I'm a V12 proponent. Everybody talks about the problems. What problems? I've done brakes, and tires. And upgraded intercooler cooling on the turbo car. I had to replace some interior parts. That's it.
ps, 50% more cylinders than a v8. And about 200% more fun.

Coil drivers seem to be the biggest issue but there’s a guy in Cali that can rebuild them, cheap. The rest of it is regular SL for the most part, though I do believe that a couple of bigger replacements require dropping the engine - seems to be a few and far between issue though.

Have watched the Car Wizard’s videos - I’ll rewatch his SL55 stuff - I know he was getting into it pretty good at one point (I thought he picked up a SL55 - I know this one is a SL500 - I recall a SL55 though… a wheel was cracked or something - they’re all blending together now lol).

Might have just stumbled into a 2013 SL63 P30 - beautiful car that was turned in on trade for an S63. Has some miles but looks brand new - impeccably cared with full service history. This might get exciting!

Good luck!

I had a BMW 850i (V12) that many warned me against. I had it for 20 years and it was the lowest cost car I've ever owned (probably tied with the deTomaso Pantera). I've had performance cars from Pontiac/Ford/Chevy/Honda/Nissan/AMG.

Nice ‘70!!

Coil packs can be annoying and I'd suspect the parts are more expensive/less plentiful than V8 parts

There's an outfit that rebuild them better than new. About 1200 bucks. Once in a lifetime if the originals go bad. I haven't had to do either of mine ever.
I think a lot of people complaining of the alleged expenses never owned a 12 cyl car. I simply don't have these expenses. Maybe I'm just a lucky guy.