SL55 AMG, SL63 AMG, SL65 AMG (R230) 2002 - 2011 (2003 US for SL55 and 2004 for the SL65)

SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: SL55 purchase questions

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Old Oct 16, 2009 | 01:47 PM
  #1  
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From: Torrance (Southbay), CA - USA
'04 SL 500
Question SL55 purchase questions

I'm looking to buy a used SL55 - either a 2005 model with 21k miles, or a 2006 with 33.5k miles and about $4k less than the '05.

Are there any differences between the 2005 and 2006 model years? It also looks like both cars are as is, meaning I'd have to get my own warranty. If so, can anyone recommend a decent warranty to purchase for the SL55.

Also, are there any issues I need to be aware of on this car for these model years? Any info/advice appreciated, and thanks in advance.
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Old Oct 16, 2009 | 01:54 PM
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i'd save the $$ and get the 06 and put the $$ into a warranty of some sort
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Old Oct 16, 2009 | 02:03 PM
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From: Torrance (Southbay), CA - USA
'04 SL 500
My preference was leaning towards the '05 model, as it included really nice Asanti wheels, and had the Keyless-Go and Distronic options that the '06 didn't. I guess that's why I was wondering if there were any major changes between the '05 and '06 model years. Also the '06 has about 13k more miles on it than the '05.
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Old Oct 16, 2009 | 02:53 PM
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Originally Posted by Rambler358
My preference was leaning towards the '05 model, as it included really nice Asanti wheels, and had the Keyless-Go and Distronic options that the '06 didn't. I guess that's why I was wondering if there were any major changes between the '05 and '06 model years. Also the '06 has about 13k more miles on it than the '05.
conditionis more important than miles, id rather have the one year newer than the miles. is the 05 the silver one thats been floating around with the wheels on it? that the seller says are worth 9k?
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Old Oct 16, 2009 | 03:28 PM
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From: Torrance (Southbay), CA - USA
'04 SL 500
Originally Posted by GFEAR
conditionis more important than miles, id rather have the one year newer than the miles.
The '05 I'm looking at seems to be in better condition than the '06.

is the 05 the silver one thats been floating around with the wheels on it? that the seller says are worth 9k?
I have no idea. Both the '05 and '06 are at different dealers here in Southern CA.

So no one knows if there's been any change in the SL55 model line between '05 and '06?
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Old Oct 16, 2009 | 03:36 PM
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THE one i was thinkng of was private sale i think. if its better condition with more options, take it!
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Old Oct 16, 2009 | 03:45 PM
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Originally Posted by GFEAR
THE one i was thinkng of was private sale i think. if its better condition with more options, take it!
Yeah - better condition, more options and less miles for about $4k more. Not bad I think.
Here's a pic of the 2005 SL55 I'm looking at:



Though if 2006 offered any major (worthwhile) changes, then I'd have to reconsider it.
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Old Oct 16, 2009 | 04:03 PM
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Originally Posted by Rambler358
Yeah - better condition, more options and less miles for about $4k more. Not bad I think.
Here's a pic of the 2005 SL55 I'm looking at:



Though if 2006 offered any major (worthwhile) changes, then I'd have to reconsider it.
who makes those wheels,multi piece or one piece? what size tires and tread left?

it need to be lowered
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Old Oct 16, 2009 | 04:18 PM
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From: Torrance (Southbay), CA - USA
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Originally Posted by GFEAR
who makes those wheels,multi piece or one piece? what size tires and tread left?
Asanti 3pc wheels. Brand new tires, but didn't check the size. The tire size looks about the same as stock I think.
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Old Oct 17, 2009 | 04:19 AM
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The navagation is much improved on the 06, ita a totally different unit than the 05
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Old Oct 17, 2009 | 09:20 AM
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hmmm that's funny my 05 SL55 and 06 SL65 have the same Nav System. the nav system changed in 04. I don't think there is any significant difference between and 05 and 06. I would buy the car I liked the best.
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Old Oct 17, 2009 | 11:19 AM
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There are a number of issues to be aware of. A brief list would include ABC suspension. IC pump failure, loose fuel tank baffle, stuck shifter, and drop top issues. The engine and drive train seem to be very robust. The point is that there are lots of complex systems that can and do fail on these cars. If you run a search in the forum on any of the maladies listed, you should be able to find lots of detailed information. All the issues have been discussed in detail.

Don’t let any of the issues mentioned above scare you away from an awesome car. I absolutely love my SL and most everyone on the forum love theirs as well. These cars can be expensive to maintain. A good warranty is the only way to go. The MB factory warranty is probably best, but you may not be able to extend it. I would certainly check. There are some very good aftermarket warranty programs to be had for the SL. A number of members have the Chrysler factory plan. I have heard only good things about it. Below is some information. Michael Case at Zeigler has written a number of warranties for forum members. Here are a couple of links: http://www.chryslerfactoryplans.com/ www.michaelcase.wordpress.com
Good luck
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Old Oct 17, 2009 | 12:23 PM
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From: Torrance (Southbay), CA - USA
'04 SL 500
Originally Posted by roberthechter
The navagation is much improved on the 06, ita a totally different unit than the 05
The 05 and 06 Command units are exactly the same. You must be thinking about the 04 unit that's different.
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Old Oct 17, 2009 | 12:29 PM
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From: Torrance (Southbay), CA - USA
'04 SL 500
Originally Posted by cal1
There are a number of issues to be aware of. A brief list would include ABC suspension. IC pump failure, loose fuel tank baffle, stuck shifter, and drop top issues. The engine and drive train seem to be very robust. The point is that there are lots of complex systems that can and do fail on these cars. If you run a search in the forum on any of the maladies listed, you should be able to find lots of detailed information. All the issues have been discussed in detail.

Don’t let any of the issues mentioned above scare you away from an awesome car. I absolutely love my SL and most everyone on the forum love theirs as well. These cars can be expensive to maintain. A good warranty is the only way to go. The MB factory warranty is probably best, but you may not be able to extend it. I would certainly check. There are some very good aftermarket warranty programs to be had for the SL. A number of members have the Chrysler factory plan. I have heard only good things about it. Below is some information. Michael Case at Zeigler has written a number of warranties for forum members. Here are a couple of links: http://www.chryslerfactoryplans.com/ www.michaelcase.wordpress.com
Good luck
Thank you! Some really good information. I know that things can go bad on the SL's. My 04 SL500 had a computer module go out, that caused wierd things to happen. It was one of the less expensive modules, so repair wasn't too bad.

And yes, I think a good warranty is going to be key here. Thanks for the links. Anyone have any comments on Warranty Direct? But I'll definately check out the Chrysler factory plan.
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Old Oct 17, 2009 | 06:26 PM
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Thanks for the clarafacation on the nav system, I thought the 06 was the new unit. I see that there is the newest unit out on the 09's
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Old Oct 17, 2009 | 10:28 PM
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I'm surprised no one has said this but the 06 will have shifting paddles 05 has buttons.
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Old Oct 17, 2009 | 10:38 PM
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I KNEW THERE WAS SOMETHING DIFFERENT
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