wtgmd1

Hello-
sorry if this seems a duplicate, but I just signed up and cannot find a thread link at this point.
I recently owned a 2007 SLK55 AMG which I loved, but it is now totaled. In looking to replace it, I stumbled upon the affordability (of purchase) of the SL55..

So in my on-line research I come here to ask: of the SL55 AMG model years 2007-2009, is there a design/mechanical issue (or issues) that make one year model more desirable/reliable than another?

I have ruled out the SL65 due to its cost of ownership, and have the impression (rightly or wrongly) that the SL55 is a less costly and more reliable vehicle.

Any other specific advice or pointers would be greatly appreciated

Thanks in advance!

carguyshu

there was no sl55 in 2009, that is when the sl63 started. there are really no differences between the 07 and 08 models.

BlownV8

Don't be afraid of the V12. Be afraid of the ABC suspension. The V12 will only be slightly more expensive to maintain than the V8 but the V12 is a whole lot more fun.

okbarnett

I would say a 55 is more drivable and cost alot less. I would get one with the performance pkg, it gives you the bigger brakes and better bumpers and wheels. I would get a car with all the options. Ive seen alot of good lo mileage 07, 08 with everything

Ejbrock

Ejbrock
I love my '07 55. Do not be in a hurry to pull the trigger on purchase. Try to find one where you have access to the service records. Upon purchase change all the fluids. A key preventative service is to change the ABC fluid and perform a rodeo.
Good luck with your search.

ilovemaui1

Mercedes does not list changing the ABC fluid as a normal maintenance item, but I highly recommend it. It's cheap insurance to do it every 20k or sooner.

abiazis

buy a Porsche.....

mark anderson

I am selling my SL55 with the 030 performance package. ABC fluid was changed and service is up to date via the dealer as the car is under warranty.
http://www.dcmotorcars.com/web/used/...rnia/29397694/

wtgmd1

I ended up with the 2007 SL55 with 28,000 miles. I knew it needed a valve cover gasket or two and was told the ABC pump is going out after my prepurchase inspection. Got the valve cover gaskets replaced but am holding off on the ABC pump due to cost and the fact that I see no signs of it failing yet (no fluid leak, no listing to one side). It seems to ride well currently. My thought is to drive it until I notice something awry. Does anyone see a problem with this course of action?

Might it increase the cost to repair eventually if it causes the actuators to fail, or are they a separate issue altogether?

desired_speeds

What was the explanation they gave for the abc pump on its way out?

Ejbrock

Ejbrock

+1 on desired speeds response

compaddict

iTrader: (1)

Pictures or it didn't happen!

wtgmd1

I was not told any details about it.... Sorry. I had just assumed that they were not repairable, just replaceable. So I did not ask.

carguyshu

you will need to replace all the accumulators soon at about $150 each. If the pump fails in a catastrophic way and it sends metal shavings through the entire system, you are going to have a bad time. The filter isn't until the very end of the system where fluid comes back into the reservoir tank.

I would ask why they think the ABC pump is on its way out. There are tests you can do in STAR, which sometimes signal the pump is bad incorrectly when in reality there is another problem, like worn out accumulators. You can rebuild the abc pumps if you get to them early enough and the only problem is worn out or leaking seals.

wtgmd1

Good to know--thank you. Is repairing the ABC pump or replacing accumulators something that I might be able to do (I can do light-moderate mechanical work if I have to)??

carguyshu

Accumulators are easy to do and you should be able to do it yourself. On the 2007 one of them is located on the pump and it is a bit of pain to get to. You can remove/replace the pump yourself, but it will likely take you 5-6 hours and you'll need a way to remove/reinstall the pulley in order to rebuild it. There are threads on mbworld detailing how to do all of these things step by step with excellent pics.

wtgmd1

I will check into those. Thanks for letting me know!

wtgmd1

The MB service manager that I have used for several years on my SLK55 AMG says the SL55 AMG I just acquired has been serviced for several years through his dealership. When I asked if he could get me copies of the vehicle history and service reports, he balked and said he could not since it apparently has the prior owner's name on it. He had already given me a copy of the estimate on the valve gasket repair I had him do that has the owner's name on it already, and he did not whine about that. Does anyone know if there is a way to get the service records without so much fuss?

El_Toro_33809

I have not done it, but I was told to do what you did, go to a dealership with your car and proof that it is yours, and they could run the service history.

Tim

Ingenere

I don't think one year is better than another. I have had an '03 since new and it was, (and is) a great car and has been bullet proof for the most part.

Ejbrock

Ejbrock
I agree with Ingenere. Any problems with any year should be covered under warranty. It is always how the car is driven and maintained.

Balr14

It has been a long time, but here is a follow-up. The potential expense of an ABC failure and the cost of an extended warranty were more than I wanted to risk. So, I bought a Porsche 997.2 Carrera S Cabriolet with the PDK.

abiazis

Great decision, plus the car handles much better......

My AMG had $12,000 worth of warranty work in 5 years and when the warranty ran out I sold it the next day to Car Max for approx. $10K more than the MB dealer would offer me.....no more MBs for me.....my dad used to buy and sell dozens of them, including AMGs, and made a mint repairing them for costly parts and labor costs in his shop that he could do for much less and re-selling them for a great profit......sometimes as much as $ 20K

AMG and MB cars to me are money pits compared to other brands, although BMWs are close......Porsches are relatively bulletproof but the ABC MB issues can be somewhat related to the Porsche 996 IMS issue that also is catastrophic like ABC, but at least that can be rectified by an upgrade for $ 1200 while the ignition coil packs and ABC parts/hoses are never ending issues with AMG cars...... it seems based on feedback in this forum and my personal experience...... .

Balr14

I also bought a 2009 BMW 335i with 60k miles. It has been nearly perfect... only repair was $400 for a taillight module. I have done some performance upgrades, which are relatively easy and cheap. I wish I could have afforded a 2017 991.2 Porsche, but that will have to wait. The AMG roadsters are such cool looking cars, I wish they made one that was less complicated. Make it 600 lbs lighter and it wouldn't need ABC.

Gene Gorman

I have a 2005 SL55 and have had 76 cars in my lifetime. I can’t believe that I have had this car so long. It is now fifteen years old with 9400 miles on it and still hasn’t been in the rain. Of all the cars I have had or still have it is my all time favorite car. Buy a good one treat it with respect and maintain it and it will be very enjoyable experience. We will be taking it to Hilton Head for the Car Club Showcase and Concours this weekend. Hope to see a few of you there.