dee_J_T-n-B]

lovin the merc content randy.sounds amazin on start up that V12.hope you manage to sort it out

[@e34m51]

If you know , there is the 05 E55 amg , I currently own one , it is bullet proof ! You must maintain it , DUH ? But it has a MK 113 motor with blower I just did a D + service = oil change n Air filter change . It is one of the most dependable Mercedes Benz cars ever made .My E55 has 80 k miles ...

[@FransvandenBergeMuziekschuur]

After 130.000 your turbo or other parts will ... say hi....

[@doncmleon]

@@FransvandenBergeMuziekschuur fyi - the MK113 doesn't have turbos (Thats why he said blower) They are supercharged and those SC's are legendary for their longevity.

[@MrDanielmarlowe]

I remember you changing those coil pack out! I’m an OG

[@MarcosSilva-kd3kz]

I had the same car but 2003. I pretty much had the same issues…. As far as for the vario issue you are better off buying a whole new hardware. It’s not very expensive. As for the ABC issue, if you turn the steering wheel all the way to the left and then all the way to the right a few times it usually corrects itself. I spent a good $10,000 on the car and then it got flooded a year ago. No regrets, it’s a great car when everything’s working. Now I bought a 2015 SL 550 with 30,000 miles, no issues

[@wewillmakeit3615]

Are you aware you can flip the hood up to a 90° angle for better access to the motor? The hinges have latches that can be pressed to release them to open all the way. Also: that fill hole in the roof pump is not originally there. Someone made that. Chf11 is not the correct fluid. It belongs into the ABC and the steering. The ABC seems very low to me. I think someone lowered it. Maybe by messing with the sensor connecting rods. The plunger sensor is not that part that you were looking at underneath the car. It is inside the struts. You can see it's connector above the suspension dome, if you remove all the carpet from the trunk. About the roof not opening: The trunklid opens, next it should extend those two "flaps" that rest on the underside of the trunklid. But they dont move. Check if one of them is hanging down slightly. If it is, there might be the typical gear housing bent or broken. Edit: Ok, you found it. But it's usually not the motor, that is broken. It's a part of the flap.

[@cliffordkinnear9705]

Wow! great diagnosis! Similar to power window motors where the torque spheres disintegrate which wont let the gears move the window. It's usually never the motor but the gear train. Randy needs more patience to learn how the top works and what part may fail

[@dhdove]

Hi Randy, KZbin led me to your video. I love the R230 SL it’s a beautiful car. Our 2003 SL350 finally died three years ago at 93,000 and eleven years of ownership due to water ingress into the electronics in the boot (it was an uneconomical repair). Traded it for an R231 SL400 and I now have a 2016 facelift SL500, it’s gorgeous! Do please stick with this one and try to get it fixed, it deserves it. Best Wishes from South Glocestershire U.K., TonyS (Subscribed).

[@gerryurich4979]

Great car but please finish one issue at a time I got lost did u replace coil pack too much up and down on suspension ur voice is very clear

[@JoseFlores-mg5se]

About your front squeak you just only need to greased all the rubber joints you can buy a needle injector syringe and used a grease gun and pump until the rubbers get filled . Drive the car a day or 2 and noise will go away !

[@Jim-re3sr]

Its not a Mercedes, its a money pit. Great video

[@Jimsathome]

Randy this was a great video. I love the car but hate that at less than 100,000 miles it starts to self destruct and turn towards the recycle bin. I've always dreamed of owning a hardtop convertible sports car since they came out. Perhaps the Lexus version would be a better choice for your next one.

[@rtap8170]

That ticking that you thought was spark escaping was the evap purge valve activating/functioning. Completely normal, my s55 does it too.

[@davidlilly8411]

Good luck Randy.

[@frogfoot6218]

nice car hope you get it all sorted , will be checking my slk over later we just got back from a 2000 mile road trip around Scotland.... it needs a good clean now

[@gheechiedan9299]

Good video Randy! 👍🏾

[@Da1nOnlyPigsta]

I mentioned the Ball Joint in your other Video. I would not be driving it until you replace it. My ex's Car squeaked like that and the Ball Joint dropped out as she was waiting in the Driveway of Red Rooster to turn out onto the main road. The Tow home was more expensive than the new Ball Joint. Lesson learnt.

[@kevinwright1551]

Vary awesome indeed. Keep up the great work.

[@TonioTonio-305]

Congratulations

[@Nosurrender0]

Ur passenger side window doesn’t seem to be dropping when you lower the top. There’s a sensor that drops knows it’s location. Check that for the top. Cuz If it can’t tell the position it won’t initiate it

[@boriss.861]

Love your idea of twisty back roads... That's one of the reasons the UK car manufacturing industry did not make it in the States amongst many other Countries. 120,000 km2 (46300 miles 2)is a small island.

[@robertzalnis3162]

clean the plugs for the coil packs, you might get lucky twice. Intermittent misfires sounds more like bad contacts than bad coils. If you need a coil pack take it apart and repair it yourself, you already have spare parts from the one on the wall. I had an older 94 SL600, I fixed a lot of modules by opening them up and resoldering the circuit boards and contacts, I'm not sure why but my modules were prone to bad solder joints. As for the top, clean the plugs for the micro switches check the motor for the flaps and make sure it works, then check the micro switches. I see an opportunity for a lot of KZbin content, I just Subscribed. Good luck.

[@RealSuburbanCowboy]

Legit street cars shows how to fix all the hydraulic suspension. GOOD LUCK.

[@jokerash]

If the hydraulic fluid is getting low, probably it leaks somewhere . You might want to check all o-rings around the system. If the hydraulics are ok you need to check all the contactors from the system, I believe there are 11 pieces all around the hard top. (at least this is the number on a CLK cabrio, not sure on the SL). Usually the contactors don't brake, but they have a plastic arm that breaks so the system doesn't "know" anymore the position of all hard top components, hence not opening.

[@davidhamilton436]

Great video

[@PaddyBoy644]

Maybe try swapping the rh ride height sensor with the lh sensor abs see if the code changes? Hydraulic fluid doesn’t evaporate so there will be a leak in that roof somewhere unfortunately but they can be hard to find. Good luck Randy you’ve definitely taking on a very challenging project. Have you spoken to Alex from Legit Street Cars? Cheers Pat🇦🇺

[@blackenigma1054]

You know maybe it’s time to get work ups on the incoming vehicles that way you will either choose to fix it at the shop yourself or let another garage fix it or just send it on down the road….. kind of like a game show!😂😂😂👍🏿 Good content Mr.

[@kylerwalker]

Ohh man this car whew my gosh I was a technician and this I would probably run from lol but hey I love the car and your content is amazing as always I’ll be watching you know what to do buddy

[@WildDigger]

That is going to be a really good car. 👍

[@joelarata7572]

The plunger travel sensor is built in to the shock. The connector you took off and sprayed is just a level sensor.😂

[@benjaminmitchell4901]

I’m going through a divorce and without even watching just got giddy opening KZbin and seeing this video. Great content, Randy.

[@AutoAuctionRebuilds]

I'm sorry man. I hope you get through this tough time.

[@benjaminmitchell4901]

@@AutoAuctionRebuilds divorce is what it is.

[@AutoAuctionRebuilds]

@@benjaminmitchell4901 Been there twice myself man.

[@benjaminmitchell4901]

@@Fony_turgeson wow, thanks for your input user anonymous. I’ll listen harder next time

[@benjaminmitchell4901]

@@Fony_turgeson my partner was also a man so chug on that

[@jsr7241]

FCP Euro has several kits that will work for your sl . They have plug and front suspension kits for starters.I just finished my motor and trans mounts on my 06 SL600 best of luck

[@jsr7241]

Also just replaced all the top hydraulic cylinders with rebuilt units . Generally the fluid doesn’t just drop it is leaking from end of one or more cylinders .

[@Adam_SRT..717]

Great content!

[@romulus_]

my first girlfriend's stepmom had one of these around 20 years ago. bought it at deep discount from the dealership since a pro football player ordered it but then backed out because he got dropped from the falcons. seemed like a very refined car but terrifying to own longterm due to the over-engineering. you never see them on the road anymore for a reason.

[@FransvandenBergeMuziekschuur]

Very interesting. It looks better than the Hoovie Mercedes. His is much more posh. This one doesn't look that uptown. Like it much better. Hope you get it up to snuff. Gorgeous car with all the latest tech inside.

[@lovellmills7959]

She is so happy u are fixing her 😇 🤍

[@bradleyborno71]

It’s common for the turbo to go out on those there’s recalls for them and the Abs pump..unfortunately the dealership just ended compensation of repair for those in December of 2021-or 2022? I can’t remember

[@terabyte1695]

Hi Randy , could be just a solenoid for the roof, i know my cousin said these roofs can be a pain, suspension , electrics , and expensive, like the car as i knew an accountant with one, fast but thirsty.

[@jaggator16]

Alright randy, join the lexus club, my 14th car I finally chose lexus and im never going back, u always seem to pass on em, but they never fail, i mean u know that, people think they are boring but they are greatt

[@briantayler1230]

G'day Randy, imagine how the previous owner felt after he replaced the ABC pump and it still did not work. You fixed the problem with some contact clean spray.

[@georgecasas8628]

That is awesome what you did on the roof, did you check for a fuse

[@Djwatzy]

If you can get that thing at full power with the roof down, that would be great content and a great experience!

[@maverickflint1991]

Be safe and careful.🙂👍🙏

[@MrDexcars]

Randy I have to tell you I had a problem on my Jaguar fuel gauge cleaned the connection on the tank sender unit been perfect since

[@leonb2637]

They say beauty is skin deep but ugly goes to the bone. That applies to cars too. Then again we wouldn't want you to have a perfect car, it would mean a very dull video 😄

[@billynomates920]

twisty back roads - everyone this side of the pond is like: you what? :)

[@charliebruckman8661]

I was like give up on this Randy but then i'm like it could happen. This car has me torn.

[@observatorygroup4101]

I subscribed as soon as i saw Mercedes Benz in the title

[@timbowhite6674]

Good Morning My Good Little Bro Randy Lee Shear Of Auto Auction Rebuilds

[@waynek921]

Little lucky Randy... 👍 good

[@ianmuir3640]

Definitely worth fixing

[@t.l.robinson2162]

That coil pack is capable of being rebuilt. You were blessed to find a used one. They are $1000.00 new

[@goldtutch]

just like a german tank from ww2, way too complicated but so beautiful, if mercedes wasnt unreliable this car could be worth $100.000 still who knows! if you get everything going nice without spending too much itll be worth 100k to you. the tops in these are supposed to be some of the fastest in the business, its probably supposed to roll down the windows automatically then the top comes down