Wow thanks very informative. My 2003 55 AMG now on 37k miles and none of those issues have happened to mine......yet but I'm aware of all the possible issues ! However it is garaged and molicoddled !😊 It's amazing how folk ruin the interiors but some of that's down to missuse and leaving them in the sun etc. My Father always parked his cars in the shade and it rubbed off on me, as it protects the paintwork, headlamps, rubber trim and interior etc. I've changed the ABC fluid and fitted the upgraded filter to the reservoir. I've bought the upgraded roof flap brackets ready to fit. Mine have sagged a couple of mm. I've bought some valve block seal kits ready just incase. Great cars to drive and judging by modern cars of today which are so ugly, they are no more unreliable. So many emission strangling devices to go wrong now, you won't catch me in a car younger than 15 years old 😊
Very well done video. I keep my R230 garaged, and with over 110,000 miles on it, I haven't had any of the interior components fall apart like on your example. I have had to rebuild most of the ABC system, including all four shocks, accumulators, and more. That rebuild was over 5 years ago, and I've heavily tracked the car during those 5 years. The system is still functioning great with no errors or issues to date. I replaced the front lock cylinder for the top because that was leaking at one point. I've also done MANY other jobs on this car including the windshield washer pump, pneumatic pump, vario top issues, control arm bushings, alternator, window switches, and more. These cars are fabulous when they are working, but they are very high maintenance machines.
Very informative video. My friend just bought a 2007 SL55 and the suspension is in need of costly repairs. He went from a R129 to R230 and I know he regrets the move. I'll be moving from my R129 SL500 to a R231 SL550 w/o ABC soon. That newer model has waaaay less issues. Thanks again for the video.
Glad you enjoyed it! ABC Plus in the MY07-up Cars is much better and by MY14 when Magic Body Control was introduced, haven't seen a single issue out of.
I have a beautiful 2005 SL 500 and love it. The only problems I have had was replacing the front grill which I hated because it looked like a Mimi blind mistake, with a single chrome version on black Matt. I also replaced the outdated “command center” with a top,of the line Kenwood stereo system, Garmin GPS with Apple everything. I’ve maintained the car and it is awesome. Just went on a road trip from San Francisco to visit friends in Marina Del Ray and got 35 miles to the gallon. Smooth, totally wonderful and I might add, stunning looking car. It just takes maintenance like any other car. Not a cheap car or ride but in my opinion my Mr. Sly is worth the investment.
Got my 04 sl500 AMG pkg 6 yrs ago. Had 52k miles. Just tripped 60k. Only thing i hate is that 2nd conveniences battery. Newer battery, but if i don't run 2 weeks, have to sit and wait to charge. I don't want to do the trickle battery thing...Fast, comfortable, great handling, good looking ride. Did replace ABC couple yrs back. Saved by not letting dealer do it, but an ex Benz mechanic with his own shop. Going to have to sell due to being old with bad hip/knees. Hard to get out of. 😂
After researching these common issues I don't even mind. R230's feel like peak SL with the security and refinement of folding hardtop roofs or that twin turbo V12 power up on the interstates. But I do collect out of production parts before needing them like BCM's.
My 04 SL500 has saved my life several times when it corrected my driving errors at three times the legal limit on tree lined Parkways. Worth every penny to keep it working.
The R230 SL55 was the first legit 205 mph car and can still knock off a 1/4 mile in a little over 10 sec at 135mph . Still a great street racer. Have to keep it maintained or junk it.
My 2004 500 SL with 120,000 miles has none of the problems that you mentioned. The only problem was the ABS brake system, that after it reaches a couple of 100,000 miles, has to be renewed. It costs $3,500. Mine was covered by Mercedes. Most people don't know that MB has extended the Warranty to LIFELONG! But you have to ask for it. I am truly satisfied with my car, but I maintain it properly. The 600 SL you showed is a piece of sh*t!
The R230have the finest suspension and brakes of any production car- this all formula 1 tech . My 04 has never failed me. The cars you are looking at were never maintained.
The majority must've not be maintained either as we see them day in and day out. The two you own does not make the majority, we apologize if we've upset you. Personally, I am a big fan of ABC and SBC but that doesn't change the facts.
@@modified504 I haven’t deleted my suspension I think I’m just going to invest in keeping it top top. Proactively replacing the damper and accumulators, doing a regular flush, potentially replacing the pump at some stage. That should keep it going for a long time without issues. I think deleting the suspension is what I would do only if there was a massive ABC failure. Even then you have to then add anti-roll bars to get close to what ABC offers. Depends on the specific car what state it is in imo
I have a ‘12, one of the last R230’s made and it’s been pretty solid. I have 40k miles and have done ABC fluid/filter and both accumulators proactively. Motor mounts were leaking fluid and did those as well. I’m going to proactively change the ABC line that goes across the front of the engine since that seems to be the one that fails first in most cases.
There were three facelifts. You had the 2003-2006, and the 2007-2008, you didn't however have the final facelift, the 2009-2012 with the single headlights. Great content, I watched your E class W210 video. Beautiful cars.
Superb video :) I’ve owned an R230 SL500 since 2007…. It is a pain in the @rse at times, but man I love it. I almost swapped it in for a Lambo in 2013…. Thankfully I was talked out of it…. Lambos are 10 a penny these days where I live & look ridiculous. I actually have people taking photos of the R230, as the body style has aged so well & now a rare car to see on the road…. Why ? … because they are a pain in the @rse & people don’t want that to be fair !! 😂 I keep mine covered & on a trickle charge (essential)….. I have a Mercedes trained mechanic who is a wizard with all the important stuff… but many many fixes are now very easy to do yourself. It is in as new shape, interior & body-wise, a few comments on the cars on your vid are spot on, very poor maintenance = a sh1tbox ! Set aside a few grand a year & your golden. I’ve driven every car out there, nothing compares to the R230 for overall “smile on your face driving” imo. SL’s historically go up in value, so it’s a no brainer if you want a timeless beauty for peanuts to buy …. & can stomach the odd large hit curveball !
Having your pentosin fluid changed every few years along with the filter is what’s considered “so tough”? $100+k car and you feel like you’re hovering in it, replacing the abc system is like buying a dodge hellcat and getting rid of the supercharger because you read inaccurate info on the internet
Hahahaha exactly!! It's common knowledge (I think) that Benz power steering fluid from these time periods should be changed (or flushed) every 2 years along with brake fluid. Given the hydraulic steering uses the same hydraulic fluid as the hydraulic ABC system, you would think......oh, nevermind hahaha!! Hey, it keeps them cheaper for the rest of us!
W211 E63 is the ONE! Good for you, sir. I honestly get more excited seeing one of those than I do supercars which may sound strange to some, but I just think they're very special.
It’s a weekend car with brand new batteries, it’s on a CTEK trickle charge in the winter. I can live with the annoying battery light providing I can still drive it with a faulty BCM
Sometimes professional tuners can go into the ECU and turn off certain lights. I'd imagine these are old enough to be reasonably accessible to the right tuner
The comment you made about the brake pads. Cleaning a rotor during the rain only happens if you have the windshield wipers on otherwise it doesn't know that it is raining or it is wet
When it's working it's in a class of it's own. When it's not... You'll know and your wallet will remind you. Thanks for the video on the R230 V12 engine out job for motor mounts. Did so much "while you're in there" stuff on my 04 SL600.
In UK these are fantastic SL models and one of the best looking. Well maintained they are no problems, badly maintained they can be expensive, however, these were quality cars when new, so you are still having to maintain quality and an expensive car. If you can’t afford then don’t buy. Willing to maintain to a high standard they are brilliant and quality to drive and cruise around the world. Some of those you showed are amongst the worst I’ve seen in a long time, but then in the UK we may appreciate quality more than some other countries.
Did own SL500 (2004) without problems for about 8 years of ownership and at the same time SL 55 AMG for a short period equally without problems soon this car got replaced by the SL 65 AMG that once had an ABC problem and on the paddles for the hard-top but otherwise doing fine. Currently there is a minor oil dripping problem from the automatic transmission, it seems that there is a leak where a cable leads into. I wouldn't say that my SL experience is a money pit over the years but given this video I somewhat fear that it could become one down the road as I drive my SL 65 AMG now for about 16 years but has only about 70k km on the odometer. I will look for an Mercedes-Benz R230 specialist (older mechanic) to do a complete check (fluids other than motor oil) as I haven't serviced it based on the MB booklet for many years due to the low milage and the cost it would have involved but take note that it got inspected and serviced by a non Mercedes shop regularly and the car is in excellent condition as it never stood in the sun except when driving everything looks like brand new. Moreover I did a complete paint job 2 years ago. It's a stunning beauty to watch and a very muscular car to drive. I'm still loving it!
I have a 2003 SL500 with only 98k miles that is a paperweight for the past 10 years in my garage because the ABC line leaks and the hydrolic fluid goes everywhere when you put it in and they quoted me $5k to fix it. Also, because it sat waiting for the money to fix it to be saved up, the batteries died and when I tried to jump it, they said I messed up the computer so now they want like $12k to fix everything. Basically totaled the car. I don't know what to do with it.
@@DCMotorWerks how much would you guys charge to fix it if I did ship it? I love the look of the car but haven't been able to enjoy it because the ABC went within the first year of ownership.
Had our abc system fully fixed by local Benz dealer for under $3k along with 2 year warranty on it. It’s not the SL500’s fault you can’t afford to maintain your property.
@@DonZenOfficial "property"? You sound like an idiot. a whole 2 years? wowzers. Imagine paying $3k every 2-3 years on the same issue because of faulty engineering. Why don't you just pile up some money and light it on fire? Moreover, these cars are made with cheap materials overall, so you're gonna be paying for other repairs and paying a lot. It's true what they say, an idiot and his money are soon parted. I just drive one of my other 3 cars, like my BMW M6 with 200 more horsepower. Because I don't keep flushing bad money after bad money because I think a 20 year old Merc is flexing. Derp.
The engines are bullet proof, they are a fantastic GT for touring, beautiful to look at, I've had 2 and no problems with ABC, if you do avoid the stealers at all costs then they are a brilliant car, if I have ABC problems then I will fit coilovers !
I have a SL500 from new (2003). Only had a suspension problem once, and was easily solved. Run like a clock if you take care of it. Great car that can be used daily without much to worry about.
I think the issues are also due to lack of care, these are quite complex cars and as they are cheap, many people facing an issue would rather sell the car (and pass the problem) rather than fix it. Since we know ours from new and maintained it properly, it still runs just fine...
Hi DC motorwerks. I have 2006 cls55amg. 58000 miles. Looking into doing the valve cover gaskets and breather covers with good quality rtv. Bit of DIY. My question to you all is do I lever off the plug leads using tge valve covers and change the spark plugs before fitting new gaskets. That way I dont damage new valve cover seals? I'd really like your opinion on this
It is a big money pit. First brake system do not give confident how or will it stop where you wanted. The ABC system is a problem come and go, then hoses leak, replace with Swagelok will fixed the problem for good. Don't forget to replace the CHS.11 fluid every two years. Roof hydraulic reluctant on to open or close fully every time, Engine and transmission mounts need replacement every two years. Transmission fluid pump need replacement to the latest version with ball bearing. The bushing one just ease. If park for few day batteries need charging. Engine magnesium parts need replacement before them crack. CAN bus gateway, there are three, don't communicate with each other, need to replaced them all. All plastic parts in and out of the car get fall apart. And on and on. W210 Merc start the company on the down hill slope. Coming from W124, W126, and R129 this R230 stop me from buying anymore Merc.
@@DCMotorWerks Back then when Daimler took over Chrysler that was the beginning of the end for Making car. The management was only interest in maximum making money. The quality start to south, short cut on testing, reliable went out the window.
@khunchai43 What parts of the engine made of magnesium need replacing? And why would you need to change engine and transmission mounts every two years?
@@AntonovP Val covers and inlet maniflod unit. The mounts are too small for the engine weight. Replace ABC hose with SWAGELOK will solved leak problem. All plastic parts are terrible.
If they have the ABC system, it can me really expensive. I bought a CPO 2016 SL550 with only 16k miles on it. ABC came 6 months later. A shock went bad. CPO doesn’t cover the ABC system. But the after market warranty did. The hydraulic fluid system has never been changed. MBZ said there is no schedule for ABC fluid flush. Then the main control value went out, warranty fixed it, then an accumulator valve went out. My mechanics opinion is the failure to flush the fluid has compromised all the components. Hope fully now after being flush three times the failures will stop. So in two years of ownership, this would have cost me more than $10,000.
While these definitely have their issues owners seem to forget they were equivalent of 250k cars back when they were released of course it's going to be high maintenance
You have to have that car serviced at Mercedes,,, you get 2 years warranty on parts at Mercedes. My Benz has 126,000 goes Everday at 150 miles or more and. Speed of 120mph ,, average at least 90 in south Jersey on the parkway and express ways.
my god, the black 03 SL 500 featured first is a true disaster, how can people be so careless? How many miles did it have? My 03 SL 55 is in pristine condition although it's 21 years old.
I have owned a 280SL Pagoda, a 500SL R107, several R129s from 280 up to 500…..and now an R230. And, as a DRIVING MACHINE, it is BY FAR the best. The others don’t even come close! Starting in the UK, I have driven it all over western Europe, more than once, all the way from Sweden to southern Spain. The annoying and tiring scuttle shake which afflicts all previous SLs (yes, even R129s have it slightly especially without the hard top on) is totally absent in the R230. Just this alone already makes them a much more refined long-distance car.
I think it’s pretty much the same as any premium car (or let’s say it’s more important in a premium & complex car), if you save money on the purchase you will get a bitter bill later. Better spend a bit more on a meticulously maintained example than buy a “deal” and go bankrupt, wasting all the fun along the way.
In the early 2000s Mercedes produced a fantastically terrible cupholders. Idk what they thought about such "transformers" back in early 2000s when they made them. Super uncomfortable especially by today's standards. Even in my 2006 CLS cupholders are slightly better but still not perfect. In today's cupholders are fine, but those early ones were and are a joke. My W140 doesn't have front cupholders (besides the one pseudo-cupholder in the glove box) and idk which is worse: to have such early 2000s cupholders or not to have any. That 2003 SL definitely seen better days. Maybe spent too much time in the street instead of being garaged. At some point owners simply ignored its issues but they obviously tinted the windows! 🤣And the amount of those issues only continued to grow. Please tell me where to get those updated parts for the folding roof and where to buy are top rebuild kit? PS: I always thought ABC stands for "Replace it with coilovers ASAP!" 😁
@@DCMotorWerks Thank you! I just bookmarked that website. My issue with ABC is that I'm not 100% sure it will be in great condition the next day after I drive it...
Amazing knowledge thanks for sharing it with us, DC MotorWerks 👍 SHARP DC MotorWerks 🎶 🎵 👌 From Nick Ayivor from London England UK 🇬🇧 23:19pm Good Night 😴 🥱
That's a bunch of bullshit on these coilovers I assume that each coilover works the same. Unless you drive in Grandpa's mode. I have a coilover coilovers you spend 1668, then you don't have to worry about the AbC. The ride is just as comfortable. These cars must be driven
I own two SL- mine are always garaged . All these cars since 2000 are mostly plastic. The useful life on any plastic in the weather is 10 years. Then it gets brittle and breaks. Get a garage and a good car cover and stop complaining about stuff you can avoid .
Buenas, Tengo un SL55 AMG del año 2000 con 130.000 Km. y no tengo nada, pero nada es nada, roto de lo que el tipo este saca a lo largo de todo el vídeo. No ha tenido un mantenimiento excepcional pero se ha tratado y conducido correctamente con medias habituales por encima de los 200 Km/hora en viajes largos por autopista. Creo que en este momento no hay mejor opción de compra para aquel que quiera un coche deportivo, biplaza y descapotable y si quieres un motor que te enamore, compra un SL55 AMG.
ABC problem solved With coil overs. You asked me What the riride differences That depends I'm how you drove the SL before Comfort Sport Or ABC I personally drove this in sport That I can tell you the right difference is minimal I think it appears faster More direct to the road Contact! Unless you Race that car I would go without any sway bars... On the Internet There is how to remove the red light simply pull the fuse
@@DCMotorWerks All I did was replace struts the ABC system with coil lovers we need not to worry about the rest of that stuff For $1000 Hiro Coil overs are fine with me unless you want to drive in in the old man mode What long term damage did I do????/
@@thedoo777 I mainly drive in “old man mode” (comfort) so im definitely swapping to coilovers. I dont track it at all so no need for such an expensive suspension😅
@@thedoo777 The Hiros with VVK sway bars are the way I would go if I could not source the parts for ABC. You won't miss the sway bars until you have to perform an emergency maneuver.
230-800-17-72 - $334 230-800-18-72 - $625 230-800-15-72 - $535 230-800-12-72 - $545 230-800-10-72 - $406 230-800-13-72 - $515 230-800-03-78 - $1770 230-800-09-72 - $376 230-800-11-72 - $595 230-800-14-72 - $545 230-800-16-72 - $320 230-800-08-72 - $480 $6446 in parts at LIST cost. Most dealers mark up list cost Hours billed vary but generally 21 or so hours for the full kit. Let’s say average of $220 an hour $4620. Add tax to the parts. Few quarts of fluid. Some shop fees. We’re approaching $12,000….tell me again how I’m full of BS?
In being full of BS, did you mean the roof rebuild should be closer to $20k instead of $10k? Would you like to know what my local dealer wanted to change my rear subframe mount BUSHINGS?! No, not the subframe. The bushings. OVER $7K!! (This was before the class action suit & subframe reimbursements, which I got instead.)
Wow thanks very informative.
My 2003 55 AMG now on 37k miles and none of those issues have happened to mine......yet but I'm aware of all the possible issues !
However it is garaged and molicoddled !😊
It's amazing how folk ruin the interiors but some of that's down to missuse and leaving them in the sun etc.
My Father always parked his cars in the shade and it rubbed off on me, as it protects the paintwork, headlamps, rubber trim and interior etc.
I've changed the ABC fluid and fitted the upgraded filter to the reservoir.
I've bought the upgraded roof flap brackets ready to fit. Mine have sagged a couple of mm.
I've bought some valve block seal kits ready just incase.
Great cars to drive and judging by modern cars of today which are so ugly, they are no more unreliable.
So many emission strangling devices to go wrong now, you won't catch me in a car younger than 15 years old 😊
Very well done video. I keep my R230 garaged, and with over 110,000 miles on it, I haven't had any of the interior components fall apart like on your example. I have had to rebuild most of the ABC system, including all four shocks, accumulators, and more. That rebuild was over 5 years ago, and I've heavily tracked the car during those 5 years. The system is still functioning great with no errors or issues to date. I replaced the front lock cylinder for the top because that was leaking at one point. I've also done MANY other jobs on this car including the windshield washer pump, pneumatic pump, vario top issues, control arm bushings, alternator, window switches, and more. These cars are fabulous when they are working, but they are very high maintenance machines.
Very informative video. My friend just bought a 2007 SL55 and the suspension is in need of costly repairs. He went from a R129 to R230 and I know he regrets the move. I'll be moving from my R129 SL500 to a R231 SL550 w/o ABC soon. That newer model has waaaay less issues. Thanks again for the video.
Glad you enjoyed it! ABC Plus in the MY07-up Cars is much better and by MY14 when Magic Body Control was introduced, haven't seen a single issue out of.
I have a beautiful 2005 SL 500 and love it. The only problems I have had was replacing the front grill which I hated because it looked like a Mimi blind mistake, with a single chrome version on black Matt. I also replaced the outdated “command center” with a top,of the line Kenwood stereo system, Garmin GPS with Apple everything. I’ve maintained the car and it is awesome. Just went on a road trip from San Francisco to visit friends in Marina Del Ray and got 35 miles to the gallon. Smooth, totally wonderful and I might add, stunning looking car. It just takes maintenance like any other car. Not a cheap car or ride but in my opinion my Mr. Sly is worth the investment.
Glad you enjoy yours! When right, they are a fabulous platform
Put a Pioneer big screen touch system in my 04.....so much better than the original p.o.s. just tripped 60k.
Got my 04 sl500 AMG pkg 6 yrs ago. Had 52k miles. Just tripped 60k. Only thing i hate is that 2nd conveniences battery. Newer battery, but if i don't run 2 weeks, have to sit and wait to charge. I don't want to do the trickle battery thing...Fast, comfortable, great handling, good looking ride. Did replace ABC couple yrs back. Saved by not letting dealer do it, but an ex Benz mechanic with his own shop. Going to have to sell due to being old with bad hip/knees. Hard to get out of. 😂
They are cumbersome for ingress/egress for me too!
Just kind of fall in, but grunting getting óut of a hot looking sports car is embarrassing if anyone's around. 😊 Take care my friend.
Mercedes gave a 25 year warranty on the SBC brakes . You can get it replaced at any dealer if needed for free.
That's correct!
In the USA only, not Europe.
After researching these common issues I don't even mind. R230's feel like peak SL with the security and refinement of folding hardtop roofs or that twin turbo V12 power up on the interstates. But I do collect out of production parts before needing them like BCM's.
Smart man!
My 04 SL500 has saved my life several times when it corrected my driving errors at three times the legal limit on tree lined Parkways.
Worth every penny to keep it working.
The R230 SL55 was the first legit 205 mph car and can still knock off a 1/4 mile in a little over 10 sec at 135mph . Still a great street racer. Have to keep it maintained or junk it.
@@gotglasses Mine definitely saved my butt a few times on my last hill climb.
My 2004 500 SL with 120,000 miles has none of the problems that you mentioned. The only problem was the ABS brake system, that after it reaches a couple of 100,000 miles, has to be renewed. It costs $3,500. Mine was covered by Mercedes. Most people don't know that MB has extended the Warranty to LIFELONG! But you have to ask for it. I am truly satisfied with my car, but I maintain it properly. The 600 SL you showed is a piece of sh*t!
Always excited to hear one is behaving itself! They’re incredible machines
Thanks for that info.
I would completely agree that the 600 is very poorly engineered. The 275 has major issues.
The R230have the finest suspension and brakes of any production car- this all formula 1 tech . My 04 has never failed me. The cars you are looking at were never maintained.
The majority must've not be maintained either as we see them day in and day out. The two you own does not make the majority, we apologize if we've upset you. Personally, I am a big fan of ABC and SBC but that doesn't change the facts.
I have a 2004 SL 55 and has never failed me yet
I’m getting one with July 2004 delivery date next week. Looks solid af
1st thing i did was delete the hydraulic suspension. Then the sbc failed. Other than that. I love the car.
@@modified504 I haven’t deleted my suspension I think I’m just going to invest in keeping it top top. Proactively replacing the damper and accumulators, doing a regular flush, potentially replacing the pump at some stage. That should keep it going for a long time without issues. I think deleting the suspension is what I would do only if there was a massive ABC failure. Even then you have to then add anti-roll bars to get close to what ABC offers. Depends on the specific car what state it is in imo
Dude thank you so much for taking time to explain SL platform
👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Glad you enjoyed it!
I have a ‘12, one of the last R230’s made and it’s been pretty solid. I have 40k miles and have done ABC fluid/filter and both accumulators proactively. Motor mounts were leaking fluid and did those as well. I’m going to proactively change the ABC line that goes across the front of the engine since that seems to be the one that fails first in most cases.
Great practices. The late production ones are much better
There were three facelifts.
You had the 2003-2006, and the 2007-2008, you didn't however have the final facelift, the 2009-2012 with the single headlights.
Great content, I watched your E class W210 video.
Beautiful cars.
Thank you !
Awesome video..
I've been shopping for a 03-05 sl the past 7 months..
Great comparison
Thank you so much. Stick to an 05. Ideally 07-up if you can!
So if we ever have sbc brake problem what do we do go to the dealer ??? And they will admit it’s free???
SBC brake unit is covered for 25 years. That covers the unit only and not the other components in the braking system.
Great informative video, I like longer breakdown videos like this!
Glad you like them. Thank you
Super Shop. Super nice people. These guys know their stuff.
@@theguitarbishop2008 thank you!
Superb video :)
I’ve owned an R230 SL500 since 2007…. It is a pain in the @rse at times, but man I love it.
I almost swapped it in for a Lambo in 2013…. Thankfully I was talked out of it…. Lambos are 10 a penny these days where I live & look ridiculous.
I actually have people taking photos of the R230, as the body style has aged so well & now a rare car to see on the road…. Why ? … because they are a pain in the @rse & people don’t want that to be fair !! 😂
I keep mine covered & on a trickle charge (essential)….. I have a Mercedes trained mechanic who is a wizard with all the important stuff… but many many fixes are now very easy to do yourself.
It is in as new shape, interior & body-wise, a few comments on the cars on your vid are spot on, very poor maintenance = a sh1tbox !
Set aside a few grand a year & your golden.
I’ve driven every car out there, nothing compares to the R230 for overall “smile on your face driving” imo.
SL’s historically go up in value, so it’s a no brainer if you want a timeless beauty for peanuts to buy …. & can stomach the odd large hit curveball !
Having your pentosin fluid changed every few years along with the filter is what’s considered “so tough”? $100+k car and you feel like you’re hovering in it, replacing the abc system is like buying a dodge hellcat and getting rid of the supercharger because you read inaccurate info on the internet
Our current society approaches even the most normal larger maintenance items as preposterous sadly
Hahahaha exactly!! It's common knowledge (I think) that Benz power steering fluid from these time periods should be changed (or flushed) every 2 years along with brake fluid.
Given the hydraulic steering uses the same hydraulic fluid as the hydraulic ABC system, you would think......oh, nevermind hahaha!!
Hey, it keeps them cheaper for the rest of us!
To avoid having SBC, ABC are partly why i choose an E63 W211 instead of the E55 or S55
211 63 is one of my all time favorites
W211 E63 is the ONE! Good for you, sir. I honestly get more excited seeing one of those than I do supercars which may sound strange to some, but I just think they're very special.
Looks like a car to avoid, better it goes to the car crusher, these generation Benz are garbage as are the new ones
Does anyone have a aftermarket alternative to the BCM? Mines failed but I can still drive, the light on the dash annoys me
Not that we’re aware of. Just source a used one and hope it’s good
It’s a weekend car with brand new batteries, it’s on a CTEK trickle charge in the winter. I can live with the annoying battery light providing I can still drive it with a faulty BCM
Sometimes professional tuners can go into the ECU and turn off certain lights. I'd imagine these are old enough to be reasonably accessible to the right tuner
The comment you made about the brake pads. Cleaning a rotor during the rain only happens if you have the windshield wipers on otherwise it doesn't know that it is raining or it is wet
Correct
When it's working it's in a class of it's own. When it's not... You'll know and your wallet will remind you. Thanks for the video on the R230 V12 engine out job for motor mounts. Did so much "while you're in there" stuff on my 04 SL600.
Our pleasure! Glad you enjoyed it
Got a SL55 and SL600 … not that hard to maintain … plenty of info on the web 👍🏼 I do have lots of ABC experience on these thou 😂
You know why the fluid is green….
No not really. Please tell me 😇
Probably because it costs a lot and made of money 😂@@BobBenz55
In UK these are fantastic SL models and one of the best looking. Well maintained they are no problems, badly maintained they can be expensive, however, these were quality cars when new, so you are still having to maintain quality and an expensive car. If you can’t afford then don’t buy. Willing to maintain to a high standard they are brilliant and quality to drive and cruise around the world. Some of those you showed are amongst the worst I’ve seen in a long time, but then in the UK we may appreciate quality more than some other countries.
Did own SL500 (2004) without problems for about 8 years of ownership and at the same time SL 55 AMG for a short period equally without problems soon this car got replaced by the SL 65 AMG that once had an ABC problem and on the paddles for the hard-top but otherwise doing fine. Currently there is a minor oil dripping problem from the automatic transmission, it seems that there is a leak where a cable leads into. I wouldn't say that my SL experience is a money pit over the years but given this video I somewhat fear that it could become one down the road as I drive my SL 65 AMG now for about 16 years but has only about 70k km on the odometer. I will look for an Mercedes-Benz R230 specialist (older mechanic) to do a complete check (fluids other than motor oil) as I haven't serviced it based on the MB booklet for many years due to the low milage and the cost it would have involved but take note that it got inspected and serviced by a non Mercedes shop regularly and the car is in excellent condition as it never stood in the sun except when driving everything looks like brand new. Moreover I did a complete paint job 2 years ago. It's a stunning beauty to watch and a very muscular car to drive. I'm still loving it!
I have a 2003 SL500 with only 98k miles that is a paperweight for the past 10 years in my garage because the ABC line leaks and the hydrolic fluid goes everywhere when you put it in and they quoted me $5k to fix it. Also, because it sat waiting for the money to fix it to be saved up, the batteries died and when I tried to jump it, they said I messed up the computer so now they want like $12k to fix everything. Basically totaled the car. I don't know what to do with it.
Ship it down here we’ll make some videos with it!
@@DCMotorWerks how much would you guys charge to fix it if I did ship it? I love the look of the car but haven't been able to enjoy it because the ABC went within the first year of ownership.
Had our abc system fully fixed by local Benz dealer for under $3k along with 2 year warranty on it. It’s not the SL500’s fault you can’t afford to maintain your property.
@@DonZenOfficial "property"? You sound like an idiot. a whole 2 years? wowzers. Imagine paying $3k every 2-3 years on the same issue because of faulty engineering. Why don't you just pile up some money and light it on fire? Moreover, these cars are made with cheap materials overall, so you're gonna be paying for other repairs and paying a lot. It's true what they say, an idiot and his money are soon parted. I just drive one of my other 3 cars, like my BMW M6 with 200 more horsepower. Because I don't keep flushing bad money after bad money because I think a 20 year old Merc is flexing. Derp.
We’d have to assess it honestly
The engines are bullet proof, they are a fantastic GT for touring, beautiful to look at, I've had 2 and no problems with ABC, if you do avoid the stealers at all costs then they are a brilliant car, if I have ABC problems then I will fit coilovers !
Keep the abc. Coil overs ruin them
I have a SL500 from new (2003). Only had a suspension problem once, and was easily solved. Run like a clock if you take care of it. Great car that can be used daily without much to worry about.
Glad to hear that. An anomaly
I think the issues are also due to lack of care, these are quite complex cars and as they are cheap, many people facing an issue would rather sell the car (and pass the problem) rather than fix it. Since we know ours from new and maintained it properly, it still runs just fine...
Hi DC motorwerks. I have 2006 cls55amg. 58000 miles. Looking into doing the valve cover gaskets and breather covers with good quality rtv. Bit of DIY.
My question to you all is do I lever off the plug leads using tge valve covers and change the spark plugs before fitting new gaskets. That way I dont damage new valve cover seals?
I'd really like your opinion on this
Either way. A 17mm wrench works great
It is a big money pit. First brake system do not give confident how or will it stop where you wanted. The ABC system is a problem come and go, then hoses leak, replace with Swagelok will fixed the problem for good. Don't forget to replace the CHS.11 fluid every two years. Roof hydraulic reluctant on to open or close fully every time, Engine and transmission mounts need replacement every two years. Transmission fluid pump need replacement to the latest version with ball bearing. The bushing one just ease. If park for few day batteries need charging. Engine magnesium parts need replacement before them crack. CAN bus gateway, there are three, don't communicate with each other, need to replaced them all. All plastic parts in and out of the car get fall apart. And on and on. W210 Merc start the company on the down hill slope. Coming from W124, W126, and R129 this R230 stop me from buying anymore Merc.
an R230 will hurt the passion for the brand. When they're right, they do drive nice though!
@@DCMotorWerks Back then when Daimler took over Chrysler that was the beginning of the end for Making car. The management was only interest in maximum making money. The quality start to south, short cut on testing, reliable went out the window.
@khunchai43 What parts of the engine made of magnesium need replacing? And why would you need to change engine and transmission mounts every two years?
@@AntonovP Val covers and inlet maniflod unit. The mounts are too small for the engine weight. Replace ABC hose with SWAGELOK will solved leak problem. All plastic parts are terrible.
Were the rebuilt ABC pumps you used Maval? I bought a maval for about 300 just to keep when my ABC does fail.
No. I wish they had some sort of name for accountability!
Very valuable information. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge.
Running 07 600, renntech tune, summer only, garage, did replace command center screen 34xxx miles
Llevo con mi mercedes r230 8 años y cada vez estoy más enamorado de él , es un coche que con buen mantenimiento puede durar una vida entera !
If they have the ABC system, it can me really expensive. I bought a CPO 2016 SL550 with only 16k miles on it. ABC came 6 months later. A shock went bad. CPO doesn’t cover the ABC system. But the after market warranty did. The hydraulic fluid system has never been changed. MBZ said there is no schedule for ABC fluid flush. Then the main control value went out, warranty fixed it, then an accumulator valve went out. My mechanics opinion is the failure to flush the fluid has compromised all the components. Hope fully now after being flush three times the failures will stop. So in two years of ownership, this would have cost me more than $10,000.
Fluid should be changed every 2 years
What type of stupid tints his windscreen?
Someone that doesn’t wanna be seen driving, you’d be surprised
While these definitely have their issues owners seem to forget they were equivalent of 250k cars back when they were released of course it's going to be high maintenance
You have to have that car serviced at Mercedes,,, you get 2 years warranty on parts at Mercedes. My Benz has 126,000 goes Everday at 150 miles or more and. Speed of 120mph ,, average at least 90 in south Jersey on the parkway and express ways.
my god, the black 03 SL 500 featured first is a true disaster, how can people be so careless? How many miles did it have? My 03 SL 55 is in pristine condition although it's 21 years old.
Yours is the exception
Love the cups and trash just thrown on the floor.
I have owned a 280SL Pagoda, a 500SL R107, several R129s from 280 up to 500…..and now an R230.
And, as a DRIVING MACHINE, it is BY FAR the best. The others don’t even come close!
Starting in the UK, I have driven it all over western Europe, more than once, all the way from Sweden to southern Spain.
The annoying and tiring scuttle shake which afflicts all previous SLs (yes, even R129s have it slightly especially without the hard top on) is totally absent in the R230. Just this alone already makes them a much more refined long-distance car.
I think it’s pretty much the same as any premium car (or let’s say it’s more important in a premium & complex car), if you save money on the purchase you will get a bitter bill later. Better spend a bit more on a meticulously maintained example than buy a “deal” and go bankrupt, wasting all the fun along the way.
Sounds great !!
You don't need any sway bars on the r230, unless you want to do track racing
my SL350 2004 had for 6 years. NO PROBLEMS AT ALL only fixed ignition once :P and hard top once :P
No ABC on a 350. Didn't get those here
R230’s are only difficult to maintain if you take them to a dealer, most of whom don’t know how to repair, all they do is replace.
In the early 2000s Mercedes produced a fantastically terrible cupholders. Idk what they thought about such "transformers" back in early 2000s when they made them. Super uncomfortable especially by today's standards. Even in my 2006 CLS cupholders are slightly better but still not perfect. In today's cupholders are fine, but those early ones were and are a joke. My W140 doesn't have front cupholders (besides the one pseudo-cupholder in the glove box) and idk which is worse: to have such early 2000s cupholders or not to have any. That 2003 SL definitely seen better days. Maybe spent too much time in the street instead of being garaged. At some point owners simply ignored its issues but they obviously tinted the windows! 🤣And the amount of those issues only continued to grow. Please tell me where to get those updated parts for the folding roof and where to buy are top rebuild kit? PS: I always thought ABC stands for "Replace it with coilovers ASAP!" 😁
Tophydraulics inc is a great resource.
Big fan of ABC. It is pricey but man is it a capable system.
@@DCMotorWerks Thank you! I just bookmarked that website. My issue with ABC is that I'm not 100% sure it will be in great condition the next day after I drive it...
That first car looks very abused , mine is a 2004 and dont have any of those issues .
Here in Belgium you can't drive them because of the taxes unless you're rich.
Amazing knowledge thanks for sharing it with us, DC MotorWerks
👍
SHARP DC MotorWerks
🎶 🎵 👌
From Nick Ayivor from London England UK 🇬🇧 23:19pm Good Night 😴 🥱
Thanks for watching!
That's a bunch of bullshit on these coilovers I assume that each coilover works the same. Unless you drive in Grandpa's mode. I have a coilover coilovers you spend 1668, then you don't have to worry about the AbC. The ride is just as comfortable. These cars must be driven
I own two SL- mine are always garaged . All these cars since 2000 are mostly plastic. The useful life on any plastic in the weather is 10 years. Then it gets brittle and breaks. Get a garage and a good car cover and stop complaining about stuff you can avoid .
great to hear you've mastered the art of maintaining plastics.
Buenas,
Tengo un SL55 AMG del año 2000 con 130.000 Km. y no tengo nada, pero nada es nada, roto de lo que el tipo este saca a lo largo de todo el vídeo. No ha tenido un mantenimiento excepcional pero se ha tratado y conducido correctamente con medias habituales por encima de los 200 Km/hora en viajes largos por autopista.
Creo que en este momento no hay mejor opción de compra para aquel que quiera un coche deportivo, biplaza y descapotable y si quieres un motor que te enamore, compra un SL55 AMG.
ABC problem solved With coil overs. You asked me What the riride differences That depends I'm how you drove the SL before Comfort Sport Or ABC I personally drove this in sport That I can tell you the right difference is minimal I think it appears faster More direct to the road Contact! Unless you Race that car I would go without any sway bars... On the Internet There is how to remove the red light simply pull the fuse
Not a fan of butchering the system. Glad it’s been a good experience for you
@@DCMotorWerks All I did was replace struts the ABC system with coil lovers we need not to worry about the rest of that stuff For $1000 Hiro Coil overs are fine with me unless you want to drive in in the old man mode What long term damage did I do????/
@@thedoo777 I mainly drive in “old man mode” (comfort) so im definitely swapping to coilovers. I dont track it at all so no need for such an expensive suspension😅
@@thedoo777 The Hiros with VVK sway bars are the way I would go if I could not source the parts for ABC. You won't miss the sway bars until you have to perform an emergency maneuver.
I've never seen any of those problems that one pile of garbage has. Maybe it's been sitting out in the sun for the last 20 years?
🤣
650 to rebuild the roof pump.
Correct!
@@DCMotorWerks and. Half of the day to connect those hydraulic lines back .
buy SLR mclaren
$10k for the top? LOL you’re full of BS. Show me an estimate from Benz dealer
230-800-17-72 - $334
230-800-18-72 - $625
230-800-15-72 - $535
230-800-12-72 - $545
230-800-10-72 - $406
230-800-13-72 - $515
230-800-03-78 - $1770
230-800-09-72 - $376
230-800-11-72 - $595
230-800-14-72 - $545
230-800-16-72 - $320
230-800-08-72 - $480
$6446 in parts at LIST cost. Most dealers mark up list cost
Hours billed vary but generally 21 or so hours for the full kit. Let’s say average of $220 an hour $4620. Add tax to the parts. Few quarts of fluid. Some shop fees. We’re approaching $12,000….tell me again how I’m full of BS?
In being full of BS, did you mean the roof rebuild should be closer to $20k instead of $10k?
Would you like to know what my local dealer wanted to change my rear subframe mount BUSHINGS?! No, not the subframe. The bushings. OVER $7K!! (This was before the class action suit & subframe reimbursements, which I got instead.)
The interiors are cheapened..too plasticy and cheap-looking for a Mercedes
Plastic fantastic
an Accord has better quality@@DCMotorWerks
@@adotintheshark4848absolute nonsense 😂
I remember old Mercedes from the 70s, much better quality, both inside and out.@@DCMotorWerks
@@TireSlayer55 you haven't seen the way Mercedes used to build cars.
0 to 60 in under 6 seconds the handling is amazing with these coil overs
not a fan of coilovers.