Originally Posted By: JHZR2
Originally Posted By: Astro14
Every car guy should own a V-12. It's the pinnacle of internal combustion architecture. A twin turbo V-12 is even better...But this one presents challenges...
I generally agree... so how much are you in for so far on repairs?? How many miles since you bought it?
Is that engine available in an SL with similar benefits and pitfalls?
That engine IS available in the SL...in fact, in the SL65 AMG version, the engine is putting out 600+ BHP and 700 ftlbs (factory numbers) in a two door coupe!
Same issues with the SL chassis as with the W220 chassis of the S-class. ABC suspension performs wonderfully, but it has to be maintained: hoses examined and replaced prior to failure, fluid changed, filters changed. The V-12 is the same - phenomenal torque and HP, but intercoolers are a PITA to bleed, ignition coils are known to fail or be broken when changing spark plugs. The basic engine under tha valve covers is bulletproof. Strong, reliable, durable.
Here's a story on an 80,000 mile car with unknown history. Check out the stock numbers, then check out the power after the Renntech upgrades...on an 80,000 mile car!
http://www.superstreetonline.com/how-to/engine/epcp-1110-mercedes-benz-s600/
So, bought mine 4 years ago.
I've driven in 35,000 miles.
Put an extended warranty on it and didn't pay for any repairs during the first two years. During that time, they replaced a front strut (bill was $2,300 for one strut, parts and labor) and the engine oil level sensor ($650 for that).
I've done maintenance: ABC fluid change, oil changes (see UOAs), new pads and rotors with fluid flush, new tires, differential fluid change, trans fluid and filter, spark plugs, cabin filters, air filters, coolant change.
I've done repairs myself, this spring: ignition coil, valve cover gaskets, ABC hoses, ABC accumulators, ABC valve block clean and rebuild, intercooler pump. It ran for two years and 20,000 miles without anything but oil changes and tire rotations, but I had deferred dealing with the ABC issues for that time and decided to tackle it all this spring. Turns out that I had missed the sparkplug replacement window as well...and so, I dove into both. Total parts cost was about $2,500.
A STAR/DAS system is simply a requirement for all this work. OBD II readers aren't sufficient. $550 on ebay and you're able to download all the service information and interface with the computers. About 95% of what STAR does is proprietary, and those codes are what you need to diagnose the car.
Read through this guy's thread:
http://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w220/431985-ongoing-maintenance-repair-2003-s600.html
My hero, he's done a great job with his car. Mine has had far fewer issues than his, but he demonstrates that by doing maintenance yourself, you can keep one of these beasts. If I had to farm all my work out to the dealer, this year's repairs would have been over $15,000...and that's impractical. The car is phenomenal: smooth, powerful, quiet and luxurious. There is simply nothing like it on the road anywhere...a Corvette can match its acceleration (and while it goes 0 - 60 in about 4.5, that's not what it was built for...it's particularly impressive from 60 - 120...think autobahn)...but this car does it while coddling four passengers in absolute luxury and with a smooth ride....
However, at dealer prices for repair, I would recommend that you just lease a new one and walk away when the lease is done...
