Hi Everybody,

I have 2003 sl500 that has been hit at the drive side rear panel all the way to the front panel. A body shop guy told me that it need a supension repair since the wheel is pointing in. My questions are:

1. Will mercedes viod my warranty if the body shop order the part with my vin number?

2. I was told that even if the supension parts was replace the onboard computer will sense it and maybe limit the car from going above curtain speed, Which will then trigger a computer warning light. (The guy told me that the computer controls all four wheels)

3. I was told that nobody other than mercedes has the mercedes computer to reset or read any of the computer codes since the car is a 2003.

4. I was also told that only mercedes dealer can fix the new sl500, outside body shop can't due.

5. Does anyone has a good and decent body shop that can fix all the problems above at a resonable price in california los anageles area?

6. Is there any other repair problems that i might have to due with?

Please help i do not have insurance when the accident happen.Any advise will help.Thank You

I am not very familiar with the new models as of yet, but I have heard good things about Beverly Hills Coach Craft. You might want to talk to them about your concerns.

__________________
Current Stable:
1994 S500 v140, 210k miles, white with grey.

Former Mercedes in the Stable:
1983 300CD Turbo diesel 515k mi sold (rumor has it, that it has 750k miles on it now)
1984 300CD Turbo Diesel 150 k mi sold
1982 300D Turbo Diesel 225 sold
1987 300D Turbo Diesel 255k mi sold
1988 300 CE AMG Hammer 15k mi sold
1986 "300E" Amg Hammer 88k mi sold (it was really a 200, not even an E (124.020)
1992 500E 156k mi sold
etc.

I am so sorry to hear this being no insurance and for a 03 SL500.

I am not from the states and therefore not too sure about warranty claim procedures over there. However as or your question (2), your suspension is controlled by a computer for auto-levelling. When you replace any of the computer, you must have access to the computer in your car to adjust the height, i.e. the gas inside.

Now the million dollar question, is it only MB who can do this? Since you are from the states, I am sure the answer is NO as a lot of indy also have access to the computers MB has that access the car computer. Which shop?? sorry can't help.

cheers and good luck