Forum advice for 2006 SL500

[MrHawaii2009]

Hi, I am thinking about purchasing a used 2006 SL500. The vehicle has 11,000 miles. I've read about the horror stories of the earlier (2003-04) models but nothing major has been reported for the 2006 and newer models. Please give me your advice. Are the issues/kinks fixed? Should I get the extended warranty? Price? Any help, advice, opinion is appreciated. Thank you all in advance. Note: the vehicle is at a MB dealer.

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[diablo2112]

This is a fairly common question here, enough we might want to sticky some of our general replies. Here's mine from a previous post:

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I'm no expert but I did a bit of research prior to my purchase (05 SL500) and found a few things to check for. The ABC suspension is known to leak, including leaking struts. Check for oil on the rubber boots around the struts, and if possible if the car has been in the same spot for 24 hours, look for leaks/spills. The ABC pump is another problem area; though I don't know a good way to check this.

Another known weak spot is the solenoid release from park on the automatic transmission. Unfortunately, there's no good way to check this other than ensure the shifter moves easily and repeatedly out of park when you press the brake pedal. Listen for a solid, quiet "thunk" from the shifter. A plastic lever is the weak spot, and when it breaks, you'll be stuck in park with no easy way to remove the console trim.

Drivetrains are generally reliable in the SL500, I didn't see anything other than the ordinary stuff to check. You'll find many examples of the R230 with 50k+ miles, which I take as a good sign. My service advisor said you want to see an R230 with little in the service history; these cars are either Jekyl or Hyde. Some seem to have lots of little problems, others are trouble-free for years. Do get the VIN and have a local Mercedes dealer print the service/repair history.

Do check the top operates smoothly, I read of occasional problems with the hydraulic pump that runs everything. Seals can be an issue, look for good rubber and evidence of leaks. The rear windows can show peeling of the covering at the sides, and my car was in Florida for 3 years and showed the beginning of corrosion in several areas, but nothing serious. With the trunk open, look at the metal below the rear window all along the bottom edge. Good spot to check for corrosion and whether your car was garaged, etc.

The fuel tank baffles in the very-early (2003) cars are another problem area. They come loose, and rattle creating an annoying noise. It appears this was fixed sometime in 2004, as I've seen no reports of this problem on later cars.

The version of COMAND in the 03/04s can have the screen go very dim, and the clocks are a known problem area - they stay dim and can't be read in the bright light/daytime. Also check that the release buttons are working on the rear storage bins, these can also go off. The IR receiver modules in the doors also go out; check that the top operates fully by pressing and holding the open button on the remote from 5-10 ft away, pointing at the IR receiver on the door. If you can't get the top to go down (or up), either the door module is broken or the remote battery is weak (look for the red LED on the remote).

Generally speaking, this is a pretty good model. Leaking suspension is the big thing, and leaking struts will cost $4k+ to replace at a minimum. Note it has 2 batteries, and the accessories battery in the trunk often loses charge when not driven for as little as a week. These cars are battery hogs; you get all sorts of funny errors when the batteries are low, and jumping them isn't easy, either.

[gqa]

good stuff diablo and mrHawaii yes you should get an extended warranty

[wman]

Have mine since April bought cpo with 19000 miles car now has 23000 miles with 0 issues, also thy to get them to check the batteries especially the one inside the car that operates your auxillary equipment..... good luck with your possible purchase

[djamer]

diablo2112 posts some fantastic points.

As a SL owner, I can attest, the truck hydraulic pump is a bit flaky, and my was replaced under extended warranty. the cost to replace is usually $1200-1600.00.

ABC suspension is another major area of concern. Since it's so sporadic and no best way to determine when the issue w/ arise. I say drive the car, and enjoy it, but have an extended warranty to cover the cost. Some folks i have read have spend up to $11,000 replacing all four shocks. Not cheap. My ABC issues have been fixed under my warranty.

Buying an extended warranty for this car will easily pay for itself in the long run. It's honestly is one of the best financial investments u can make. Generally I am not a proponent of getting expensive warranties, but anytime you are buying a car such as an SL, get it.

[bobterry99]

Originally Posted by MrHawaii2009

I've read about the horror stories of the earlier (2003-04) models but nothing major has been reported for the 2006 and newer models.

I believe this is because there are probably many more owners of the earlier models on the forums. The newer cars are still under warranty so their owners aren't going to be inclined to try to fix problems themselves and waste their time looking for solutions from the forums. So it's logical to conclude that problems with these cars are under-reported in comparison to the older cars.

The current Consumer Reports used car reliability rating for the '03 SL500 is average, while the rating for the '05 is much worse than average. They don't have a rating for the '06 due to insufficient data. The '04 is worse than average.

I personally see no point in buying an '06. The '07 is an improved car and is probably worth spending the extra money. If you can't afford the '07, then it seems to me you should look for value, and that means getting an '03 or '04.

[garybc230]

Consumer Reports is a good reference guide. But you are buying an emotional purchase. I agree you either buy a good one or a pain in the butt nickel and dime you to death model. Not to mention the days out of service. Now on the other hand, the majority of 06 SL purchasers haven't had that many problems. I bought a previously owned SL with 8500 miles on it, (under manufactures warranty) in April. I now have 17.5K on it and have had the ABC issue, taken care of under warranty and that's it.

Buy an extended warranty, that's a must but don't deny yourself the pleasure of owning one of the most beautiful vehicles ever produced. You will be pissed if you don't, take the plunge, you won't be sorry.

Good luck!