2003 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class consumer reviews

Four years ago, I bought a 2003 with 27,000 miles on it. I really like the color combination of Aegean Blue exterior and teal leather interior. And I'm very happy that I purchased an extended warranty! So far, the repairs total over $12,000. Suspension issues, battery charging issues, hydraulics for the top issues, rear main seal leak, etc. continue - all from driving the car about 2000 miles a year. But with the top down on a beautiful day, I tend to forget all of the negatives. It really is a wonderful car to drive, but it's also expensive to own.

The SL, S and Cl models of Mercedes come with whats called ABC hydraulic suspension that becomes very costly to fix. Between the pump, accumulators, valve blocks, ABC lines and other complex systems, you're looking at $1500+ each time you encounter an ABC issue. And thats hoping is something simple like an accumulator or a simple ABC flush. If the pump or struts go, you're looking at $3000+. Now, if you know a good indy mechanic you can probably get things fixed for half the cost considering most of the parts are now available on Ebay for cheap. They also have a coilover conversion kit to change your struts from ABC to regular springs and do away with ABC forever. I know quite a few people who did this and are happy with the ride etc...The car is fantastic and you'll have your wear and tear items that you will need to repair but the suspension has always been the main issue. These cars have become cheaper and cheaper over the years but most people forget the cost of ownership.

So I have had almost all high end cars, Jags, rovers, Porsche (12 of them), SL R129, R230 SL500, SL600 and SL55 (6 in the family) 4 were mine. CL63 and several BMWs. IF you folks think BMW are cheap to maintain then wait until you get a hold of an SL - its cheaper. So you have to do things such as oil, spark plugs, brake, steering and Hydraulic fluids. Other than that its a joke to maintain them. Key is they have to be maintained by previous owners. Remember these cars were appox$ 108K new, so they should be maintained and as we grow older it will have appeal to younger people. SL both 500 and 600 are comfortable these are GT cars. SL600 is faster than a Porsche 91-1 turbo from 2007. (3.6) seconds per R/T. I had 91-1 convertibles 2001 and 2009, nice and the engine sounds good but too noisy for wife or for daily driving if you can sell a C2S cab for 54K and get into a used 03-05 SL for avg. of 17K then why not.... I say get a coupe P 91_1 and get a SL500 for daily, summer and fall driving. If it is garaged, maintained and clean go get one.

Dont mean to sound sexists, but my SL 500, well she's like a hottt super model, beautiful to look at, great fun to ride.. but every time I get in her, she costs me money.

The weak link in the 2003-2007 SL500 is the suspension. When its working right the car drives and handles amazing. But when the ABC light comes on watch out. The system is VERY complex and has lots of expensive parts. Some parts are no longer available new so the local junk man has you in his grip. Most of the time the problems can be fixed for a few thousand but sometimes its more and if you take it too the dealer .....$$$$$. The car is fun and sexy but before you buy one make sure you have a good local guy who knows the cars super well. And for gosh sakes make sure you have someone look at it before you purchase it also.

I have the 2003 SL 55 AMG with just over 50k miles. Its funny how some reviews of the SL 55 AMG have numerous problems and some seem to have very few or no problems. I'm one of the lads who has had nothing but a great experience after my first 15 months in. This car is a joy to drive. It gets a ton of heads turning. The only issue I have had was changing the tires and rims and the TPMS had an issue resetting. The Mercedes Dealer wanted $1,500 for new sensors installed. So, I purchased a manual gauge at O'Reillys and take career of it that way. Although, I check every week, I have never lost any pressure. The best way is to do a visual of your tires anyway. Great fun. Wonderful ride for short jaunts and long drives.

Bought an eleven year old low mileage 2003 SL500, so far only two malfunctioned lights have come on (brakes and electricity off line, and the a/c does not seem to work.)

Excellent car to drive, fun and exciting. Must see and test drive the car to feel the responsiveness and control of this car.

first of all, this site is so ez to use! very friendly! and this car is in great shape. i am going to hovey's to test drive it. now i know what to expect! thanx cars.com. rob

wunderfull car for people with money in backround. every ride you have a big smile. enjoy it! The engine is perfect, handling perfect. My next car will be also a SL.