david.a.goings

Team SL AMG:

I have been a long time caretaker of a 2005 SL55. Wonderful car . I have been watching SL65's (2005-2006) Come down in price with relatively low miles <50K ...

I am smitten with the V12TT AMG mystique... But, My V8 has been BULLETPROOF with no issues...

I know the topic was discussed at length years ago, but now the financial models are changing quickly.

I have found my identical car < 40K in an SL65... I am wondering if it would be wise to give up what I know, and is fast for an unknown vehicle with lower mileage, exact same options and color... and a few more payments...

I don't drive my SL55 everyday...So, the Sl65 would have the same roll in my fleet...

Thoughts?

F1BHP

Do it, the only issue you may have is coils and ABC but if you shop around they can be dealt with if needed without too much issue. You generally only have to fix once. The v12 cannot be compared to other engines it is something special.

david.a.goings

I am OK with ABC. I understand it and have had a few small issues with my current car, but it is no problem.

I am looking into the coil issues now. Looks like the original parts were replaced with a new part twice...

I do my own work for stuff like this... Where can I get the parts?

F1BHP

People have got them from autozone I think. I havnt had any problems with mine but I have an 2010 so I may have upgraded coils. I also have low mileage so it will show its head later I think.

ttboost

Cheapest I found for V12tt coils is Rock Auto. About $750-$800 a piece. Did both of mine just because. My ABC is fine and my car is still for sale too.

david.a.goings

Well,

I decided to pull the trigger. I am picking it up some time this week. The 65 will need some minor cosmetic fixes, but nothing over the top. I will need to replace the radio and some leather in the interior here and there... Should be a sweet ride when I get my HRE 590's put on it.... Mechanically sound ride, Coils, ABC, Brakes are all good. Usual stuff that I have already been through like a leak on the trunk close line and a bad accessory battery... Overall pretty solid. I drove an 09' 65, which seemed to be a bit quicker off the line, but frankly, it kind of scared me (LOL)...Will report my journey....

jrgator

and post some pictures in the sl55/65 section

SL55_Forever

Whatever you do... buy one with extended warranty. One ABC/coil issue and the warranty pays for itself.

V12TTenthusiast

Don't forget the 3-4k engine mount job when you have to do it.

As people said big issue are ABC/Coil Packs, but people forget to mention the engine mount job and the sticker shock of the brake job (roughly 1k per rotor)

When you do have to do a brake job, check both fronts and rears, rears tend to last much longer. There aren't that many after market options other than the racing brakes plates to swap out on your hats. Even if you swap the rotors completely with new OEM brakes, keep the old brakes, you can sell your hats off your old rotors good chunk of change