SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: 03 or 04 SL55?
Thread Starter
Almost a Member!
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
From: OC, CA
Murcielago, Hummer, Road King Classic
03 or 04 SL55?
Not sure which to choose, I did a search and a few people mentioned they have had issues with their 03 ( obviously many first year cars do have issues). There seem to be quite a few 03's available with the color and options I like, which I can buy tommorow or is it better to wait around for the perfect 04?
Any suggestions?
Any suggestions?
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 252
Likes: 0
From: Jersey
SL55
If your going to wait you might as well shoot for a 05 if it fits your budget. I have an 03 , by 05 most of the kinks are out and I believe that's when the (dvd) based navi system was started(1 dvd). I have the CD based system where you have a pack of different CDs for each region of the US. Either may warranty is a must with this car.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,358
Likes: 2
AlabasterWhiteSL ObsidianBlackML
Not sure which to choose, I did a search and a few people mentioned they have had issues with their 03 ( obviously many first year cars do have issues). There seem to be quite a few 03's available with the color and options I like, which I can buy tommorow or is it better to wait around for the perfect 04?
Any suggestions?
Any suggestions?
...but honestly, go with an 05, you get the updated DVD navigation screen (which IMO looks much nicer/cleaner) and you have more warranty left & you won't have any issues since the kinks were all taken care of 
...the 05 is well worth the slight premium over 04s
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
'03 is actually not the first year for this car. I believe that it was released in Europe almost a year before the US.
I took delivery of one of the first SL55s in the west and it has been with me ever since. I have experienced very few problems. There were a couple of recalls, but no mechanical issues. I think the worst thing was the tire pressure sensors, but they got them figured out. A few weeks ago, I had an AC compressor fail. That's it in 4.5 years, lots of track time, and more software revisions that I can count.
I took delivery of one of the first SL55s in the west and it has been with me ever since. I have experienced very few problems. There were a couple of recalls, but no mechanical issues. I think the worst thing was the tire pressure sensors, but they got them figured out. A few weeks ago, I had an AC compressor fail. That's it in 4.5 years, lots of track time, and more software revisions that I can count.
Trending Topics
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 547
Likes: 0
You name it i've had it or got it...
all in the person who is buying the car....i don't think it is...but some prefer the newer nav system....which i think sucks either way. i am upgrading to an aftermarket system which is superior imo....but loses steering wheel controls...just what i see fit
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,358
Likes: 2
AlabasterWhiteSL ObsidianBlackML
If you can find a problem free, low mileage 03 then go for it...otherwise with 10-15k difference between 04-05, I'd go with the 05 simply due to more warranty etc.
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
