I've been thinking about selling my Porsche and getting a (late 90's ) SL 600 or big body 600 coupe. Are the maintenance issues so much more expensive than the V8 500's that this is a bad idea ? Should I just look for a SL500 ?

I have both an SL600 and an S600 Coupe. Both are wonderful cars that I wouldn't trade for a 500. Maintainance price is high as it is for all benzes, but I don' find it much different from that of my 560SEC. Get the Coupe - you'll love it.

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4 coupes

And are parts considerably harder and more expensive to get ?
I guess brakes are different. So pads and rotor availability is an issue ? Are tune ups pretty much the same except you need 4 more spark plugs. And are there better years for the v12 models for reliability issues.

Major issues that I am aware of are the AC evaporator on pre - 96 cars and wiring harness on some earlier models. Some parts are more, but availability hasn't been a problem. The Evaporator issue is major - anything from 2000 - 5000 but is not specific to the 600's.

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4 coupes

Just performed a 60k service on my wifes S600 @ $1,300. We'll keep the car, it's awesome.

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John
1998 C230
2001 Dodge 2500 CTD
Mississippi Independent Amsoil Dealer

I believe the winner of the Mercedes Championship PGA event gets one of these

If only I was any good at golf!!

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John
1998 C230
2001 Dodge 2500 CTD
Mississippi Independent Amsoil Dealer