kislov

Hi guys! I have a very nice and clean black '03 SL350 with 75k miles.
The car is fully maintained (absolutely new Bilstein B4 + H&R -30mm suspension, new SBC block, new original brakes, etc.), fully re-painted 1 month ago, awesome 19" forged Yokohama wheels, etc.

Since the car is just perfect now and there's totally nothing to modify, probably except of the exhaust... I'm starting to think of buying SL55. Is it worth it? Any thoughts?
Car is a daily driver (including snowy winter), and SL55 that I'll be ably to buy will most likely require lots of repairs. We're not talking about AMG in same condition as 350.

P.S. I'm familiar with ABC suspension and its complexity.

DavidCA

Yes, a SL55 is a wonderful car.
The difference between a 350 and a 55 is Night and Day, from a kitty cat to a Panther
but ...
Do not buy a SL55 that " will most likely require lots of repairs". Even if you do ALL the repairs yourself with parts at trade prices, this will cost you very dear in the long run.
Run, don't walk, away from from any deal that involves a SL that "will most likely require lots of repairs "

It you spend more upfront on a car with no issues and a good service record / history, then you will have the immense pleasure to drive one of the best cars ever.
For a lower budget buy a SL550 ( a 5.5 litre , post 2006 car, not the 5.0 litre version), this is also a very fine car. (I use one as my daily driver, in the north of Scotland, also in snow)

Batman600

It really depends on your driving style.

If you like to cruise around sedately in comfort with the roof down then the 350 will probably be all you will need. It will also be cheaper to buy and maintain.

It you like to blast around and grab some attention then the 55 is the car for you

However the 55 comes with a higher purchase price and you will also need to keep 5-10k up your sleeve for potential repairs

rorywquin

I wouldn't if it is a daily driver and the replacement is going to need work.....

Aussiesuede

The SL55 is a "Drivers" car, and an AWESOME one at that. I personally wouldn't believe what any report or paper had to say about just HOW HARD that 14-15 year old car was driven. Ask yourself this, if you just wanted something to put around in, then why would you invest the extra expense in both purchase and maintenance if you had no intent on having fun with it? EXACTLY, and neither is that to have been likely for the previous owner(s). The R230 is a bit of a unique beast. Whilst many see the value in looking for a pristine example, I personally preference seeking out those with an actual documented history of repairs. That way I can make realistic expectations about what's likely to be a potential expense to me. For a number of the BIG failing systems on the R230, LACK of use is in many ways WORSE than continuous use of said systems. (ie 25,000 miles on a 14-15 year old vehicle is NOT necessarily a good thing for things which degenerate with age when not well used - such as rubber seals and the like) Guess who's going to be on the hook WHEN those ABC hoses & actuators need replacing, and if they've experienced that little use over that time - the clock will be ticking).

If I were in the market for an SL55, I'd be looking specifically for one where the ABC pump was replaced in the past few years, followed by a replacement SBC unit, and if really lucky, ABC high pressure lines or actuators replaced within the last year, which was the final straw that got the previous owner to finally put her up for sale. IMO, THAT vehicle is a potential golden opportunity!

kislov

Gentlemen, thank you for your thoughts. I would like to clarify the question: I do already have SL 350 and I already spent a lot to make it perfect. Taking this into account would you sell such SL 350 for SL55 in unknown condition?

I do understand that 55 is a better car than 350. I’m asking about my particular case

BlownV8

I would not. Your 350 will be much slower but 100x more dependable and probably the only R230 that is actually a good daily driver. Get a good 55/600/65 and convert to a shock and spring suspension. Once you do that, the car will be more reliable but no where near what you have.

drainaps

I have a late 230 SL350 (MY2011) and I agree that it's very dependable. No matter if you have a bottomless budget to buy spares and enough patience to do the repairs yourself, in the end you need to ask yourself if you want to buy a car, such as the SL 55, that might be hit and miss every time you push the starter as many frustrated owners have reported in these forums. I had the budget to buy a SL55, I had the budget to endure all the repairs as well, and most importantly, I could do all of the above without telling my wife too ;-). What I did NOT have was the patience to go through the endless stream of potential issues that so many users report on the ABC, or the frustration of something popping out on the display during the weekend or a holiday. On a friendly note, I feel you'll move from loving 230s to hating them in a matter of weeks. Sorry for crashing the party.

kislov

That's exactly what I was thinking when buying the SL350 and I also had a budget for SL55. But now when everything is just perfect it became a bit boring...

drainaps

Then my dear friend, I think you've got yourself an answer there.... Seriously this is my first roadster and after enjoying it for a couple of years, my next step will be the Mercedes GT. On a very friendly note, you know it's not the right decision.... please do move on. ;-)

Tommyboy928

Drive a 350, is like hell, nothing happends when put the pedal,, would not have a 350 ,even if was given for free . A 55 AMG is like another dimension .. the upgraded model that came in 2006 is best choice,and low miles.. or KM.