SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: Differences in 03, 04, 05 SL55's
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 623
Likes: 213
From: My house
SL55AMG, GL450, SLK, S550, Maserati Coupe
I never said that. This is a very old thread and I was referring to posts from July 06, (17 years ago!), saying that a 2003 model should have problems simply because it's not an 04 or an 05.
Regarding the "S" designation and badging; I have never seen that on any R230, they may exist, if so must be very rare. A "sport" model? I dunno what they could do to an SL55 AMG to make it more sport. LoL
I've seen badges on some cars, but not a R230 that actually say the word "sport"... and those little word badges, were usually on a fender.
For the SL55 AMG, optional packages were called SL1, SL2 and SL3, but neither of those came with an "S" added to the badging.
Wikipedia doesn't seem to know about the existence of any SL55 AMG ("S") models. If someone out there does have an SL with added "S" on its badge, we would like to hear about it and see it! But, I have doubts that they exist.
Regarding the "S" designation and badging; I have never seen that on any R230, they may exist, if so must be very rare. A "sport" model? I dunno what they could do to an SL55 AMG to make it more sport. LoL
I've seen badges on some cars, but not a R230 that actually say the word "sport"... and those little word badges, were usually on a fender.
For the SL55 AMG, optional packages were called SL1, SL2 and SL3, but neither of those came with an "S" added to the badging.
Wikipedia doesn't seem to know about the existence of any SL55 AMG ("S") models. If someone out there does have an SL with added "S" on its badge, we would like to hear about it and see it! But, I have doubts that they exist.
Last edited by tonylinc; Oct 9, 2024 at 11:43 AM.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2024
Posts: 34
Likes: 8
From: Perth, Western Australia
2012 C63 AMG PPP
OK cheers Tony.
My brother in law is adding an S badge to his to "tart" it up a bit. God knows why.... I wish he would not add stuff to it that is out of place. It will end up looking like a pox doctors secretary.
My brother in law is adding an S badge to his to "tart" it up a bit. God knows why.... I wish he would not add stuff to it that is out of place. It will end up looking like a pox doctors secretary.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 623
Likes: 213
From: My house
SL55AMG, GL450, SLK, S550, Maserati Coupe
OH, that's hilarious! I once owned a W140, 1993 300SE, phenomenal car, had a 3.2 Liter six cylinder engine, the guy I bought it from had badged the trunk lid "S500". He was a poser, that's all I'll say. I never changed it for fear of messing up the paint. Also I owned a 2001 W163 ML320 SUV, great vehicle, the owner had added an AMG badge at the rear hatch, on the right side. Obviously not an AMG vehicle. Crazy! Looks more idiotic, than cool. Most any Benz owner would know. Also that badge I never removed, didn't want to mess up the paint, again. My SL55 AMG is a real AMG, with the SC on the engine and the name of the engine builder on there as well, plus the doorsills say AMG, and the tech and speedo also, and when you step on the gas pedal.... Amazing. Funny how people try to re-badge cars sometimes. I've never done that. I did get magnetic yellow Ferrari emblems the one with the prancing horse, and put them on my Maserati fenders, and when I posted a picture on the Maserati forum, got some flack... LoL. Now they're on my giant toolbox in the garage. One day I was in my W140 at a red light with the sunroof open, and a motorcycle with a couple on it was behind me, and I heard the guy saying to the girl, something like, "The S500 is the top of the line Mercedes..." I just shook my head and laughed.
Last edited by tonylinc; Oct 9, 2024 at 12:52 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 407
Likes: 137
From: Houston, TX
2005 SL600
No such thing as a specific "S" version. There is a P030 option package that has stiffer suspension, bigger brakes, and a few other things that you could consider to be a "sport package", but it still has the same SL55 badging.
Member
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 214
Likes: 77
From: Arizona
2003 SL55 AMG, 1989 348 Challenge, 1987 Testarossa, 1992 F40, 1989 Mondial t cab, 2001 X5 4.4 Sport
If you can find a 2003 with no problems, chances are you're being lied to 
If you can find a 2004 for cheap, grab it.
If you can find a 2005 for cheap, grab it instead.
The credit card is cool, but sucks if the card dies, at least with the 'new' keyless go system you can start your car still incase something doesn't wor.
The ability (as well as the new navigation screen) to play mp3s would totally tilt my decision towards a newer car.
Release of SL550 has dropped used SL500 prices into the gutter. Two in one cars; hardtop convert. makes for a great buy!
However, reliability / annoyances exist throughout the entire range of Mercedes automobiles.
If you can find a 2004 for cheap, grab it.
If you can find a 2005 for cheap, grab it instead.
The credit card is cool, but sucks if the card dies, at least with the 'new' keyless go system you can start your car still incase something doesn't wor.
The ability (as well as the new navigation screen) to play mp3s would totally tilt my decision towards a newer car.
Release of SL550 has dropped used SL500 prices into the gutter. Two in one cars; hardtop convert. makes for a great buy!
However, reliability / annoyances exist throughout the entire range of Mercedes automobiles.
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