97 600sl question - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

mbdad · #1 05-04-2003, 09:17 PM

My brother is looking at a '97 600SL. 32,000 miles from the original owner who happens to be his friends dad.
Owner has all books & records.
Silver w/ Black interior.
Anything to look out for on this model?
This would be his first mercedes.

#2 05-05-2003, 12:59 AM

Mine is a '97 SL600; the only thing I can warn him of is that after he's had it, nothing else will do. I really don't know of another car at any price that I like as well.

I've had mine a bit over 2 years and put just over 20,000 miles on it. I had to replace the windshield when a rock got it. Had to replace brake pads, battery, and tires from age. It's in the shop now for repair of some damage when I hit a particularly nasty hole in the road. Other than that, it's been nothing but smiles. Utterly reliable and fun to drive.

Don't let anyone kid you---it's a truly magnificent car.

Please feel free to email me directly if I can help with more detail.

Best,

Travis

DR.DIESEL · #3 05-05-2003, 11:08 AM

Oil leaks, oil leaks, oil leaks......
Have it checked for them. The headgaskets, v/c gaskets,
p/s tandem pump and ADS Hydraulic suspension all like to
leak and are pretty darn expensive to fix.
The 5-spd auto may need attention being a 1997 as well.
(newer fluid, several updates ect....)

Get it checked top to bottom by a MB Dealer.
I would also recommend an aftermarket warranty if
possible.

Good luck.
DR.D

#4 05-05-2003, 04:22 PM

I wonder why I've never had any oil leaks on mine? Well, actually, there is a small one in the hose for the hydraulic suspension that crosses under the pan. It's such a small seep that it doesn't even make it to the floor of the garage though; just keeps the hose a little oily. I guess I could replace it but it hardly seems worthwhile.

What year did you have that had so many oil leaks? I wonder if they corrected it before mine (1997) or if you had a lemon or if I have the exception?

Travis

RickM · #5 05-06-2003, 09:25 AM

Excellent advice from Dr.D.....Never buy a car without a Pre Purchase Inspection (PPI). Especially this type of car. Find the best MB mechanic and have it gone over with a fine tooth comb.

Stuart S · #6 05-06-2003, 07:36 PM

I think it's worth the cost to have an authorized Mercedes dealer provide you with a detailed written inspection report. Ask the dealer to advise you of any damage to the body or chassis and if there has been any paint work and to run the VIN through MBNet, which should list all warranty work and possibly other repairs. If you didn't know the owner I would recommend you check the title through Carfax. I did all of the above before I bought my '93 600SL. The only problem I've had in 3 years is to replace the electric window motor on the driver's side.

Can anyone recommend a source for an extended warranty on a 10 year old SL?

mbdad · #7 05-06-2003, 11:11 PM

Thank you all for your comments.
I gave my brother instructions on how to get on the site and read your replies.
He will let me know of his decision to purchase the car.
Perhaps there will be a new member soon!

#8 05-14-2003, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DR.DIESEL
Oil leaks, oil leaks, oil leaks......
Have it checked for them. The headgaskets, v/c gaskets,
p/s tandem pump and ADS Hydraulic suspension all like to
leak and are pretty darn expensive to fix.
The 5-spd auto may need attention being a 1997 as well.
(newer fluid, several updates ect....)

Get it checked top to bottom by a MB Dealer.
I would also recommend an aftermarket warranty if
possible.

Good luck.
DR.D

I have never had any oil leaks on my 96 SL600. Well, except for a small one at the rear differential. But none around what you described.

#9 05-14-2003, 07:05 PM

That's good to hear; mine's never leaked either. Let's hope that Dr Diesel was unfortunate enough to have a lemon, since the only SL600's that I've seen (including my own) are spotless.

Travis

suginami · #10 05-14-2003, 07:51 PM

I think Dr. Diesel is probably talking about his experience at the dealer.

If you read his posts, I get the impression that he's a technician at a Mercedes dealer somewhere in Seattle...

Vinalf · #11 05-16-2003, 01:02 AM

I have a 92 600SEL, as well as a 500SL, and the 600 does leak and leak and leak oil.

It is from the crank seals and I just let it go as oil is cheaper than the repairs!!

DR.DIESEL · #12 05-21-2003, 11:36 PM

If you have a V-12 Sl that does not leak, you are ahead in the game. If they get driven often, it is usually ok. However, I have
seen some V-12 garage queens become their owners worst
nightmares.
I had someone come to me in tears after they bought a 1994 Sl600 with 11k miles without an inspection.
This thing was wizzing from everywhere and we gave her a
5 digit estimate to resolve all of her concerns.
I have also seen a 100k example that was bone dry.
It all depends on how the car was driven and cared for.
Getting it checked out is the safest action to avoid buying
a 389hp oil leak.
As I type this, I am repairing an oil leak on a 2001 S600 that
required me to remove the engine to replace a leaking suspension
hose. Thank god for warranties!!!!!
Sorry if I offended any V-12er's.

Best wishes as always.
DR. DIES....I mean DR.V-12

#13 05-22-2003, 03:18 PM

Maybe that explains it---I drive mine every chance I get, which, unfortunately, isn't really a lot. It works out to about 5000 miles a year. But it does get driven to church every Sunday morning at a minimum, so I don't have to worry about the battery going down or the ring gear rusting...

Travis