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Mercedes-Benz SL and SLK (all models)

786 messages,  Last post on Jul 24, 2012 at 10:07 AM

You are in the Mercedes-Benz SL/SLK-Class Forum.

What is this discussion about? Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, Convertible

Messages Page 70 of 79

#688 of 786 speed shift issue with SL55 AMG by cosito1

Jun 19, 2006 (3:21 pm)

I just recently bought a 2006 SL 55 AMG. I know my question might be out of context to the topic at hand , however I will try just in case.
The problem has to do with the manumatic -speed shifting .
This car has 5 speed and 3 settings , comfort , sport , and ,manual . the manual can be done by pressing buttons on the back of the steering wheel or by tipping the shifter to the left or right.
This trans, in manual is crazy , say you want to take a 2nd gear turn, you come on 5 hit the downshift button 3 times (spaced) and the software which has a mind of its own chooses 1st gear instead.
It is certainly not a sequential shifter .
  
I am wondering if any of you has experienced the same with any Mercedes with manumatic.

#689 of 786 Need to decide - 500SL/320/300 by dispencer1

Jun 24, 2006 (6:12 pm)

I've asked this question before with no response. I need some advice. I'm looking for around a 1990-1995 SL. Which one would be the best to buy based on reliability? All of them seem to fall in the $12,000-18,000 price range for a good one with records, original paint (a must) and relatively low mileage. I don't care whether I have a 6 or 8. I understand there have been issues with the 5 speed automatics. This is the info I need.
Help me out so I can start nailing down what to look for.

#690 of 786 Re: Need to decide - 500SL/320/300 [dispencer1] by cosito1

Jun 25, 2006 (4:43 am)

Replying to: dispencer1 (Jun 24, 2006 6:12 pm)
I had a V6 and a V8 .There is a world of diference between the two . I beg you not to buy the V6 , it is very , very slow , also it starts on 2nd gear unless you hammer the throttle .You will be frustrated . The V8 on the other hand is much better and has better resale value
Had no problems with the transmission .
I hope this helps.

#691 of 786 Re: Need to decide - 500SL/320/300 [cosito1] by dispencer1

Jun 25, 2006 (7:45 am)

Replying to: cosito1 (Jun 25, 2006 4:43 am)
Thanks very much for the advice. There are more 500SLs around anyway so I'll concentrate on those. I'm not worried about the lack of speed though. This will simply be a fun car for weekends and for detailing -not a daily driver. I have other cars for daily chores and road trips. I'm glad the 5 speed automatic was not a problem though.

#692 of 786 Need to decide by jmancini

Jun 28, 2006 (9:13 pm)

I have been looking, test driving, looking, etc. for close to a year now for my perfect SL500. I would only go with the 500 as those engines are pretty much bulletproof. The price differential between the 300/320 and the 500 is minimal.
 
Keep in mind the 5 speed electronic transmission didn't start until 1996. From 1990-95 they were 4 speed hydraulic, which worked fine but a little slow on the downshift.
 
The V8 engine used until 1999 was a 4 valve, DOHC V8 that was replaced in 1999 with a 3 valve per cylinder, SOHC. The earlier engines pack 322hp with 353 +/- ft lb. torque vs. 302 hp / 339 lbs. torque. Not much difference, but still. (Please excuse me if I am off a little on hp/torque #'s). Suffice it to say these cars move.
 
You can view the production run of the R129 in three phrases: 1990-95; 1996-98; 1999-2002. IMHO, while not taking anything away from any year of the SL R129 run, I have focused on the years of 1996-1998 in my search.

#693 of 786 Re: Need to decide [jmancini] by dispencer1

Jun 29, 2006 (3:53 pm)

Replying to: jmancini (Jun 28, 2006 9:13 pm)
The 1990 300SL had a 5 speed automatic. The 500SL had the 4 speed. I understand that the 4 speed was more dependable. Thanks for the advice. I'm going to look for a 500SL.

#694 of 786 1977 450SL Mercedes Convertible by jomano

Jun 23, 2006 (11:57 am)

I have been looking for a 450SL for a couple years and just found one online, in CT (the car is originally from CA--emissions sticker claims). The car is in really good shape (almost no cosmetic problems) with 170K miles and the seller claims it runs well. Would someone with knowledge of these cars let me know if you think $5900 asking price is okay for the year and mileage. The prices are ALL over the place. Also, can anyone make a suggestion on if I should look for something specific in the engine, etc.... I'm not a mechanic. Is 170K too many miles? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

#695 of 786 I have similar thoughts by marsha7

Jul 13, 2006 (6:46 pm)

to the posters above...I am contemplating a SL500, 1996-1998...quick check of KBB brought prices of about 20-25K, unless I made some major (minor?) mistake...
 
Anything specific to these models to be on the lookout for???...I have admired Benzes for years, dreamed about owning one, now dreaming further...
 
Since the cars are 8-10 years old, should I expect to find about 100K miles on the odo, and is that the point of just breaking in the engine, or am I preparing for major problems in the near future...
 
Do the convertible soft tops seal well against the frame for rain/wind leakage???...are these the cars Mercedes made when their reputation was bulletproof, or was this the beginning of the "quality downslide?"...
 
What routine maintenance items should I anticipate after 100K miles, such as alternator, water pump, starter, fuel pump, etc., or are these items good for 150K or more???
 
Are my quoted prices correct, or am I way off in what I should expect???
 
Were Xenon headlamps a stand alone option, or part of a sport package, and would you recommend the sport package for better handling or is it simply too rough???
 
Your thoughts and feedback are welcome...maybe my dream can come true in the near to medium future...

#696 of 786 I seem to remember by marsha7

Jul 15, 2006 (1:13 pm)

a long time ago, that there was a website, maybe Mercedes own site, maybe an independent sit, that would list each year and model, and, like a brochure of that year, would list the various options, exterior and interior colors that were available in that year...
 
I am trying to determine the colors that the 1996-1998 SL500 came in...if I had my druthers, I would like exterior of Navy blue or silver, and interior leather of charcoal gray or navy blue (light color interiors, to me, show dirt and grime easily, colors like white or tan, whereas navy blue/gray/black does not look bad after 50-100K miles of wear...
 
Your thoughts and recos are appreciated...

#697 of 786 2007 SL 550 by thedonclk

Jul 22, 2006 (2:44 pm)

Replying to: mbdcasey (Feb 24, 2002 9:15 am)
Does anyone know the residual value on this car? I'm looking to lease one around May when my lease on my CLK 500 is up... Anyone paying a good price on this car leased per month?
 
Thanks!

Messages Page 70 of 79

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