SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: 2003 sl55 amg
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 315
Likes: 0
SL55AMG, ML420CDI, E320TCDI
You will hear a lot of people say " stay away, only trouble with 2003 models ".
I for my part am very pleased with mine, 15.000 Miles, ( 2000 Miles with Kleemann stage 4 ) and no trouble yet. If you look around, you can be lucky and find one of the early models with 80mm TB, 520 Hp., big brakes etc.
Also the early models have a louder exhaust, providing a GREEEAT sound.
Good Luck.
I for my part am very pleased with mine, 15.000 Miles, ( 2000 Miles with Kleemann stage 4 ) and no trouble yet. If you look around, you can be lucky and find one of the early models with 80mm TB, 520 Hp., big brakes etc.
Also the early models have a louder exhaust, providing a GREEEAT sound.
Good Luck.
Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 237
Likes: 1
From: orange county ca
2019 S63,2015 SL63, 2007 SL55, 2006 SL55, 2003 SL55
Originally Posted by SLcharger
You will hear a lot of people say " stay away, only trouble with 2003 models ".
I for my part am very pleased with mine, 15.000 Miles, ( 2000 Miles with Kleemann stage 4 ) and no trouble yet. If you look around, you can be lucky and find one of the early models with 80mm TB, 520 Hp., big brakes etc.
Also the early models have a louder exhaust, providing a GREEEAT sound.
Good Luck.
I for my part am very pleased with mine, 15.000 Miles, ( 2000 Miles with Kleemann stage 4 ) and no trouble yet. If you look around, you can be lucky and find one of the early models with 80mm TB, 520 Hp., big brakes etc.
Also the early models have a louder exhaust, providing a GREEEAT sound.
Good Luck.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,838
Likes: 7
G55, SLS, smart eq
I have a 2002 (MY2003) and that one had a LOT of troubles. The previous owner had to have literally everything done to the car. And then I say everything, I mean everything. I however have yet to encounter serious problems.
Although I had some 'ABC malfunction' messages a couple of times in the winter but they are gone now. I hope nothing recurring.
To make a long story short: The 2002 built ones can be a pain in the ***, so watch out.
To tell when yours was built you can try entering your VIN here: http://www.mbclub.ru/mb/vin/?lng=eng
Although I had some 'ABC malfunction' messages a couple of times in the winter but they are gone now. I hope nothing recurring.
To make a long story short: The 2002 built ones can be a pain in the ***, so watch out.
To tell when yours was built you can try entering your VIN here: http://www.mbclub.ru/mb/vin/?lng=eng
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 311
Likes: 0
From: Cleveland Ohio
2006 SL55 with 030 Performance Package
I had a 2003 SL55 from new to 39000 miles car was great, only problem was a crincle sound comming from the rear gas tank I think its a second fuel pump only hear it when the radio is off and top is up many sl55 owners talk about this strange sound. Other than that the car was super fun I miss it alot I am thinking of a SL55 or wait for a SL63, or get alow milage SL65 I can tell you the sound and fun factor of the SL55 is great. most will make a small chirp if you blirp the throttle its the supercharger and its normal, good luck with your search! Hard not to love the SL55 its a good track car too but you will eat brakes on the track because of the 4500 pounds to slow down!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,703
Likes: 5
From: Arizona
SL55AMG, Ferrari 348, Ferrari Testarossa, Ferrari F40, Ferrari Mondial t, Ducati 916, Indycar
My '03 was the first delivered in my area. It has been brilliant. Regular service, gas............a dead battery. Fast, beautiful and no hassles. Get one, you won't regret it.
