Introduction and some questions

[sunir]

Hello Benzworld...I am looking to purchase a 2003 SL500 this week. The car has approx 36K miles and is out of warranty. I have a few questions to ask you folks...

1) Warranty: Well reading some of these threads seems like the Daimler-Chrysler warranty is well liked, correct? Are there others? heard some things about exclusionary policies as being desirable as well. How about an extended warranty from the dealer (our local one in Maryland is EuroMotorcars)...it's pretty expensive at close to or above $4K and is available on CPO and used out of warrnty cars it seems (PLUS deductable)... Here's what the dealer said:

PLATINUM COVERAGE (ESSENTIALLY BUMPER TO BUMPER) WITH A $200.00 DEDUCTIBLE PER OCCURRENCE

3 YEARS FROM TODAY UP TO 75,000 MILES - $3733.00
3 YEARS FROM TODAY UP TO 100,000 MI - 4492.00
4 YEARS FROM TODAY UP TO 75,000 MILES 3862.00
4 YEARS FROM TODAY UP TO 100,000 MI - 4645.00


2) What to look for: I drove the car and it felt very good and the functions (roof, leveling, sport mode, etc...seemed to work fine) ...but are there areas that I should be concerned about. Doing research here on the R230 forum seems like gass tank baffle, seat belt, brake recall are some of the things I've run accross...how do I check for those, and how do I make sure that I'm ready if they happen?

3) Anything else that I've missed in terms of the used SL500 buying woes,...any other advice good or bad. This is my first MB so I'm hoping to have a good experience. I've always found this car to be one I wanted to own and enjoy for some time and am looking forward to driving it. I appreciate in advance any helpful information you folks can provide.

Thank you very much and I look forward to learning a lot from everyone here...

Sunir

[funnyguy1]

Just my 2 cents, but I also did quite a bit of research when I started shopping and after reading many blogs and forums I decided to go with a 2005. Newer 6 speed tranny and many of the problems of the 2003 worked out. My quote from Daimler Chrysler was about $1,600 for 3 years. You most definately want a warranty. Good luck!

[Lee Wireless]

I agree with funnyguy1. I was also looking at a 2003 for my wife to replace aher ML320 at Fort Myers MB and was told by the salesman and shop foreman to pass and go for a least an 05. Seems the 03 had been purchased 4 times in 07 and traded back to the same dealer each time. I did my research and did just that. The warranty is a must have unless you have large pockets. I even bought the extended MB warranty from the dealer. I know this makes you feel bad but compare the differences between the two years and I'm sure you will see our point. Good luck.

[sunir]

too late, already commited to the seller on the deal and got the car. Got a great deal and love driving it....it drives great (fingers crossed so far)! So what's the next step...purchase a warranty right...how about the Diamler Chrysler one? Any others worth taking a look at.

PS. driving on a nice day with the top down in this car alone is worth the price of admission! So far I'm really liking my R230

[CL600TT]

congrats on the awesome buy man!! Im 10 min from Euromotorcars, let me know if you are interested in some local meets etc. jason@gemsbyjwade.com

[lseguy]

Congrats. I work in Bethesda. Im not an owner yet, but doing my homework. I've read where a 2004 (7 speed transmission that wasnt available in 2003) is a recommended choice for my price range of upper 30's. (If I shop carefully and drive a hard bargain).
I too am trying to find out what to look for during my inspections. Every car has known spots to look for, and that's what I'm after. There is currently a 2004 Sl500 on ebay that is in Alabama. Looks GREAT and the asking price is $37k. I'd order a full inspection at a local dealer down there before pulling the trigger, but wondering if anyone has any advice/input.

[sunir]

CL600TT and Iseguy ...looking forward to meeting you guys and hopefully some more folks at a meet nearby and learning more about these cars...I think ´05 was the first year of the 7sp trans...I drove an 06 and my 03 and there didn't seem to be much of a difference that I noticed so I went on price and which one I liked better...loved the black one with the amg wheels and sport package so I went for that one and the deal was better. There#s a lot to learn about the car, but drivng with the top down is great! I'm in Austria now after being in Munich for the last 2 days...here with my bro, he just took deliver on his bimmer and we were on the autobahn all day!! Grinning!

[sunir]

I'm planning on going to Bethesda and stopping by Euromotorcars Wed if you guys are around we should meet up...lemme know.