Bill you spoke of what most folks don't realize, that is, when you buy a depreciated SL for say $15-$20k, when it comes to repairs you are repairing the $100k car, not the $15-$20k car.

These videos have got to be KZfaq's best well kept secret ,Bill deserves 3 million subscribers

Bill - Well done on this segment. This was the best practical presentation of purchasing a used luxury car I’ve heard. Bravo my man.

I love the sarcasm and (barely) veiled bitterness, brother. Keep going

Finally a review that was helpful. I just bought mine on Friday. A 2003 SL500. I don’t have to read the manual now. Your review was the most helpful of all reviews. Thank you.

Bill - that's one of the most honest assessments of what that car is all about and who should and shouldn't own one and why...I knew there was a reason I follow you :)

Bought a Fire Mist 05 SL500 from these guys, a year ago. Bill, and the other salesmen ( sorry can’t remember his name) and the mechanic. They were all honest and went above and beyond during the sale, with some minor repairs after purchase. Can’t say enough about these guys love my car, and would easily buy another one from them. Thanks to the staff at Auto Europa.

I own an 04 SL, same year same model, and this is the best review I have ever seen on one of these. Everything Bill says in this video is dead on. Literally, everything. For the record, after I did a few initial suspension repairs on mine, it's been a reliable daily driver ever since. Great car if you want to drive something special.

Love Bill, his humour and his constant bitching about the weather

Hey Bill. I am an old Porsche tech. Getting ready to move there looking for a part time job. 60 years old

Bill knocks it out of the park once again .... considering cancelling my Netflix and just rely on Bill vids for entertainment !

After a long week, notification of one of these videos is just the best.

Of course. My father and I have been doing this for years. Well maintained used German cars are the best value if you're mechanically inclined.

You know you're getting old when you are more interested in the buick wagon in the background more than the SL.

You know, Bill, you got your really great reviews which are nice and you got that goin' there. Love 'em! Also, great review of this great car! :)

20 years in the business, all with German cars, mainly with Porsche I've have seen my fair share of financial mayhem. you are the the closest that comes to a true salesman. tell it like it is and tell people what the want and most importantly what they can afford.

I just bought an black 01 SL 500 shipped to NJ from you guys and I tell you can sell anything with your descriptions. Very honest and entertaining. Loving my car btw. Thanks again.

Ah I love your commentary Bill🤣

Great vid, Bill. You cover all the important points. I'll only add one thing. If you want to own a German prima donna car, leverage the internet discussion boards. They are full of passionate average guys keeping their cars running without breaking the bank. You'll find them to be excellent resources for quick repairs, workarounds and tips and tricks. Ask the right guy and that $3500 major transmission overhaul can turn into a simple $50 part replacement. You will more than recoup all the time you spend researching on these boards.

just bought my 2nd SL and this video really sums it up for me (im the neurotic that runs to the shop everytime something seems weird) , thanks for being so funny and talking common sense regarding ownership of these magnificent, and sometimes frightening cars.

Thanks so much Bill for another great review the SL certainly is a beautiful car enjoy your jovial banter as usual keep up the good work always look forward to seeing your next review wondering what sort of car it will be this time take care mate🙋‍♂️👍

Absolutely loved you. Practical and and a sense of humor. Thanks, dude.

Very nice video, Bill. You hit the nail on the head. Must be an awesome vehicle to own and drive.

Bill,your tutorials on the 500sl roadsters have been a huge help! Sorry to see your sales department close but I have visited the service shop in Naples so when I visit the area I know where to take it. Hope you got a new job demonstrating cars ,your good at it!

Bill, great review as always. I also love Bill’s sense of humor and bitching about the Florida weather, his employees or coworkers, and children! This video was very applicable to me as I inherited a Mercedes from a dear friend and am having thoughts as to whether I can afford it. It was no problem when I had my job, but I was the victim of a wrongful termination recently in the middle of a life altering medical condition. I desperately want to keep the car because I love it, but practically it probably makes no sense. This video educated me on what my attitude (normally a perfectionist) should be towards the car and tips on where to service it. I have been bringing it to an independent repair shop that is only slightly less expensive than a Mercedes dealership. This video has given me hope that I can continue to enjoy my Mercedes into the future. I did have my 2nd surgery and it was successful. Now that I am better I can work on fixing my employment situation. With the grace of God I will be able to restore my income to previous levels. Thanks Bill for your insight into older Mercedes Benz ownership for the non-privileged class!

Great humor! Thanks for being candid! I’m getting one!

Here I am eating hot wings and watching Bill’s videos. Great video Bill!! I always look forward to your videos

great job bill, loved listening to you.

Interesting Ride! Makes me think twice about purchasing one of these super cars, Say what you will,there's just no denying these truly are pure luxury and roadworthy of excellent motoring regardless, always worth a closer look from the master of SLs, Well done Bill

Great documentary of the car. I have a SL550 2011 that I just purchased this summer. Love your sense of humor

God I love this guy. Unlike DD, this guy didn’t walk around his whole life until 3 years ago with a KICK ME sign on him.

That was half an hour of perfect entertainment :D Thumbs up for this epic dude!

Excellent review! I've been considering owning one of these and you answered many of my questions. Thank you!

Thanks you Bill for your HONESTY.

Always enjoy watching. Great job!

Great review, right to the point!!! I just bought the same car with the same mileage and sent it down to Bonita to surprise my wife. You produced the perfect video to show her the basic buttons and how it differs from her contemporary E class and her 1987 560SL that she has had for 30 years. Thank you..

As a new 2004 SL owner I appreciate the video. Bill great video.

Thank god u did this. This is a conversation I have with my middle class friends all the time. Actually my parents who have deep pockets (doesn’t benefit me....yet) had a 04 sl55 and they gave up after paying mercedes Benz of Marietta thousands for the top repair. Scurried off and gave it away at a country ass Ford store in blue ridge for an expedition. Anyway I digress. Your story u tell here is on point 💯. Thanks bill again!

You are a great sales person that transmit confidence,Thanks a lot for the video

I have one and just love it , but like Bill said stay away from dealer , I found a MB specialist here nearby . Now when I like to add an r129 they are to be terrible !!!! Waiting for Bill to do a video on them. I'm shocked to see how low the prices on the r230 cars are now .......This is a beautiful car !!! Thank you !!!!!!!!!!!

Bill this is such a classy review👌 of a very classy car for sure👍

Great video, great commentary, spot on analysis

You are so informative and so funny! Thank you for this very excellent video.

What a great guy,Love the funny and informative video.I love that sl.

Great video - I’m considering a 2013 SL500 or 2009 CL63 - same price, very different cars. This helped, thanks 👍

Great video... perfect subject matter for me... considering buying an older SL with lowish miles

Thank you, Bill. I’m a regular guy who bought an exact match of this one a year ago after I saw this video. Got a well maintained one, it’s not my first Mercedes and so I already have a great relationship with a shop when it does go there. It’s a dream to drive.

Bill , your the best about Mercedes Benz information.❤❤❤

Liked the information u have put about these. I would also like to see one on the slk around this time to cross compare

I adore these old SL‘s so much, I’ll definitely consider the R230 as a future car 👍

I always get a a good laugh mate and keep up the good work great video. Hope you get a clean supercharged E55 AMG to review. 👍🏻 🇦🇺🇺🇸

Happy new year Bill.😎✌

excellent. very entertaining and informative.. like your style Bill 👍🙃

Bill, that’s a great review!

Excellent review!

Great video, we have a SL550, love it.

Great review as I WAS considering getting one of these. I'm somewhere between the oodles of noodles guy and the average guy.

Hi Bill, thank you. Stumbled on this post, I have the SL 350, 2009, had it 4 years, so 15 year old car, loved your review found out how to use things, I didn't know. Yes agree not for everyone, but open road driving in Perth West Australia is fantastic when it's not 45c. Thankfully mine has low klms 63,000 so looks still brand new, and no issues. Great post

Bill, Thank you for sharing. Great review and sound advice on repairing and maintaining A older used Benz. I have a 07 Skl55 AMG which the previous owner turned into his Street/track. When I purchased it I was looking for 55amg came across this one in Ohio Asked the salesman about it he said it’s loud and fast, with lots of things n the trunk! the hardest part was trying to find a good Independent mechanic. Hasn’t been bad on regular maintenance I use Bridgestone tire which Wear quickly. Belt tensioning pulley. Interesting story on this one independent told me the fluid was low in the power steering pump, not true Benz dealer told me it was the oil pump not True. Benz does my oil changes I supply the oil(royal purple) I was telling the woman at the Dealership about the noise. She suggested that I just run the car until it dies.and then call benz’s Roadside assistance to tow it to the dealership instead of spending money on diagnostic charges It worked was a pulley. Roadside assistance is free payed for labor and a pulley Thank you again additional video on what to look for in buying a used Benz would be fun. Ie Loved your review of the 98 triple black one owner (woman owner) s500

“You can put an old python 357 or a 50 cal desert eagle in there”..🤣🤣. Awesome review!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Best car reviewer ever! Love his reviews!

God you're great and so are your cars & reviews!!! Thank you

Bill, you did a great job you were funny and very helpful with useful information. I own a R107........1983 500SL AMG (grey market Virginia dealer purchase with pick-up at factory in Stuttgart drive/tour in Europe, then ship home. And, I own a model R129......1999 SL500, a Florida purchase originally, I am 2nd owner. I also learned about a couple of toggle switches on console cluster which I have been unsure about. Your wisdom about small oil leaks from valve covers thankfully confirmed my decision NOT to bother with a tiny drop or two from under front end of right valve cover......faint whiff of oil at end of use when car is being parked in my garage, leak is small in that I don't see decrease when dipping the crank case...............WHEW BOY!!......was welcome confirmation when you advise not to worry over small oil leaks from valve covers of the sturdy and dependable V8 engines. Thankyou Bill. (Will stop by Auto Europa, I'm looking for a newer trade-in for my 1999 SL500 with 86K mi, would like a newer pre-owned SL600 M65 replacement to trade for, next time I visit girlfriend in Naples. Thanks Bill!

Cracks me up! I was not at all interested in the car but love the commentary. Bill made me laugh but also learn things about this car and actually think about buying it. But no, I now have an airplane to feed. Thank you, Bill.

EXCELLENT vid Insightful and funny ah Subscribed

Great review. Information I've always wanted to know. Thank you.

GREAT VIDEO 👍 👍 GREAT INFO , I LOVE THE SL

I'm getting an SLK 350 sometime this year! It's got 42,000 on the clock, maintained by Mercedes from new! It's been garaged from new and is in excellent condition! I've been told that the only thing you can't get done by a private mechanic is the air conditioning which apparently needs refreshing once a year? I'm in the UK and it costs £200! I had a quote from my insurance company and was really surprised that they only wanted an extra £80 to add it to my policy which is for two other cars as well! I also think that with any car it's about how you treat them! If your gonna rag the backside off it when cold, then your asking for problems! Treated with respect and regular basic maintenance, should be fine! And fun! 0-60 4.5 sec 0-100 6 secs? Can't wait! Great review!

Great video. I am not ready for those repairs. I am happy with my E class.

Bill - you're cracking me up...Love it!!

Thank you for this video. Just looked at an immaculate 06 today. Full service records from Mercedes North Scottsdale since new. It is literally in new car condition. I was on the fence about it until this video. Being very mechanically inclined, have always done all my own work on cars, I am going to go for it.

Man you got me at ramen noodles. Mate I’m cracking up 🤣

Great video

Bill.... you always so angry bout the weather, the birds, the toddlers i cant.... YOU ARE THE BEST, U GIVE ME LIFE....LOL

Good common sense, Bill. I’m a regular guy who has an ‘05 C240 (not quite as fancy as your SL!) but I’ve hardly had to put a repair into it in the 9 years I’ve owned it. It’s been very reliable and the cheapest car I’ve got, relative to a ‘10 Grand Caravan and a ‘17 Forester, which are our other cars. Excellent video... and I’d gladly trade you my C240 for that beauty... even if a cylinder or two leaked!

Appreciate the video. My father has an 03 one and wants to give it to me but know it gets expensive to maintain. It has two batteries and the one in the rear is very rare and expensive

great video, looking to buy a SL or the amg version, wondering whether any advice on worth stretching to 2007 vs 2004 or to the amg? any suggestions on best places to look for a well cared one as well?

Great review thx. I have 2004 gray with 44k and I love mine.

Great info, looking to maybe purchase one of these babies.

great as usual

I paid $9,000 cash for my SL. It's black and super nice. I put lowering links, aftermarket wheels and an AMG spoiler on it and it's sexy as hell. BULLETPROOF - The engine and transmission internals, YES! No issue with those at all. MIne did chew up the idler pully, $35 fix from O"rielly's and they had it in stock. Now, the real deal... The hydraulic suspension and convertible top. I've blown suspension hoses twice and fixed it myself on the cheap. Blew the pulsation dampener on the pump also and fixed it myself with an eBay part. The convetible top blew a seal on the ram cylinder that lifts the trunk lid. Also, one of the locking pawls for the roll bar sprung a leak. I had a local hydraulic shop fix the pawl for $5 after I removed it myself. After messing with all that crap, the computer will get confused on occasion. Getting a STAR system is necessary if you're a DIY guy to do computer resets. If I had to send it to the dealer everytime it broke, I'd be broke. If you're not extremely proficient at DIY and can't afford to send it to the dealer, don't buy one of these! If you can figure this stuff out, GO FOR IT! Mine is awesome.

Awesome candid review, these are such a good looking series of SL. I wonder has anyone had success replacing the ABC setup with normal struts - if so whats recommended?

simple honest review thank you , For me SL500 is Jeremy Clarckson

Best Car review I have ever seen. I think I'll fix my roof and keep mine. 2006 36K miles. ;)

FANTASTIC REVIEW ! FANTASTIC CAR !

Great video!

The Sidney Oprah House bonnets are glare sheilds,makes the Instrument panel easier to see especially when the top is down.

Great review. So honest. Thank you.

Love this R230 ⭐️ Very good cars !

Great video mate. Thank you very much. Definitely will buy R230 sometime. C/S - S=Sport in that model. Those wheels are from SL55 AMG. Nice sense of humour :))))))))) Hyundai :)))))

“Eh, she’s still a nitwit”😂😂😂Agreed,Bill

If you don’t like mid 80 come over to Minnesota and enjoy below 0 temperatures . Great car and video! Thanks

Cool, Thanks for the infoe. I am going to look at one tomorrow in Cocoa beach. 2005, 165,000 miles, he is asking 7,000...But from what you say and a few other sights say. I think it's just going to be a nice ride on a sunny day. Thanks again....Bobby

I like your honesty and candor

I own one of these ! Very true what he said don’t get over paranoid ! Drive it like you stole it ! but keep it garaged when not using keep an eye on the suspension ! I tend to work it every now and then stop it seizing up just stop worrying on what could be the next thing that go wrong !

Sir, you are honest, knowledgeable, and funny.

Beautiful car! I kinda miss Naples fl! Lived there 25 years...

I actually had a chance to buy an SL, just like this one. Same color and all, but the thought of the expense to keep it up scared me off. It was a great price and low miles, but I didnt want to get bit later. Still, it is one of my favorite Mercedes ever.

SL500 maintenance issues will eat you alive thousand (s) of dollars as it gets older. Case in point, if the ABC goes out, that’s 5 grand, any issues is big bucks, so be wise in your selection. Owner of 2005 SL 500.

Love the review and I think that’s an excellent topic. Owning a 100k vehicle for a fraction of the price is tempting but not for everyone. Clearly nothing drives like a Mercedes’ but you have to understand you will invest money year after year- so set aside $800-1000 bucks for maintence every year. Oil change service is about $500 alone- But I think the feeling you get behind the wheel is totally worth it.