How reliable are the 500 SL ??

[acha3]

I have a E320 94 and the car is very reliable trouble free car, now I would like to buy a SL (90 to 92) I preffer the V8 SL500. I would like to know how reliable is this car? and how much is the cost to own?
Thanks in advance

[G-Benz]

As far as I know, these cars were considered roadsters of an exotic nature (by price when new), so most original owners pampered these vehicles and had them serviced well.

I am not aware of any common issues with these cars. Mine has been trouble-free since ownership in 2000.

I would suspect that the softtop operation would be the most likely area that would present a problem if one did arise. I have seen a few posts here where the front latches on some fail to engage automatically. The repair is one that can be done at home.

I will caution you that as servicable as the car has been (at least to me), SL parts are NOT cheap! So if some large component should fail, be prepared to sacrifice your life's savings!

I attempted to replace some $2 gauge cluster bulbs last summer and accidentally cracked the lens...I was out $372 for a replacement at the dealer...just for the lens!

[acha3]

Thanks G-Benz for the info and your time

[CDNC36AMG]

Acha, I've only owned my 500 SL for a couple of weeks but have had a client for a few years who is a very experienced MB mechanic.

He considers the 500 SL to be arguably the most problem free Benz but as GB says, parts aren't cheap when they do break.

When I was looking at an S Class my mechanic tried hard to talk me out of it over repair costs.