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Mercedes-Benz SL and SLK (all models)

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Comments

  • rockshocka1rockshocka1 Member Posts: 310
    The mechanic works at Montgomery Autohaus, and believes that 29K is a realistic number for the car. He pointed to Autotrader as an example of what similiar cars are being listed for. I verified that was accurate. Listing is one thing, selling is another, but there were so many in the same price range, there has to be something to it. Too bad, I was hoping for around 10K.
  • sympleredsymplered Member Posts: 2
    I recently purchased a 95 Sl 500 with only 47k. My engine generates this knocking sound during initial startup and gradually goes away in about 5 mins. Does anyone out there knows what causes this? The previous owner told me that he used mid grade gas. I'm I stuck with this knocking? It's a little embarrassing..
  • habitat1habitat1 Member Posts: 4,282
    Well, according to one of the sales managers at Euromotors, if your dad is able to get anything over $10-$12k for his 560 SL, they will immediately put him on their payroll to sell a few of thier white elephants.

    If you really want a 560 for $10k, you shouldn't have much trouble in the DC area if you look around. Remember, it's a 18 year old car with no enthusaist following and driving dynamics that can hardly be considered sporty given the variety of other two seater roadsters out there. Putting any serious miles on one that has been pampered will soon cost you an arm and a leg in maintenance and repairs. Those are nearly direct qoutes from the dealer, not me.
  • rockshocka1rockshocka1 Member Posts: 310
    I'm not really actively searching to buy this model car. But, having driven this particular car, I would buy it off him if 10K was about the best offer he gets. I'll still hold out some hope, but so far the news hasn't been real positive. At 10K or so, high maintenance & repair costs wouldn't phase me too much. Around 30K it wouldn't be real practical for me.

    I like the style of the car more than anything else, especially now that I don't see that many on the road around here anymore. It just felt good cruising around in it, and it's a whole lot sportier than my old del Sol. :)
  • ClairesClaires Member Posts: 1,222

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  • doodedoode Member Posts: 18
    I just bought a solara convertible and the manual advises not to use a car wash...
  • BSSBSS Member Posts: 2
    I am considering to purchase a 2004 or newer SL500 and would appreciate any feedback you can offer me as to what to look out for mechanically and what options/features are must haves. Thank you in advance for your comments.
  • spiritintheskyspiritinthesky Member Posts: 207
    This is probably not what you want to hear: buy a new Porsche 911 instead.

    My brother in law bought a 2004 SL500 new, had numersous problems with it in the first 90 days and then traded it, for full credit, on a new SL55. The SL55 was better for the first 6 months, but then had transmission problems and several minor annoyances (nav system screen, power mirrors didn't adjust to memorized setting, etc.).

    Out of frustration, he sold the car at a significant loss in May and, since then, has been the extremely satisfied owner of a new 2005 Porsche 911 Cabriolet. His wife had initally resisted, but now can't be pried out of it. It had been 15 years since she last drove a manual transmission, but their new 911 is very driver friendly compared to the older versions. They can even squeeze their 11 year old daughter in the rear seat for short to medium trips. In 3 months, they have put 4,500 miles on the 911 and have another 15,000 miles to go before the first service. The SL55 was sold at 13 months with 5,000 miles at a $21k loss and was out of commission for almost 2 months last fall.

    In fairness, I do know others who have had better luck with their Mercedes. Most, however, intend to trade before the end of the factory warranty because they don't want to press their luck.
  • carnut100carnut100 Member Posts: 7
    I have a 2004 SL500. Bought it new 5/6/04. It is my everyday driver and now has 11000 miles on it. It has never been to the shop. My first service is today and they picked it up this morning at my home. The 2004 has free maintenance .... the 2005 does not ... worth about $2k.

    The car has been perfect. The hardtop makes it good in the winter although I drive my other car in the snow.

    Get about 15 to 16 in town and 24 on a trip.

    They talk about quality problems, but my sl500 has not even had a blip. Love the sport car feeling with the heavier ride.
  • 97sl50097sl500 Member Posts: 1
    Did you ever get it sorted out? I have just bought a 97 SL500 with the same problem. The knock goes away when the engine has warmed up. And sometimes it dosn't knock at all.
  • ozmtozmt Member Posts: 1
    Not sure how to post a new message, so here goes.
    1990 sl300, 122k miles. Been really great. All of a sudden, second gear acting funny. Have to rev up the engine to engage 2nd on downshifts. Kind of feels like it may be slipping on upshifts. 2nd gear only.
    Anyone have an answer?
    One guy told me that each gear is independently adjustable. ???
    thanks
  • merc1merc1 Member Posts: 6,081
    I would say that in simple terms that the tranny is starting to go a 15 year old car. That explanation doesn't make any sense and/or is bogus.

    M
  • slkwannabeslkwannabe Member Posts: 2
    I had the same problem and have not figured out what that light is either!
  • slkwannabeslkwannabe Member Posts: 2
    I will check out the headlight/breaklight possibility.
  • pvjackpvjack Member Posts: 1
    My ??s should we sell the 560sl= 1987(135k,miles)red/tan/good cond. for-13k-17k and buy 1977( the guy has had it for about 20 yrs and serv. reg.) 450sl=($5000) (96k) silver/ as good cond. as our 1987, how would you compare the 77-450sl to the 87-560sl, i do know the 450eng are powerful and long runners, what would be the smart thing to do with the diff. in money and still have the same style car? Thanks for your help, Jack//pvjack
  • sjconnectsjconnect Member Posts: 1
    I am trying to figure out how to register my 79-450SL as a collectible. I also want to know if there are special things to consider when registering a classic car.
    Thanks, Steven//sjconnect
  • jtpsl500jtpsl500 Member Posts: 2
    My sensors are reading 20-30 mph slower and its causing additional problems to my computer, the worst being the top will not go up or down unless I clear the memory by removing the pos battery cable. Anyone have this problem before and if so, please help.....
  • ClairesClaires Member Posts: 1,222
    jtpsl500, you might also want to ask your question in the Got a Quick, Technical Question? discussion to maximize your feedback on this problem.

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  • BSSBSS Member Posts: 2
    I purchased the 2005 MB SL500 two days ago and am very impressed with the car. While there is a great deal of technology/features to learn one question I have is related to the Audio system and steering wheel controls. I notice that when in Audio/radio mode if I hit the steering wheel arrow keys either up or down it simply scans and does not jump to my presets. Does anyone know if this is normal or maybe a setting I need to change? I wanted to check the forum first before returning to the dealer for an education. It just seems odd to me that it doesn't jump automatically to the presets as all the other cars I have owned all have had steering wheel controls for audio which does allow for this.

    I appreciate any insight any of you can provide.

    Regards.
  • casmithcasmith Member Posts: 1
    Hi All,
    I've read some of the replys here and am of the opinion that I finally found the right place to ask about my MB. As you can see, it's the W107 280SL. I'm trying to replace the trunk lid. I've gotten a lot of different answers on what will fit. Some say any W107s. Other say only convertibles. It currently has a 450SL lid that has rust. Also, do all euros have the rubber spoiler as mine does.
    Thanks for any info, Craig
  • uv4meuv4me Member Posts: 22
    I'm looking for an older (1970-1980) MB convertible that has 4 seats. Obviously, I'm not too familiar with all the different number/letter combos that MB has used over the years and was hoping someone could help. I really like the look of the older cars and understand their reliability was good as well. Also, if there are models to avoid due to specific problems, that would be nice to know. Thanks in advance.
  • eholmaneholman Member Posts: 2
    Opp's, read first wash later!
  • eholmaneholman Member Posts: 2
    40k, good body,all the extras, What do you think a good price for this car would be?
  • ClairesClaires Member Posts: 1,222
    Hi, uv4me,

    We don't allow buying or selling in the Forums themselves, but you might try clicking the Used Vehicles link on the homepage at Edmunds.com. From there, you can select the Mercedes-Benz model you're interested in to get a sense of what buyers in your area are paying.

    MODERATOR

    Need help getting around? claires@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.

    Tell everyone about your buying experience: Write a Dealer Review

  • ClairesClaires Member Posts: 1,222
    Try clicking the What's your car worth? link on the homepage at Edmunds.com. From there, you can select your vehicle and its options to get a sense of what buyers in your area are paying for similar vehicles.

    MODERATOR

    Need help getting around? claires@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.

    Tell everyone about your buying experience: Write a Dealer Review

  • cdnsl500cdnsl500 Member Posts: 1
    Had a similar problem....it was a plugged tranny filter. When replaced all was well.

    Steve

    http://www.mcnallycga.com
  • dwilson2dwilson2 Member Posts: 1
    I have a 1985 280 SL and cannot get into the trunk. This problem suddenly occurred. When I unlock the drivers side the trunk is supposed to unlock. It makes the sound of unlocking but it does not do so. I have lost the trunk key, and the master key, so have been relying for years on the door key. How do I open the trunk without ruining it (e.g, using a crowbar). The trunk cannot be entered from within the car since it is up against a metal firewall. Can someone help? Dave.
  • arkitectarkitect Member Posts: 75
    Does anyone here know the true cost to own one? Is it faster than an f430? Are there any significant problems that anyone has had with one? Is it faster than the SLR? Whats the gas mileage? Has anyone even seen one? I went to a dealer in Miami and they only had upto a 500. So where where can I see one or test drive it? And how does it realy rank up?
  • habitat1habitat1 Member Posts: 4,282
    Very odd questions regarding an SL65. But then I looked at your bio and see that you are saving up for a Chevy for when you turn 16. :surprise: :confuse:

    "So where where can I see one or test drive it?"

    In about 20 years, you can try driving up to an unsuspecting dealer in a borrowed BMW or Porsche and try getting a test drive. But don't be dissapointed if they still say no. ;)
  • arkitectarkitect Member Posts: 75
    I'm not in need of money if that is what you are getting at. I'm saving up for a Chevrolet because that is what i want. I'm not exactly rolling in the dough but I do have ample ways of making money. I might not have a lot of money right now but I do have two jobs and I'm only 14. Do you need a new doghouse. I make them. So answer the question and don't think I need to drive in a borrowed porsche because by then I could have a new one if I wanted one but I want a Chevy so I,m just asking which dealers might have an SL65. I need to change that bio.
  • habitat1habitat1 Member Posts: 4,282
    Sorry, don't have a dog. But I'm glad to see that you are putting your skills to work.

    As it turns out, my hometown Acura / Mercedes dealer did have an SL65. Also had a nice cherry red SLK55 and a few other AMG models. But guess what the owner of the dealership just picked up for himself? A 2006 Speed Yellow Porsche Cayman. And to think they gave me friendly grief when I bought a 911 last fall. Go figure.

    Perhaps by the time you are old enough to afford (and drive) an SL65, AMG will figure out how to make a real sports car - i.e. somethong that weighs less than 2 tons, has a real 6-speed transmission, and has a suspension that can at least match the handling of my old S2000. Until then, if I were you, I'd be dreaming about the Ferrari while I was pounding those nails on the doghouses.

    Keep up the good work. Seriously. :)
  • merc1merc1 Member Posts: 6,081
    Nothing wrong with a good GT car either. ;)

    M
  • arkitectarkitect Member Posts: 75
    I was just wondering about an SL65. I might get a Mercedes for my second car but my dream car is a Ferrari F430 Spider. I like the way they show off the engine and my other favorite thing is, you guessed it, that its a friggin Ferrari. Thanks for the feedback on the jobs. I appreciate it.
  • zeamanzeaman Member Posts: 2
    As a recent purchaser of a 2005 SL500, I'm writing you to find out if you have any information for me about what is going on with these once-coveted cars. My local dealer has a brand new 2005 SL500 which I thought would be a good deal. However, the dealer is not discounting the car much even though the new 2007 with the redesigned tail-lights is due in a few months and his two 05s on the lot will be two years old. Yet, I'm being pushed to buy the 2006 because the difference is price is minimal. Help me understand. What's going on with these cars that once were wait-listed, and sold above sticker?

    Thanks,
    Zeaman
  • spiritintheskyspiritinthesky Member Posts: 207
    "Help me understand. What's going on with these cars that once were wait-listed, and sold above sticker?"

    The interest has definitely worn off.

    Part of it is the general decline in Mercedes reliability and build quality. My not so prudent brother-in-law bought an 2004 SL55 at over sticker, had numerous problems to the point that Mercedes gave him a new one and then sold that at a $20k loss less than a year later. He bought a 2005 911 Cabriolet and is the "happiest he has ever been" with a car (first Porsche, after at least 8+ Mercedes).

    The other part is supply / demand. There was a time when you had to wait 6 months to get any AMG model and even some non-AMG models. Now the unsold inventories are starting to rival GM. And substantial discounts are available if you look around.

    We are inundated with business headlines questioning when GM and/or Ford are going to be filing for bankruptcy. But, IMO, the demise of Mercedes reputation over the past 10 years is the most signifcant challenge they have faced in the company's history. If I polled 100 of my friends and business associates to name the likely brand of their next car, I am certain Mercedes has fallen completely off the top 5 list, whereas it was probably #1 or #2 5-10 years ago.
  • merc1merc1 Member Posts: 6,081
    Well I don't think it has as much to do with MB's recent bad press about reliability as it does age and supply/demand like the previous post says. The SL has more than a few younger competitors now and its a niche car to begin with. There are all sorts of cars playing in the space the SL literally had all to itself just a few years ago. You have Maserati's Spyder, Jaguar's new XK, a new 911 Cabrio and Bentley (though not a roadster) is on fire right now. There is even worthy competitor from Cadillac angling for a piece of the SL's market. Mercedes is being squeezed from all sides, and the reliability issues don't help. However with any car once production catches up with demand this is what happens. Unless the car is a Ferrari or some other model where they have a set number they're going to build and then that is it.

    That said watch the sales numbers go up once the 07' model arrives. A base SL with 382hp should really be popular, it almost makes the 55/600/65 models irrelevant, IMO.

    M
  • habitat1habitat1 Member Posts: 4,282
    As someone who bought a 2005 911S Cabriolet, my sense is that, as merc points out, the SL now has a lot more players in its space. And make no mistake, at 4,000+ lbs, it's no svelte sports car. There are a lot of other 2 seater and 2+2 GT cars that compete in the $100k territory. I would also put the new AM V8, the 650i and M6 on that list.

    Personally - and obviously I am biased - I could never see getting the SL over the new 997 911 Cab. The old 911's were edgy (to the preference of purists) but the new 911 is both an extraordinary performing sports car and a pretty comfortable, well equiped highway cruiser. I have nearly 6,000 miles on ours in 6 months and a third of those have been with the kids in the back. Not to mention that the 911 has received high reliability ratings:

    Most reliable luxury cars

    I also think Mercedes is cannibalizing on the SL with its other models. It used to be that the SL was the only non-sedan in Mercedes lineup. Now you have the CL, CLS and SLK and CLK Cab all nicking away at the SL's market. It also used to be that the SL500 was the top dog in terms of Mercedes performance. Now, unfortunately, compared to the competition, it is just a dog. The added horsepower of the 2007 may help, but it could also go on a 1,000 lb diet and a (non AMG) suspension upgrade as well. In the long run, I am not sure how many "niche" models Mercedes can profitably maintain. One of my friends is a Mercedes fleet leasing specialist and he's indicated that there are "deals to be had" on every one of the aforementioned models, including every AMG variant.
  • merc1merc1 Member Posts: 6,081
    I also think Mercedes is cannibalizing on the SL with its other models. It used to be that the SL was the only non-sedan in Mercedes lineup. Now you have the CL, CLS and SLK and CLK Cab all nicking away at the SL's market. It also used to be that the SL500 was the top dog in terms of Mercedes performance. Now, unfortunately, compared to the competition, it is just a dog. The added horsepower of the 2007 may help, but it could also go on a 1,000 lb diet and a (non AMG) suspension upgrade as well. In the long run, I am not sure how many "niche" models Mercedes can profitably maintain. One of my friends is a Mercedes fleet leasing specialist and he's indicated that there are "deals to be had" on every one of the aforementioned models, including every AMG variant.

    Not true. The CL (S-Class Coupe before 1997) has been around for ages and the CLK has been around since 1998. The only victim of the SLK was the underpowered SL320 version of the previous R129 SL. The CLK, SLK and SL are all in different price ranges and though the SLK and SL are both 2-seaters they aren't even close in price. Yeah I know you don't consider the SLK a sports car either, but it is the sportier of the two and is no slouch. The SL is the luxury GT that is still entertaining to drive.

    We've had this conversation before about the SL and its intended purpose which is not to compete with your car. ;) I know you're just talking when saying that SL is a "dog" so I'll let that go.

    M
  • habitat1habitat1 Member Posts: 4,282
    "We've had this conversation before about the SL and its intended purpose which is not to compete with your car. I know you're just talking when saying that SL is a "dog" so I'll let that go."

    Thanks for forgiving me that momentary indescretion. ;) The SL500 is hardly a dog, but if it is due for an 80 horsepower upgrade, that should help push its 4,000 lb curb weight a bit more forcefully.

    And I guess you are right about the other models being around in the past, but they have definitely gotten a bit more competitive recently. I know of someone that traded an old 500 SL for the redesigned SLK 55. Would never have done that with the old body style SLK.

    It also seems that Mercedes is pushing AMG models in higher volumes. It seems like I see about 1 SL55 for every 2 SL500's here in the DC area.
  • merc1merc1 Member Posts: 6,081
    I know of someone that traded an old 500 SL for the redesigned SLK 55. Would never have done that with the old body style SLK.

    True. I thought the first SLK was cute, but nothing more. This new one especially the SLK55 is really a great little roadster, all that is missing is the stick for some folks.

    M
  • bosco42bosco42 Member Posts: 20
    There are plenty of good deals out there now. I just picked up a brand new 2006 SL500 for $12,000 off list.
  • zeamanzeaman Member Posts: 2
    You beat my deal by $1,000. Is your car loaded? Mine has Sports Package, Trim Package, Xenon and invisible bra. MZ
  • theroadstertheroadster Member Posts: 2
    Does anyone know how to get the trunk open on a 450SL when the battery, which is in the trunk, has died?. I've had to do it once before and can not for the life of me remember how I did it. The key opens the trunk but with the assistance of an electrically controlled release mechanism. I don't want to damage the chrome or paint. It's a '78 450SL. I just bought it a year or so ago and it did not come with an owners manual. They are out of print.
  • carnut100carnut100 Member Posts: 7
    There are plenty of good deals out there. I just traded in my 04 SL500 for $67500 and got the 2006 SL500 for $11k off window (because 07 is coming early). I think the reason for the softness in the market is that there just are not a lot of buyers for this niche and interest rates are rising. The Porsche is really for a different buyer. My wife and I wanted to change this time (third SL in a row after a series of Jag XKs) and test drove the Porsche S with Tiptronic. A comparably performing and equipped Porsche was actually more expensive, but was a little to rough for us and had too much wind noise with the top up. The Cadillac is a toy, in that you cannot go away for the weekend with the top down and luggage ... or go to a golf course with your spouse. We like the SL because it is practical and with the hardtop, a good winter car. It is a driver for us so the extra room behind the seat and in the trunk (versus a cadillac) is important. The new Jag may be a competitor, but the front end looks like a Taurus and traditionally, does not hold its value as well as a Porsche or Mercedes.
  • theroadstertheroadster Member Posts: 2
    Dave, If you take a flat crowbar, slide it up )the end with the hook) above the trunk key button while you have the key inserted and turned counterclockwise and depressed to where it normally should open it will release like you effected it with a key ...my battery died as a result of leaving a parking light on overnight - after posting here and getting no response, I used the crow bar again...With the battery in the trunk dead and the activator of the trunk lid key opener non-functional because of the need for battery power, I do not believe that you have any alternative but to use a crowbar...Also, Important: make sure that you have unlocked the front door(s)before trying to unlock & open the trunk...If you know a better method I'd like to hear from you...I'm at peter@abbaart.com. Circumvent this forum because it sent me an e-mail for the latest post, and I still can't figure out why I never got directed to your earlier Feb post using a search term which included the word "trunk" for basically the identical request, other than our models being different. Peter/theroadster
  • dispencer1dispencer1 Member Posts: 489
    I rode in a friend's 560SL the other day and thought it would be nice to get rid of my 2000 Mustang convertible and all the associated stuff and look for either a 560SL or a 1990 300SL with the newer body. Has anyone had any experience with the 300 ? I'd use the car as a "show" car -detailing it and just using it on weekends. It wouldn't be a daily driver. I put about 300 miles a year on the Mustang. Which would be more dependable -the 560 or the 300? I'd look for a garaged one from the original owner with service records -I don't buy "beaters". I haven't sat in a 300. I liked the 560 because it didn't have a cab forward design with the windshield slanting over your head or the sun visors hitting your forehead. How is the 300 windshield? Any help that can help me make up my mind would be greatly appreciated.
  • martywmartyw Member Posts: 1
    I was wondering when the SL is going to be totally redesigned, not just tweaked or freshened. Anybody know???
  • merc1merc1 Member Posts: 6,081
    Best guess is like 2010.

    M
  • raysl500raysl500 Member Posts: 1
    I have a 99 SL500. From time to time, I get the indicator light saying I have a light out. I have checked all the lights I can think of an can not find one bad.
    Any way to check why I am getting this light or which one is causing it?
    Raysl500
  • laxatl1laxatl1 Member Posts: 2
    I just bought a 1999 sl500 w/o the owners manual. What does the warning light that is an explantion point surrounding by little marks mean? It only comes on when the headlights are on so I figured it had something to do with the lights, but all lights are working
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