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  #1  
Old 02-09-2005, 02:46 PM
hermes1
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Cool SL 500 or Bust

I've been planning for some time now to buy a pre-owned SL500 in the age range of 1999 to 2001. Does anyone have any suggestions on what year was best in terms of quality control and materials used? I know that the "accountants" ruined Mercedes' legendary quality reputation when the Japanese luxury segment entered the market in the early to mid 1990s. From 1998 onward, I've heard, the focus was on cost cutting rather than top-notch quality irregardless of price. What generally goes wrong with the late model SL's through 2001? I've heard that the electric top has a lot of problems. Any other advice? Thanks!

Hermes1

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  #2  
Old 02-09-2005, 08:16 PM
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Not to scare you but...

check out these websites first. Apparently after Mercedes bought Chrysler in 1998, problems started appearing on '99 models to current models. Be lucky that you do not have an ML or SLK which are the worst built.

www.mercedesproblems.com

www.lemonmb.com

www.troublebenz.com

Good luck.
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  #3  
Old 02-10-2005, 05:18 AM
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I'm not aware of any significant quality issues on the 129. The third series of the 129 was released in June 1998. Those cars are identifiable by their "soft" form rear light clusters and SLK-style wing mirrors. They were also fitted with the newer 3-valve, twin-spark engines, a V6 replacing the I6 in the 280 and 320. Equipment levels were significantly higher than pre-99MY models. In 2000 and 2001 there were a number of special editions. The panoramic top, which was always an option except on the silver arrow special edition, is worth seeking out. Also check for matching hood colours: brown, blue, green and red were available as an option over and above standard black.

I think mileage, condition and originality should probably be the deciding factors in your purchase. Remember, a very low mileage is not necessarily a good thing: cars suffer for not being driven and there is no point paying a premium for a low miler if you're going to drive it a lot.

Good luck!
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Old 02-13-2005, 02:11 AM
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Yeah I don't think the Chrysler merger had anything to do with the quality of the German-built cars at all, the specs for these cars were lined up long before the merger took place. In 1999 the engine in the 129's changed, the newer one has around 10 fewer HP as I recall but is rock-solid reliable if maintained.

IMO the key factors should be overall car quality (body, interior, etc), documentation of maintenance and inspection of the electrical and hydraulic systems. No doubt these cars have complex systems. Make sure the convertible top mechanism works properly, all locks operate as they should, there are no warning lites on the dash, etc. Parts for these cars can be astonishingly expensive from a dealer. If you can find a good independent mechanic you're already one step ahead - this board has a great section on good MB shops. They will know little things like making sure to replace the tranny fluid regularly (even though MB says it's never necessary) that will eliminate many future problems.

Last year I bought a '99 SL500 that was lease return with 80k miles and an undocumented maintenance history but have had only minor problems since, like seatbelts latches and interior lights. I did a full maintenance service as soon as I got it, replacing every fluid, new brakes, etc., and it's been a charm ever since. And I drive it rather, err, aggressively...

One quirk with these cars is many were not supplied with a front license plate mount, and if a front plate is required where you live you'll either have to drill holes in the front bumper or live dangerously.
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Last edited by HitParader; 02-13-2005 at 02:33 AM.
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  #5  
Old 02-14-2005, 01:54 AM
hermes1
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Thanks for the Advice!

Thanks for the advice guys! I'll definitely keep these tips in mind. I don't think that the Chrysler merger in any way defined when build quality became an issue, but I do know that the more plastic they use in the car's construction, the less reliable they seem to be - at least in terms of body construction inside and out. Does anyone have a favorite year when he/she feels the 129 reached its peak? And what are your thougths on the SL600. For not much more, it seems you can find a few 600's, which seem to be worthwhile....?
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Old 02-14-2005, 04:30 AM
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Apparently the 600 costs a lot more to service and can be very expensive if anything goes boom. But then again, the 500 is hardly easy on the pocket.
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Old 02-14-2005, 11:36 AM
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Defense of 600

Quote:
Originally Posted by jjrodger
Apparently the 600 costs a lot more to service and can be very expensive if anything goes boom. But then again, the 500 is hardly easy on the pocket.
In defense of the 600 I have to say that all the problems I've had so far are not 600 specific, knock on wood.

In almost a year I've had:

Seized water pump.
Bad steering damper.
ADS light comes on intermittently, OK this is a 600 problem but it hasn't gone into limp home mode, yet.
Master cylinder. Ack, on 97 models it's over $1k.
Top end oil leak, I believe the inline 6 has this problem as well.

Bare in mind, I use this car as my daily driver.

One option I would make sure you get is heated seats. I don't know if these are standard on the SL but they're AWESOME.

Make sure the A/C is in good shape as well. I would spring for a warranty too. All the problems above were covered except for the steering damper.

Good luck on your purchase!
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  #8  
Old 02-16-2005, 08:55 AM
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I was at the dealer the other day shopping for a 4matic and the salesperson swore up and down that Mercedes was the one who bought Chrysler, hmm.
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Old 02-16-2005, 01:07 PM
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As I recall, technically this was a merger, but Damlier was the dominant entity. Although in hindsight it can definitely be theorized that the Chrysler Division got the better end of the stick - after a rocky start they're the ones posting solid sales increases, have a great product line, and continue to expand - as noted here: http://www.autointell-news.com/News-2005/Feb-2005/Feb-2005-3/Feb-16-05-p1.htm
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Old 02-18-2005, 12:29 PM
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So technically is it true that Mercedes bought Chrysler, or at least was the dominant force in the merger?
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  #11  
Old 02-18-2005, 02:57 PM
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Yes, in fact there is an excellent book about the whole transaction:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0060934484/qid=1108756387/sr=8-5/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i5_xgl14/104-4730997-0881513?v=glance&s=books&n=507846

It's interesting because everyone predicted that Chrysler cars and trucks would nosedive as a result of the merger, but as it turns out they've been the ones to really leverage the shared techology to build some exciting products. Now if MB would just drop a HEMI into something we'd really be talking global unity...
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Old 02-18-2005, 07:44 PM
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Well I think it was MB buying Chrysler, but Chrysler got the better from that perspective. But Daimler (MBs parent) got the better, from todays Chicago Trib.

--DaimlerChrysler for the fourth quarter of last year profits fell 50 % to $ 712 mill. MB contributed 27 mill, Chrysler group contributed $523--

Too late to call it ChryslerDaimler?

was the closing line

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