I have pony'd up the scratch for a '92 500SL <IMG src=smileys/smiley1.gif border="0">and I believe it is in quite good condition for it's age &amp; mileage. I am posting here to see if I can get a handle on long-term, living with it, daily driver costs. I'm handy with a wrench, but obviously there will be many things in this highly complex car best left to a true MB mechanic.</P>


MB's are known for there long term reliability, unfortunately they are also known for outrageous repair costs. I can live with the odd thing going wrong, but do these cars see more time in the shop than on the road?</P>


My Mom has had one for several years now {C230?} but she bought her's brand new and everything it has needed has been covered by the warranty.</P>


Thank you in advance and keep on truckin'</P>

 

My SL600 leaks a little oil through the valve cover gaskets. I can't even see how to remove the covers. I've become "friendly" with the service manager at a nearby dealership and brought this up during a discussion. He looked up the cost for replacing the gaskets. It's nearly $900 and doesn't include anyparts. I can only imagine what a couple gaskets for an MB cost. The top half of the engine has to be remove to get to the valve covers. This is a 30-minute job that anyone can do on any other car.</P>


Spark plug wires are about $65 each, if I remember correctly. I couldn't afford a complete set of 12 when I broke five. MB sells them separately, thank goodness.</P>


Mine sees a lot more road time than shop time. It's my daily beater and I'm not giving it up for nothing.It's been in the shop only once to have the transmission modulator pumps adjusted due to a little slippage during shifts. $300 for that!</P>


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