2003 SL500

CapitalOne said:
I guess that’s what I’m asking about….it’s a punt on some fun I just would rather it wasn’t a waste of the 5k really, if it’s scrap there is no point
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Well it's still on the road 20 years later and looks ok on the photos.

A quick look around it with your own eyes will reveal if it's likely to fall apart at the seems.

Parts aren't cheap for these, there isn't loads available on the aftermarket, and if there is anything make sure only well known brands like meyle, febi, lemforder, Bosch, elring are used (latter 3 are OE on German cars)
 
sx_turbo said:
Well it's still on the road 20 years later and looks ok on the photos.

A quick look around it with your own eyes will reveal if it's likely to fall apart at the seems.

Parts aren't cheap for these, there isn't loads available on the aftermarket, and if there is anything make sure only well known brands like meyle, febi, lemforder, Bosch, elring are used (latter 3 are OE on German cars)
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Thankyou much appreciated
 
The rust thing is mega common, so common I forgot to even mention it. Not just the usual arches etc, but everywhere. EVERYWHERE.

I've spent many an hour browsing SLs in the classifieds, probably a bit like the OP. If one came up locally that wasn't a horror show for a price I couldn't refuse, I'd have had one by now. Sadly, the few occasions where they've been tempting enough for me to go see them have proven this is really, really unlikely to come to pass :(
 
DRZ said:
The rust thing is mega common, so common I forgot to even mention it. Not just the usual arches etc, but everywhere. EVERYWHERE.

I've spent many an hour browsing SLs in the classifieds, probably a bit like the OP. If one came up locally that wasn't a horror show for a price I couldn't refuse, I'd have had one by now. Sadly, the few occasions where they've been tempting enough for me to go see them have proven this is really, really unlikely to come to pass :(
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So, check for rust everywhere…
 
Yeah, particularly the rear arches which trap lots of dirt...

Honestly, the list of issues that could cost you the entire value of the car to fix is lengthy. My first post might make you think its close to an even money gamble sort of deal but...

For example... the water ingress into the boot thing is serious because the air pump for the pneumatic central locking is in there. Water can get in because the seals are gone (they used something worse than pritt stick to attach the seals...), or because the channel below the rear window has rusted away. Either way, the PSE pump is a small fortune but if the window has gone, that's at least the whole value of the car to fix, if not more.

I personally think unless you can do all of the work yourself as and when and can source the parts, at £5xxx you're going to probably be the last owner of it before it goes to the scrapyard.


Editing to add: To check ABC for issues is much like airmatic - raise and lower the car multiple times - it should go up and down relatively quickly. Check every strut and the valve block and the pump (which is also the power steering pump) for leaks. Check the fluid level with the engine running. When you go to see the car, if you can go to look at it without them having a chance to start the car first (ideally not been moved for a day or two) the car should be level. If one corner has sagged, there's a problem with that strut. If the whole car is sat on the bump stops, big problems! Also, the ball joint is built into the shock and cannot be replaced. They do fail as it is a wear item so check for uneven tyre wear and strange noises. The valve block can be refurbed, the pumps cannot (afaik) and fail extremely frequently.

The SL350 has regular coil springs although the later 3.5 engines have problems of their own so if you want to avoid ABC then get the earlier 3.7L engine.
 
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I had a CL500 of similar vintage about 15 years ago. It was ruinous then for me and I’ve no problem running Land Rovers, Porsches etc. so I hope aftermarket parts have become more affordable. I replaced cats which had broken up, various ABC bits and gave up at being told to get an entire new COMMAND system just for a new spare key. Loved it though so if the SL is in good nick and you don’t mind it costing you maybe more than the purchase price to run if you own it a few years then go for it.
 
It’s barely been used the last five years according to its MOT history. Lottery but…. well…. YOLO. Roll the dice and hope for a nice Summer for you to waft about in it. Or justify by using man maths - tax is reasonable being pre 2005!
 
I've worked for Mercedes main dealers 3 times over my working life, and one thing has always been consistent..

They have had without fail a compound of originally very expensive cars that people have bought when they became cheap (for a reason) and have failed in a way that the customer just can't afford to repair them, and they've just been dumped and forgotten about.
As has been previously said, if you're happy to spend the original purchase price again on repairs, then go for it.
 
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