I am new to this forum and looking for a previously owned silver SL55 for purchase in Jan or Feb of 2008. From reading all the great posts here, my knowledge of the do's and don't of buying a used SL55 has increased exponentially, and I thank everyone here for their help.

What seems to be the consensus is that one would be best served avoiding the 2003 and 2004 MY (if one's budget would allow) due to electrical system reliability issues and the lack of a DVD-based NAV system.

My driving habits would put only about 1000 miles annually on the vehicle ..... once every 2 weeks or so during clear weather, for about 50 miles at a time on nearby wide-open country roads with little traffic and virtually no law enforcement presence. I do not use the sound systems or NAV systems on my other cars because the retired mechanical engineer in me prefers the sound of the engines and tail pipes while I concentrate on driving. I also rarely enjoy driving top down, and prefer to drive alone and unobserved. I primarily enjoy my collected vehicles (both vintage and modern) as engineering marvels and works of art, rather than just stylish, trendy, or comfortable transportation, and the SL55/SL65's seem to fit that bill for me personally (minor techincal or functional issues aside).

That being the case, should I still rule out all 2003 or 2004 MY vehicles in low mileage CPO condition? There are very few SL55s up here in the rainy PacNW with the Seattle area (about 175 miles to the north) being my best bet in terms of selection. The nearby Portland area has even fewer selection choices, although there are two MBZ dealships within 45 minutes of my property.

As to CPO vs non-CPO, I understand the risks and benefits involved from reviewing this forum.

However, I am not clear as to whether a vehicle that had previously been sold as a CPO and is currently still within the CPO portion of its warranty (at 4.5 years and 34,000 miles for instance) can have it's CPO warranty extended through a MBZ dealership for an additional 2 years at $3995 MSRP? I believe I read on a posting here that implied the optional MBZ CPO extension is only available at the time of CPO vehicle purchase?

Anyone's help or additional advice would be very much appreciated? Thanks

 

While I'm not exactly sure on the CPO deal, I can tell you there are third parties that will, at a cost of course, extend your warranty.

If you opt for an '03 or '04, make sure it comes with warranty, I imagine you want low miles and have it inspected by a third party before you pay up. Make sure everything is in tip-top condition, and if not insist the seller make it so.

I got my '04 with only 14,000 on the odometer, plus warranty which covers me for quite some time to come.

I see no reason to eliminate '03 or '04 from your market. Fact is, a car is a car and it will have problems. All cars do. Me and my '04 have had no problems since I purchased it and if it ever does, I got the warranty to cover me.

I've had an '03 AMG and I had a nightmare with it, a lot of problems (E55) BUT-- if your patient (and have warranty), they come to pass.

Good luck!

 

agreed. i have an 04' with an extended warranty and am very happy with it. to tell you the truth, i think the 04' stereo sounds better than the newer ones.

 

Sounds to me like you need a 911TT.

I've got an '03 CL55 (19 months) and have been very happy with it, no major issues and I drive it hard whenever possible.

Check out this thread on the CL board.

 

From my diligent research it is better to get the factory extended CPO warranty. Aftermarket warranties work, but CPO is better. If you plan on buying used, the original owner of the vehicle can only purchase this warranty while they owned the vehicle. You can also purchase this warranty if you buy used from a MBZ dealer, an advantage of buying from the dealer is that it comes with an additional year (total 3 years).
A friend of a friend is selling a silver 05 for 21k miles for 72k.

BTW, are you a lawyer?

 

After two months of ownership,the only thing my SL got me was a broken door latch (repaired under aftermarket warranty) and a speeding ticket today. Nav doesn't work, volume controls itself, but I don't really care because the sound of the V8 supercharger, torque, and exhaust note more than makes up for it.

Much different feeling than the raw boosting power from my twin turbo 996 or high reving naturally aspirated VTEC I choose to take to the track.

 

Thanks .... Are all used purchases from a MBZ dealer typically CPOs?

No lawyer here .... just a retired Mechanical Engineer after 30+ years in the oil patch (Alaska, Californina, Texas, Far East, Middle East, etc).

 

Speeding tickets suck

 

Engineer was my second guess
I believe most dealer cars are CPO's...

 

I dont know what you mean about electrical issues in the '03-'04 but I bought my '04 last year with 27K and it now has 42K miles and has never been to the dealer for anything other than routine service. The '03s Id avoid but there is no problem with '04+ cars.

 

Thanks for the input .... BTW, what is the mo/yr build-date on your 04?