600 SL overheating?
 

Hello, this is my first post.
I am looking to buy a '94 600 SL.
The car has 39000 miles on it.
In the test drive everything felt very good but I noticed the heat gauge topping 100 every few minutes.
I am afraid that this indicates overheating, but I am not sure what the normal operating range is. We were in some stop and go and then on the freeway for the test drive.
Any opinions would be appreciated. I currently own a 94 Jaguar X12 and got over worrying about maintenance on the engine. I bought the car used and have had no problems with it except overheating when relays went out.
Could someone let me know what the anticipated repair history is for this car and any general comments? Does anyone feel the going to the 500 model would be a better bet?
Thank you very much,
John Henry
PS. I design luxury homes and the first MB I owned was a trade for services rendered! I have a '90 300E with 90,000 miles and have had very little problems.

I wanted to purchase SL600 as well but after speaking to the Mercedes people I purchased SL500 instead. SL500 has much better weight distribution and according to my service manager fewer engine problems.

The temp of my SL320 generally stays in the range of 95-100. I thought there was something wrong but after talking with many people on the forum and other SL owners, I think it is just the design of the vehicle. If you are still concern with the temp, you should ask the dealer to put a new thermostat in for you before you take delivery of the car.
As far as the SL500 is concerned, Marek said it. The 600 is an awesome car and there is not a lot of them around. It is definitely a car to show-off in.

87 W124
95 R129
98 W163

According to a buddy who works on MBs as a hobby (he does know what he is doing) a complete radiator flush/suction should solve the temp problem. I asked him about that with my 86 560 sl and he was quick to respond. I personally havn't made the time to get it done yet, however what he said made sense.

There could be tiny metal particals floating around and therefore affecting the temperature. It's been awhile since I had a radiator flush. I don't ever remember having a vaccum done. However, he did stress the latter process. Similiar to an oil suction for oil changes.

If you drove it a fair distance---say 25 miles or more---and it didn't overheat to the point of blowing out coolant, then there isn't anything big wrong. Don't let that stop you from buying it if everything else suits you.

I have a '97 SL600 and it is the finest car I've ever been around, much less owned. 36,500 miles now and not a whimper.

Feel free to email me direct and I'll tell you all I know about 'em and why you'll never need a better car...

Best,

Travis