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Thread: 2004/2005 SL500 (R230)

  1. #1
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    2004/2005 SL500 (R230)

    Is it a crazy idea for me to buy one of these? It's pretty much the only post-2000 Merc that I really like the looks of, and I know the owner.

    While the car would be cheap, I appreciate that maintenance won't be cheap, and I'd probably have to upgrade the head unit. Maybe I'll just go all the way and put a Lorinser bodykit on it, chrome surrounds around the lights, ground-effect lighting, 20" deep-dish rims...

    OK, I kid. But I'm considering doing it, to add to my collection of mid-2000s cars. I really prefer a lot of stuff put out during that period to some of the stuff produced over the last 5-7 years.

  2. #2
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    Ask here: http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/t...nmt=#seperator as there are loads and loads of owners and experts. The main Mercedes section will have loads of info too.

    Also, http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=1131392

  3. #3
    Expert daydreamer SkylineObsession's Avatar
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    The R230 is pretty much the best looking Merc to me, and i'm hoping to one day own an SL55. Could buy four R32 Skyline GT-R's for that money (seen a few for 80k NZD, they came out here at 200k...) , but that Merc is just mega nommy. And take the speed limiter off it and it'll do the exact same speed as a Ferrari F50 (my ultimate dream car), 202mph/325km/h.

    The 500 still looks pretty much the same. Remove the badges, chuck on a push button supercharger whine and you'll have a 55. Unless you're happy with the 500, then just ignore what i wrote.
    Last edited by SkylineObsession; October 4th, 2015 at 04:11 PM.

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    Thanks Alan.

    Given that I can lose my licence in a Micra I doubt I'll need an SL55.

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    US$7500 was spent on routine maintenance of it last year (including shocks, so I suppose the ABC) and the licence fee every year is around US$1,500 due to the engine size, so it's not a particularly good idea for what would be, in effect, a fourth car that (once the rent for another parking space is included) would cost me the equivalent of 75% of one child's annual school fees.

    A Honda S660, or an Elise, would seem to make much more sense for open-air thrills.

  6. #6
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    I've never been a big fan of the SLs, but from casual reading on various forums I understand they are pretty reliable. I think the big bugaboo - as always - is the adjustable suspension. Generally reliable, but not a lifetime component and $$$ when it fails. All cars that feature this stuff end up costing like $1k per corner. I think the only other major specific to the SL are the roof seals. Without care they fail and let the interior get wet, which ruins expensive electronics. Given a garaged, sunshine-only car it may not be an issue.

    Not sure whether an Elise is a better or worse car, but it's definitely a different car. After several experiments I'm definitely more of a 4-place convertible person. I'd take a CLK or a Mustang over an SL or an Elise for the convertible factor. I want a fixed hardtop for a sports car of any type.

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    Is this Steve Jobs' car?

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    Pretty sure he doesn't have a car anymore. Not legally, anyway. California does not recognize rotting corpses.

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    I meant is this the same kinda car he's been leasing every few months to avoid having a real license plate?

  10. #10
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    Yeah, well, with costs like that I might as well spend the money on other stuff. It'll also only get more expensive as time passes. What do you mean by a 4 place convertible though? 4 seat? I already have the brz as a tiny 4 seater...

    And yes, I think it was the model he used to lease and release to avoid having a number plate.

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