I am a new member so I hope it is alright me asking these questions.

I am seriously inquiring about purchasing a SL65 (06-07) with 25k miles. I would like to hear some peoples advice and thoughts on the vehicle from the people who own them. I know the car is beautiful and I would just like to hear the pros and cons from the owners and enthusiasts. I also would like peoples thoughts on an after-market exhaust system. In mid April I am going to make a purchase and any help before than it would help out a man who loves cars but would like to know more about the beautiful SL65.

Thanks from one car enthusiast to another

John

 

Gas tank is too small and the rear tires wear way too fast?

 

All you need to worry about is warranty, don't buy anything without a MB warranty.

 

+1

If you plan to keep it after the 4/50k warranty expires then buy the extended warranty.

 

VERY expensive repair cost...and not as robust as other MB models or engine configurations/driveline support duty (told to me by respectable MB service technical sources in an independant shop specializing in Mercedes cars, not my own opnion)

 

I haven't heard that....and I have to wonder how many MB independent shops have a gander at SL65s in their shop.... most are still under warranty in some way shape or form.

Tom

 

Tom, this is not my opinion, I don't know anything about the v12tt...this place has 3 MB techs who have 10 - 15 yrs of experience at ASC prior...one of them was doing some maintainance work on my car and we talked about the different configs and he mentioned something about it, that's all.

 

No problem, I understand what you are saying. However, in a perfect world I would get clarification from the person making these types of comments as to their actual experience with the problems mentioned. I would hate to dissuade someone from buying a car with such vague "hearsay" type criticisms that haven't been experienced by the owners contributing on this board.

Tom

 

This individual is very knowlegdable about MB cars and has been wokring with ASC for many many years as one of their top guys...he mentioned something about coil banks on the v12tt, some electrical stuff, and some other woes here and there that I didn't really understand...that's about all I remmember. Again, I don't know about the v12tt enough to rectify his comments one way or another, I am just posting what I've heard from a relaible source in my opinion. He has a great deal of experience on mercedes cars including late model high end varients like the v8, v12, 55k, v12tt etc...the op inquired openly so I only posted any information that I could pass along, no intent one way or another

 

Maybe Nick55 can chime in...I know he has had experience on the V12tt platform. He has worked on Marcus Frost's beauty so he might be a great resource with respect to reliability of the V12tt components (i.e. driveline, suspension, engine management...).

To OP...I have a 2006 SL65 (bought it w/ 5K on the odometer April 2009) with 11K now...so far so good. I have the Chrysler Warranty on it and haven't had to use it yet.

Pros:

1. The look (top up or down) is stealth but undeniably a classic.
2. It's a rocket sled...that has another sledgehammer gear that my E55 doesn't (esp in stock form...which it isn't). With the Kleeman tune it is just demonic.
3. Comfort w/style...I can actual have a golf weekend (set of clubs and clothes) and use the 65.

Cons:

1. Heatsoak
2. Heatsoak
3. Heatsoak

So you need to an additional HE and upgrade your IC pump first thing...with parts and labor you are looking at about $1K.

 

Still loving mine. No issues other than a steady rash of tickets from this car. I never get ticketed in my other cars. Not sure if it is my speeding or bad karma...

 

Sunir is just jealous because my SL65 will rip the paint off his Sl55. Mine has 41K on it and has no more issues than any other mercedes, porsche or BMW I have owned. It is a daily driver. It is great fun if you can find an 07 with a couple of years of warranty left do that. You will not be sorry. I did install a valentine 1 permantly in mine.

 

I heard my name being called all the way from Florida!

If you are looking at a used SL65, I have a few things to say. First and foremost, this car is fantastic to drive.....if you can stand wind in your hair. I personally do not like convertibles, but enjoy driving them with the top up. The main thing I think anyone who buys a 65 should remember is that even though they are getting a great deal on a car that had a window sticker of nearly $200k, it is still a $200k to maintain and repair. Does that scare you? If so, then maybe you should be looking at different cars. Brakes are EXPENSIVE, tires are generally short lived, and the rims are prone to cracking and bending if you hit potholes.

As far as items that are prone to failure, SLs by nature have a dual battery system that must have good batteries, or you will have problems; the flaps on the trunk lid for the convertible top have a tendency to get loose, this is a pretty cheap repair; the ABC system demands clean fluid and if it gets a leak, must be addressed promptly, this can get very expensive; the motor mounts and transmission mounts take a beating on the high torque 55k and V12TT engine cars, and on V12s, involves removing the engine to replace them; the tops tend to creak when it is up, this gets pretty labor intensive to fix and is generally not covered by any warranty except the factory warranty.

Positives are: The engines are pretty bulletproof. Many will say that there are coilpack problems or whatever. DON'T pressure wash your engine. Those coilpack problems are not usually diagnosed properly. Spark plug changes should be done at the prescribed intervals. This does cost some $$. Transmissions are pretty solid, but a hard driven car will probably need an overhaul at 50k miles. The drivetrains in general are very stout. Interior fit and finish are very high quality(look for a car like Marcus Frost's with the optional black Full Leather upholstery for even better finish). The Nav system does leave a lot to be desired, but who needs it when you are blasting down the expressway.

Most importantly, if you want one of these, I would not buy one if you have to save up money to buy one. If something goes wrong, it will probably be expensive. An extended warranty is only as good as the company writing the policy. In my opinion, the MB ELW warranty is the best way to go. I personally would forgo the warranty, but I know my way around the cars and have a lift at my disposal along with a full arsenal of tools available. I do know many people who do not have a warranty on their cars, and have had good luck. Most of them take very good care of their cars, and I maintain them rigorously. The money they saved on the extended warranty has been set aside in case something happens.

Maybe my V12 clients can chime in and vouch for my experience.

Hope this helps.

Nick

 

You have a fetish for yanking paint off.
Have you seen anybody.

 

LOL, yes mostly in the rearview mirror.

 

Great answer..