2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Consumer Discussions

Mercedes-Benz SL and SLK (all models)

Re: 2005 MB SL500 [zeaman]

Written by: spiritinthesky on Mar 17, 2006 00:12 PM

"Help me understand. What's going on with these cars that once were wait-listed, and sold above sticker?" The interest has definitely worn off. Part of it is the general decline in Mercedes reliability and build quality. My not so prudent brother-in-law bought an 2004 SL55 at over sticker, had numerous problems to the point that Mercedes gave him a new one and ... Read More...

Re: 2004 SL500 Feedback Request [BSS]

Written by: spiritinthesky on Aug 03, 2005 06:11 AM

This is probably not what you want to hear: buy a new Porsche 911 instead. My brother in law bought a 2004 SL500 new, had numersous problems with it in the first 90 days and then traded it, for full credit, on a new SL55. The SL55 was better for the first 6 months, but then had transmission problems and several minor annoyances (nav system screen, power mirrors didn't ... Read More...

Re: Mercedes Nut [shoes]

Written by: clk430c on Jun 11, 2005 03:34 AM

Hi, I'm new to this forum and would appreciate your help. I'm in the market for a 2004 SL55. I've got the brochures from 2003-2005. I know, starting in 2004, they went to a 7-Speed Automatic Transmission. And I know, starting in 2005, the Nav. System is done as a DVD. But, what I'm really trying to learn is what the differences are among the 3 years. In other words, what ... Read More...

new purchase

Written by: rking1118 on Jun 27, 2004 10:17 PM

Hello everyone. I just traded my 2000 Jaguar XK8 in for a new 2004 SL500. With almost 60,000 miles on my Jag it was seeming to spend almost as much time in the shop as it was in my driveway. I hope to have better luck with the Mercedes although reading these recent post's it seems that I may have some challenges ahead. I did test drive the Lexus convertible as being a Toyota ... Read More...

Mercedes Quality

Written by: shoes on Mar 24, 2004 03:45 PM

I too have had good luck with Mercedes and have owned 14 of them. The 2004 SL500 I have now is just about perfect. I must admit though that the early SL500 and SL55 had some teething pains with the brakes. My 2003 E55 also seemed to be developing problems right around 6,000 miles. Read More...

Panoramic Roof option on new SLK?

Written by: lovesxmradio on Mar 21, 2004 09:46 PM

Hi, Can anyone tell me if they have read anything about a Panoramic Glass Roof option available on the new second generation SLK model? I'm referring to the stationary glass panel in the retractable metal roof panel complete with sunshade much like the one available on the SL 500 series? I'm looking into buying a 2004 SLK Special Edition, but may wait if I find this ... Read More...

Transmission may also be the culprit

Written by: shoes on Feb 10, 2004 11:00 AM

Hey sillydriver, even though you ordered the SL600, doesn't mean you have to buy it. Ask the dealer to let you take it for a long test drive before plunking down the dough. I think the five speed transmission without the AMG shift point changes may be the reason the car feels sluggish. There is no question in my mind that Mercedes built the SL600 for an older audience ... Read More...

I flipped one too

Written by: shoes on Feb 09, 2004 11:15 AM

I think people are flipping the SL55 because the build quality on the early ones is not great. The 2004 SL500 I now own is much better than either the 2003 SL500 or the 2003 SL55 that I used to own. Problem areas were brakes and fuel pump noises. Mercedes has made it clear to me that they won't be bringing any AMG wagons to the US where wagons don't sell as well as in Europe. Read More...

Mercedes has all my money

Written by: shoes on Feb 02, 2004 10:52 AM

Look, I am not a rich guy- Mercedes has all my money. OK, I will admit, I have gone a little overboard on Mercedes lately. I have not heard confirmation on the SLR nose for the SL in 2005, but we should know in March when Mercedes tells its dealers about the next model year. I would be happy just to know if Mercedes will finally offer satellite radio in all the cars that ... Read More...

no title

Written by: merc1 on Dec 25, 2002 09:49 PM

The "Domestics" have always had the Viper and Corvette and they still haven't dented the Euro crowd's supercars' appeal or anything else. The Viper is too hot, literally. The Vette is well a Vette, it gets no respect from that crowd. Ferrari, Porsche, Aston Martin, Lamborghini aren't in the least bit worried. As far as the Japanese doing anything, Toyota is the ... Read More...