SL600 what to look for? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Vladamir · #1 10-09-2006, 03:12 PM

Hi,

I'm going to have a look at a 1993 SL600 (114,239 miles) tomorrow....its going through an auction so time is limited in terms of what to look for and there will be no chance of a drive....I will only be able to view it running and creeping forward into the auction hall.

I know that I'm potentially walking into a mine field , but if you look carefully you can normally make an informed decision as to whether its a complete dog of a car!

So to all of you out there with knowledge of the V12 engined SL's are there any things that I should look out for, specifically that effect the V12's or SL's in general.

Many thanks

ps: for those of you who think this is a mad way to buy a SL600.....well, I completely agree with you....but nothing ventured nothing gained as they say....its worth my time to have a look at it.

page62 · #2 10-09-2006, 03:33 PM

Get the VIN and have the complete service history report run by your friendly local dealer's service writer.

Your local dealer IS friendly...yes? If not, they will be soon after you buy the SL600.

Good luck...

snowbilt · #3 10-09-2006, 06:38 PM

You need to get the service records it is a must. If you can't I would pass honestly. These cars need to be serviced and maintained properly. The mileage isn't a factor, it they may be your best friend. Hopefully being driven so much is has had all the common problems fixed. If you do get the records look for something to the effect of the main wire harness being replaced. That is a common and big expense of SL's up to 94.

Noeljb · #4 10-09-2006, 07:51 PM

I think he is going to the auction tomorrow and won't have time to run down the vin or history. Unless somebody wants to stand by a cell phone while he is at the auction.

snowbilt · #5 10-09-2006, 09:55 PM

Well there is nothing more expensive than a cheap mercedes

deanyel · #6 10-10-2006, 12:35 AM

There's nothing to look out for in a 1993 600SL. Indeed there's no reason to look at one at all. It is a lemon and money pit of the highest order and that's true of the very best example out there. Under no circumstances should anyone ever consder purchasing a 600 anything. If you're looking for excitement why not try cliff diving.

SL600 V12 · #7 10-21-2006, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deanyel

There's nothing to look out for in a 1993 600SL. Indeed there's no reason to look at one at all. It is a lemon and money pit of the highest order and that's true of the very best example out there. Under no circumstances should anyone ever consder purchasing a 600 anything. If you're looking for excitement why not try cliff diving.

I'm a professional cliff diver, and I do Russian Roullette in my spare time, so I needed something to occupy my daily life.

TheV12pwr · #8 10-21-2006, 11:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deanyel

There's nothing to look out for in a 1993 600SL. Indeed there's no reason to look at one at all. It is a lemon and money pit of the highest order and that's true of the very best example out there. Under no circumstances should anyone ever consder purchasing a 600 anything. If you're looking for excitement why not try cliff diving.

what a full load of crap....
Think before write!!!

deanyel · #9 10-22-2006, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheV12pwr

what a full load of crap....
Think before write!!!

Thanks for that intellectual contribution. Try doing a Tech Help search here on 600s sometime - keeping in mind that these are relatively rare cars. A mechanic I know says he rarely sees one where the repair isn't $3,000. They seem to have a lot of troubled $3,000 parts - some applicable to only one bank. These are the modern day 6.3s and 6.9s, only worse - harder to work on and often much higher parts prices. Like 6.3s and 6.9s they are not only expensive to maintain but they also have virtually no potential for future appreciation. Already they are often selling for less than a comparable 500. There just isn't that many people willing to put up with such grief for a bit more power, largely unusable in normal driving. Anyone considering any 600 should first do a search of the archives here.

TheV12pwr · #10 10-22-2006, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deanyel

Thanks for that intellectual contribution. Try doing a Tech Help search here on 600s sometime - keeping in mind that these are relatively rare cars. A mechanic I know says he rarely sees one where the repair isn't $3,000. They seem to have a lot of troubled $3,000 parts - some applicable to only one bank. These are the modern day 6.3s and 6.9s, only worse - harder to work on and often much higher parts prices. Like 6.3s and 6.9s they are not only expensive to maintain but they also have virtually no potential for future appreciation. Already they are often selling for less than a comparable 500. There just isn't that many people willing to put up with such grief for a bit more power, largely unusable in normal driving. Anyone considering any 600 should first do a search of the archives here.

No thank You,
It seems that You do not have any personal experiance with 600 (backing up your statement with tech help and some mechanic?) and yet you are confident enought to say 'lemon; and 'there is no reason to look at one at all' it's pretty harsh...
I would've never bought my 600 if I read the forum first.
Some of the replyes do not even make cense.
Over 5 years later only oil change and brake pads,nothing else whatsoever!
Enjoy the 500...and let us enjoy the 600

What do You think about the first reply here...
1994 SL600 will not start

SL600 V12 · #11 10-23-2006, 12:11 AM

No problems here either. Most of the time I do unnecessary maintinence just because I can't find anything else to do to the car.

luvlaw · #12 10-23-2006, 03:07 PM

I second what thev12power said. I have had my sl600 for only 4 months now. Except for a computer gremlin which my independent dealer fixed, I have had no problems whatsoever. Mine is a '98. My only advice is that pre-97 there have been problems with the wiring harness insulation breaking down and causing major headaches, and they are costly. I read every post regarding the sl600 and purchased one anyway. For piece of mind I did buy an extended warranty, against the advice of other sl600 owners on this forum, but following the advice of Mr. MBZ Enrique. Anyway so far no problems, and yes I bought from a reputable independent mbz specialist who is a master mercedes mechanic, and know his cars. He said 97 and on sl600 no problem, just bad reputation, and hence low prices for an amazing super car. Yes I drove sl500 first based on all the posts here about how there's no difference. Not true, a big difference, drive and see.

That's all.

luvlaw · #13 10-23-2006, 03:59 PM

Sorry, actually I think the wiring harness problems were '95 and earlier, maybe somebody else remembers exactly.

lynns · #14 10-24-2006, 03:16 AM

Take a look at this eBay 1994 SL600 w/ 117,450 miles for a
Buy It Now price of US $12,980.00

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1994-MERCEDES-SL600-HARD-SOFT-TOP-LTHR-NICE-117K_W0QQitemZ280038874198QQihZ018QQcategoryZ6338QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Strife · #15 10-24-2006, 12:18 PM

Well, the bottom line is, if you can really afford to buy and own it, buy it! It is certainly exclusive and impressive. There's no question that the 129 and ANY engine in it is more powerful and sophisticated than the 107's; but I knew after some research that there is a lot less DIY'able on a 129 (and in particular, on a 600) than on a 107; there are also much fewer "OE" parts, and the MB parts are a lot more expensive. This put the downside on a 129 too far for me. I can afford one, but I don't think I'd want to own one. Many people are in a position to think otherwise.