The mileage, the condition, the colour and the price... it's a bit of a gem. It can do with being a little louder but personally wouldn't do anything to it other than change the wheels and enjoy it.
Please don't destroy this on track. I would make another video with this car being serviced,break discs put on,coolant house replacement and buffed to perfection. ❤ I would definitely buy a couple of raffle tickets for this 😇 For track day maybe an older Subaru Wrx can be found or some Civic 🚗
Real nice motor, to god for a track day! Always wanted one of these but ended up with an SLK200, for my wife! Amazing car for £2800, even if you spent a grand on it, in that colour combo it should sell easily. Take the S3 on the track day Dean and take some profit out of this motor.
I’d not track it, I’d love to see an episode where it was fully detailed, serviced and restored. What a car. I’d love to see a lotus/caterham 7 built for a track. If you ever get the chance to rebuild a crossbow, Ariel atom or radical that would be amazing. I love to see track focused cars.
Merc m113 engines are pretty much bullet proof, I ran a cls500 for years once & it never missed a beat,the 5 spd slush box in the sl is pretty tough too 👍
Seems decent, the suspension is the ABC hydraulic not air, and likely the cause of the second fluid leak. Apart from the suspension other bits are cheap and easy…..
At last - another channel with Mercedes. Very 😊 thank you. PS: no track day for the old girl. It’s not a BMW and you forgot about the service position for the bonnet (push the tang in on the passenger side bonnet strut)
Wow, what a great car, don't get ragging it around a track, build quality is second to none, great shape and colour, just give it a machine buff and it will sparkle, wish I had it, top work Dean.
Lovely car, just be aware of the battery control module in the boot, it can get wet due to leaky boot/roof seals and can set on fire. ive seen quite a few in the salvage game with burnt out rear ends. Mine is kept in a garage with two other cars and I always disconnect the rear battery when left even though the boot is completely dry.
Definitely too nice for a track day. I had an SL55 for a year, can confirm it was perfect round the NC 500! These have ABC active body control, which is hydraulic rather than air and it's astoundingly good. The ride comfort is something else on a car like that even on shit roads, the sport mode on it is weird as it eliminates all roll. The oil leak at the front is the ABC block most likely, could also be the pump judging by the loud aux belt sounding whine, either way not bad as long as it isn't running low. If you let the ABC fluid run low it will eat the pump. You can get the oil from Halfords or mercedes by the way, CHF oil.
That’s a keeper Dean & well fast enough but not for a track day!!! Some of those brake lines need changing as well!! (I don’t know about the discs though?) Throw some hours at it &!get it 100% - it is beautiful
I was between one of these and an e46 330ci cab as my weekend toy. I went with the 330 due to reliability and driving pleasure but these SL’s are amazing value and on the rise! Great buy!
What a machine Dean. An absolute beauty. Definitely a trip for you and the wife on a kids free trip on the NC500. I’d take the Audi on the track day 👍🏻
Don't track it...this is a Keeper. Getting that in that condition for that price is amazing. The hard to get trim parts are getting really toppy, so to get it needing just a service and a mop is a steal. Usually for that price they are very tired.
Having owned 2 CL500's and 1 SL500 the main issue with them all was electrics especially battery drain issues, suspension and PSE pump located in the boot that controls the vacuum controlled central locking, soft close doors etc also give problems but relatively easy to remove and get rebuilt...also massively thirsty for the performance on offer in my experience...hell of alot of car for 2800 though...defo worth the risk.
The Focus RS would be good fun on the track. The SL would just disappoint, thats not what it's for. I wouldn't rule out the NC 500 at this time of year. Crisp, cold mornings with the roof down would be an amazing experience.
Far too sweet to track in my humble. She's a lovely ol' boat. Doll her up and send her on her pretty way. Looking forward to seeing whatever you decide to race. Great job.
Engine swap the Naturally aspirated (367bhp) 5.4 AMG engine into the your SL it will go straight in no problems easy swap and send it on the Track, I 'd love to see an SL on the Track.
What I would do straight away is clear the debris on the boot seal and check for water leaks, the adhesive strip on the rubber perishes. The rear battery eats charge if left, best to keep it on trickle charge if you can since new batteries are expensive. It can go quick but wouldn’t be enjoyable on a track like most heavy convertibles
A friend of mine worked for mercs in the late 80s and 90s. He PDI the first sl500 into the uk. Also did Princess Diana's SL. They are great cars but very expensive when they go wrong. Even a shock is costly. He had a sl500, was his favourite merc
What a lovely old Merc! Hard top convertible and everything works. A few new buttons and hose work will sort it. Don't track this heavy beast. Ship it to Australia and quadruple your money. Take that sweet RS3 to the track and advertise/sell some more raffle tix at Donnington. You will have a race track full of enthusiasts, willing to spend half a beer on a chance to win it.
Looks well cared for, by the state of the paintwork though it look like it's visited a number of automated car washes sadly. Dont destroy this car Dean.
Hi from Dubai! Take the Merc. As you have discovered Mercedes, they know what they are doing. High quality products without bragging about it. Watch out though, the more you work on Mercs the more you appreciate them and before you know, you become Merc addict! Good luck!
Don't track it. it wont do well and you will be frustrated. Do it up and make someone's day as this is an aspirational / dream car for some people who want to do a road trip into Europe. Lovely colour combo!
If you're going on track surely you want to have fun R8 or Rs3 would definitely tick those boxes but the merc if you're cruising into the sun or a long road trip with you and the misses 😊
I would like to see everything fixed on this though and polished. So oil leak, coolent and that brake sensor so it's tip top. Then stick on compete for cars with a 99p ticket price! 👍
This SL500 is too good to put in the track, I'd fix all small things on it like the coolant hoses, the oil hoses, the pedal sensor and the small interior buttons and use for weekend :) Get an E36 or an E46 for the track :)
PS my wife and I have just done the NC500 and what a joy it was. With national speed limit of 60 but more often than not 40-50 was the norm, plenty to see with wonderful driving roads. I have a Mercedes E Class S212 (Boat) and it never missed a beat, taking everything in its stride 👍🏻
Too nice for the track that Dean, especially with the buff up you did!! Maybe flip it for a few extra beer chits & take a Mk1 Octavia VRS (hatch or estate) round the track!! 😈
I look forward to seeing this one. My father had one of the first Sl500 (2002) back in 2003/4. It was a wonderful car but very unreliable when it came to the electrics and leaky roof.
I have a much later R231 version from 2018 and itis the best car I have owned…it soothes and can thrill depending on how you drive it. It will not be sharp on the Nurburgring but it is wonderful everywhere else. It can also do amazing mileage on fuel…30+ is no problem at all. One thing that makes a huge difference…if you get creaks from the roof etc when you drive, clean the many rubber seals that surround the roof and boot panels…do it carefully and then use Autoglym Vinyl and Rubber care applied sparingly with a small soft cloth..like an interior dashboard wipe… are sure the mating surfaces are clean as well and then…not a creak to be heard! Those seals are super expensive and critical if they leak…check the boot floor very carefully as some scrapyard threatening electrics are in there! With a good Detail and service plus fix those leaks and it has to be £6495 any day!! Don’t track day it…but a brisk cruise with the top down and Airscarf on is magical! 😃😃😃😃
I have had an SL500 for the last 15 years. It is still almost as good as new and a delight to drive, particularly in S (sport) mode on twisty country roads. But it is essentially a Grand Tourer, not designed for a track day. I suggest that you use the Audi instead on the track.
Don't kill it fix all the issues change the throttle sensor anyway so it's done and replace those corroded oil lines, clean it up and flip it for a track weapon instead
Bought a bit of a gem there very rare in that condition 👏 wouldn't take it on track tho,service it clean it raffle it , someone will look after that ,great content as always 👍
Don't take this on a track day. But you could do a trip over to the autobahn! Take it home for a cruise. I used to drive home to UK from central Germany all the time. Just like driving to Scotland. Could do a nice trip in two days!
i have a Mercedes this Color and its a gorgeous, beautiful NIGHTMARE!! looks amazing when polished and cleaned but lasts about 1.2 seconds clean then it shows every single spec of dust and gets scratched SOOOO easily
These are fabulous cruisers not track day cars. The two biggest problems with this car is the ABC suspension if it has it and the roof not nd water leaks from the roof ito the boot . Looks like your Ok with those, but just make sure its dry around the pump (pse)below roof pump in a sponge box below the pump and that there's not water in the spare wheel well . All these caused by roof seals going
Hi Dean. I think you got so lucky with this Car. She's lovely. You need to do the Lottery on the way home lol. Your so lucky. God I think it would be a shame to kill it on a track. It would never last to long. It would be a great car for someone with a good Polish. Well done bro. Keep up the Great Content..😅 🇨🇮🇨🇮
No smoke from the exhausts whatsoever on startup, impressive for a 20 year old car. Taking it round a track would be.. undignified. I would just fix the issues, service, valet, MOP and use it for the nc500.
Another great video, thank you! You've got an absolute bargain with this SL, will look stunning when Cut n Pasted. This car was massively desirable new, and would have cost a bomb. She has a good Service History and is a lovely spec. With a good Cherished plate would look old school class. Please DON'T rag her around a track, she's far too good for that. This is a majestic motor that should be respected. Rag one of your hot Audi/ Golf's! Spend a little on her, then put this gorgeous car in one of your raffles ( or sell it to an enthusiast)............PLEASE!
nice , i have a 2005 a class , paid 200 for it with 70k on the clock , i had it 5 years never let me down and gone through all mots no issues , best old car i have ever had , always wanted sl500 couldn't find a good one , so i stayed with my a class , until after xmas , then start looking again.
The start/stop button only works if you have the keyless go card. Yes. Card. If you don't, you might be able to upgrade to the newer system with keyless go integrated into the actual key. But that is really really expensive. And Mercedes takes forever to make that new key. I've been waiting 4 months now... What is worrying is the hydraulic leak from the suspension. It's not air, obviously. And those hoses can be a rabbit hole situation. There is one of those hoses that even needs an engine out to swap. Love the car, though. The price was a steal. If you take that elephant to the track, you'll have to fix the hydraulic first and then also swap the hydraulic accumulators so the system works properly. Because if it does, it is actually pretty good. Levels the car in corners even.
Worked in the motorfactor game going on 25 years..6 customers in the last few years have refused me supplying comline brake discs due to warping issues...play save a stick a set of apec in in lad
Awesome car for the price. They’re still work a fair bit here in Australia. This car was literally the pinnacle of wealth back in the day. You’ve also got the ABC suspension which is fluid based not air based like the facelift.
Track car ? I would be happy to use that as my daily for a twenty year old car that was a surprise to see how nice it is don't do anything overboard with it keep it original and use it it as and when the feeling takes you
Loved this video. I had a facelift SL350 which was mint for the 5 years I owned it and it was only sold because I came to live in Spain. What a stupid decision, I miss driving that car every day and the only reason not to buy a replacement is the 300% markup on second hand cars here.
I have an R230 SL (2006 5,5), not my daily but I still love it - I think you should use another car for the track, be a shame to put that on a track. That oil leak is probably ABC / hydraulic fluid - possibly from the tandem ABC/PS pump. The engine itself looks clean & they're known for leaking from the valve cover gaskets but yours looks mint clean there. There's an oil cooler near the oil filler cap, they can leak from there - easy to see if thats leaking or not but I'd suggest checking the ABC fluid reservoir level (right hand side of engine bay) & look at the pump from beneath for wetness - bet it's that (a rebuilt pump is £480ish). The battery in the boot is for all of the accessories - the SL is heavy on that battery & that'll probably need a good test & replace it if it's not good. They're temperamental with a poor convenience / aux battery (odd things don't work well). Regular lead-acid, to fit, doesn't have to be Mercedes OEM - note: some battery suppliers have the starter as the larger one in the boot & the convenience / aux batter as the one under the bonnet. That info is WRONG (thus, NEVER jump-start it from the boot, it'll damage the BCM & they're not manufactured anymore & have to be repaired by ECU specialists at quite a high cost if that fails) The starter is the small one under the bonnet; your starter battery sounds mint - engine cranks just fine. The Start button on the gear knob *might* be an authentication thing between the keyfob & ecu; on keyless entry. Some owners replace the keyfob with the wrong variant (usually a cheap non-genuine one) - the car will start with key in ignition only but doors won't open keylessly (will from the button on the fob). You did get a message on the dash from what I saw in the video saying it didn't recognise the key. If the keyfob has only one battery - then the key is wrong for the car & that's probably why the button won't work - but it probably does - but with a proper keyfob (one of mine was swapped for a non-genuine cheap by former owner - & with that key, my car behaves just as yours does - with he OEM merch key - door's open when I touch the handle & start/stop button works perfectly.
These weren't a patch on the previous generation R129 which were vastly superior build and material quality, they are something to behold and what a Mercedes used to be.
There decent cars. Well made and you got a bargain .. the gas pedals are a problem on those I had a clk 280 and it had that problem .. now anc again it would play up . I had to turn the engine on anc off to to get going again .. in the end I had it fixed
For a track day I would of gone for SLK 320, The SL to much of a boat, but a great deal for £2,800, its for the highland 500 or a run to south of France car.
Very smart,I don’t really get the Range Rover thing it alway seems to over promise and under deliver,just get used to having a heavy heart and deep pockets
I don't think the track day is the best bet for the SL. I'd do the bits on it, get it to a proper derailer and save it for the NC500. Come summer you'll probably not lose money next year and sell it on after the trip. As for a track day, I'm going to say Vauxhall Monaro. Just for the fun of it. Not sure you'll find one though.
Sweet car for a really sweet price. Cheapest one for sale here in Sweden (without checking all sites) seems to be a bit over £11000 as far as I can make out. Most available cars seems to sell at about £15K-£20K though...
Don't take it on the track it's way too nice. That's a lush motor. Reckon you need a scooby for the track day... Or perhaps a challenge.. find an old Fiesta XR2 and get it track ready in 24 hours!! Keep up the good work... Love the channel
I would say that its not really suited for a track day. Perhaps get a cheap E46 330 or m3, one which needs the rear subframe mounts doing so its cheap and get the reinforcement kit, weld them in and make a nice little track toy :)
Hi do a MANUAL gearbox conversion BECAUSE Tavarish for got to do his manual gearbox conversion on his SL55 you will be the first on the R230 model to do a manual conversion plus it's a lot of content for you, BC Racing Coilovers, Remove weight from the car and put SL350 sway bars on the SL500, build a track weapon.
I wouldn't kill it on a track day.
Agree, it's too nice to track it.
I feel some cars aren’t meant for the track this potential is a not good candidate for a track car
The M113 Engine is a strong engine, I think we all know there is no track day that will break the M113 engine.
The mileage, the condition, the colour and the price... it's a bit of a gem. It can do with being a little louder but personally wouldn't do anything to it other than change the wheels and enjoy it.
Yeah but seeing as it's his xar he can do what he likes with it
Please don't destroy this on track. I would make another video with this car being serviced,break discs put on,coolant house replacement and buffed to perfection. ❤ I would definitely buy a couple of raffle tickets for this 😇 For track day maybe an older Subaru Wrx can be found or some Civic 🚗
I reckon the merc should be left for the nc500, maybe get that r8 out for what it’s intended for after you spent so long rebuilding it 💯💯
That's just a lovely car Dean! Don't kill it on a track day! Honestly that's a weekend away car with the good lady!
Any saucy freuline will be randy in that benz
@@CL500MBZ 😂👍
@@CL500MBZhaaaaaa !! One of the best replies I’ve ever read about the SL500 😂😂 so true too !
I think it's a bit too nice to go round a track, but keep the videos coming.
Russell
Car is nice, I'd spend some hours bringing it back to glory and make a nice profit.
Real nice motor, to god for a track day! Always wanted one of these but ended up with an SLK200, for my wife! Amazing car for £2800, even if you spent a grand on it, in that colour combo it should sell easily. Take the S3 on the track day Dean and take some profit out of this motor.
I’d not track it, I’d love to see an episode where it was fully detailed, serviced and restored. What a car.
I’d love to see a lotus/caterham 7 built for a track. If you ever get the chance to rebuild a crossbow, Ariel atom or radical that would be amazing. I love to see track focused cars.
The menacing looking RS6 in the background...wow!
Merc m113 engines are pretty much bullet proof, I ran a cls500 for years once & it never missed a beat,the 5 spd slush box in the sl is pretty tough too 👍
I'd like to see it completely polished and valeted and auctioned, I'd bid on it. it's too nice to to put on the track.
Dean I agree the Mercedes is to good to kill at the track. Now if you had an R8 that could do with a good run out that would be a better choice.
Dean , that car is a keeper , please don’t track it … get it back up to spec and love it … it will be worth a fortune.😊
No Dean, don't ruin it for a track day. I'd definitely would go in the raffle for this beauty.
Seems decent, the suspension is the ABC hydraulic not air, and likely the cause of the second fluid leak.
Apart from the suspension other bits are cheap and easy…..
At last - another channel with Mercedes. Very 😊 thank you.
PS: no track day for the old girl. It’s not a BMW and you forgot about the service position for the bonnet (push the tang in on the passenger side bonnet strut)
Wow, what a great car, don't get ragging it around a track, build quality is second to none, great shape and colour, just give it a machine buff and it will sparkle, wish I had it, top work Dean.
Lovely machine! Too good to track I think Dean. Wouldnt mind driving that everyday
thankyou Dean,,a video of you doing the service and small repairs would of been great content,,👍👍
Lovely car, just be aware of the battery control module in the boot, it can get wet due to leaky boot/roof seals and can set on fire. ive seen quite a few in the salvage game with burnt out rear ends. Mine is kept in a garage with two other cars and I always disconnect the rear battery when left even though the boot is completely dry.
Definitely too nice for a track day. I had an SL55 for a year, can confirm it was perfect round the NC 500!
These have ABC active body control, which is hydraulic rather than air and it's astoundingly good. The ride comfort is something else on a car like that even on shit roads, the sport mode on it is weird as it eliminates all roll. The oil leak at the front is the ABC block most likely, could also be the pump judging by the loud aux belt sounding whine, either way not bad as long as it isn't running low. If you let the ABC fluid run low it will eat the pump. You can get the oil from Halfords or mercedes by the way, CHF oil.
Hi Dean, that Merc is too nice to go on a track day, i think you should bring the RS3 and have a blast 👍👍
That’s a keeper Dean & well fast enough but not for a track day!!! Some of those brake lines need changing as well!! (I don’t know about the discs though?) Throw some hours at it &!get it 100% - it is beautiful
I keep it for you and your wife for days out in the summer there a really good car and not long before they start going back up in price as collector
I was between one of these and an e46 330ci cab as my weekend toy. I went with the 330 due to reliability and driving pleasure but these SL’s are amazing value and on the rise! Great buy!
What a machine Dean. An absolute beauty. Definitely a trip for you and the wife on a kids free trip on the NC500. I’d take the Audi on the track day 👍🏻
Don't track it...this is a Keeper. Getting that in that condition for that price is amazing. The hard to get trim parts are getting really toppy, so to get it needing just a service and a mop is a steal. Usually for that price they are very tired.
How is the TVR, main reason I sub'd :) love to see progress on that
Having owned 2 CL500's and 1 SL500 the main issue with them all was electrics especially battery drain issues, suspension and PSE pump located in the boot that controls the vacuum controlled central locking, soft close doors etc also give problems but relatively easy to remove and get rebuilt...also massively thirsty for the performance on offer in my experience...hell of alot of car for 2800 though...defo worth the risk.
The Focus RS would be good fun on the track.
The SL would just disappoint, thats not what it's for.
I wouldn't rule out the NC 500 at this time of year. Crisp, cold mornings with the roof down would be an amazing experience.
Far too sweet to track in my humble. She's a lovely ol' boat. Doll her up and send her on her pretty way.
Looking forward to seeing whatever you decide to race. Great job.
Engine swap the Naturally aspirated (367bhp) 5.4 AMG engine into the your SL it will go straight in no problems easy swap and send it on the Track, I 'd love to see an SL on the Track.
What I would do straight away is clear the debris on the boot seal and check for water leaks, the adhesive strip on the rubber perishes. The rear battery eats charge if left, best to keep it on trickle charge if you can since new batteries are expensive. It can go quick but wouldn’t be enjoyable on a track like most heavy convertibles
A friend of mine worked for mercs in the late 80s and 90s. He PDI the first sl500 into the uk. Also did Princess Diana's SL. They are great cars but very expensive when they go wrong. Even a shock is costly. He had a sl500, was his favourite merc
What a lovely old Merc! Hard top convertible and everything works. A few new buttons and hose work will sort it. Don't track this heavy beast. Ship it to Australia and quadruple your money.
Take that sweet RS3 to the track and advertise/sell some more raffle tix at Donnington. You will have a race track full of enthusiasts, willing to spend half a beer on a chance to win it.
Nice project ! Good luck in the future, I can't wait to see the next videos..
Looks well cared for, by the state of the paintwork though it look like it's visited a number of automated car washes sadly. Dont destroy this car Dean.
I'm glad I'm not the only one that thinks it's too nice to track, alot of car for the money!
I have SL500 project car in Hong Kong, I am really happy to see your video!!! 🤣 I think we can change the photo❤
Take the Focus out for the track day. Another great video👍
Hi from Dubai! Take the Merc. As you have discovered Mercedes, they know what they are doing. High quality products without bragging about it. Watch out though, the more you work on Mercs the more you appreciate them and before you know, you become Merc addict! Good luck!
Don't track it. it wont do well and you will be frustrated. Do it up and make someone's day as this is an aspirational / dream car for some people who want to do a road trip into Europe. Lovely colour combo!
If you're going on track surely you want to have fun R8 or Rs3 would definitely tick those boxes but the merc if you're cruising into the sun or a long road trip with you and the misses 😊
That’s a beauty ! Too good to track it. Replace the coolant and oil hoses and sell it 👌
It is too nice for a track day car. It deserve an epic road trip around Scotland.
I've had comline discs and pads on old reliable the mk 4.5 Mondeo for 18 months still no rust on the discs at all superb for the cost.
Like you said not a track car. I’d give it some TLC and take it for a scenic road trip. Like you said she’s a cruiser ! Looking forward to more videos
Very nice car. A female friend of mine had one of these. Cruising with the top down was so cool :)
Roof is pull back on the switch, not the buttons as that’s the wind deflector 😊
I would like to see everything fixed on this though and polished. So oil leak, coolent and that brake sensor so it's tip top. Then stick on compete for cars with a 99p ticket price! 👍
This SL500 is too good to put in the track, I'd fix all small things on it like the coolant hoses, the oil hoses, the pedal sensor and the small interior buttons and use for weekend :)
Get an E36 or an E46 for the track :)
PS my wife and I have just done the NC500 and what a joy it was. With national speed limit of 60 but more often than not 40-50 was the norm, plenty to see with wonderful driving roads. I have a Mercedes E Class S212 (Boat) and it never missed a beat, taking everything in its stride 👍🏻
Too nice for the track that Dean, especially with the buff up you did!! Maybe flip it for a few extra beer chits & take a Mk1 Octavia VRS (hatch or estate) round the track!! 😈
Very good engines when maintained. Got s500 with same engine, never problems and 250000 miles on.
What I would do is a fully service at the gearbox including gearbox flush - that brings the gearbox up to its best work! Greetings from Germany
Check the boot seals, I'll be amazed if the boot isnt wet which causes all sorts of issues!
I look forward to seeing this one. My father had one of the first Sl500 (2002) back in 2003/4. It was a wonderful car but very unreliable when it came to the electrics and leaky roof.
I have a much later R231 version from 2018 and itis the best car I have owned…it soothes and can thrill depending on how you drive it. It will not be sharp on the Nurburgring but it is wonderful everywhere else. It can also do amazing mileage on fuel…30+ is no problem at all. One thing that makes a huge difference…if you get creaks from the roof etc when you drive, clean the many rubber seals that surround the roof and boot panels…do it carefully and then use Autoglym Vinyl and Rubber care applied sparingly with a small soft cloth..like an interior dashboard wipe… are sure the mating surfaces are clean as well and then…not a creak to be heard! Those seals are super expensive and critical if they leak…check the boot floor very carefully as some scrapyard threatening electrics are in there! With a good Detail and service plus fix those leaks and it has to be £6495 any day!! Don’t track day it…but a brisk cruise with the top down and Airscarf on is magical! 😃😃😃😃
I have had an SL500 for the last 15 years. It is still almost as good as new and a delight to drive, particularly in S (sport) mode on twisty country roads. But it is essentially a Grand Tourer, not designed for a track day. I suggest that you use the Audi instead on the track.
Don't kill it fix all the issues change the throttle sensor anyway so it's done and replace those corroded oil lines, clean it up and flip it for a track weapon instead
Bought a bit of a gem there very rare in that condition 👏 wouldn't take it on track tho,service it clean it raffle it , someone will look after that ,great content as always 👍
Would say like lands end to John o groats trip can do a fuel tank video also views with a drone be ten ten 👀🤘🏻
Don't take this on a track day. But you could do a trip over to the autobahn! Take it home for a cruise. I used to drive home to UK from central Germany all the time. Just like driving to Scotland. Could do a nice trip in two days!
i have a Mercedes this Color and its a gorgeous, beautiful NIGHTMARE!!
looks amazing when polished and cleaned but lasts about 1.2 seconds clean then it shows every single spec of dust and gets scratched SOOOO easily
These are fabulous cruisers not track day cars. The two biggest problems with this car is the ABC suspension if it has it and the roof not nd water leaks from the roof ito the boot . Looks like your Ok with those, but just make sure its dry around the pump (pse)below roof pump in a sponge box below the pump and that there's not water in the spare wheel well . All these caused by roof seals going
Hi Dean. I think you got so lucky with this Car. She's lovely. You need to do the Lottery on the way home lol. Your so lucky. God I think it would be a shame to kill it on a track. It would never last to long. It would be a great car for someone with a good Polish. Well done bro. Keep up the Great Content..😅 🇨🇮🇨🇮
No smoke from the exhausts whatsoever on startup, impressive for a 20 year old car. Taking it round a track would be.. undignified. I would just fix the issues, service, valet, MOP and use it for the nc500.
I would service the diff& gearbox oil& filter aswell as they are temperamental.
Another great video, thank you! You've got an absolute bargain with this SL, will look stunning when Cut n Pasted. This car was massively desirable new, and would have cost a bomb. She has a good Service History and is a lovely spec. With a good Cherished plate would look old school class. Please DON'T rag her around a track, she's far too good for that. This is a majestic motor that should be respected. Rag one of your hot Audi/ Golf's! Spend a little on her, then put this gorgeous car in one of your raffles ( or sell it to an enthusiast)............PLEASE!
Bring the merc back to life to nice for track ,sort the leaks new hoses good polish and valet and use it mate ,350z for track 👍
When you've fixed any suspension issues, I will book mine in with you! Great content and variety!
It’s a 5 speed automatic. Track time is a waste of a sound car, that’s slow and not designed to corner at speed.
Enjoyed the video 👍👍
nice , i have a 2005 a class , paid 200 for it with 70k on the clock , i had it 5 years never let me down and gone through all mots no issues , best old car i have ever had , always wanted sl500 couldn't find a good one , so i stayed with my a class , until after xmas , then start looking again.
The start/stop button only works if you have the keyless go card. Yes. Card. If you don't, you might be able to upgrade to the newer system with keyless go integrated into the actual key. But that is really really expensive. And Mercedes takes forever to make that new key. I've been waiting 4 months now...
What is worrying is the hydraulic leak from the suspension. It's not air, obviously. And those hoses can be a rabbit hole situation. There is one of those hoses that even needs an engine out to swap.
Love the car, though. The price was a steal. If you take that elephant to the track, you'll have to fix the hydraulic first and then also swap the hydraulic accumulators so the system works properly. Because if it does, it is actually pretty good. Levels the car in corners even.
Worked in the motorfactor game going on 25 years..6 customers in the last few years have refused me supplying comline brake discs due to warping issues...play save a stick a set of apec in in lad
Keep the bargain bahnstormer for the NC500 in the springtime. Get a Focus RS for the track day. 😎
Looks so clean and original. Amazing for that price
Awesome car for the price. They’re still work a fair bit here in Australia. This car was literally the pinnacle of wealth back in the day. You’ve also got the ABC suspension which is fluid based not air based like the facelift.
New wheels update the radio and a good detail 😎👍🏻
Screw the track day Dean! That's a weekend away (somewhere nice) with the good lady trip!! I'm sure she'll agree! 👍 #BrowniePoints
Are you volunteering to look after Deans kids for the weekend??🤣
@@lemmy9996 🤣🤣🤣
Track car ? I would be happy to use that as my daily for a twenty year old car that was a surprise to see how nice it is don't do anything overboard with it keep it original and use it it as and when the feeling takes you
Take the air suspension off and fit coil overs saves weight and improves handling
Loved this video. I had a facelift SL350 which was mint for the 5 years I owned it and it was only sold because I came to live in Spain. What a stupid decision, I miss driving that car every day and the only reason not to buy a replacement is the 300% markup on second hand cars here.
As a Benz expert, I suggest you change the ABC filter & flush the fluid from the suspension system. If it fails the car is effectively totaled !
RS3 trackday FTW!
I have an R230 SL (2006 5,5), not my daily but I still love it - I think you should use another car for the track, be a shame to put that on a track. That oil leak is probably ABC / hydraulic fluid - possibly from the tandem ABC/PS pump. The engine itself looks clean & they're known for leaking from the valve cover gaskets but yours looks mint clean there. There's an oil cooler near the oil filler cap, they can leak from there - easy to see if thats leaking or not but I'd suggest checking the ABC fluid reservoir level (right hand side of engine bay) & look at the pump from beneath for wetness - bet it's that (a rebuilt pump is £480ish). The battery in the boot is for all of the accessories - the SL is heavy on that battery & that'll probably need a good test & replace it if it's not good. They're temperamental with a poor convenience / aux battery (odd things don't work well). Regular lead-acid, to fit, doesn't have to be Mercedes OEM - note: some battery suppliers have the starter as the larger one in the boot & the convenience / aux batter as the one under the bonnet. That info is WRONG (thus, NEVER jump-start it from the boot, it'll damage the BCM & they're not manufactured anymore & have to be repaired by ECU specialists at quite a high cost if that fails) The starter is the small one under the bonnet; your starter battery sounds mint - engine cranks just fine. The Start button on the gear knob *might* be an authentication thing between the keyfob & ecu; on keyless entry. Some owners replace the keyfob with the wrong variant (usually a cheap non-genuine one) - the car will start with key in ignition only but doors won't open keylessly (will from the button on the fob). You did get a message on the dash from what I saw in the video saying it didn't recognise the key. If the keyfob has only one battery - then the key is wrong for the car & that's probably why the button won't work - but it probably does - but with a proper keyfob (one of mine was swapped for a non-genuine cheap by former owner - & with that key, my car behaves just as yours does - with he OEM merch key - door's open when I touch the handle & start/stop button works perfectly.
These weren't a patch on the previous generation R129 which were vastly superior build and material quality, they are something to behold and what a Mercedes used to be.
There decent cars. Well made and you got a bargain .. the gas pedals are a problem on those I had a clk 280 and it had that problem .. now anc again it would play up . I had to turn the engine on anc off to to get going again .. in the end I had it fixed
For a track day I would of gone for SLK 320, The SL to much of a boat, but a great deal for £2,800, its for the highland 500 or a run to south of France car.
Dean brilliant you've got an sl I've got a sl350 looking forwards to seeing this I wouldn't take mine on a track haha but good in the sunshine.
John
Too good for the track. Take the Focus that was made for tracks!!
Very smart,I don’t really get the Range Rover thing it alway seems to over promise and under deliver,just get used to having a heavy heart and deep pockets
I don't think the track day is the best bet for the SL. I'd do the bits on it, get it to a proper derailer and save it for the NC500. Come summer you'll probably not lose money next year and sell it on after the trip.
As for a track day, I'm going to say Vauxhall Monaro. Just for the fun of it. Not sure you'll find one though.
Beware of the roof mechanism, it’s hydraulic pumps and when they fail you will have a lap full of hydraulic oil. Worth taking a look Dean
Sweet car for a really sweet price. Cheapest one for sale here in Sweden (without checking all sites) seems to be a bit over £11000 as far as I can make out. Most available cars seems to sell at about £15K-£20K though...
Mercedes is a long legged cruiser and not designed to be thrown around a track. Lovely car in great condition.
Insurance companies are incompetent, They write off cars too easily & then push the costs on to us . Great video
Don't take it on the track it's way too nice. That's a lush motor. Reckon you need a scooby for the track day... Or perhaps a challenge.. find an old Fiesta XR2 and get it track ready in 24 hours!! Keep up the good work... Love the channel
I would say that its not really suited for a track day. Perhaps get a cheap E46 330 or m3, one which needs the rear subframe mounts doing so its cheap and get the reinforcement kit, weld them in and make a nice little track toy :)
Hi do a MANUAL gearbox conversion BECAUSE Tavarish for got to do his manual gearbox conversion on his SL55 you will be the first on the R230 model to do a manual conversion plus it's a lot of content for you, BC Racing Coilovers, Remove weight from the car and put SL350 sway bars on the SL500, build a track weapon.