jeffs4

I've only owned one MB in my time so I don't know much about the model line up these days. Came accross this car and although I'm really interested but I definitely need some input from you guys. Here is a link to the car.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false

Does everything mentioned here seem feesable to you guys? I always thought the v12 bi-turbo was the amg version but this seems to say it on the engine covers. Any general information (things to look out for etc.) about this model would be greatly appreciated. Can anyone reccomend a good place in the NY area to have a MB inspected before purchase?

okbarnett

Its a regular SL600. But you really have to check it out thoroughly. Its had a lot of mods. Was it legit? or was it a rebuilt wreck. Not too many people would go to that expense to put a new interior in a car for any reason.
You have to go to a dealer and have them look up all the records for that vin. Then do a car fax for damage history.
And finally take the car to a dealer and pay to have a certified preowned inspection.
Thats a very suspicious car.

jeffs4

agreed, I'll check for salvage title. It actually says in the ebay ad that it has a "manufactory buy back record". What does that mena?

So was the non-amg 05 sl600 was a bi-turbo?

jmf003

Yes, 2003+ non-AMG SL600s come with a twin-turbo beast under the hood. They're great cars!

"Manufactory buy back record" sounds like the car was declared a lemon and repurchased by Mercedes Benz.

I'll second the comment that it's extremely unusual for an owner to spend money replacing a stock interior with another stock interior.

So lot's of reasons to be careful when checking into this car. Also be sure to check out other SL600s that are currently for sale; you might be able to find a better value on a car with a cleaner history.

Good luck!!

Thericker

Actually here in the States they didn't come out w/SL600 Biturbo until model year 2004 - up The Kompressor variants started @ that time in 2003.

okbarnett

Theres a lot of good low mileage SLs out there going at cheap prices. Id start looking for another one. Period.

Akademiks

I'd buy that one. But I love the red interior... that would have done it for me. Definitely check it out first.

gdhodge

I checked it on carfax for you. Just some of the bad issues with this car. It has had 5 owners. Sold at auction twice, last being March 09. Lower control arm replaced in Sept. 04, manufacture buyback in Dec.04, all owners lived Florida (that's not a bad thing), and LOTS of other repairs. Sound like a TRUE LEMON to me.

allenjdmb

600's are tough enough to keep up with, much less one that's questionable. I think most folks here would probably rather have a 55/63/65 anyway.

jeffs4

Thanks for all your help guys, really appreciate it. I'm over that car now. Found one with 5,000 mi I'm looking at now. I'll keep you updated.

jeffs4

I found another car that was a Mercedes buy back. Was there an issue with these cars that anyone is aware of? I thought it was strange to find two in one week.

What are your opinions on the SL 55 vs. the SL 600 ( 2004-2006)? It seems they both run about the same HP from the factory. I have my opinions about turbo vs. supercharged so just curious what else is different about the two. I was told the interior is an upgrade on the 600 but thought the AMG package would have been the upgrade.

Any specific issues I should be aware of on either car? I'm starting to lean towards the SL55 but would love to hear from people that know both automobiles.

Allen, would you mind elaborating on your comment about 600's being tough to keep up with?

Thanks again, you guys have been really helpful thus far.

Akademiks

Here's my take on it.

I have a few videos on my youtube account if you care to look. I only have one video of my SL55 when my ex g/f was driving it, so not much on that but videos of the 55K are abundant if you look around.

One problem I've had is the IC pump. I've owned 3 Benzes and thus far, two of them had/have an IC failure. A real pain in the ***, and as you can see from the videos, it can really harm your performance.

If you would like more specifics, feel free to inquire. I've owned both and currently (duh ) own the 600.

jeffs4

great review, just what I was looking for. I'm going to have to drive both.