Yankee_LT

I currently own an SL550 and want to upgrade to the SL55 AMG. I've done plenty of research on which of the best years built and why, but I wanted to turn to those who actually OWN the SL55 AMG and ask you what would be the best year and why.

Thank you.

tonylinc

More important than what model year, is condition. Replacement of "consumable" parts. Later years after I think 2007 had a slightly changed ABC system but earlier ones are fine too as long as they've been serviced right. If the car has over 75k miles you might consider replacing the ABC accumulators whether they need it or not, this way you know they're new. As a pre-emptive strike. Most owners wouldn't think this way, though. Later ones had the air scarf that blows warm air on your neck but that's somewhat negligible, how often are you gonna use that. My 2003 SL55 at 20 years old and 90K miles, needed new pulleys at front of engine, two of those cost about $700 each, and at 90K miles the water pump was due to explode in a few short miles. Alternator was already replaced somewhat recently by a previous owner but they got a cheap junk one from autozone for less than a hundred bucks when a real Bosch only cost around $300. That thing failed and it was lucky actually because that gave us opportunity to be looking around at all the pulleys etc and found the water pump in need of replacement. The supercharged engines can last tons of miles but the pulleys at the front of the engine are something that need to be checked in a pre purchase inspection. Had I known what my car needed before purchase I don't think it would have killed the deal. All those parts are new now and correct, plus all new engine mounts, trans mount, and the ABC has all new accumulators and high pressure hose. Then I got all new brakes discs and pads, new fluid. If I was looking for an SL55 today and came across mine with all the new parts, versus another that might be newer but without all the new parts, I'd probably go for the one that's had all these new parts. Just about the only thing on mine that's not new is the starter. LoL
You might be able to find some SL55's for under 20K but if there are no service records, you might be the guy racking up new service records. I spent about ten grand servicing mine, after purchase. The good thing for me, is all my repairs are done right, with correct parts, thoughtfully carried out, not blindly like a dentist taking the car to a Benz dealer and saying, Here's a blank check, Call me when it's done. Those dealerships are robbers. Example; I got all new spark plugs and wire set (16 plugs, 16 wires) for my SL55, and shopping online for the best price got them for about $400. Installed them myself, not impossible but a bit of work, nine hours. I work slow. Called a Benz dealer with the car's VIN asking for a quote for this job, parts and labor. Quoted $3,950.00 plus tax!!! Called another dealer, quoted a few hundred dollars less. So the dealership is not your friends!! I figure then all the repairs I spent ten grand on, would have cost about $25,000 if I'd had them done at a Benz dealer. Now the car is perfect, needing nothing, and it is Phenomenal. Really, the most incredible car. Mario Andretti drove the exact same car as mine, the 2003 SL55 AMG, at 208MPH and got out of the car smiling, saying "As you can see I'm happy, this car is an awesome, awesome car of technology." I've owned many cars over the years and the two best pinnacles of all of them, are the SL55 AMG and also the SL600. So to sum up... condition, condition, condition! Inspection, service records. Even in great condition you will probably still find something after purchase, that needs renewing. Nearly every Mercedes I've bought in the last ten years, I've replaced engine and trans mounts the first few weeks. I absolutely LOVE my SL55!!!!

Yankee_LT

Before I purchase an SL55, I would first and foremost get a thorough diagnostic of the onboard tech, engine, frame, and body. I made a pretty bad mistake when I purchased my SL550, and I'll never do that again. Thank you for your insight.

Das Geld 2

I'd say find a competent shop who can do a PPI(have them pull the wheel and liner and check the hoses) and or buy a car with an extensive service history.

I think there was a guy on the mb classifieds selling a mint 55 for 20k.

Yankee_LT

Great idea with the PPI. I'll check the classifieds and see if I can find the car you speak of.

VRV000

I bought a 2003 SL55 in 2007. Fortunately, I also paid for an extended warranty. Loved the car, but in the 4 years I owned it, the warranty company paid out $40k+ in repairs (I sold it as soon as the warranty was up). I replaced it with a 2008 SL55, which I still own. And this car has been almost totally problem free. My recommendation would be to definitely look for a 2007-8 model, and like other posters have noted, look for good maintenance records.

Yankee_LT

VRVOO,
Yep, I'll be on the lookout for the 08 model. But I won't pay north of 30k, which some sellers are looking for unless it has under 5k in miles.
Thank you all for your input.

Iceclimber7

So what was substantially changed on the SL55 from 2003 to a 2007/8 that would make them so problem free ? Not much I am aware of besides ABC II in 2007. Happy to hear other opinions.

tonylinc

Largely unchanged except the ABC suspension was changed slightly in 2007 I think, as long as you get a car that has been taken care of well you'll be fine. At 90k my car needed accumulators replaced, and being an SL55 AMG has the M113k engine with supercharger so the pulleys and belt needed replacing the pulleys are specific and 90k miles and / or 20 years those should be expected to wear out. If you get a TT V12 then you could expect ignition coils to be ready for rebuild or replacement, also all the Twin turbo engines I've owned have needed new turbo coolant lines after about ten years. It all boils down to condition. Other difference is the air scarf in the seats after I think 2008-or 2009. Just because someone has a bad experience with a 2004 doesn't mean they were all made bad. My 2004 SL600 needed basically next to nothing until about 18 years old and 87K miles, then new coolant lines and coilpacks, so no big deal. I'd rather have my 2003 that's been cared for in an OCD way, than a much newer one that has had little maintenance

sl55_maniac

As others have mentioned, it all boils down to maintenance and service records. I've previously owned an 06' SL55 which was an absolute nightmare and had average mileage at the time. I had to part ways with it after spending north of 20k on repairs and services in only a few years of owning it. I now have an 04' SL55 with extremely low mileage, absolutely pristine condition and lots of service history. I haven't done anything but change the intercooler pump and annual oil and filter changes. I can never see myself get rid of this one. Good luck on your search!

Iceclimber7

Have to say that is good to hear. I was on the fence over a 2004 but after reading the service history snapped it up. Hope I have the same luck as you.

Yankee_LT

I have read that 2005 is MUCH more reliable than 2003/2004 as a production year (s).

Iceclimber7

As asked earlier - what facts and data support this ? What did Mercedes change on the car that made them more dependable.

tonylinc

I think that is an old wives tale, I owned both 2003 and 2004 and no less reliable than any other cars.

Yankee_LT

Do your research. Using the Internet is not too difficult. I'm just passing on my opinion on the reviews and what the owners of the 04 stated.

tonylinc

"Do research"? I did my research by owning the cars. Both my 2004 SL600 and my 2003 SL550 are the most awesome cars I've ever owned, These cars were made for people who weren't hurting for money when they were new, and even today if you want your transmission serviced it will cost around $700. The best thing you can do is find the best example, and often you will come across a car nut with OCD who is/was obsessive about the car and those are very well taken care of. Sometimes when you're looking for a car, you find someone with a car that has one issue that they believe is too much for them to fix and so they sell the car. other cars will have been neglected for a while and may need a lot of catching up. With these AMGs most of the time they've been cared for mostly well. Just find the best example and examine the car thoroughly, and yet still expect to spend some money on a bit of refurbishing anyhow. Best to learn all about the car's systems, the ABC is really just a hydraulic system with pumps, hoses and accumulators, it isn't from NASA. Even more important is to have a mechanical shop or buddy who will do the work that you don't want to do or can't, so you are not taking the car to a dealer that's robbery right there. It's just a car, a bit more complex than a lot of them, but it's still just a car. Once you have taken care of any issues it might have had when you bought it, they are pretty good after that. This has been my experience. Benzo owner of 22 Benzos in 24 years. I found a lot of them needing one or two simple repairs that the owners didn't know how to fix and a dealer wanted half their net worth to fix, often with a $200 part and a few hours of work. Then, smooth sailing. R230s are a little more complicated but ya know what? It's worth it! See the car, drive the car, examine it carefully, then buy it! Enjoy.

Iceclimber7

I appreciate the advice. In fact it's so easy that you can use "ignore user" on this forum and magically, you disappear.

sl55_maniac

Keep reading

Ingenere

I took delivery of the 1st SL55 in AZ back in '03. I still have it, do 90% of my own work and when it needs something, it gets it. I've got extensive service records and it's never been neglected. Frankly, it has been brilliant and very reliable.