Mercedes S500?? Thoughts?

rockits

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9,167
Notice that....Prices have risen on these as they went down to low ties at one point.
They did and still are to be honest. This one is a premium over many due to mileage, colour and condition.

I bought my one owner low mileage SL55 for £10k a few years back. After a PPI it needed 10-12k spending so flipped it into the trade for £11k a few weeks later.
 

Davidt99

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184
They did and still are to be honest. This one is a premium over many due to mileage, colour and condition.

I bought my one owner low mileage SL55 for £10k a few years back. After a PPI it needed 10-12k spending so flipped it into the trade for £11k a few weeks later.
Not a 2006/07 car I suspect. I have heard of big repair Bill's hence why I recommend not buying a cheap SL. Do you recall what the car needed, £10k - £12k seems a lot of money?
 

Ian3200

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841
Compared CL500 and my 3200... with a DB7... can't remember if this was posted on here... she chose the wrong one clearly... I drove the CL500, lots of car for the £8700 the bloke was trying to flog it for, but dull as ditch water.

Fifth Gear comparisons
 

GeoffCapes

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14,000
The engines and gearboxes are rock solid in the SL500 and SL55 versions, the SL350 has some engine issues with the balance shafts.

The main issue with the R230 SLs are water leaks which can cause electrical issues in the boot and the passenger footwell (both easily avoidable), the roof mechanism can cause issues with the micro switches but IME this is not common, and there used to be reports of huge Bill's for suspension faults but whilst the suspension (Active Body Control) can breakdown it's no longer a beyond economical repair issue. The best advice I can give if you are looking to buy an SL is check everything and dont be tempted by a cheap car.

Were there any issue with the R230 facelifts? I've been looking at those as a potential toy in both 3.5 and 5.5 versions.
 

Nayf

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2,734
There is an Audi S8 V10 at Classic Car Auctions in June. Around eight grand and apparently in superb nick.
Bravery required but life is short and all that.
 

philw696

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25,123
Dull as ditchwater that's spoilt it for me did have a look this afternoon but for me and the money the Jaguar XKR X150 keep popping into my head and they are getting to be seriously good value and sound good.
 

DavidL

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214
Notice that....Prices have risen on these as they went down to low teens at one point.
They're still out there at that price, even in that colour but as has been mentioned you have to be handy with the spanners or happy to take the risk


cheap ones are almost always early, high mileage cars. A decent car with the later interior, so post 04/05 I think, sensible miles, sensible history at mid to late teens would be a decent buy but almost certainly greyscale in colour.
 

rockits

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9,167
Not a 2006/07 car I suspect. I have heard of big repair Bill's hence why I recommend not buying a cheap SL. Do you recall what the car needed, £10k - £12k seems a lot of money?
No it was an 03/2003 car one family owner and low milage 30 odd k miles from memory.

The list wasn't that long believe it or not but it is easy to spend on these cars. Jump to a Merc V12 and the bills can increase even further as there is often two of everything.

This one need new radiator, 2 new struts, brake discs/pads all round, tyres all round, new charger cooler, new PS hose/line, new pair of batteries, new boot seal, some internal trims, service and gearbox oil service. Then some smart repairs on every panel as was Brighton city car and scuffs/ dings on every panel. Lastly some leaky rams on roof mech needed replacing and set of alloy refurb.

Soon mounts up.
 

Davidt99

Member
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184
Wow, that's a seriously neglected car. This is why I said not to be tempted buying a cheap car and to check everything. My SL cost £10k 3.5 years ago and servicing/repairs has cost me about £2.5k so far.
 

rockits

Member
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9,167
One of those cars that wasn't terrible but a couple of years of money not being spent when it should have soon becomes £5k with a service and some consumables added it goes to £10k and beyond quickly.

A little often goes a long way.