SL 350/500 R230 2008-onwards
Discussion
I'm thinking about purchasing either a 350 SL or 500 SL on 2008/9 onwards vintage. These are the face-lift model model with the squarer headlights and revised engines.
Does anyone have any experience of running these specific models?
I understand that early R230s can suffer from issues relating to ABC, SBC, struts, poor seals and so on. I understand that ABC was an option on the SL 350 and that most do not have this.
I'm trying to convince myself that the common issues were resolved at the face-lift stage.
Budget c.15-20k.
Other option is to go for an R171 SLK 55 as these seem a more 'simple' car. However, I like the more 'grown up' image of the face-lift SLs.
Does anyone have any experience of running these specific models?
I understand that early R230s can suffer from issues relating to ABC, SBC, struts, poor seals and so on. I understand that ABC was an option on the SL 350 and that most do not have this.
I'm trying to convince myself that the common issues were resolved at the face-lift stage.
Budget c.15-20k.
Other option is to go for an R171 SLK 55 as these seem a more 'simple' car. However, I like the more 'grown up' image of the face-lift SLs.
We bought a 2007 R230 SL350 on a whim six months ago: we were off for a driving tour of Wales, the weather forecast had a lot more rain than sun and we didn’t want to take any of our “cars that don’t go out in the wet” on the trip, We decided at 4pm a R230 was the answer, made a few calls, by 9pm we had one in the drive. The next week it was up to its bonnet in Welsh floods although we did get the roof down as well.
Clearly it was an impulse buy but we are very happy with it. It has good enough boot space (and if you remove the boot safety divider thing it is cavernous). It gave a decent account of itself in Wales to the extent that we considered ordering a new one when we got back… but then decided that we do rather like this one. It’s now in the ‘keeper’ group. I do like the look of the ‘peanut’ headlights compared to the facelift R230 and I much prefer the interior to R231. Sadly most new Mercs lack any proper sense of style or character.
I’ve since done my research on R230s and would make the same decision again:
-It had full MB service history across its 70,000miles. a set of receipts that showed there was no skimping and was known to the local dealer who confirmed it was “one of the very best out there”
-It had no past ‘stories' - so completely straight history and completely straight condition with nigh on immaculate bodywork and interior
-Boot/spare wheelwell and footwells were dry as a bone
-Engine number was post the 350 balancer shaft issues
-SBC = yes, it is stupidly complicated but that doesn’t concern me. It will need rebuilding/rebrushing at some point but I’ll strip it out and send the unit away (however removal is a procedure that requires you to know what you’re doing and have the necessary workshop environment and tools)… rebuild should be comfortably under £1,000 although no doubt a specialist would be a fair whack more to do it all for you
-No ABC = probably a level of additional complexity that while pleasant isn’t a necessity. Happy not to have it.
-I’ll get around to replacing the inlet manifold assembly in a few months when I have time… again should be done and dusted for well under £1,000 (it’s a job that most competent DIYers could do)… nothing wrong with it as it stands but it is another weak point.
-I’ve removed and resealed the rear window to boot seal to avoid leaks… wasn’t leaking but the forecast for the Wales trip would make Noah think twice and so decided to pre-empt the issue before it occurred.
What don’t I like about it (although these don’t irritate me enough to make me want to change)
-COMAND works fine although rather basic (but Satnav has never been a Mercedes strong point). I will look at one of the Denison plug in units to give some more audio options.
-Audio is a far more LoFi than HiFi
-Xenons headlights are ok but after intelligent LEDs and NightView it feels a bit like going back in time
Don’t do as we did and buy the first one you see… I was in a hurry and happy just to have something to get is to Wales and back in the wet and it's turned out ok. There are plenty of SLs out there and considering what you get they go for peanuts. Many look rather tired but, as evidenced by ours, some are very well looked after. Take your time and pick a real decent one.
Remember, you’re looking at a 10+ year old Mercedes and there’s reason they are cheap. There will be risks but that’s the same for many cars of that age. Tuck away maybe £5k in the ‘in case’ piggy bank.
Clearly it was an impulse buy but we are very happy with it. It has good enough boot space (and if you remove the boot safety divider thing it is cavernous). It gave a decent account of itself in Wales to the extent that we considered ordering a new one when we got back… but then decided that we do rather like this one. It’s now in the ‘keeper’ group. I do like the look of the ‘peanut’ headlights compared to the facelift R230 and I much prefer the interior to R231. Sadly most new Mercs lack any proper sense of style or character.
I’ve since done my research on R230s and would make the same decision again:
-It had full MB service history across its 70,000miles. a set of receipts that showed there was no skimping and was known to the local dealer who confirmed it was “one of the very best out there”
-It had no past ‘stories' - so completely straight history and completely straight condition with nigh on immaculate bodywork and interior
-Boot/spare wheelwell and footwells were dry as a bone
-Engine number was post the 350 balancer shaft issues
-SBC = yes, it is stupidly complicated but that doesn’t concern me. It will need rebuilding/rebrushing at some point but I’ll strip it out and send the unit away (however removal is a procedure that requires you to know what you’re doing and have the necessary workshop environment and tools)… rebuild should be comfortably under £1,000 although no doubt a specialist would be a fair whack more to do it all for you
-No ABC = probably a level of additional complexity that while pleasant isn’t a necessity. Happy not to have it.
-I’ll get around to replacing the inlet manifold assembly in a few months when I have time… again should be done and dusted for well under £1,000 (it’s a job that most competent DIYers could do)… nothing wrong with it as it stands but it is another weak point.
-I’ve removed and resealed the rear window to boot seal to avoid leaks… wasn’t leaking but the forecast for the Wales trip would make Noah think twice and so decided to pre-empt the issue before it occurred.
What don’t I like about it (although these don’t irritate me enough to make me want to change)
-COMAND works fine although rather basic (but Satnav has never been a Mercedes strong point). I will look at one of the Denison plug in units to give some more audio options.
-Audio is a far more LoFi than HiFi
-Xenons headlights are ok but after intelligent LEDs and NightView it feels a bit like going back in time
Don’t do as we did and buy the first one you see… I was in a hurry and happy just to have something to get is to Wales and back in the wet and it's turned out ok. There are plenty of SLs out there and considering what you get they go for peanuts. Many look rather tired but, as evidenced by ours, some are very well looked after. Take your time and pick a real decent one.
Remember, you’re looking at a 10+ year old Mercedes and there’s reason they are cheap. There will be risks but that’s the same for many cars of that age. Tuck away maybe £5k in the ‘in case’ piggy bank.
I've owned an R230 for a few years now. What I've learnt is - don't believe everything you read on the internet! :-)
I've spoken with many owners that have ran their R230's with ABC suspension for years and years without any problems.
Known issues include the boot seal and yes, the SBC system will need attention at some point as it logs brake pedal actuations. Not particularly expensive at around £1500 IIRC
Great cars, huge amount of fun. Terrific road presence and great value
I've spoken with many owners that have ran their R230's with ABC suspension for years and years without any problems.
Known issues include the boot seal and yes, the SBC system will need attention at some point as it logs brake pedal actuations. Not particularly expensive at around £1500 IIRC
Great cars, huge amount of fun. Terrific road presence and great value
AREA said:
-SBC = yes, it is stupidly complicated but that doesn’t concern me. It will need rebuilding/rebrushing at some point but I’ll strip it out and send the unit away (however removal is a procedure that requires you to know what you’re doing and have the necessary workshop environment and tools)… rebuild should be comfortably under £1,000 although no doubt a specialist would be a fair whack more to do it all for you
I have a 2004 E500 with the same SBC system. My unit hit "maximum actuations threshold" and it was ~£1500 all in at a local specialist for a factory rebuilt unit, £3k quote from local main dealer.I didn't attempt DIY as the only DIY guide I found required a Mercedes STAR system for the coding and bleeding process...
You may already have such a system but thought I should clarify in case a future reader takes their car to bits without realising!
donkmeister said:
AREA said:
-SBC = yes, it is stupidly complicated but that doesn’t concern me. It will need rebuilding/rebrushing at some point but I’ll strip it out and send the unit away (however removal is a procedure that requires you to know what you’re doing and have the necessary workshop environment and tools)… rebuild should be comfortably under £1,000 although no doubt a specialist would be a fair whack more to do it all for you
I have a 2004 E500 with the same SBC system. My unit hit "maximum actuations threshold" and it was ~£1500 all in at a local specialist for a factory rebuilt unit, £3k quote from local main dealer.I didn't attempt DIY as the only DIY guide I found required a Mercedes STAR system for the coding and bleeding process...
You may already have such a system but thought I should clarify in case a future reader takes their car to bits without realising!
Out of interest, where did you take yours to be done? I keep a little 'directory' of useful procedures, websites, specialists.
The 350 (3.5) M272 has issues with the balancer shaft - engine out job and thousands to sort, £6k+ IIRC - it was made of inferior material from a sub contractor and affected a number of cars (not just SL). You can check the engine numbers, there's plentu info online.
Generally speaking the later ones shouldn't be an issue but I'd definitely check before buying anything.
Apart from what has been already mentioned - ABC, SBC, roof leak..There's also the fuel baffle clonk. But again that was generally an early car issue. I've seen a few failed speedo binnacles need replaced and a bit of cash.
Generally speaking the later ones shouldn't be an issue but I'd definitely check before buying anything.
Apart from what has been already mentioned - ABC, SBC, roof leak..There's also the fuel baffle clonk. But again that was generally an early car issue. I've seen a few failed speedo binnacles need replaced and a bit of cash.
With regards to the balance shaft issue, from my research on the SLK 350 (same engine in 3.5l, 272hp format), this only affected 2004-c.2006/7 ish. There are published lists of affected engine numbers but I do not have access to this right now.
My very well respected Mercedes Indie, MBS Mercedes have a known fix for this and it's c.£2.5-3.0k. So, not an insignificant fix but not quite the £6k deal breaker!
My very well respected Mercedes Indie, MBS Mercedes have a known fix for this and it's c.£2.5-3.0k. So, not an insignificant fix but not quite the £6k deal breaker!
Ian-27xza said:
With regards to the balance shaft issue, from my research on the SLK 350 (same engine in 3.5l, 272hp format), this only affected 2004-c.2006/7 ish. There are published lists of affected engine numbers but I do not have access to this right now.
My very well respected Mercedes Indie, MBS Mercedes have a known fix for this and it's c.£2.5-3.0k. So, not an insignificant fix but not quite the £6k deal breaker!
Affected engine numbers shown here: http://www.mercedesmedic.com/check-my-mercedes-ben...My very well respected Mercedes Indie, MBS Mercedes have a known fix for this and it's c.£2.5-3.0k. So, not an insignificant fix but not quite the £6k deal breaker!
Had a 2009 5.5 for 3 years. Just sold two weeks ago. Was bought as an approved used car so had Tier 1 Mercedes warranty which I kept going - £1200 a year. A bargain considering all the AMG cars are £2400. It can’t be renewed beyond 10 years so good luck without one!
Here’s what went wrong and what to check. All of this was covered thankfully .
Drivers heated seat base. They fail as people kneel on the seat getting stuff out of the back and that breaks the element. £400 ish. Check the seat base is heated.
Aux battery - they all go at some point £320ish
Foot Brake switch - £dunno. Car wouldn’t come out of park.
Auto boot close - faulty relay - £dunno.
Auto boot open - faulty relay. Ditto. Check boot opens and closes a few times.
Hydraulic pump replacement in boot. £dunno. Grand plus presumably .
Instrument cluster warning- they replaced the fan in the cluster. Didn’t know there was such a thing. £dunno
PSE central locking pump - £dunno
Rear window seal - symptom rear window wet on inside £650
One Suspension strut - the classic. Came up in the MOT. £dunno prob £1500
Key fob battery...
All that considered it was a great beast. The 5.5 engine is a work of art. Super comfy suspension. Great interior. Looked at lots of stuff to replace it but most felt cheap in comparison- was a £80k car back in 2009 after all. Father in law had a 2005 350. Did 1000 miles in that. Nice but no 5.5. They’re for roof down cruising so maybe that doesn’t matter. Make sure it has a wind deflector. They are vital and £450.
Here’s what went wrong and what to check. All of this was covered thankfully .
Drivers heated seat base. They fail as people kneel on the seat getting stuff out of the back and that breaks the element. £400 ish. Check the seat base is heated.
Aux battery - they all go at some point £320ish
Foot Brake switch - £dunno. Car wouldn’t come out of park.
Auto boot close - faulty relay - £dunno.
Auto boot open - faulty relay. Ditto. Check boot opens and closes a few times.
Hydraulic pump replacement in boot. £dunno. Grand plus presumably .
Instrument cluster warning- they replaced the fan in the cluster. Didn’t know there was such a thing. £dunno
PSE central locking pump - £dunno
Rear window seal - symptom rear window wet on inside £650
One Suspension strut - the classic. Came up in the MOT. £dunno prob £1500
Key fob battery...
All that considered it was a great beast. The 5.5 engine is a work of art. Super comfy suspension. Great interior. Looked at lots of stuff to replace it but most felt cheap in comparison- was a £80k car back in 2009 after all. Father in law had a 2005 350. Did 1000 miles in that. Nice but no 5.5. They’re for roof down cruising so maybe that doesn’t matter. Make sure it has a wind deflector. They are vital and £450.
OP in case you are still looking (and I know you really want a later year) a good friend of mine is trying to dispose of his 2002 SL 500 - 46k miles in Palladian Silver. FSH and new tyres and is about to have MOT renewed. He has had it for a good 7 years or so, very much a third car used for summer runs as he runs a Range Rover and and Audi on his business. He was very ill last year and nearly died while in hospital - while convalescing decided to realise a long held dream to own a Bentley, which he has now obtained, so the Mercedes is for sale. He is realistic about price, and really just wants it to go to someone who will enjoy it. He tells me he has had no problems with it and I'm sure I'd have heard over the years if it were otherwise. So I reckon its a good buy for someone and if it weren't for the fact that I am a Porsche man I would be interested for myself.
A dealer friend has been offering it for sale locally (East Sussex) but I suspect at the wrong price hoping to make some profit. Sold privately I can tell you it would go for a sensible (for the buyer) price.
A dealer friend has been offering it for sale locally (East Sussex) but I suspect at the wrong price hoping to make some profit. Sold privately I can tell you it would go for a sensible (for the buyer) price.
Thanks sib8292, it sounds like a well looked after example and a fantastic car for someone. Presently I'm not on the hunt for an SL, although I'm impressed with your thread memory!
I'm sure your friend will enjoy the Bentley. I once drove 250 miles on a long afternoon in a 2 year old BCGT on a some choice roads - a very impressive machine I seem to recall...
I'm sure your friend will enjoy the Bentley. I once drove 250 miles on a long afternoon in a 2 year old BCGT on a some choice roads - a very impressive machine I seem to recall...
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