Average Expected Repair/Maintenance Costs for SL500?

[Harami]

Hi all,

I'm considering purchasing a '96-'02 SL500 and I'm curious what the average yearly upkeep / repair / maintenance cost is for these model years. Just a ballpark is OK, and of course I have done my research and am looking to buy only a well-maintained car, preferably single owner or two owners max, with extremely low miles (budget is around $15k tops but would prefer to find something with 40-60k miles in the $10-$13k range).

If it matters, I live in CA in the SF Bay Area, so I do expect to end up paying more than much of the country. I'm not at all mechanically inclined, although I've heard from some that these cars are easy to work on even for complete beginners? I intend to take the car to an indy mechanic and probably not a dealer - I'm certain in this area there's plenty of specialists.

[engatwork]

As a rule of thumb I tell my customers to budget $1200/year for maintenance. That is mostly on older, higher mileage BMWs so your experience may be a little different.

[Skid Row Joe]

IMO, at least on an annual basis, to keep it up to snuff.

[97 SL320]

Are you really set on a 500? The 95 to 97 SL320 is somewhat unloved ( and lower cost ) due to the 6 but it has enough power for everyday use. And when you lean on it it makes good sounds. A 97 would be the optimal year as it has the electronic shift 722.6 trans.

If you can afford to keep a 97 E320 or 97 C280 going, you can keep a SL320 going as they share the same power train. A few things will be more $ ( Rad $ 400 ) but the rear brakes are same as a E320, fronts as a W124. Piles of these cars are being broken for parts so used stuff is abound.

Be aware that the hydraulic top system is prone to leaks at the hydraulic cylinder rod seals. There are 11 to 12 cylinders depending on the year. This can be $$ to fix only because of labor involved as aftermarket seal kits can be had. The top can be operated manually as a work around.

The R129 is not a sports car as SL ( Sport Light ) would have you believe. It is only somewhat sporty and makes a mockery of light at 4,100 Lb. It is a comfortable , decent handling car with long distance legs.

[lynns]

Originally Posted by Harami

Hi all,

I'm considering purchasing a '96-'02 SL500 and I'm curious what the average yearly upkeep / repair / maintenance cost is for these model years.

Please keep in mind that the R129.068 has two different engines during that time period. Both in my/ opinion are bullet proof. The MY96-98 has a 119 engine and a MY99-02 has the 113 engine. I hve owned two MY 2000. The first one had 20K miles and the second one had 50K miles. Pay attention to R&R the $45.00 plus labor for the Crankshaft Position Sensor that`s hard to diagnose at around 70K miles and the passenger side Valve Cover Gasket and Breather Sealent at about 60-70K miles for about $250.00. You will also want to replace the $15.00 plastic Idler Pulley when you change the Serpentine Belt at about 70K miles.

As far as the soft top hydraulic cylinders. It;s usually the two upper front windshield cylinders that go first. I just did mine at 15 years for $210.00. they were rebuilt by a qualified repair service.

I love these cars and consider them a steal at <60K miles for $13K. I and would strongly suggest that you buy one. But check with your insurance carrier before doing so.

[Skid Row Joe]

Originally Posted by Harami

Hi all,

I'm considering purchasing a '96-'02 SL500 and I'm curious what the average yearly upkeep / repair / maintenance cost is for these model years. Just a ballpark is OK, and of course I have done my research and am looking to buy only a well-maintained car, preferably single owner or two owners max, with extremely low miles (budget is around $15k tops but would prefer to find something with 40-60k miles in the $10-$13k range).

If it matters, I live in CA in the SF Bay Area, so I do expect to end up paying more than much of the country. I'm not at all mechanically inclined, although I've heard from some that these cars are easy to work on even for complete beginners? I intend to take the car to an indy mechanic and probably not a dealer - I'm certain in this area there's plenty of specialists.

I'm revising my answer to you, because you're not stating how many miles a year you intend to drive it. The more miles you drive it, the more likely the cost annually will be driven up. The thousand a year figure is to be expected in keeping a garage queen dependable year after year, hiring all the work done. Some years, may be less, some years higher.