Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (2002 - 2011) SL 500 (388bhp) 2d Tip Auto (7) Owner Review
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In their own words
It's a fantastic machine. So cheap to buy and sheer quality and far superior to earlier models, which I've owned. Don't listen to the classic car buffs telling you that the last model was the best one built. There's very little to rust except for the rear arches and they are so small and easily replaced anyway. The oil filled suspension has components that can fail and expensive to fix but the car goes round bends on rails. The 350 V6 version has ordinary suspension, so I would recommend that for most people. Every owner I have spoken to, say their car has sufferred from a leaking roof. None into the boot, just the cabin at various locations. I have serviced the components on mine and have picked up tips to sort it out and still use a hood cover if it's going to be stormy weather, as it seems that rain is blown in. It's my everyday car for 8 months and garaged in the winter due to living in Scotland. I have owned many models of TVR's, a Griffith 4.3 before this and have always fancied a Jaguar XKR since test driving one upon launch in 2006. However, I'm more than happy with the SL for now.
How reliable do you find the car?
Upon purchase, I got the car fully checked over by a Mercedes-Benz specialist and they gave it the thumbs up. 2,000 miles and 6 months later, I got them to service and MOT it. Failure was both front, bottom ball joints and advisories on 3 other suspension joints. These ball joints are part of the high pressure, oil filled suspension units. £2,700 later, it passed the test. These are reliable cars if looked after. They blamed going over speed bumps too quickly.Does the car do everything you expected it to do?
I had an earlier R129 model and find this later version similar in many respects except for the grunt and handling. The 5.5 litre V8 from 2006 is the better buy if you're looking for performance, with 388 bhp. The steering is better and that extra horsepower turns it into a bit of a beast, without the expense of buying and owning an AMG version.About their car
- Fuel type Petrol
- When purchased February 2019
- Condition when bought Used
- Current Mileage 77,000 miles
- Average MPG 22 mpg
