SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: Which SL55 to buy...
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SL55
Which SL55 to buy...
Hi all,
Looking for some advice on which SL55 to get.
I want a post 2002 model for £25-30k, seems to be alot of choice.
Did the car have a facelift in 2004 / any reason to buy a later car rather than a 2002 car for example?
Are there any AMG/general options it is worth seeking out? Pana roof/keyless go look like obvious choices, but I've read about an OEM 030 performance pack - can this be retro fitted - does it come with an LSD?
Some of the early cars have single spoke 18" 5 spoke alloys rather than the turbine/19" AMG dual spoke 5 spokes - is this purely cosmetic and I can change them for later wheels?
Thanks,
Laurie
Looking for some advice on which SL55 to get.
I want a post 2002 model for £25-30k, seems to be alot of choice.
Did the car have a facelift in 2004 / any reason to buy a later car rather than a 2002 car for example?
Are there any AMG/general options it is worth seeking out? Pana roof/keyless go look like obvious choices, but I've read about an OEM 030 performance pack - can this be retro fitted - does it come with an LSD?
Some of the early cars have single spoke 18" 5 spoke alloys rather than the turbine/19" AMG dual spoke 5 spokes - is this purely cosmetic and I can change them for later wheels?
Thanks,
Laurie
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,653
Likes: 5
From: Ann Arbor
'03 SL55
Hi, Laurie.
The earliest SL55s came with a CD-based navigation system. Later ones have a DVD-based system. The DVD-based system is much nicer although by no means as good as most aftermarket units. I'm not sure when the changeover occurred. 2004 maybe?
Later SL55s have a larger throttle body and make 30-40 more horsepower. Again I'm not certain of the changeover year. 2006 maybe?
There is an 030 package which includes an LSD, larger brakes, 19" wheels, and a bump in the rev limiter from 155 mph to 186 mph. I've never heard of it being retrofitted to an existing SL55 but it's possible that the AMG shop in Affalterbach could make it happen. There are also aftermarket tuners who can provide all those same products, e.g. Quaife for the LSD.
An SL55 without the 030 package can run 18" or 19" wheels. With the 030 package you would need 19" wheels.
Good luck with your search! It's a great car!!
The earliest SL55s came with a CD-based navigation system. Later ones have a DVD-based system. The DVD-based system is much nicer although by no means as good as most aftermarket units. I'm not sure when the changeover occurred. 2004 maybe?
Later SL55s have a larger throttle body and make 30-40 more horsepower. Again I'm not certain of the changeover year. 2006 maybe?
There is an 030 package which includes an LSD, larger brakes, 19" wheels, and a bump in the rev limiter from 155 mph to 186 mph. I've never heard of it being retrofitted to an existing SL55 but it's possible that the AMG shop in Affalterbach could make it happen. There are also aftermarket tuners who can provide all those same products, e.g. Quaife for the LSD.
An SL55 without the 030 package can run 18" or 19" wheels. With the 030 package you would need 19" wheels.
Good luck with your search! It's a great car!!
Member
Joined: Oct 2009
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2005 SL 55
2005 was the first year for the improved navigation system. If you never turn it on then its no big deal, I use mine often. Some have said the pre 2005's have more electrical repair issues than the newer ones. Forget the wheel issue, my sl 55 was designed with 18" wheels so why change them? Do you know more than the MB engineers? Save your money to buy new tires cause 14-15k is all your going to get from them and that's if you don't see how much tire smoke you can make.
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
The general rule is to buy the best car you can afford.
When buying used, you should find a ca that has a complete service history and shows pride of ownership. When properly maintained, these cars are great. However, I have had customers who bought 'deals' that were undocumented. Each and every one of these cars have had major issues.
You may pay a bit more for a well cared for car, with a complete history, but it will be worth it in the long run.
Good luck. Its a great car.
When buying used, you should find a ca that has a complete service history and shows pride of ownership. When properly maintained, these cars are great. However, I have had customers who bought 'deals' that were undocumented. Each and every one of these cars have had major issues.
You may pay a bit more for a well cared for car, with a complete history, but it will be worth it in the long run.
Good luck. Its a great car.
