SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: SL65 - reliable enough to go without warranty?
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2007 SL65
SL65 - reliable enough to go without warranty?
Just bought 2007 SL65. Factory warranty expires in a few weeks and am pondering an extended warranty from MB. Price is steep ($4.5k for 3 years and 75k miles). My logical side tells me the odds are against ever needing to spend $4.5k in repairs in the next 3 years, but I have seen all the posts advising to "get the warranty." I understand the "peace of mind" aspect of a warranty, but I would rather base my decision on what some others have actually experienced in terms of repairs needed and costs if known. So, would love to hear from other SL owners (especially AMG) as to how often they have had to get repairs, what kind, and at what cost. Thanks in advance.
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Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Maryland
Eurocharged 2004 E500, Eurocharged ECU/TCU 2005 SL600, 2010 Caddy SwaggerWagon
No chance I'd own this car out of warranty. Every trip to the dealer for warranty work has resulted in what would've been a bill, no less than $1500 per trip. Awful big gamble, if you ask me. Convertible pump was over 2,000 bucks, trans connector and updated control arms was another $1600 or so. And I have a cream puff car....
ABC repair costs are off the charts and I believe coil packs are in the thousands as well.
ABC repair costs are off the charts and I believe coil packs are in the thousands as well.
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 8,137
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From: Maryland
Eurocharged 2004 E500, Eurocharged ECU/TCU 2005 SL600, 2010 Caddy SwaggerWagon
Not over, but close to 4k. My car has less than 30k miles on it. They're not unreliable cars. It's just that when they do break, it's a very expensive fix for everything.
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From: Tampa, Florida
06 SL65 / 97 993tt /11 Suburban/ 2012 GTR (AMG è la mia Famiglia la Bestia è la mia protezione)
+1...My 06 (second owner - bought it 2009) has had no problems but I still have an aftermarket warranty. That was part of the deal I had with myself before I bought the car. Even though it depreciated over $100K, the repairs costs don't.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Raleigh NC
2007 E63, 2006 C55
RE: Warranty
+1. Get a warranty for as long as you plan to own the car. I've had mine for almost a year, and between Control Arm bushings ($900), door check ($450), new Nav drive and firmware updates ($475), leaking ABC hose ($350) my 4 year warranty has almost paid for itself in the 1st year. My car just turned all of 23K on the clock, so these cars do require a bit of $$$ attention to keep things in a state of good repair. They are awesome when things are good though, best car I've owned to date.
If I were you, I'd check to be sure that Mercedes will sell you an extended warranty for an 07 if you are not the original owner. They are not supposed to unless you bought it as a CPO. If they won't, I'd go with EasyCare BEFORE your base warranty expires as their price jumps big time after it has expired.
Post up some pics.
If I were you, I'd check to be sure that Mercedes will sell you an extended warranty for an 07 if you are not the original owner. They are not supposed to unless you bought it as a CPO. If they won't, I'd go with EasyCare BEFORE your base warranty expires as their price jumps big time after it has expired.
Post up some pics.
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Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Sacramento, CA
Several MB's Superperformance MK III Cobra
[QUOTE=RollingThunder5;4404714]Just bought 2007 SL65. Factory warranty expires in a few weeks and am pondering an extended warranty from MB. Price is steep ($4.5k for 3 years and 75k miles). My logical side tells me the odds are against ever needing to spend $4.5k in repairs in the next 3 years, but I have seen all the posts advising to "get the warranty." I understand the "peace of mind" aspect of a warranty, but I would rather base my decision on what some others have actually experienced in terms of repairs needed and costs if known. So, would love to hear from other SL owners (especially AMG) as to how often they have had to get repairs, what kind, and at what cost. Thanks in advance.[/QUOTE
I have an extended warranty on my AMG SL that will run out in February. So far I have had to replace my crank positioning sensor for a total cost of $42 that I did myself. I know that everyone says don't own one without the warranty but in my case this was pricey "peace of mind". It's a roll of the dice but if I were to do it again I would belly up to the table and let them roll.
I have an extended warranty on my AMG SL that will run out in February. So far I have had to replace my crank positioning sensor for a total cost of $42 that I did myself. I know that everyone says don't own one without the warranty but in my case this was pricey "peace of mind". It's a roll of the dice but if I were to do it again I would belly up to the table and let them roll.
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From: Southern, CA.
V12-Biturbo
Just bought 2007 SL65. Factory warranty expires in a few weeks and am pondering an extended warranty from MB. Price is steep ($4.5k for 3 years and 75k miles). My logical side tells me the odds are against ever needing to spend $4.5k in repairs in the next 3 years, but I have seen all the posts advising to "get the warranty." I understand the "peace of mind" aspect of a warranty, but I would rather base my decision on what some others have actually experienced in terms of repairs needed and costs if known. So, would love to hear from other SL owners (especially AMG) as to how often they have had to get repairs, what kind, and at what cost. Thanks in advance.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Ann Arbor
'03 SL55
I've owned my SL55 for five years, the last two off warranty. I've only had two non-maintenance issues in those two years, the rear flap failure which I fixed DIY for about $30 in parts and a transmission seal leak which cost a couple of hundred.
Your mileage may vary, as the saying goes.
Your mileage may vary, as the saying goes.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2010
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04 e55 amg
hahahahah ur crazy son if u dont get warrenty sl is a high mantience already throw in thoses three other letters AMG and ull get rape every trip u make to and dealer or indepent shop forsure 100% get warrenty put ur mind at ease peace
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 321
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From: Miami, Fl
08 ML350, 2011 E550 Cab
I paid around 3000.00 for my Chrysler warranty a little over a year ago and i used it for the 1st time last month. I am very DIY capable and have done alot of repairs/maintenance to my car, and the car is in excellent shape. But after a trip to the dealer last month, i was told i needed the front left strut replaced, motor mounts, transmission mounts, ball joints, lower control arm replaced, and transmission seal replaced. I was blown away at the 4500.00 repair bill from Mercedes, but my CSC picked up everything but my 200.00 deductable. 
Therefore it has already paid for iteself, and i still have 4 more years of coverage. Its really a no-brainer....
BUY THE WARRANTY...
Nick
Therefore it has already paid for iteself, and i still have 4 more years of coverage. Its really a no-brainer....
BUY THE WARRANTY...
Nick
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Manassas, VA
10 Cayenne GTS, 07 Porsche 911 Turbo
Although I agree in principle with the previous posters that an extended warranty is a "must" I would like to point-out that the OP bought an 07 which IMHO is more reliable than the 03-06 SL's due to it's mid-model year tech update. I never had a problem with my 06 and 07 and am no longer a believer in after market warranties on the later model Merc's.
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From: SF
07 E63 06 CLK55 Cab 03 P-car C4S
With all due respect to others who share opinions, can't compare V12TT's to anything else, including the V8Kompressor engine. Yes, some of the mechanical parts of car is the same, but if it is under the engine, even a $200 part may require taking the engine out first because it is too tightly packed in. As another example, my AC evaporator whines and needs replacement, but the S600 unit is different than the exact same body S55 that I previously owned. It seems like just about anything with the V12TT is $3k a pop without warranty...gd luck.
PL
PL
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From: South Florida
2013 SL550 (Lux Sport), 2006 CL55 AMG (Muscle). S550 (Wife's Sedan)
You should definitely avoid the V12's if you are worried about out-of-warranty repair costs. The SL55's Supercharged V8 has all the muscle you can use and though expensive to serivice, it is less likely to send you into bankruptcy than one of V12 motors. Having to pulling that engine for certain rountine services can get really expensive.
Last edited by bob55; Dec 11, 2010 at 10:49 AM.
Junior Member
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SL55 AMG
i just got my first SL55 '03 with 62,000 and i am considering it as well..but consider this in my decision....
my dad is a certified master mechanic and owns his own shop so i pay no labor and get OEM parts on wholesale...has STAR diagnostic and DAS computers...
he says for the $6200 it would cost for a 3 year aftermarket warranty he says no way ill pay that much in the next 3 years...thoughts?
my dad is a certified master mechanic and owns his own shop so i pay no labor and get OEM parts on wholesale...has STAR diagnostic and DAS computers...
he says for the $6200 it would cost for a 3 year aftermarket warranty he says no way ill pay that much in the next 3 years...thoughts?
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Joined: Jun 2007
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From: The Jersey Shore
Garage Temporarily Empty
No chance I'd own this car out of warranty. Every trip to the dealer for warranty work has resulted in what would've been a bill, no less than $1500 per trip. Awful big gamble, if you ask me. Convertible pump was over 2,000 bucks, trans connector and updated control arms was another $1600 or so. And I have a cream puff car....
ABC repair costs are off the charts and I believe coil packs are in the thousands as well.
ABC repair costs are off the charts and I believe coil packs are in the thousands as well.
You take a HUGE risk without a safety net if you choose to go without...
I almost did and Bruce Mendel schooled me as to the complexity of the V12TT and it's know issues (it's a matter of "when" not "if" these things fail).
I say it all the time...Bruce Mendel got me my Fidelity Warranty and it's the best money ever spent, besides for my 600, of course.
Bruce's prices were the most competitive and he is a wealth of knowledge, seriously. brucem105@comcast.net if you want to check him out.
He has a hell of alot of positive references.
Last edited by Vabene7; May 23, 2011 at 08:40 PM.
Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 228
Likes: 2
ML63, ML320
The Command on my wife's '09 ML croaked, and it would have been north of $6k without warranty. I have the M-B extended on my '07 SL55 and intend to do the same on her ML as we intend to keep it past the 50k mark. It has 46k on it now.
Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 228
Likes: 2
ML63, ML320
+1. Get a warranty for as long as you plan to own the car. I've had mine for almost a year, and between Control Arm bushings ($900), door check ($450), new Nav drive and firmware updates ($475), leaking ABC hose ($350) my 4 year warranty has almost paid for itself in the 1st year. My car just turned all of 23K on the clock, so these cars do require a bit of $$$ attention to keep things in a state of good repair. They are awesome when things are good though, best car I've owned to date.
If I were you, I'd check to be sure that Mercedes will sell you an extended warranty for an 07 if you are not the original owner. They are not supposed to unless you bought it as a CPO. If they won't, I'd go with EasyCare BEFORE your base warranty expires as their price jumps big time after it has expired.
Post up some pics.
If I were you, I'd check to be sure that Mercedes will sell you an extended warranty for an 07 if you are not the original owner. They are not supposed to unless you bought it as a CPO. If they won't, I'd go with EasyCare BEFORE your base warranty expires as their price jumps big time after it has expired.
Post up some pics.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
SL65
Some of my recent cars: Cl55, BMW 760Li, CL500, M5 and just added an SL55. The MBZ cars have been expensive. There seems to be some little (and sometimes not so little) thing going on about every three months. Trust me, the 4K will seem like nothing the first time it makes a 'bad' sound...or the roof won't open...or the ABC quits.....or.....you get the picture. I have a factory warranty until 2013 on the SL55, but I really like driving it, so I just added an after market that goes on until 2016. $4K, incidentally. P.S. The BMWs have been bullet proof. Go figure.
Last edited by migg48; May 24, 2011 at 07:51 PM.
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 6
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SL65 AMG
Hi Guys:
Just bought an SL65 (2006) with 33k miles. Definitely want to purchase an extended warranty for that peace of mind. Can you folks recommend a good aftermarket warranty. The car is no longer under the original factory warranty from MB.
Thanks!
Just bought an SL65 (2006) with 33k miles. Definitely want to purchase an extended warranty for that peace of mind
. Can you folks recommend a good aftermarket warranty. The car is no longer under the original factory warranty from MB. Thanks!
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 31
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SL65
I bought mine through Bruce Mendel of Beck's Imports. I've been through the extended warranty wars and was impressed with Bruce's understanding of the market, willingness to find the best company and deal and, essentially, do what I wanted as opposed to selling me what was easiest for him.
His phone # is (856) 912-2600. For the record, I don't know him personally, have no business interaction or interest in his warranties. He is a nice guy with a straight up attitude. Best of luck to you.......
His phone # is (856) 912-2600. For the record, I don't know him personally, have no business interaction or interest in his warranties. He is a nice guy with a straight up attitude. Best of luck to you.......
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 31
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SL65
Forgive me for prattling on.....but one thing I learned when I was shopping for a 55/65 series.....brakes are very, very expensive. Start looking now, when you don't need them. When you find a good deal (Ebay, various forums, Craigslist) buy them and put them away. If you don't already know, you're looking at $1000+ per wheel, so shop early and often.....MBZs eat brakes, especially 600 hp MBZs!
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 6
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SL65 AMG
Thanks for the info. I actually did contact Bruce but never heard back from him. May be my email went into his junk mail. I will try calling him. Thanks for the warning on the breaks as well -- I will keep an eye out for it.
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2013 E63 AMG
Own a 2008 E63 currently. I have easycare totalcare. 2 year / 24k for $4500. Easycare has raised their premiums like crazy since January. Never had problems with them.
In the span of 5 months, I drove 6k miles.
Issues that eascyare covered.
1) Valve Covers - $1500
2) Alternator - $750
3) Left Front Strut - $1200
4) Intake Manifold Leak - $900
Total: $4350
Paid probably around $1000 for deductible.
So far, 4500 - (4350 - 1000) = $1150.
One more visit to the shop and my warranty would have paid itself off.
What was not covered
Primary & Secondary Battery
In the span of 5 months, I drove 6k miles.
Issues that eascyare covered.
1) Valve Covers - $1500
2) Alternator - $750
3) Left Front Strut - $1200
4) Intake Manifold Leak - $900
Total: $4350
Paid probably around $1000 for deductible.
So far, 4500 - (4350 - 1000) = $1150.
One more visit to the shop and my warranty would have paid itself off.
What was not covered
Primary & Secondary Battery
