I just test drove a 2003 SL 500 w/ 53,000 miles on it. While I basically loved it, I had a real problem when the retractable roof is up. It creaks on every bump and every turn. The dealer said that's the way they get after a lot of miles on them and there is nothing I can do about it. My question to anyone with an a couple year old SL is: Does your roof creak each time you make a sharp turn (not even that sharp) or hit a bump (I'm talking little bumps even) or is this dealer just blowing smoke. It is very anoying and definitely a deal breaker. Thanks to anyone that can help.

 

It's really amazing to me that a car that comes close to perfection on so many levels could have such a gross defect: yes, all the early R230s have roof rattles. Maybe even the newer ones do too; but if so, it'ssurely to a lesser extent. Mercedes has issued its dealers numerous service bulletins outling steps to elimate the rattles. These include lubricating seals and making adjustments.