Just wondering what people are paying for annual maintenance on their SL's that are out of warranty. The decision is whether to get extended warranty from an outside insurance company or to wing it once the warranty expires ? Will probably go with the external warranty, but am wondering what people are paying these days for the upkeep of their SL.

And, it's an excellent idea to have an SL forum.

Ed

I purchased my '97 SL last June with believe this.......7200 garage covered, pampered, miles on it. The car was on the showroom floor, and my dealer called me on the phone. My dealership is excellent and really puts customer satisfaction first. I purchased the car sight unseen, and as described, was in PRISTINE condition. I lucked out as it was also the color I wanted, (smoke silver with a dark brown soft top). The hard top was never off the car since new, as was delivered new Christmas, 1997. I purchased the Starmark warrenty with the car and am glad I did as I understand these cars can be expensive to maintain once the warrenty terminates. This is especially true for the 600. I looked for quite sometime at the SL's and had my dealer on the lookout as well. However, my dealership will not sell any preowned Mercedes unless it meets the following conditions: That the car is in impeccible condition, and that the car was originally purchased and serviced there. All their pre-owned cars are on the showroom floor and defy detection from the new cars. So when I purchased my car, I felt quite confident and the car speaks for itself.
As far as an outside warrenty, I know that they have limitations and be sure to know what exactly is and is not covered. Depending if you are looking, or purchasing a SL, check out your dealer or have him look for you....you then can purchase a Starmark Warrenty with the car. Enjoy the Forum! :D

Mine was purchased second hand as well. It's still under warranty and I have another year left. However, when it is just about to come off, I have to decide on getting an external warranty or winging it. It looks like I may opt for outside warranty as the maintenance on these SL's can get quite ugly :-). Oh well, the cost to drive such a nice vehicle.

Ed

Dale, you did it !!!I am so glad that we SL owners have our own litle corner in this great forum.

I also purchased my SL used from the dealer. The car was in great condition inside and out, and it runs like no other car that I have ever own. I did get the Starmark warrenty from the dealer and its good for 100K miles, and knock on wood, I do not have to use nay of it yet. I would recommend anybody to get the Starmark, especially on a SL. Parts are more expensive on the SL. On the other hand, you can put the money into a money market account and draw interest if you do not opt to get an extended warrenty. That way if you need the $$ to fix your car, the money is there. If not, you pocket the interest. Just a thought.


95 R129
98 W163

Edf,
I spent a total of $140 all last year to maintain my SL. The money was for four oil changes at the dealer for $35 each. And yes, I change my oil at 3,000 miles interval whether I need it or not (Larry will be very proud of me, I bet). I do not drive it that often, partly because of my job that I am always out of town. I guess I put about 5,000 miles on it each year and I read it somewhere in this forum that if you don't drive your car that much, change oil at 3 month interval. Which I do.
I did spent $205 to replace my ash tray to cup holders, dealer did the job. It would have cost me much less if I did it myself.

95 R129
98 W163

Hi Eddie! Yes!!!!!!! We have our own little corner, thanks to Bill Wood......He really did all the work to get this going. I hope that others will be joining in to help solve problems and give advice...This Mercedes Shop Forum is the best...Hope for everyone to contribute ideas, gathering info, and any new updates on the cars... Glad to see you here..:D