2003 SL500R - Good and Bad?

[Ralph Burnette]

I am looking at a 2003 SL500R at a dealer. Obviously, it looks great but I do need to know more about the series and year in general.

For example, the w140s of the 90's tended to have the ac evaporator go out and it was a pretty costly fix. The regulator is another problem area, etc.

The car that I am looking at has 37,000 miles on it. The price is in the ball park, etc. It is black.

I haven't owned an SL but have been in the market for some time.

If I buy the SL, I do plan to get the Starmark warranty with it.

Thanks!

[snowbilt]

If I were to upgrade I would get the warranty as well. One watch out is 03 is the first year of the new chassis. As with all other cars that have a drastic change the first production year is always filled with quirks. I have read several posts on this year model having issues with the top sqeaking, leaking water, and water pooling in the storage compartment and rusting. I would make sure you have the service records and check for warranty repairs concerning top issues. Please post pics and welcome aboard if you pull the trigger.

[jjrodger]

There seem to be only two major issues with these cars:

(1) the boot (trunk) and the roof are prone to leaking, especially the former;
(2) the SBC brakes were the subject of a recall and need a software reset or update or something from time to time.

Cars with a high spec, especially those with the "Keyless Go" option can exhibit electrical gremlins.

Otherwise, they seem to be great.

[TheV12pwr]

Alternator recall?
They seem to get on fire