I am considering the purchase of a 1998 sl 500 with 76,000 kilometers driven on it (47,500 miles).
I live in Canada hense the kilometers.The owner has all maintenace records and the car has had no upgrades
or personal touches done on it.I would like some feedback from anyone in the know about this car as to
quality,reliability and running costs.My thanks in advance for any and all comments.
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according to J.D.Power the 97s on are excellent. Just run the top up and down a few times and check for hydraulic fluid around the front posts and behind the rear wheels. run the mirror, steering wheel and power seat adjustments including memory. they are all tied together. check auto climate control. make sure the remote locking is ok. Check engine and transmission for leaks, especially around the heads. run a carfax. it'snice to have the hard top if you live in a rainy area. they can be expensive to maintain. However, if it checks out, they are sweet you will be hooked.

 

Hello Brookings:
Thanks so much for the advice.
Greywood
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Hello from France.
The SL500 is a very good choice and the better seems to be the years between end of 1996 and middle 1998.
Before they are less attractive (looks "olds") and after they have sometimes problem with electronic and so on...and they are less powerfull.
So your choice is the better choice....if you test the car before give the money.
In Europa, the best is ti have a glass roof.....it is very apprciable for the bads seasons.

 

I have a 98 Sl500 as well and love it. However, there may be an issue related to the power brake booster that I think needs attention. I got mine last summer and after about 3 weeks, I heard a hissing noise from under the dash area on the drivers side that would go away when I depressed the brake pedal. Inspection revealed that the seal around the plunger that goes into the rear of the booster was deformed, allowing the leak. Attempts to have the situation resolved by the dealer and the manufacturer of the booster so far have been futile. For that reason I did purchase a good used one for 1/4th the price of a new one which is around $850 US. What I think is real sad is that I also have a 1980 Pontiac that has 200k+ miles, and there has been no trouble with the booster on it at all! By all means have someone look at it before you buy, it only took me about 10 min to remove the dash covers. Good luck.