Used SL 350 buying advice
Discussion
The key thing with these is a leaking boot - its a weak point. The drain holes block, the seals go hard or become mishapen both of which allow water ingress.
This then affects the vacuum pump that powers the central locking and seat support and can impact the roof mechanism. You need to run a hose over the car for a while and check. Feel the foam that encases the above pumps (under the boot floor) and if its sodden you're likely going to experience issues.
Drive trains at this age are good, check all the electrial stuff works, if its got ABC suspension (unlikely on a 350) check for leaking shocks.
They are not popular cars (I suspect due to perceived high running costs) so negotiate hard.
I've had a 2012 500 for 15 months and love it, very liitle trouble. It did need a vacuum pump but i got a recon one for £600 fitted. Otherwuse routine maintenance.
This then affects the vacuum pump that powers the central locking and seat support and can impact the roof mechanism. You need to run a hose over the car for a while and check. Feel the foam that encases the above pumps (under the boot floor) and if its sodden you're likely going to experience issues.
Drive trains at this age are good, check all the electrial stuff works, if its got ABC suspension (unlikely on a 350) check for leaking shocks.
They are not popular cars (I suspect due to perceived high running costs) so negotiate hard.
I've had a 2012 500 for 15 months and love it, very liitle trouble. It did need a vacuum pump but i got a recon one for £600 fitted. Otherwuse routine maintenance.
These SLs are a much much better prospect than the pre-facelift “peanut” headlight models.
Check it hasn’t got ABC (a total liability - I’ve had it on my previous SL and it’s not *that* good, but it’s a worriesome wallet breaker.
PSE pump as mentioned. Check the roof works as it should. No knocks and clunks from the suspension.
They’re pretty bombproof tbh. Mine has been flawless and has never leaked a drop - but I clean/check the boot drains every time I clean the car.
That model 350 is also more powerful than the pre-facelift 500 (315bhp vs 306) and lighter. Quite frugal on a run too. VED is an absolute piss take.
Check it hasn’t got ABC (a total liability - I’ve had it on my previous SL and it’s not *that* good, but it’s a worriesome wallet breaker.
PSE pump as mentioned. Check the roof works as it should. No knocks and clunks from the suspension.
They’re pretty bombproof tbh. Mine has been flawless and has never leaked a drop - but I clean/check the boot drains every time I clean the car.
That model 350 is also more powerful than the pre-facelift 500 (315bhp vs 306) and lighter. Quite frugal on a run too. VED is an absolute piss take.
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