SL/R230: SL55 buying tips..?
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Newbie
Joined: Oct 2015
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Sl55
SL55 buying tips..?
Im looking at buying a used sl55. My budget Is about 25k I plan on putting 5k down. So far im looking at a 2003 with 70k miles... but I haven't looked at a carfax or had a ppi or anything done so right now im just looking for tips on what I should be asking the dealer.. this car will be my daily driver.
I have a few questions..
What should I look for or be worried about in terms of issues?
Is a warranty necessary and could I get one for a 2003 with 70k miles?
How long will these cars last, ex 125k miles etc?
I did a carfax for free preview report and it said 66 service records for this car so that doesn't sound very good. however you don't get too much information on that you have to pay for the rest.
thanks!
I have a few questions..
What should I look for or be worried about in terms of issues?
Is a warranty necessary and could I get one for a 2003 with 70k miles?
How long will these cars last, ex 125k miles etc?
I did a carfax for free preview report and it said 66 service records for this car so that doesn't sound very good. however you don't get too much information on that you have to pay for the rest.
thanks!
Last edited by Poland; Oct 2, 2015 at 02:01 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 992
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From: Tucson, AZ
'20 X5 M50i; '17 Ram 3500; Golf Cart; Bikes; Scooters
I don't want to discourage you from your dreams, but this is a tough car for a budget buyer.
Expect to spend at least $3000 getting this used car healthy, then another $3000/year keeping it that way.
Search the forum for used car buying tips and you will find a ton of advice. The most costly being ABC suspension issues.
I don't know about getting a warranty, and yes they will last forever if you spend $3K/year on them.
Do your research and get an honest inspection from a knowledgeable mechanic. He may become your good friend. Good luck!
Expect to spend at least $3000 getting this used car healthy, then another $3000/year keeping it that way.
Search the forum for used car buying tips and you will find a ton of advice. The most costly being ABC suspension issues.
I don't know about getting a warranty, and yes they will last forever if you spend $3K/year on them.
Do your research and get an honest inspection from a knowledgeable mechanic. He may become your good friend. Good luck!
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 10
Likes: 1
s
I've not had any major issues with my 05 SL55 it only has 50k though.
I would not worry too much about the 66 records in car fax. If you are serious about the car get the report and look at the what the records are. Getting a smog check or even an oil change at the dealer will add a service record to Carfax. A buddy recent purchased an 07 Infiniti with 45 Carfax records, but when you look at the report, they are all scheduled maintenance records. Carfax even stated that the car should be worth more money because there were so many service records.
I agree with kbob999 though. The main concern with the sl55s are the abc system. I've heard that 03 and 04 were problematic. I've not had any abc issues with 05. When I was looking for my 05 I basically accepted that I may at some point have to pay 4-5k to for a suspension repair. Even then, if you have to replace the struts (1k each). With rebuilt arnotts, they come with a lifetime warranty.
I've only had stupid things break like. Passenger seat sensor. Door handle sensor.
One of the unusual things about this car is that the electronics battery will drain rather quickly if you don't drive it. The suspension may sag when parked for a long time without driving; the car levels out when you start the engine. I had that issue and the dealer replaced the ABC valve for about $350.
I flipped a coin and did not get an extended warranty because it basically costed as much as a suspension replacement. The warranty period came and gone and I've had no major problems.
I would not worry too much about the 66 records in car fax. If you are serious about the car get the report and look at the what the records are. Getting a smog check or even an oil change at the dealer will add a service record to Carfax. A buddy recent purchased an 07 Infiniti with 45 Carfax records, but when you look at the report, they are all scheduled maintenance records. Carfax even stated that the car should be worth more money because there were so many service records.
I agree with kbob999 though. The main concern with the sl55s are the abc system. I've heard that 03 and 04 were problematic. I've not had any abc issues with 05. When I was looking for my 05 I basically accepted that I may at some point have to pay 4-5k to for a suspension repair. Even then, if you have to replace the struts (1k each). With rebuilt arnotts, they come with a lifetime warranty.
I've only had stupid things break like. Passenger seat sensor. Door handle sensor.
One of the unusual things about this car is that the electronics battery will drain rather quickly if you don't drive it. The suspension may sag when parked for a long time without driving; the car levels out when you start the engine. I had that issue and the dealer replaced the ABC valve for about $350.
I flipped a coin and did not get an extended warranty because it basically costed as much as a suspension replacement. The warranty period came and gone and I've had no major problems.
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E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
If you want a more budget friendly ride, immediately swap out the ABC suspension for a coil and spring system. It will cost you around $4k but will make the car infinitely more reliable. There are some threads on the forum about your different options so do a search.
Even though it will be more reliable without ABC, it will not make it a reliable or cheap car to own. These are $100+k cars to buy when new and the maintenance and repair costs are still what a $100k+ car would require. If you want a budget convertable, go with a CLK.
Even though it will be more reliable without ABC, it will not make it a reliable or cheap car to own. These are $100+k cars to buy when new and the maintenance and repair costs are still what a $100k+ car would require. If you want a budget convertable, go with a CLK.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2015
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Sl55
after considering costs i am also looking into an sl500 now between 03-06.
are engines reliable in these? can i buy one with 70k miles and expect major components to last another 70k?
are engines reliable in these? can i buy one with 70k miles and expect major components to last another 70k?
Last edited by Poland; Oct 10, 2015 at 12:54 PM.
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Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 299
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From: HHI, SC
2002 C4 Cab, 2014 Audi A5 cab, 2017 X5 35d
It goes without saying that this car was a good find considering it's condition and mileage. I'm leaving on a 600 mi. road trip tomorrow (Ohio to NC) and have every confidence that the car will perform well.
That said, buying a 13 year old car comes with risks and one must expect to spend a thousand or two periodically. I searched for almost a year before finding this one and pulling the trigger. Keep looking and perform your due diligence. These cars are a joy to drive!
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Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 238
Likes: 16
From: Chandler, AZ
2003 SL500, 2016 ATS, 2016 CTS 2015 Volt
Picked up my 2003 SL 500 in July. Paid a bit of a premium @ $25.5k. One owner. Had 18,750 miles and original tires on it. Spent about $1,200 for new tires (Pilot Sport A/S 3's). Was able to review VMI @ dealer and have complete service records. No ABC issues and a complete PPI revealed no issues with any of the mechanics. Runs and handles like a four or five year old car vs a 13 year old.
It goes without saying that this car was a good find considering it's condition and mileage. I'm leaving on a 600 mi. road trip tomorrow (Ohio to NC) and have every confidence that the car will perform well.
That said, buying a 13 year old car comes with risks and one must expect to spend a thousand or two periodically. I searched for almost a year before finding this one and pulling the trigger. Keep looking and perform your due diligence. These cars are a joy to drive!
It goes without saying that this car was a good find considering it's condition and mileage. I'm leaving on a 600 mi. road trip tomorrow (Ohio to NC) and have every confidence that the car will perform well.
That said, buying a 13 year old car comes with risks and one must expect to spend a thousand or two periodically. I searched for almost a year before finding this one and pulling the trigger. Keep looking and perform your due diligence. These cars are a joy to drive!
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 448
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From: Europe, but from Norway
89 SL500 Silver ,97 SL500 Carlsson 04 Mercedes SL55 AMG , 07 Mercedes SL55 AMG convertedBlack series
500 mouse engine
if y can pay for it. go for the SL55 AMG , buy a ***** engine like the SL 500 is for 65 year old pluss .
the sound and action with the AMG is in another dimension .
if you buy one , teflon treat engine , gearbox and aft, pluss the ABC system , if you will get a leak on suspension , use this stuff,, it will blow up the seal so it will keep from leaking.
http://www.qmiitw.com/QMI_Engine.html
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 42
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c230 2002 coupe
Dude dont do it that is way too expensive. Plus the ABC system is destined to fail.
It is a guaranteed failure that costs 10k to fix. Getting coilovers would be ur best bet, but even that costs 4k to replace.
Not to mention rubber seals and hydraulics for the folding roof. ****ing terrible car. Its pretty and is a beast, but is designed to work for 50k trouble free, after that ur in for problems...
I was going to buy 2004 sl500 with 99k miles for 13k, glad i didnt.
Also, if u dont have 25k cash, u shouldnt be buying this car to start with.
It is a guaranteed failure that costs 10k to fix. Getting coilovers would be ur best bet, but even that costs 4k to replace.
Not to mention rubber seals and hydraulics for the folding roof. ****ing terrible car. Its pretty and is a beast, but is designed to work for 50k trouble free, after that ur in for problems...
I was going to buy 2004 sl500 with 99k miles for 13k, glad i didnt.
Also, if u dont have 25k cash, u shouldnt be buying this car to start with.
