Aside from looking out for flood damage, is there any other reason why I shouldn't pick her up for 57k? (21000miles) Full remainder of factory warranty. Thanks in advance!!

Is it an MB Certified Pre-Owned vehicle, or a private sale? If it's a private sale, have a thorough inspection done first. In this case I'd stay away from the indies. The car's simply too new. A dealer should charge about $200 for a detailed inspection. Good luck

Just do it, you only live once. Since its a 2003, ask the seller where he got it serviced, go there and get the records pulled on it. I'd be concerned in finding out the car has been serviced to all specs, and then get a dealer check done. I got one done once, and it also included a system scan, it picked up codes for things even with the check engine light off, but I paid $300 dollars.

IF you can tolerate a brake system that has had 4 recalls & will be a DEAD DUCK in 5-6 years then go ahead!

Other than SBC those cars are wonderful,,

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Is SBC really a big enough factor to stay away from a vehicle?

I would avoid SBC like the plague. MBZ has even switched back to the traditional style of brakes as SBC is just a maintenance nightmare. You won't even be able to change your own brake pads without purchasing an expensive aftermarket tool or going to the dealer to have the system put to sleep and depressurized!

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Hey, Doc, is the brake system on the '03 SL500 common to other models of that vintage? What is SBC?

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OBK #55

1998 Lincoln Continental - Sold
Max 1984 300TD 285,000 miles - Sold
The Dee8gonator 1987 560SEC 196,000 miles - Sold
Orgasmatron - 2006 CLS500 90,000 miles
2002 C320 Wagon 122,000 miles
2016 AMG GTS 12,000 miles

SBC is basically electronically controlled brake-by-wire. It does not guarantee shorter stopping distances or anything - I have no idea what the thinking was behind cost vs. benefit analysis. I have read, too, that brake feel is weird - the actual feel is simulated since your foot is not really applying direct braking pressure. The pressure is applied via electronics.

__________________
08 W251 R350
97 W210 E320
91 W124 300E
86 W126 560SEL
85 W126 380SE Silver
85 W126 380SE Cranberry
79 W123 250
78 W123 280E
75 W114 280