SL/R230: SL-550/SL 55 AMG
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Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 230
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2007 MBZ SL550
SL-550/SL 55 AMG
OK, so I'm about to purchase either the 2007/08-09 SL-550 or (what I really want) the SL-55 AMG 2007-2008 and would like to get the forum's ideas and suggestions.
Thank you all in advance,
Thank you all in advance,
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 507
Likes: 326
2014 S63 2010 ML350 Bluetec 2009 SL550
This was me 3 years ago. I stumbled onto a mint 10k mile 2008 SL55 at a dealer in the summer of 2020. Fell in love immediately but after a month of excuses and delays the dealer let me finally take the car to my own shop and I was crushed to discover oil coming down the side of the block. Head gasket not valve cover gaskets. Game over.
But as luck would have it I found super nice 44k mile 2009 SL550 the very next day. Took my wife to see it, got it checked out and bought it immediately. We've been loving it ever since.
The SL550 doesnt have the rocket ship torque of the SL55 but it's not a slow car by any stretch. It's far faster and way better handling than I expected and without the pricey AMG parts, events like a brake job are no longer scary. It's just an ideal car for us and we get compliments on it constantly.
If you really want the rocket sled , then go for the AMG. But if you just want a nice cruiser that also has some decent power I think the 550 will be fine.
Note than by going with the 09 and later 550 you can add on a Bluetooth module very easily as opposed to the older Bose system. You also get better headlights as part of the face-lift.
No wrong anawers here...it really depends on how much speed you need ;-)
But as luck would have it I found super nice 44k mile 2009 SL550 the very next day. Took my wife to see it, got it checked out and bought it immediately. We've been loving it ever since.
The SL550 doesnt have the rocket ship torque of the SL55 but it's not a slow car by any stretch. It's far faster and way better handling than I expected and without the pricey AMG parts, events like a brake job are no longer scary. It's just an ideal car for us and we get compliments on it constantly.
If you really want the rocket sled , then go for the AMG. But if you just want a nice cruiser that also has some decent power I think the 550 will be fine.
Note than by going with the 09 and later 550 you can add on a Bluetooth module very easily as opposed to the older Bose system. You also get better headlights as part of the face-lift.
No wrong anawers here...it really depends on how much speed you need ;-)
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 230
Likes: 21
2007 MBZ SL550
Thank you for your comment. I'm looking at a 07 550 that has 34k in miles and another 550 that's a 09 with 65k in miles. I like the 09 because of the face lift that you spoke of and that it also has a sunroof which I think is great. But I would like to get my hands on the 55 AMG and I'm still waiting to hear back from these guys to see if they either except my offer or counter my offer that I can find expectable.
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Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 124
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From: Celebration FL
2007 Mercedes SL55 AMG
I own an 07 SL55, picked it up in november 2022 with 18k miles, now has 23.5k on it. I'd say they are 2 different types of cars. I love the sound the 55 makes, I did a lot of research before purchasing mine so I knew what I was walking into, so far it's been reliable and has even seen 180 a few times (Speed limit 186 VIA Star) I think the 550 is a great cruiser with some power, the 55 has that "Classic supercar power" handles well for being such a heavy car and has "Yes" torque and is a blast to drive those 510 ponies are fun. Personally though, I don't think you'd go wrong with either car, they are both fantastic automobiles.
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,087
Likes: 59
From: Los Angeles
2009 SL550 Roadster Diamond White, 2008 CLK550 Coupe Obsidian Black
I was in the same boat. 07/08 55 or 09 550. I decided to go with the 09 550 because, for me personally, because I wanted the updated look and tech over the power. They're both great cars. The 550 is no slouch, but obviously the 55 is a different animal.
The 07 550 you've got to make sure if the idle gear / timing chain have been replaced/updated as the 07's were prone to failure and it's a very labor intensive job. The 08 550s should be in the clear. You can check by running the VIN and pulling the engine serial number to see if it is in the affected range.
The 07 550 you've got to make sure if the idle gear / timing chain have been replaced/updated as the 07's were prone to failure and it's a very labor intensive job. The 08 550s should be in the clear. You can check by running the VIN and pulling the engine serial number to see if it is in the affected range.
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Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 3,975
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From: Republic of Texas
'99 and '05 E55 AMG
If you can swing it, go for the AMG. If not, the 550 will still satisfy you. Be advised AMG stands for All Money Gone and I have the receipts to prove it.
For what it's worth my 1999 E55 AMG has a normally aspirated engine with similar power output to the 550. 24 years old and still quick to accelerate and a pleasure to drive.
I refer to this car as the "Russian mafia staff car". Very unassuming in appearance but it will surprise many others out there.
My 2005 E55 AMG has approximately 50% more power thanks to forced induction and puts a smile on my face every time I floor the accelerator.
You will be pleased with whichever you choose.
For what it's worth my 1999 E55 AMG has a normally aspirated engine with similar power output to the 550. 24 years old and still quick to accelerate and a pleasure to drive.
I refer to this car as the "Russian mafia staff car". Very unassuming in appearance but it will surprise many others out there.My 2005 E55 AMG has approximately 50% more power thanks to forced induction and puts a smile on my face every time I floor the accelerator.
You will be pleased with whichever you choose.
Last edited by bbirdwell; Aug 15, 2023 at 04:53 PM.
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