We are looking forward to buy one of the newer SL500. I have never owned one before...Will you guys give me some feed back on the car? What are some common issues/problems encountered with this particular vehicle? Thank you.

 

Problems include water leaks into boot from roof seals causing lots of electrical problems as so much electronic equipment is there. Also roof rattles on all but smooth road surface. Recalls for braking system and low battery and associated dash display problems on low mileage / use vehicles. Not as trouble free as the R 129 models and expensive to maintain. When running OK a great car but running costs remind me of long distance telephone numbers. On Turbo models lots of turbo failures and electrical ****les. Must be a dealer maintained vehicle and if possible when buying ask to see the service history damage code details to find out if the car is a lemon.

 

Thanks for the informative reply.

It sounds like SL500 has some serious issues as well as high maintenance costs. I however love the styling of the SL500 (newer model), but kind of leaning toward Lexus 430SC for reliability at this point. Perhaps I should await a little longer for the Lexus to redesign? I just do not dig the styling of that car...although I do love convertible and its comfort/reliabilty.

As far as the SL500, does the 2005 model addressed though issues (roof leaking and such)? I do not need a turbo version thus it will not be an issue. Thanks again for your input.

 

If you read the experiences of the owners over at Benzworld it isn't encouraging for a prospective SL buyer. Teddybear's reply pretty much sums up what you read about over there.

Also, if you look on eBay you may be surprised at the number of these cars being offered which had been purchased back by Mercedes-Benz. This model clearly has not been engineered thoroughly enough and/or the dealers lack the resources to service them properly. And by the way, the electro-hydraulic brakes which Mercedes pioneered on the SL model are not on the new S-Class which is set to debut soon.