Looking at a 1995 SL600

[Roncallo]

I understand the run away theory. And the 95 had the bad wire harnesses. But having 12 cylinders is like having 12 inches.

[iwrock]

Originally Posted by Roncallo

I understand the run away theory. And the 95 had the bad wire harnesses. But having 12 cylinders is like having 12 inches.

Ha! Thats awesome.

[clm]

Originally Posted by luvlaw

Sorry to disappoint all the naysayers.

I have a 98 sl600 and have only done routine maintenance.

No problems.

Unbelievable car, wonderful engine, build quality, and interior.

I would consider it if it were maintained properly.

Before I bought mine, I talked to Enrique (Mr. MB Motors) and he said these cars are fine if you take it to someone who knows them (i.e. no jiffy lube tune-ups or shadetree neighbors who tinker)

I bought an extended warranty with mine, but alas have not had the occasion to use it for anything mechanical.

The hydraulic cylinders for the soft top eventually need replacing because of the rubber seals, but there's a guy on here who does them really cheap, like 15/cylinder or something like that.

Anyway, all the horror stories here didn't scare me, and I was not disappointed, only disappointed that I spent the money on the extended warranty because of all the horror stories.

I am glad you havent had that many problems with yours- this is definatly not the norm, It does make a huge difference that yours is a 98- lot of the bugs worked out in those years compaired to the earlier ones. I stand by my recommendation though!

[luvlaw]

Justin-

Got the e320 when I sold my 450sel, about October of last year.

another great car.

The weather is perfect for the sl600's

We should do a get together with those beasts and let them run a little bit.

[Gilly]

The 600's are pretty cool. The neat thing (and I've seen this a LOT) is when they came in running just as smooth as always, with a complaint of "lacks power". The damn thing will run on one bank of the engine (as each as seperate fuel and ignition systems) and run just SO nice, but it's running on 6 holes.
I would also avoid it though, for reasons already stated. It's normal for these things to empty your wallet and break your heart in the process.
I also think the V8s have a better throttle response and more soul-inspiring howl, the V12s are just "too" smooth and never seem to be breaking a sweat, the V8 you KNOW you're beating on it, the V12 just never gives that impression. But I do appreciate them.

Gilly

[tomf301]

I have considered all posts and am still going to try and get one - may not be the silver one I saw on Ebay, but the factors are mine will not sit, it will be driven and when Oracle said the BMW V12's are worse I know that is very opinionated and not true because of the years i have spent on the e38.org forum. So thanks all.

[TylerH860]

Originally Posted by tomf301

I have considered all posts and am still going to try and get one - may not be the silver one I saw on Ebay, but the factors are mine will not sit, it will be driven and when Oracle said the BMW V12's are worse I know that is very opinionated and not true because of the years i have spent on the e38.org forum. So thanks all.

That was my post, and it was my mechanic making a joke... You need to read posts more carefully. I did not jump on the bandwagon of bashing V12s.

I said if you can't ascertain near impeccalbe maintenance records, run away. You are almost certain to inherit a nightmare without them. The same can be said for any Mercedes, but the V12s are particularly extreme.

[Mistress]

Originally Posted by tomf301

I have considered all posts and am still going to try and get one - may not be the silver one I saw on Ebay, but the factors are mine will not sit, it will be driven and when Oracle said the BMW V12's are worse I know that is very opinionated and not true because of the years i have spent on the e38.org forum. So thanks all.

tom- at least have someone check it out for you before you do buy one and good luck. I just bought an SL500 and it is sweet......