1994 sl600

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Have done really well with same era W124s but I imagine the SL600 is a completely different car. What are some common things to look for? Are they reliable like a 94 E320? Or?

[greglepore]

I have a '96. The engine itself is dead nuts reliable. The pre 96 cars, though, have some things to be aware of-the well known wiring issues. The main harnesses hopefully have been done (look for receipts or delphi tags). But even if they are, a couple things lurk-the throttle body actuator wiring degrades; also, all 600s had ads, and i can tell you from experience that even the later cars have early ads harnesses, and they crumble, as does the wiring at the valve body. It can all be redone, but is tedious. The shocks are reliable, but the spheres are a maintenance item every 60-80k. Mine was converted to standard suspension after spending $$$ trying to sort it.
All 600's eat motor mounts and trans mounts-not a major issue but something to be aware of.
If the valve cover gasket is seeping, keep in mind that the manifold has to come off, along with all of the injectors and their wiring. Also, deep in the v is coax for the knock sensors, don't disturb it if possible as the insulation cracks and the coax is nla.
The top cyls will need to be done at some point if they haven't. Top Hydraulics, under 1k exchange for parts, but its 15 hrs diy.
I had a 95 e320 previously. My 600, apart from the top stuff and the ads, has been mechanically as sound, but its a 96. Other things that changed are the mafs and engine management, the later mafs are avail from china for 40 bucks and work, the earlier ones not. The 94 still has 2 distributors and plug wires, the later are c.o.p.
Radiators have plastic end caps on all, but there are full alu replacements available.
The biggest problem with these 90's MB's is that MB is not the company it once was in terms of parts support, discontinuing stuff that they used to carry forever. While there are some parts available in the aftermarket, not all.
If you want to do a deep dive, feel free to pm me and I'll shoot you a phone #

[masraum]

Originally Posted by greglepore

I have a '96. The engine itself is dead nuts reliable. The pre 96 cars, though, have some things to be aware of-the well known wiring issues. The main harnesses hopefully have been done (look for receipts or delphi tags). But even if they are, a couple things lurk-the throttle body actuator wiring degrades; also, all 600s had ads, and i can tell you from experience that even the later cars have early ads harnesses, and they crumble, as does the wiring at the valve body. It can all be redone, but is tedious. The shocks are reliable, but the spheres are a maintenance item every 60-80k. Mine was converted to standard suspension after spending $$$ trying to sort it.
All 600's eat motor mounts and trans mounts-not a major issue but something to be aware of.
If the valve cover gasket is seeping, keep in mind that the manifold has to come off, along with all of the injectors and their wiring. Also, deep in the v is coax for the knock sensors, don't disturb it if possible as the insulation cracks and the coax is nla.
The top cyls will need to be done at some point if they haven't. Top Hydraulics, under 1k exchange for parts, but its 15 hrs diy.
I had a 95 e320 previously. My 600, apart from the top stuff and the ads, has been mechanically as sound, but its a 96. Other things that changed are the mafs and engine management, the later mafs are avail from china for 40 bucks and work, the earlier ones not. The 94 still has 2 distributors and plug wires, the later are c.o.p.
Radiators have plastic end caps on all, but there are full alu replacements available.
The biggest problem with these 90's MB's is that MB is not the company it once was in terms of parts support, discontinuing stuff that they used to carry forever. While there are some parts available in the aftermarket, not all.
If you want to do a deep dive, feel free to pm me and I'll shoot you a phone #

Holy carp! I got a headache just reading that. LOL.

I've always thought the SLs (all years) were great looking cars. And the SL600 is a sexy beast, at least in theory. But wow!

[greglepore]

Originally Posted by masraum

Holy carp! I got a headache just reading that. LOL.

I've always thought the SLs (all years) were great looking cars. And the SL600 is a sexy beast, at least in theory. But wow!

Ehh, its not really that bad. All cars have issues-I just laid most of them out. All 90-94 Benz have the wiring issues in one way or another, thank the Green party.
Compared to a an early aughts BMW, piece o' cake.

[Dan J]

Not with a ten foot pole

[911boost]

Paging Slow&Rusty, he has one of these I think.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Originally Posted by greglepore

I have a '96. The engine itself is dead nuts reliable. The pre 96 cars, though, have some things to be aware of-the well known wiring issues. The main harnesses hopefully have been done (look for receipts or delphi tags). But even if they are, a couple things lurk-the throttle body actuator wiring degrades; also, all 600s had ads, and i can tell you from experience that even the later cars have early ads harnesses, and they crumble, as does the wiring at the valve body. It can all be redone, but is tedious. The shocks are reliable, but the spheres are a maintenance item every 60-80k. Mine was converted to standard suspension after spending $$$ trying to sort it.
All 600's eat motor mounts and trans mounts-not a major issue but something to be aware of.
If the valve cover gasket is seeping, keep in mind that the manifold has to come off, along with all of the injectors and their wiring. Also, deep in the v is coax for the knock sensors, don't disturb it if possible as the insulation cracks and the coax is nla.
The top cyls will need to be done at some point if they haven't. Top Hydraulics, under 1k exchange for parts, but its 15 hrs diy.
I had a 95 e320 previously. My 600, apart from the top stuff and the ads, has been mechanically as sound, but its a 96. Other things that changed are the mafs and engine management, the later mafs are avail from china for 40 bucks and work, the earlier ones not. The 94 still has 2 distributors and plug wires, the later are c.o.p.
Radiators have plastic end caps on all, but there are full alu replacements available.
The biggest problem with these 90's MB's is that MB is not the company it once was in terms of parts support, discontinuing stuff that they used to carry forever. While there are some parts available in the aftermarket, not all.
If you want to do a deep dive, feel free to pm me and I'll shoot you a phone #

Great information, thank you Greg! I'm going to see it on Sunday.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Originally Posted by Dan J

Not with a ten foot pole

Hey Dan, I'll give you a call tomorrow afternoon.

[greglepore]

Originally Posted by Shaun @ Tru6

Great information, thank you Greg! I'm going to see it on Sunday.

Cool. The good news is that every surface inside the car is leather. They scoot pretty well. The brake pedal is looong. Normal. So Fritz could feather it. Plenty of brakes, but way, way down there. You can put on larger rotors and 4 piston calipers from the 2000+ cars, may or may not need lca change, mine didn't.

[slow&rusty]

Originally Posted by 911boost

Paging Slow&Rusty, he has one of these I think.

Thanks @911boost.

I actually own a '98 SL500 with the SL1 Package and Pano roof which comes with the AMG body kit and the 18" staggered mono-blocks (and Xenon headlights). My car has 85k miles.

I have a close friend that owns two Series 2 (post 1997) SL600s one with 105k miles and the other with 30k mikes, both cars have been good to own.

@greglepore did a great job summarizing ownership and what I've heard and read from other SL600 owners.

On my SL500, it has been a fantastic car to own. I am into year 5 of ownership and it has been an incredibly reliable car. Nothing but praise on how it drives. The 4-cam 32V M119 (320hp) while not as powerful as the mighty M120 V12 (389hp), pulls the car along with ease and has good power no matter the gear or speed. I've never had a problem with the hydraulic cylinders for the top or the roll bar.

The Series 2 cars has a better HVAC system as well (noteworthy point) and my car has great AC and heat. The build quality of these cars are incredible as well, fit, finish and they have aged extremely well.

I bought a V8 as it is an easier engine to work on in terms of getting your hands into tight spaces, it is easier on the wallet both maintenance and fuel costs and the V8 still has plenty of performance.

@Shaun @ Tru6 - I might be selling my SL in the near future if you're interested in a V8 vs a V12.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Hey Yasin, your car like all of your others is drop dead gorgeous. I still need to come to TX to pick up a transmission, probably this fall, I'll let you know when, would be great to meet.

[greglepore]

Originally Posted by Shaun @ Tru6

Great information, thank you Greg! I'm going to see it on Sunday.

So? Whaddya think?

[Shaun @ Tru6]

I didn't go and see it Greg. Talked with Dan and then sat down and went through all my projects and decided to put the SL600 money into a languishing 2.7RS engine build, namely get all of the MFI restored for it. Have had everything needed to build the motor for year now and winter's coming up so seemed like a better investment.

[greglepore]

Investment wise, good call.

[Heel n Toe]

Shaun, is the 928 still making progress these days?

https://forums.pelicanparts.com/off-topic-discussions/881341-cure-happiness.html

[Shaun @ Tru6]

I was making progress but then found I needed new wrist pins. Pins and rods are still at the machine shop.

[sc_rufctr]

The MB cars of this era are great. My daily is a 1992 Mercedes-Benz W140 S420 and I've enjoyed new car reliability for more than 5 years.
Not bad considering I paid $4,000 for it. (That and an addition 3k to fix various issues.)

"05-04-2017" > W140 As a daily?

However compared to a SL600 my car is simple.

Shared without comment.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Sending a harness system to Kroon would be the first thing I would do in November (car put away for winter) if I ever bought one of these. I can't say exactly but would probably be well under $1500 based on their 911 harnesses and most likely better made than anything his friend could make.

[Nostril Cheese]

Right out of high school, I worked for a MBZ dealer. I'd deliver and swap dealer inventory all over California.

I remember driving new SL600s quite well. Was a joy to drive.