pj57

Here's the deal - I've located a '06 SL55 that has all options, pano, distronic, park distance - everything except voice control. It also has the 030 performance package which IMO is a way overpriced option at $14K but...it's there. The original MSRP was $151,200. Vehicle has 17K miles and is black/charcoal. It is one owner and service records/carfax are in order. Condition of vehicle is excellent. It did have a reported accident with the front bumper cover replaced but the owner indicated that it occured when the cover got caught on a concrete parking lot parking chock. Seems to be a plausible reason considering how low the front end is. Anyway, I have a deposit on the car with a purchase price of $59K. I've owned MBZ before, but never an AMG. Was actually looking at '05-06 SL65s when this one came along. I know these cars depreciate a lot especially since the '09 facelift, but $92K off sticker in 3 years? That's less than 40% of its original value. While the SL65 is a HP/TQ monster, I've driven the SL55 and am satisfied with the performance it offers. I am a newbie on this site. I value the opinion of all you enthusiast/experts who have been there, done that. Before I pull the trigger, what's your opinion? Any hidden pitfalls to be wary of? Thanks, PJ

DFW01E55

Take the VIN to your MB service advisor and ask him to run the records.
For the money it seems a great deal.

pj57

I've done that. I guess MB dealers for some reason keep service records close to the vest so I couldn't get specifics from a local dealer here since I don't own the car. However, the service manager did indicate that all services appeared to have been performed with no warranty/recall records. Thanks, PJ

speed doc

Yes they do depreciate like a stone, but they are great real world road cars. There may be better cars on the track, but few equals in the real world. Here are the latest Manheim numbers for 2006 sl55's. Hope this helps. Welcome to the fraternity.

10/30/08 NEVADA Lease $46,000 34,811 Avg IRI SIL 8G A Yes
10/09/08 RIVRSIDE Lease $50,000 25,760 Avg BLACK 8G A Yes
10/02/08 NEVADA Lease $48,250 38,728 Avg IRI SIL 8G A Yes
09/24/08 W PALM Factory $50,250 19,043 Avg IRI SIL 8G A Yes
09/17/08 ATLANTA Lease $56,000 9,261 Above SILVER 8G A Yes
09/10/08 MILWAUKE Lease $57,000 23,874 Above BLACK 8G A Yes

pj57

DFW/Doc - thanks for your input. I closed the deal and drove it home this evening. Nicest, most expensive toy I've ever owned. I'm sure I'll get past the new, or in this case used, car jitters (being careful not to scuff the door panel while exiting or parking at the far end of the lot). It pulls pretty fierce for me and handles just great so needless to say, I am a happy camper. PJ

speed doc

I went from Porsche, to Ferrari, to sl55. This is a great car. Enjoy it with good health. There isn't one other car that is sleek, comfortable, coupe, convertible, and can smoke 99% of the cars on the road. NOW WE NEED PICS OF THAT BEAST!!

pj57

Speed Doc - I'm in Milwaukee and the weather has been unusually warm the last couple of days so I can't believe I'm cruising along with the top down by Lake Michigan. I'll get some pics posted as soon as I stop driving long enough to do so. Coming from a guy who has really driven some high end exotics, your SL55 endorsement makes me feel really good about my purchase. It will take me a while to learn all the features so I enlisted the help of my nephew for a tutorial. He owns an '04 E55 and is a bonafide car nut. First, he loved the sound and power of the SL. Second during his test ride of my new car he had to show his uncle how certain things worked...like how to switch to sport mode and defeat the ESP. I was wondering what the hell he was fiddling with on the console as we waited for the stoplight. He then says, "watch this" as the light turns green. At least he backed off the burnout midway through the intersection. Thanks nephew!!! Getting to know this car better is going to be a whole lot of fun! PJ

sdunham

Buying these gently used is the way to go with these cars unless you have alot of disposable income ( which I'm sure alot of SL55 owners do, but not all) They take such a huge hit on depreciation that it makes alot of sense to pick one up after it's a year or two old...

Congrats on the new ride...

novabenz

Congrats and welcome to the SL55 club.
When I went to purchase my '07 last year, the dealer had it on the showroom floor with about 3,500 Manager driven demo miles on it.
That took about $20,000.00 off the price before further negotiating brought the cost down even further.
I would never purchase an expensive, depreciating toy like the SL55 without some sort of situation like this acting on the price.
As other's have noted, you got a GREAT deal on your car and we all hope you enjoy it!
When you get the chance, if you can, post some pics - it would be nice to see your car.