SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: Considering adding a SL55 to the team, advice!
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 509
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From: NorCal
Black W212 E550
Considering adding a SL55 to the team, advice!
Considering adding a 2004-2007 SL55 to the fleet (may sell my original owner 86 Porsche Cabrio but it's always hard to part with something you bought new and had for this many years). Probably a 25k-40k mile car and I will have it extensively checked, probably at dealer (unless you advise something else).
My question is are there any years I should avoid, anything I should watch out for?
Thanks FTB
My question is are there any years I should avoid, anything I should watch out for?
Thanks FTB
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From: Chicago
W215 V12TT Build by Speedriven, W221 S550 4Matic
Make sure everything works on the car, pay for a MB inspection it is def. worth it. Buy a warranty right away with the car, look around to get a good one, like the Chrystler warranty or EasyCare Total Care warranty. This is not a car you want to own without one. make sure you get a nice loaded up one, with Pano roof, pulse seats, parking sensors, and distronic cruise control. Just compare each car with what they are loaded up with, dont buy the cheapest one with best miles, cause that one probably has way less on it than the one that is 2K more with same miles. Keyless go is nice as well.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 509
Likes: 1
From: NorCal
Black W212 E550
Make sure everything works on the car, pay for a MB inspection it is def. worth it. Buy a warranty right away with the car, look around to get a good one, like the Chrystler warranty or EasyCare Total Care warranty. This is not a car you want to own without one. make sure you get a nice loaded up one, with Pano roof, pulse seats, parking sensors, and distronic cruise control. Just compare each car with what they are loaded up with, dont buy the cheapest one with best miles, cause that one probably has way less on it than the one that is 2K more with same miles. Keyless go is nice as well.
What is the price range for a extended warranty, I paid over $3k for an MB warranty on W212 E550. Is it in that ball park?
FTB
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Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Chicago
W215 V12TT Build by Speedriven, W221 S550 4Matic
I spent $2500 on my easy care total care wararnty with a $200 deductable. This was for an extended 2 years or 25K miles bumper to bumper warranty.
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Joined: Jun 2010
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From: Bakersfield, Ca.
04 Sl55, 09 civic, 09 mitsu spyder(wifes), 97 Lx 450
Coming from a 01 Porsche turbo with performance upgrades I miss the power and all wheel drive handling. Do love the hardtop convertible and the soft ride. Its a totally different car imo, a cruiser rather than a true sports car. I actually miss my Porsche but the wife fell in love with the Merc. Did get the extended warranty for a 2004 sl55 on the fourms advise. The 2005 and above has upgraded gps system.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 509
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From: NorCal
Black W212 E550
Coming from a 01 Porsche turbo with performance upgrades I miss the power and all wheel drive handling. Do love the hardtop convertible and the soft ride. Its a totally different car imo, a cruiser rather than a true sports car. I actually miss my Porsche but the wife fell in love with the Merc. Did get the extended warranty for a 2004 sl55 on the fourms advise. The 2005 and above has upgraded gps system.
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From: Sacramento, CA
Several MB's Superperformance MK III Cobra
In that year range I would look at the '07's and one with the performance package. You will get upgraded brakes, limited slip differential, stiffer suspension, higher top end via the ECU and the '07's have the larger throttle body. I have added all of the above to my SL and there is a difference but costly vs buying one already equipped that way.
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 72
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From: San Francisco
'05 SL65
Certainly skip the '04 and I agree with Lou that it's worth waiting for an '07 though difference isn't huge.
You may as well scout for a 65, they aren't that much more expensive, but it's a different beast. Beyond the engine you'd get every option under the sun.
I'm also from NorCal (SF), so PM if you'd like more details.
You may as well scout for a 65, they aren't that much more expensive, but it's a different beast. Beyond the engine you'd get every option under the sun.
I'm also from NorCal (SF), so PM if you'd like more details.
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2004 SL55
The chances of finding an SL55 with the performance package are pretty slim. I would avoid one considering the cost to do repairs. The limited slip wears out and the brake rotors are over $500 each. The stock brakes are good enough for every day use and the rotors cost about $100 each. I would love a limited slip but it is not worth the money to add one. Check the trunk for water damage. If the car has rust or a smell avoid it like the plague.
This car is not a good daily driver. It is a toy for weekends.
This car is not a good daily driver. It is a toy for weekends.
Last edited by busaboy; Dec 26, 2010 at 12:20 PM.
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Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Georgia
E 63S Wagon Renntech, E55 Renntech, SL65, SL 55 030, ML, bunch of old ones--they come, they go...
Depends....
I agree that I'd rather have an 05 up, and an 07/8 would be nice. But I wouldn't pass on a nice 04 if it was the right color, had the right stuff and everything (including the $$) felt right. Yes, the early nav system sucks, but so does the later one (except the 09 refresh version). Just depends on your point of view--I would love to own an 08 with PP, but man, those cars have a LOT of depreciation in their future. The fall from mid 60ish k to the thirties looks scarier than the fall from 40k to high 20's. Given the tough, tough marketplace on these cars, I guess it depends on whether (and where) you'd rather spend your money. You'll know a right one and a right seller when you see it.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 509
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From: NorCal
Black W212 E550
What tips do you have about acquiring one, should I stay away from certain dealers, should I try to find a private party, MB dealer or ?
Anyone from these dealers on Autotrader or Ebay you have done business with.
Anyone from these dealers on Autotrader or Ebay you have done business with.
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,261
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From: Sacramento, CA
Several MB's Superperformance MK III Cobra
The chances of finding an SL55 with the performance package are pretty slim. I would avoid one considering the cost to do repairs. The limited slip wears out and the brake rotors are over $500 each. The stock brakes are good enough for every day use and the rotors cost about $100 each. I would love a limited slip but it is not worth the money to add one. Check the trunk for water damage. If the car has rust or a smell avoid it like the plague.
This car is not a good daily driver. It is a toy for weekends.
This car is not a good daily driver. It is a toy for weekends.
Also I use mine as a daily driver; not a bunch of miles but it is my DD.
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Joined: Aug 2008
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Porsche guy who drives SL63 w/ perf pkg AND perf suspension
doesnt matter where you find a car, just take it to a mercedes dealer and have a preowned inspection, and get them to pull all the service history etc. and do a car fax before you do anything
