imtheking

2003 SL owner here thinking about upgrading to a newer model- 2007/2008

Body is the same but it looks like engine and tranny are different- I don't like anything after 2008. hate the headlights.

thinking if its worth the upgrade if the changes are so minor. My current SL has been well taken care of and I addressed all the issues when I bought it. Motor mounts, ABC pump, Fluids etc etc etc.....spent a lot of money repairing issues over the years and for now very healthy except for a few very minor cosmetic issues. Cup holder doesn't engage properly, water/fog in the left taillight, the button for the massage seat broke off etc...purchasing a "new" SL would require addressing maintenance items all over again which could possibly add $1000-$3000 to whatever I pay for it

Also looks like the 2007/2008 has a much deeper/glossier black paint than previous years.

Ghostty

IMHO i would pass. On the top of the extra expenses that you mentioned you're looking at another $5k or more just for the MY difference. so it might cost you a total $10k for another good car. I don't see the difference in performance and driving experience being worth the spent money. Unless you're going for an AMG.

Of course in the end is a matter of preference.

imtheking

I was thinking I wait for one that has had some modifications to it- dual exhaust, lorinser body kit, modified wheels etc....but again, finding one that doesn't need any maintenance items addressed is going to be hard. Unless I find a die hard owner

Ghostty

The modifications narrow down even more your choices. Unless you're willing to spend the money yourself for the modifications, very few have lorinser body kits, quad exhaust (if that's what you meant) and other stuff - you're looking at a long searching period.

carguyshu

Engine is same & transmission is same, if you’re talking the 55. Only mechanical differences is that the 07/08 have a larger 80mm TB & the rear end uses press in axles instead of bolt on. Don’t waste your time & money on a newer model year if your maintenance stuff is already taken care of. If you just have a 500 then upgrade to the AMG instead of the 550

imtheking

Thanks for all the feedback. I think I'm just going to stick with what I have- especially since the 55 and 600 are so much more costly to repair with the bigger brakes and location of certain parts (I hear the motor mount replacement on the 55 and 600 is a pain in the ***

No need to shell out outrageous amounts of money to bring a car back to life- done that already on my current SL

carguyshu

maintence on the 55 isn't going to be really any more than the 500/550. It is the brakes on the 65 that are carbon ceramic that are $$$$$. The v12 requires engine removal to change the motor mounts, but the 55 is the same as the 500/550.

BenzNinja

iTrader: (4)

the big difference with a 2007+ will also be that you can have the nuerburgring (superior on P030)
https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...bc-mod-sl.html

Frederick NL

OP mentions that his massage switch broke of. Mine is fine, but I have always found the setup down there incompressibly flimsy. It is and it feels like plastic switchgear in a plastic setting. Strange thing, in a Merc, and for expensive luxury options. Apparently, one just can’t have it all ‘the best or nothing’.