2003 SL500 - what to look out for

[mattnovak]

Afternoon all,

my brother in law is going to look at an '03 SL500 - 87k. Ad states it's 'due a service', but cosmetically it is tidy. Apparently has had 12k spent in the last 3 years which is encouraging, but is there anything in particular to check / ask about?

Thanks,

Matt

[Candellara]

ABC Pump - when was it last replaced.
Check struts for any leaks.
Check roof works ok.
SBC - when was it replaced
Check for any water ingress into the boot area - roof seals

Apart from that they're pretty robust

[MercedesClassic]

I second all the above. I owned an 02 model from 07-09 before part exing it for a warranty covered BMW. Never had issues with cars until this one and my current SL55. This is what went wrong with mine.
ABC pump failed- about a grand.
ECU failed - £2000 from factory
Fuel tank baffles - happened going over speed bump very slowly night before trade in so wasn't fixed but it's about a grand.
PSE pump failed- it's the vacuum pump in boot again about a grand. Usually gets wet.
SBC - total brake failure new pump about 1200 in exchange plus fitting.
Roof seals - £1500-2000

As mentioned drivetrain, bodywork and roof don't tend to give much trouble.
At viewing operate roof few times Inc the easy pack mechanism in boot.
Roof up give it a good soaking and then pull the boot apart to check for damp, rusty tools, the PSE pump sits in a sponge check it's dry.
If he's spent £12k recently this should all be sorted if he can prove it but the damp might still be an issue.
Raise and lower car few times. Shouldn't be noisy. Also look for excessive oil on drive. Could be pump leak.

Also never pressure washer too directly at base of windscreen or bonnet top vents as it can lead to water ingress to ECU I've had this on both cars. Not fun plus expensive to fix.
Let us know how you got on and loads of what to look for on the internet so do your homework. Lovely car when they work properly but get AA membership as a back up!

[Dog Star]

Avoid.

They’re very very bad. Buy a newer one or something else entirely. If he must get one of that vintage the 350 is a safer bet.

£12 k means nothing. It could just as soon empty his wallet for another 12k.