# Potential problems **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** mercedes-benz, sl-class\ **Created:** [July 19, 2010, 4:59pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/potential-problems/52116 "2010-07-19T16:59:06Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![harrry](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a88e4f/32.png) [@harrry](https://community.cartalk.com/u/harrry)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2010, 4:59pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/potential-problems/52116/1 "2010-07-19T16:59:06Z")
considering buying 2003 mercedes benz SL500, has anyone had bad experiences with this car ---
**Author:** ![texases](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/texases/32/862_2.png) [@texases](https://community.cartalk.com/u/texases)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2010, 6:12pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/potential-problems/52116/2 "2010-07-19T18:12:26Z")
They’re average to ‘worse than average’ on Consumer Reports. If you buy it expecting maintenance costs that go with an $80k car with average reliability, that’s ok. Don’t expect Lexus-type reliability. The most common ‘problem’ with these is a lack of maintenance. Only consider one that has a fully documented (that you have inspected) maintenance history. Often they’re on their 3rd or 4th owner, and are neglected. ---
**Author:** ![harrry](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a88e4f/32.png) [@harrry](https://community.cartalk.com/u/harrry)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2010, 7:09pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/potential-problems/52116/3 "2010-07-19T19:09:44Z")
the one that I’m looking at has had only 1 owner and has all maintenance records, appears to be in excellent condition and the price seems very good. Also, the owner says I can take it to the local mercedes dealer and have it looked at. It does have recent inspection. I do have 2004 lexus LS430 and your right, it is very good on maintenance. Under these conditions I just described do you think this is a safe bet ---
**Author:** ![texases](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/texases/32/862_2.png) [@texases](https://community.cartalk.com/u/texases)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2010, 7:32pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/potential-problems/52116/4 "2010-07-19T19:32:29Z")
Sure sounds reasonable, given a clean bill of health from the dealer (have them review the maintenance history, too). Of course, any 7-year-old car (especially one as complex as a top-of-the-line MB) can have unexpected problems. You might post your question on a MB SL forum, I bet you’ll get several answers from owners of that exact model. ---
**Author:** ![harrry](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a88e4f/32.png) [@harrry](https://community.cartalk.com/u/harrry)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2010, 7:40pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/potential-problems/52116/5 "2010-07-19T19:40:46Z")
how would I find MB SL forum ---
**Author:** ![texases](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/texases/32/862_2.png) [@texases](https://community.cartalk.com/u/texases)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2010, 7:45pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/potential-problems/52116/6 "2010-07-19T19:45:00Z")
Google ‘Mercedes SL forum’. That SL is often referred to by its platform label, R230. ---
**Author:** ![jtsanders](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c2a13f/32.png) [@jtsanders](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jtsanders)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2010, 7:38pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/potential-problems/52116/7 "2010-07-23T19:38:13Z")
MSN Autos says that there is an occasional problem with the mass air flow sensor. They estimate the repair cost at $300. They give it their highest reliability rating. If it has been well maintained, you should get many years of enjoyment.