SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: Sl55 to buy or not to buy!!!

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Jun 5, 2006 | 06:39 AM

nextcom1

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09 G55, 07 M6 Conv, 01 Porsche Turbo

Sl55 to buy or not to buy!!!

I am looking at a 2003 SL55 with under 5,000 miles. It has remainder of factory warranty and is certified for an additional year.

Drives great and sounds great now. The concern I have is with all the comments regarding the SC Chirp sound that develops. How annoying/noticeable is it? I want it as a daily driver and I am now concerned with putting up with an annoyance afer spending 85K.

I have read mixed reviews on wheter the power is briefly effffected or not. Is it or isn't it?

I guess my bottom line question is if you knew about the chirping before hand would you have bought the car anyway? and if you still have the car how big a deal is it to you. And given your experince what car would you have or wish you bought?

Thanks,

nextcom1

Jun 5, 2006 | 06:53 AM

blazinginder

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AlabasterWhiteSL ObsidianBlackML

For 85-95 you can get a used 2005 SL55 or SL600 with under 20k miles, the 600 would be a better and more comfortable daily driver than the 55 (harsher ride) but with just as much power

Last edited by blazinginder; Jun 5, 2006 at 06:56 AM.

Jun 5, 2006 | 09:39 AM

drunkenoldman

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From: Chi-Town

AMG SL 55

Quote:

Originally Posted by nextcom1

SC chirp comes with the car alla supercharger. You can get your dealer to lube up the supercharger clutch quietens the chirp if its to loud. It is a excellent daily with great cargo space with the top down and up. Mine has a slight whining sound becuase of the fuel pump (this can be fixed).

Jun 5, 2006 | 12:17 PM

ClayJ

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SL55 is a great car, head-and-shoulders above many others.

Nothing wrong with a 2003.

Having the S/C'd engine more than makes up for any chirping that you might experience.

Jun 5, 2006 | 02:15 PM

jmf003

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From: Ann Arbor

'03 SL55

I bought a used 2003 SL55 with 9,000 miles and haven't regretted it for one second, SC chirp and all.

I find the chirp noticeable but not bothersome. As others have posted, there are no acceleration issues related to the SC clutch action that causes the chirp.

If you are concerned, how about taking an extended test drive in the car you are considering? That should give you a better sense of whether the chirp would bother you.

Good luck to you

Quote:

Originally Posted by nextcom1

Jun 5, 2006 | 05:14 PM

nextcom1

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09 G55, 07 M6 Conv, 01 Porsche Turbo

Thanks, I have taken an extended ride and love it. Really great machine.

The car presently doesn't exhibit the SC chirp noise. I have read that all have experienced it somewhere beyond 4,000+ miles. So apparently it's going to happen sometime in the future.

Jun 5, 2006 | 09:29 PM

jmf003

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From: Ann Arbor

'03 SL55

Sure, that makes sense.

To give a little more info, I don't notice the chirp at all with the top up and radio on. With the top up and radio off or the top down and radio on, it's just barely noticeable to me. With the top down and radio off, I can hear it clearly but it's still way below normal conversation levels.

Hope that helps some.

Quote:

Originally Posted by nextcom1