cfoster

Anyone know anything about the Merc SL500's? I looked at one / test drove one today and am definitely swaying to getting one in the next couple of weeks. What should I be looking, any known faults? Age wise around the 2003 mark. Did this era rust at all (know the CLK's rusted on the arches?).... Also what options are a must on these? Doesnt seem to be any forums that follow them....

Cheers
Chris

vaughant

iTrader: (1)

All mercs rust sadly,but it's not major stuff at that age.
I know earlier clk's and e classes had spring hangers literally rot out from under the arches but I think at 2003 you should be fine.
The lump is pretty infallible and quick too.
Mercs in general have had a few electrical gremlins and poor switchgear compared to those of old but their still great cars.
Sl500's were always a well made motor being the flagship models.

scoobydooby914

They are very fast. They use shed loads of fuel and they breakdown a lot

cfoster

Well bit the bullet and put a deposit on 2003 model one last week!, minty mint condition with full merc history, factory amg kit and wheels etc Pick it up next week and cant wait!!! Got a warranty on it as well which is a bonus! Seemed very nice to drive, effortless, probably about the same performance as my Audi

few pics...!





Chris

dave_s2_rst

iTrader: (2)

mate, your always buying a new car!!!

Nice motor

cheers

RichieST

iTrader: (2)

Looks awesome

rs-tuner

iTrader: (1)

Looks lovely

Iain Mac

I think most cars will rust, not just MBs. At least with a 30 year corrosion guarantee it will be fixed - you just need to make sure the book has had the annual inspections stamped up, even if it was serviced elsewhere.

Garethw1986

theres no 30 year corrosion warrenty on any mercedes car, its 8 years with a full stamped service book, ive worked in a mercedes body shop 7 years now,these cars can rust on rear archs and around a pillars and roof, if you open roof theres a rubber seal at bottom of rear screen, these fail and leak water badly check it out, if your unlucky there will be rust under seal also, still a great car the 230 shape sl

TimC

iTrader: (1)

As said above, we fit alot of seals below the rear window. I work in the Parts Department of a Merc dealership.

excursion

July 2003 and earlier are not galvanised and will rust, but not as quickly as French/Ford etc.

Post July 2003 are galvanised and will last like a MB should.

fuzzy

thats a nice looking car.

Nath

Lovely looking car. You'll do well on your club cards at the local fuel station. Bags of grunt.

imnoteasy

stickers must be doing well, lol great cars