SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: SL Quality Issues......
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Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Arizona
SL55AMG, Ferrari 348, Ferrari Testarossa, Ferrari F40, Ferrari Mondial t, Ducati 916, Indycar
SL Quality Issues......
Every magazine I read lately has something to say about how Mercs quality has deteriorated and that the cars are falling apart from the time that they leave the dealer.
I am probably putting a jinx on my 55 but this was the first Merc that I have owned and it has been taken care of and driven fairly hard with a mix of daily use, track days and some serious mountain road attacks. Through all of it the car has been bullit proof and I have had zero issues. Are you guys experiencing problems? or are your cars like mine? I'd like to hear.
Everytime I read about the quality issues, it gets me worried and I think about selling.........but then I go for a drive...........
I am probably putting a jinx on my 55 but this was the first Merc that I have owned and it has been taken care of and driven fairly hard with a mix of daily use, track days and some serious mountain road attacks. Through all of it the car has been bullit proof and I have had zero issues. Are you guys experiencing problems? or are your cars like mine? I'd like to hear.
Everytime I read about the quality issues, it gets me worried and I think about selling.........but then I go for a drive...........
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G55, SLS, smart eq
I bought my 2002 SL55 last year after 'an old lady' had driven it for 16K miles for the 1st two years. Since I bought it 8 months ago I haven't had any problems with it at all.
However, the other day I got to peek into the cars service record, and it has had every single problem ever reported in this forum fixed by the previous owner (leaking roof, fuel pump, several sensotronic problems, etc, etc...).
So eventhough Mercedes-Benz does a good job in fixing problems afterwards, there definitely is truth to the rumour that (especially with new models introductions) there have been some problems with the cars reliability.
However, the other day I got to peek into the cars service record, and it has had every single problem ever reported in this forum fixed by the previous owner (leaking roof, fuel pump, several sensotronic problems, etc, etc...).
So eventhough Mercedes-Benz does a good job in fixing problems afterwards, there definitely is truth to the rumour that (especially with new models introductions) there have been some problems with the cars reliability.
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 257
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From: Colts Neck, NJ
08 CL600 Black
I've had minor issues that are annoying, at best. Like, the navigation hanging/crashing, windows not closing properly, squeaks here and there, belts retracting for no reason, etc.
Minor annoyances but they are there. Otherwise, my car has been problem-free.
Minor annoyances but they are there. Otherwise, my car has been problem-free.
Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 122
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From: San Jose, California
2003 SL55 2007 S550
My 2003 has had all the usual problems, noisy fuel pump in gas tank (new tank), roof squeaks and rattles (many issues including missing bolt, fixed), suspension groan (bracket mounted backwards), interior flaw (fixed), headlight plastic defect (fixed). In the shop a lot, however I like the car so much I just stuck with it. Felt like debugging new software.
At the moment, everything works. No problems at all. I do love this car. I don't know what I'd replace it with. It has just the right blend of power and creature comforts. Before the SL55 was built I had a "hypothetical" car in my head. Since 1995 I had imagined a 2 seater super or turbo V8 with lots of horsepower, luxury features and a metal top. When this car came out I took it as a message from the universe.
I really do wish Benz would get their act together on quality. Maybe they can hire some former Lexus QA people to help them out (my 1998 LS400 has had one unscheduled maintenence event in 8 years, the SL55 had more than 8 unscheduled mainenance events in 1 year).
I hope that the debugging is over and the car will remain trouble free.
At the moment, everything works. No problems at all. I do love this car. I don't know what I'd replace it with. It has just the right blend of power and creature comforts. Before the SL55 was built I had a "hypothetical" car in my head. Since 1995 I had imagined a 2 seater super or turbo V8 with lots of horsepower, luxury features and a metal top. When this car came out I took it as a message from the universe.
I really do wish Benz would get their act together on quality. Maybe they can hire some former Lexus QA people to help them out (my 1998 LS400 has had one unscheduled maintenence event in 8 years, the SL55 had more than 8 unscheduled mainenance events in 1 year).
I hope that the debugging is over and the car will remain trouble free.
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From: US
04 sl55amg, 04 H2, 02 corvette Z06, 01 bmw 530i(Sold), E60 M5 (507hp)
5k miles and counting on my 04 sl55. Could'nt ask for anything better. No problems so far. Have had a couple oil changes and that it for dealership visits. 
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Super Member
Joined: Feb 2005
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SL55, ML500, GT3 RS, 997C2S
900 miles and flawless 
It puts a smile on my face every time I start her up. My only issue is that the passengers power seat chewed a chunk from the floor mat. The dealer forgot to button down the lower mat, making it higher, and getting caught up in the works. They are taking a mat from an SL55 in their showroom and bringing it to me Monday.
It puts a smile on my face every time I start her up. My only issue is that the passengers power seat chewed a chunk from the floor mat. The dealer forgot to button down the lower mat, making it higher, and getting caught up in the works. They are taking a mat from an SL55 in their showroom and bringing it to me Monday.
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,130
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From: Carefree az usa
2020 S560,14 ml350, 03 sl55, silver, pano, slr cams, evo headers, lsd, 2019 s63 cab.
03 with 9.5k miles. still no real issues. sometimes notice pump and fuel tank noise so i am thinking of getting this worked on. otherwise great experience. reccommend a ecu upgrade from speedtuningusa for anyone of you.
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 64
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From: Palm Beach County, FL
SL65 AMG
Originally Posted by IngenereAMG
Its good to hear that I am not the only one with a good one!!
2005 SL55 only 1450 miles and not a single problem or complaint.
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From: Arizona
SL55AMG, Ferrari 348, Ferrari Testarossa, Ferrari F40, Ferrari Mondial t, Ducati 916, Indycar
Originally Posted by Florida Chris
Far more good ones than bad ones. Those that got a bad one would understandably be more vocal. I know I would.
How do you like the Ford GT. Did you pay MSRP? That is a car that I think would be a blast, but ALL of the Ford stores here are trying to get stupid money........so forget it................for now!
Almost a Member!
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 64
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From: Palm Beach County, FL
SL65 AMG
Originally Posted by IngenereAMG
Chris:
How do you like the Ford GT. Did you pay MSRP? That is a car that I think would be a blast, but ALL of the Ford stores here are trying to get stupid money........so forget it................for now!
How do you like the Ford GT. Did you pay MSRP? That is a car that I think would be a blast, but ALL of the Ford stores here are trying to get stupid money........so forget it................for now!
If you have patience (which I did not) I believe prices will come down another notch by the fall.
Here's a few pics:
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From: North Carolina
98 Black C43 , 12’ ML 350 Blutec
Chris , you gotta get some Lambo doors on that thing...it would be sic.
Originally Posted by Florida Chris
I love the GT...fast and fun. No, I did not pay sticker, I paid "market" which at the time is about $50K over. Much lower than the $100-150K over dealers were trying to get in the fall and winter. I did get the dealer to throw in a set of the optional forged rims which I intend to use for track days.
If you have patience (which I did not) I believe prices will come down another notch by the fall.
Here's a few pics:
If you have patience (which I did not) I believe prices will come down another notch by the fall.
Here's a few pics:
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Arizona
SL55AMG, Ferrari 348, Ferrari Testarossa, Ferrari F40, Ferrari Mondial t, Ducati 916, Indycar
[QUOTE=Florida Chris]I love the GT...fast and fun. No, I did not pay sticker, I paid "market" which at the time is about $50K over. Much lower than the $100-150K over dealers were trying to get in the fall and winter. I did get the dealer to throw in a set of the optional forged rims which I intend to use for track days.
If you have patience (which I did not) I believe prices will come down another notch by the fall.
I love the design...it's so timeless. Did they use better than average materials in the interior and overall. The interior pics that I have seen didn't impress me. Would you call it a quality piece?
I think prices will come down in a little while. I have patience.
If you have patience (which I did not) I believe prices will come down another notch by the fall.
I love the design...it's so timeless. Did they use better than average materials in the interior and overall. The interior pics that I have seen didn't impress me. Would you call it a quality piece?
I think prices will come down in a little while. I have patience.
Almost a Member!
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 64
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From: Palm Beach County, FL
SL65 AMG
Interior materials are of average quality. Not up to Porsche or Mercedes standards by any stroke. I think though it is in keeping with the theme of the car. It is not a luxury ride, but more like a race car that has been made street legal like the original road going GT40s from the 1960s.
Exterior paint is very good. The engine and suspension pieces are a work of art. Fit and finish are good and the car is real tight. No rattles or squeaks. Surprisingly the stereo is quite good though it is rarely on…I love the sounds from the engine too much.
I am real happy. It meets the expectations that I had before taking delivery. Hang onto your AMG SL. They are different rides altogether.
Exterior paint is very good. The engine and suspension pieces are a work of art. Fit and finish are good and the car is real tight. No rattles or squeaks. Surprisingly the stereo is quite good though it is rarely on…I love the sounds from the engine too much.
I am real happy. It meets the expectations that I had before taking delivery. Hang onto your AMG SL. They are different rides altogether.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Arizona
SL55AMG, Ferrari 348, Ferrari Testarossa, Ferrari F40, Ferrari Mondial t, Ducati 916, Indycar
I can't see replacing anything I have with the GT. It would have to be an addition. The SL55 is such an enjoyable, well balanced car.......for me, its a keeper. I have my I on a Gallardo as their prices keep tumbling....
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Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Irvine, California
'10 MB E63, '08 ML550 ('05 E55, '05 SL55, '08 E63 GONE)
Originally Posted by FloridaChris
Far more good ones than bad ones. Those that got a bad one would understandably be more vocal. I know I would.
Originally Posted by IngenereAMG
I can't see replacing anything I have with the GT. It would have to be an addition. The SL55 is such an enjoyable, well balanced car... for me, its a keeper. I have my eye on a Gallardo as their prices keep tumbling....
Great cars guys...!
~ Ian
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,703
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From: Arizona
SL55AMG, Ferrari 348, Ferrari Testarossa, Ferrari F40, Ferrari Mondial t, Ducati 916, Indycar
Originally Posted by IanSL55
I agree. Bad news travels 100x as fast.
I need to keep working hard so I can some day play w/ you and Florida Chris. Maybe my 40th birthday present to myself should be a Ferrari or a Lambo.
Great cars guys...!
~ Ian
I need to keep working hard so I can some day play w/ you and Florida Chris. Maybe my 40th birthday present to myself should be a Ferrari or a Lambo.
Great cars guys...!
~ Ian
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 761
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From: Lausanne, Switzerland
SLK 55 AMG
Seems like you're already making serious money if you have all those Ferrari's and so on 
Anyway, on top, and whilst I cannot speak for the SL, my SLK 55 AMG has been trouble free since I got it (6 months of ownership, 5000miles).
Anyway, on top, and whilst I cannot speak for the SL, my SLK 55 AMG has been trouble free since I got it (6 months of ownership, 5000miles).
Senior Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 271
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From: West Toluca Lake, CA.
2004 SL55 AMG
I've owned my 2004 SL55 for a year and a half with ~3800 miles and haven't had a single mechanical problem. I did have a few rattles that surfaced recently with the rear, roof area during the relatively colder CA. winter but my great MB dealer took care of that with lubrication and replacing a broken fastener(s) of some sort. It has been a great, solid car!
