VinceB

Thinking of buying a used 2007 SL 550. I like the paddle shift, higher HP than 500 and black leather. Really don't care for charcoal.

Been to AMG driving school and really love the SL 55 but figure for long term reliability, as this will be a daily driver, that the 550 should be more reliable at high mileage. While I love the sound, suspension and HP of the 55, the reality of everyday commuting in the Bay Area, CA means not a lot of opportunities to wind it up...

I know the debate of 55 vs. 550 vs. 600 rages but wondering peoples thoughts for a daily driver which is the way to go? Again, the paddle shifters and black vs. charcoal leather seems to crawl into my head.

Thanks!

AdamG@NorCal

From EuroElites experiences with the SL 55, the earlier models 03 had the most problems, ranging from the fuel tank disintegration (yes!), to leaking ABC system. Your best bet is to purchase a CPO SL 55 with LOW MILEAGE, preferably under 30,000 miles.

SL2003driver

Based on your needs you've answered your own question. SL550, improved suspension, steering, and it has the best engine design. DOHC VVT, most high tech engine Mercedes sells. The 55 is hand built and has high performance parts but its still SOHC, and it is supercharged. Personally I don't see a human building an engine closer to design spec's compared to a machine? Plus supercharging shortens engine life even if the engine is hand built with performance parts. If you look at used you might be concerned about how much of the SL55's life was spent at the drag strip?

carcommander

I have an Sl55 that I plan to sell before the warranty expires. Drive what you like and can afford. I did the same with a CL55.

bltserv

Hey SL2003 Driver.

Still going with the machine over the man build quality ?
Dont forget who built the machine ??????
Here is a thought for you. I have the guy that built my Engine`s name
and E-mail address. For some reason it feels better to know that the guy that built my motor "cared" about what he was doing when he built my motor.

To the OP.
For DD go with the SL550. You can DD drive an SL55 but its more fun to save
it for the special days and weekends.

Good Luck

SL2003driver

Just curious, how many engines do these engine builders for AMG each build per year? How much time do they get to spend on each engine making sure all of the torque spec's are right, etc.??? Anyone know?

bltserv

If you have access to the AMG Private lounge you can search around.
Looks like build time is 2 per day on average. Looks like a few posts from owners who have taken the tour and made reports of the process.

"It steps the mechanics through torque settings, the tools are pre-calibrated with the exact size socket or torx, the monitor tells the precise quantity to use once it determines the engine being built, shows a diagram of where the item belongs in the engine and the sequence the item should be tightened. Simply amazing!"

SL2003driver

Not some guy walkin back and forth to his work bench

IngenereAMG

My '03 SL55 has been used as a DD, track car, trip car and everything in between, and has been virtually bullet proof for almost 5 years now.

Its also been the test bed for our 55K software and the subject of a few top speed runs!

carcommander

My SL500 was a great daily driver. My SL55 is a better daily driver. For playing I have other cars. :-)

jl88

SL owners share the same concerns as S/CL/AMG owners. Long-term ownership costs when the cost of the car reaches sub $20k value doesn't make much sense. A new transmission costs $7k + labor. Failed ABC Struts is approximately $2k + labor per corner.

RajS

Have a 2003 MY SL500 that I've put a little over 126,000 miles onto ... no issues really except on strut had an issue around 55K miles and was fully covered.

Am the original owner of the car and got it in April 2003 and have essentially driven it very hard on a daily basis through the northeast corridor (not the best highways in the country by far).