hey guys, so i really fell in love with the cl 500 and it seems like they can be had for high $$20s, low $$30s.
i was wondering how reliable a 2003 model would be? anything in particular to watch out for?

 

Watch out for the Airmatic not functioning propperly, in which the CL frequently falls and looks lower due to the Hydraulics malfunctioning.

I think MB fixed all the mistakes and problems of the W215 CL that was launched 2000/1, I have a relative that has a 2003 CL500 since for 4 years now and no single problem. make sure you get a warranty say for 1 year to cover up problems if they occur.

 

Engines seem bulletproof but mainly electrical problems. The problem with a purchase like that is you are trying to get a $90-100k car for the price of a Toyota Camry. The price of admission is cheap but the maintenance/repair costs are astronomical in comparison. Count on each and every repair being at least 4 digits. The S/CL from that gen of cars is considered by many to be some of the most problematic (electrically) that MB has ever made, my wife's car has had some repairs that would have been in the 5 digit range.

 

that is what i was afraid of. Electrical gremlins that would cost an arm and a leg to fix.
which would be a relatively reliable MB to get from around 02 -03? if any

 

I know that the R129 SL500 2001-2 were very reliable.

 

Whatever you do, stay away from the R129 SL600. Great car but the hydraulic suspension has been a major ORDEAL. $12k and counting! As a matter of fact, my car is going in again this week. The hydraulic pump won't freaking shut off.

 

those prices seem really low for 03,
i do see 00 and 01s in that price range.
good luck. sweet loooking nonetheless.

 

I think some arent optioned with the hydraulic suspension, I know a couple of people with 2001 SL500 and no problems with electronic or components.

 

i think all that came to usa were hydraulic suspension.

 

You can get a warranty that covers the ABC or any electrical item, even on a 2001. Cost should be around $2500 to $3000 for 2/24K. That price alone would offset the cost to fix the ABC pump.

 

Standard on the SL600, optional and not sure if it was even an option on the SL500.

 

Thank you for sharing, I love the R129 stlye.

I saw a SL60 R129 AMG 3 years ago in Munich it looked very sporty and sound's Brutal.

 

If you are looking for an 03 with less than 45k miles then you are looking at around 37 min at auction up to 42-3 at a dealership..
anything over 50 then you better buy a car that you can afford new..The maintenance will kill you otherwise on the cl