price check on a loaded 2003 SL55 AMG with RENNtech R1 (also a Bruce Mendel car)

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Oct 22, 2020 | 12:13 PM
  #1  
Hi, putting my car up for sale and am debating on the eBay reserve price. This is a 67k mile silver 2003 SL55 AMG, new OEM ABC pump, new tires, loaded (pano roof, distronic, parktronic, keyless go). The RENNtech R1 and airbox are estimated to add 60-70hp. It was found for me in excellent condition with full service history by Bruce Mendel. I know there are no guarantees, but how much would you list it for if you were selling this?
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Oct 22, 2020 | 02:04 PM
  #2  
The mods don’t add much. $20k would be a strong number. Check Bring-Trailer completed sales for comps. It’s still a 1st year SL55, even if optioned well, without crazy low miles.
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Oct 22, 2020 | 03:50 PM
  #3  
Before I decided to spend a little more and get an SL63 this April, I was looking at multiple SL55s with sub-40k mileage between $20k and $25k. Short of P030 the options don't add a lot from a valuation standpoint, and modifications can deter as many people as they attract. I'd also say right about $20k if it's a very clean car with full history.
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Oct 22, 2020 | 04:56 PM
  #4  
I'm always weary of buying first year production cars because they're almost always known to have more bugs. Any pics of the car?
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Oct 22, 2020 | 05:16 PM
  #5  
Quote: The mods don’t add much. $20k would be a strong number. Check Bring-Trailer completed sales for comps. It’s still a 1st year SL55, even if optioned well, without crazy low miles.
Thank you; I had checked, but there weren't any results for R230 SL55s.

Quote: Before I decided to spend a little more and get an SL63 this April, I was looking at multiple SL55s with sub-40k mileage between $20k and $25k. Short of P030 the options don't add a lot from a valuation standpoint, and modifications can deter as many people as they attract. I'd also say right about $20k if it's a very clean car with full history.
That makes sense about the mods, thanks. Those price comps for lower-mileage SL55s are helpful -- were they about as old as mine?

Quote: I'm always weary of buying first year production cars because they're almost always known to have more bugs. Any pics of the car?
I agree, and only bought mine because Bruce Mendel vouched for it. I actually meant to keep it for only a year or two, as I like trying different cars, but have now had it for almost five years. Attaching pics to my next reply down.
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Oct 22, 2020 | 05:18 PM
  #6  
a couple of pics, by request


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Oct 22, 2020 | 08:52 PM
  #7  
Suggest you look again. Lots of ‘03 SL55 AMGs have sold on BaT. Just adjust for mileage. https://bringatrailer.com/search/sl55/
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/20...z-sl55-amg-49/
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/20...z-sl55-amg-34/
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Oct 22, 2020 | 09:02 PM
  #8  
Quote: Suggest you look again. Lots of ‘03 SL55 AMGs have sold on BaT. Just adjust for mileage. https://bringatrailer.com/search/sl55/
Thank you again -- I have no idea what I screwed up the first time I searched, because it only showed two SLs currently up for auction, neither of those an SL55. Appreciate it.
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Oct 25, 2020 | 08:44 PM
  #9  
Nice car.

I bet you could get at least $25k.
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Oct 27, 2020 | 09:28 AM
  #10  
Most that I was looking at were in the 2003-2005 range. The newer SL55s with low mileage tend to bring close to SL63 money, and I ended up preferring the M156 and SpeedShift combo.
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