Consider This Before Buying Sl's

[elau]

Back to the longevity of MB engine, I would like to chime in that my 300E petrol car has a little over 300K and still going strong. Still has enough top end torque to blow away a soup up Civic one time on Route 97. It does has a leak on the head, but that's the only thing wrong with it. I assume I will get another 100K out of her at least. Just keep the oil changed hot and frequent, like Larry Bible used to say

I took the car into the dealer (hesitantly) to have the play in the steering wheel checked. They say that there is very little play and its within normal range. I guess I am just used to newer cars where its very tight. Hopefully this is the beginning of a string of good luck for me with this car. I have actually driven it to work all week. I am truly liking it more now that it runs the way it is supposed to. I am very surprised by the pickup that this car has. I also enjoy that slight rumble sound that the V8 makes. Maybe its growing on me

[Robert Mowbray]

Ya gonna keep 'er??!!?? If you like it now, wait until spring time rolls around. Take a ride up rt 301 into Annapolis or some other favorite spot. There's nothing like going topless!!

[E320Coup]

I went the route of having steering damper replaced (cheap) and associated items done- no change.

As far as getting the box rebuilt, I can't find anyone who does this (including dealership, last resort!), and is it really less expensive, considering labor and parts? If so, what would it cost to have someone rebuid typically?

thanks.

[E320Coup]

PS, my mechanic said the same thing too "exceptable" when I asked him about my SL's steering play. HOWEVER, my 83 diesle was an entirely different beast when I its box was replaced (even though deemed "exceptable"). Now, it would compare with any new car. SO, I contend that having it done is viable, and will proceed with having it rebuilt or replaced.

I am a frugal Yankee, I don't like spending money but when I have performance car, I want the full experience, not just exceptable.

[Peyton300TD]

lynn, i only read the beginning of these posts and was kind of sad to see your disappointment in the SL.

but im thrilled that you are beginning to like it. i guess it all has to do with your expectations. with our SL i expect to have a burdensome month of repairs and a burden free month of repairs.

either way they are charismatic cars and always turn heads. especially the old ones like our's.

eric

[E320Coup]

Nice looking TD.

[ctaylor738]

Hey Lynn -

Glad to hear you made it to DC from New Orleans!. My daughter goes to Tulane and her 1998 Mazda 626 has made this trip six times with no problems.

We have some great resources locally and the dealers in Northern VA are OK if you get the right techs. There are indies as well who are positively WAITING for you to drive in with the slightest problem. The entire Mercedes establishment heard that you paid for a timing chain replacement to fix a jumpy idle and positively is on the lookout for your car hoping to make a few bucks off you before you sell it in the spring!

We have an active MBCA chapter that will rat you out if you drive your SL in the winter, though, so only do it late at night while we're waxing our cars in our heated garages. If you get caught in the rain, forget it - no picnic invitation for you. We don't even drive our cars to the holiday party in case it might rain or snow.

Ctaylor, that last post is so disturbing that I am afraid to think that it is a serious statement even for a moment. I think I may have inadvertantly stumbled into a cult. If you indeed have the time on your hands to "monitor" me in dc, then there are far bigger issues in your life that need to be addressed. PLease please tell me that was a joke. If not, then I am very afraid.... and in fear for your mental stability.

And concerning the timing chain issue. PLease re read the post. We all know it wasnt the timing chain that fixed that. The dealer tried so many things that I told him not to dare come back to me with another part to try. As I stated he fixed whatever it was and didnt charge me for the additional repair. It runs smooth as silk now, especially in the snow and ice

[rjk]

Lynn,

Just a few observations. I've owned 2 560 SL's. NEVER had the experiences you have described. I did my homework before I bought the first and was told by various MB mechanics to stay away from the 380 because it was "under-powered". I test drove both models and tended to agree but that was also probably a result of the gut wrenching torque exhibited by the 560. Anyway, the first major problem I had with the beast was a bad water pump, I can relate with you on costs because the local MB shop wanted over $600 to R&R the thing so I did it myself for under $100. As has been said in earlier posts, vintage cars are best suited to DIY's. Up until it's untimely death (head-on collision in a free-for-all lane), it gave us many trouble free miles and that included extended trips between GA. & NYC. By the way, my wife walked away from the accident that would have hospitalized her had she been in a lesser car.

I didn't hesitate to start looking for a twin to replace the first and found one last December. I have no reason to regret buying this one either. Sorry, I didn't mention having to R&R the antenna mast.

SL's are not meant for the masses; if what you want is mindless econobox transportation, get a VW bug, at least it is still teutonic.

[Peyton300TD]

Honestly, i think chuck is just being humorously sarcastic. i wouldn't take that seriously. instead he's just being friendly and endearing. it's hard to convey emotions when you are reading and typing text

eric

[Bruce Hat]

Hi Lynn, Please do me a favor. SELL your Mercedes, stop whinning on this forum. Your *****ing is just getting too tedious.
You apparently have a problematic car. Why must we hear about your opinion of Mercedes quality. Your experences a so subjective they really don't hold much weight. Mercedes Quality speaks for itself. Try buying a 23 year old Ford, Chevy, etc., maybe then you'll understand the difference.

Wow Bruce, now work with me and try to keep up with the thread. Ive actually been bragging on the car for the last few posts. Maybe you've been to Starbucks a few too many times today. Very very angry post. Is your mercedes broken today or something?

[Robert Mowbray]

Lynn,
You never answered my question. Are you going to keep it? Happy New Year!! BOB