1st Oct 2002, 09:58

In response to the comments, I purchased the car new, and maintained it not only in accordance to the maintenance schedule, but in excess of the maintenance schedule. I had the scheduled maintenance done when called for by the manual, and changed the oil every 3,0000 miles. I had the brakes flushed every year and the coolant changed every two years. In addition, I used only synthetic oil for eight years of the car's life. In short, the valve seal problem was not due to poor maintenance, but due to the passage of time.

30th Jun 2003, 11:07

Hi. In 1992, I purchased my first 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL 500: Triple Black. I respect the maintenance schedule up to this day, 6-30-03. I have not had any problems with my car.

Presently, it has 50k miles (I bought it with 2 miles.) -- it is fast, strong, and reliable, and I just love the design. In my opinion, barring lemons and just plain bad luck, if you keep the maintenance schedule, you should not have any major problems with this car other than those associated to wear.

In the city, San Francisco, the 500 SL feels a bit heavy; however, the freeway, highway, and winding roads, accentuates the 500 SL's performance package, and you come away feeling that you have an exclusive well-balanced sports/luxury car.

I drive a Ferrari on the weekends; the 500 SL is my daily driver along with my 1997 C280. The Mercedes-Benz provides me with weekday fun, of which my Ferrari is incapable -- a nice alternative to the Ferrari.

6th Nov 2003, 11:53

Synthetic oil? my car runs on mineral oil, has 17 years now and still reaches 180kmp/h!!! 210 000kms I am the 4th owner and push it all the time! It doesn't BREAK! amazing!!! redlining a 2000cc diesel isn't the thing to do, bu t I've done it for the past 70 K, and it... just isn't enough... with a 5 gear speed box 200kmph would be achievable...