Hi, I know there are a lot of members who own an SL55 (New & Used) and would want to get your good advices on what to watch out before purchasing an SL55 (used 2004 model). I've seen some threads here and some were happy and some, well, was a real pain in the *** experience. I would just want to see the pros and cons that you guys encountered. I really like the SL55 but with all those thread(s) that I've red and all that, its holding me back. I mean, lets be real, anyone would be really pissed off knowing you paid more than $100k (new SL55) and the experience you get is always on the dealer or maybe, warning signs pops on and pops off, or worse, roof leaking. I personally woudln't want that kind of experience but it happens. Also, if anyone could also tell me on DEALERS WHERE I SHOULD GET OFF or simply DEALERS WHO SUCKS and DEALERS ON THE OTHER HAND, ARE SOUGHT AFTER and CAN BE TRUSTED (both in service and repair). Thanks. Live in California area by the way.

 

Keep in mind that 1000 happy people will say squat about their SL and 2 that are pissed will scream to the world, and rightly so. My SL55 never fails to bring a smile to my face when I fire her up.

 

I bought my SL55 14 months ago, using EBay, from the MB dealer in Fresno. I have it serviced by Stahl in Monterey. Even though I didn't buy the car there, the folks at Stahl have been uniformly polite and efficient, and they are happy to go out of their way to make things easier.

Stahl is next door to a car stereo and detailing place, which has had unexpected benefits. When they installed the Sirius radio, Stahl got parts and advice from the stereo shop to do a non-standard antenna installation under the plastic grate in front of the windshield. Stall uses the detailer for post-service washes, which are done well. If you want your car detailed after service, just tell your service advisor. Tire Rack delivers tires to the detailing place, who will install them themselves, or take them over to Stahl if you want an alignment or is you want them to be balanced with Stahl's fancy balancer.

I liked Stahl so well that I bought an E500 from them six months after I got the SL55. Stahl has been very good about fixing some things about the way the car was designed that didn't work for me, and has not taken the position that that's the way the car is supposed to work, and our responsibilty is to make it work the way it was designed.

Stahl doesn't offer loaners, but sells the local Enterprise outlet C class cars, and picks up the tab but except for $15/day. The Enterprise people drop the car by the dealer. You just hand the cashier the keys when you pick up your car.

Now to my SL55 experience. I have a little over 8000 miles on the car, and have had a few minor problems: a transmission leak (bad electrical seal), and a "check engine" light (NFF). I just installed a new set of tires; seems a little soon to be doing that. I like the car a lot, except that it is pretty darn heavy, and it shows in the twisties.

Stahl is a small dealer, and might not be your best bet for purchase. If you don't live in the neighborhood, they probably aren't, as they say in the Michelin Guide, "worth a special trip," but I had not experienced better service anywhere (previous experience at MY Porsche/BMW and in the SF Bay Area).

The Fresno dealer is larger, and willing to do deals over the phone, so they might be worth checking out.

Jim