A few concerns to address, the first is ABC active body control is a concern for this car. I own Phone Doctor in Frederick Maryland and hardware tech is my passion so I want to give my feedback. I love the classy lines of the exterior. The interior is equally elegant and tasteful without gaudy disco lights. I was mesmerized into test driving a 2005 SL500 because my daily driver is a 2001 Mercedes s600. The audio system is lackluster, next weakness is the headlights, but the biggest problem is the ABC (active body control) hydraulic suspension. The audio system is disappointing and leaves me feeling flaccid but I’m used to twelve inches of JL systems shimmed into my high school hoopties. The audio system is not the deal-breaker for this $90,000 machine. And the mediocre headlights can be remedied with aftermarket auxiliary lights. The biggest weakness is the high performance suspension system. Mercedes likes to call it ABC (active body control). The hydraulic pump, seals, and mechanical moving parts gets weak and loses its performance anywhere between 80,000 to 150,000 miles. It’ll cost just as much to replace the ABC system than it does to purchase your 2nd hand sl500. If you’re in the market for one make sure you have an extra $20,000 in socked up before you drop your drawers and plop $15k on your first SL500. A dream ride with one last caveat: This car will draw a lot of attention from single ladies!

My 2005 sl has been nothing but great! The inerior is just about perfect, and the exterior shines better than new. ONE notoriours problem is with the leveling system. Mine as others started to sink to the left when garaged..yikes! I was quoted around $3500 to fix it, but I found a great mechanic to do this for $800 including other maintenence. Thus car handles like a dream. Top up or down, it has great appeal and I cant tell you with way Iike it best. You can steal one of these cheap too..but make sure the owner kept it nice! My interior is perfect, yet Ive seen others quite shabby.

My Sunday beach runner for two. Hard top/convertible, perfect for senior single to do day trips to the coast with a pal. While the maintenance will be a little higher, its perfect for a used grand touring roadster and so far its a blast and have had no issues. Certified Benz and Beemer, Scottsdale did a complete certification inspection and prep job. Out the door for under $20k.