03'55AMG

As you can see, I've creeped out of the W211 forums. I was just looking at pics of an SL55, and I think I'm falling in love. But I am very curious as to how mod friendly these are. IIRC, it has the same engine as my E55, which is EXTREMELY mod friendly. And I was talking to a fellow MB enthusiast and he said to stay away from the SL55. he would not give a reason, but insisted they were headaches. What should I know about these cars before I go looking for one?

cal1

As far as the engine goes, same headaches as the E55, SC clutch and IC pump. SLs have ABC suspension (hydraulic) instead of airmatic. I would rate the ABC problems to be similar to airmatic issues. Drop tops are pretty complicated and do break on occasion. Also, there has been some issues with fuel baffles becoming loose in the fuel tanks resulting in an annoying sloshing sound. This is a big ticket item to repair. The good news is fuel doesn’t leak into the cabin like the E fuel issue.

All in all, I would say both the E and SL have their share of issues. Extended warranty is the only way to go.

As far as mods go, the SL55 can be highly modded just like the E. The SL is a pig though, weighing close to 400 lbs more than a E.

Nothing like dropping the top on a nice day and taking the SL for a ride though. Especially when you run into another roadster like a Z3 or Z4 that thinks they can hang with you in a straight line.

sprins

My 2003 SL55 AMG is the nicest toy I've ever had. Love my BS, but the SL is my true love. you should be able to pick one up for a nice price by now. Added bonus: it looks so much better than the facelift!

cal1

^ Wow! that is quite a testament to the SL. The CLK63 BS is one fine machine. I had the pleasure of driving one at road Atlanta last summer. There is something about the SL though that keeps it exciting and just plain fun to drive.

sprins

Don't get me wrong, the CLK BS is an absolute blast to drive. However, it's not for all occasions. The SL is a swiss army knife, and works in most if not all circumstances.

And the wife/GF won't do a roadtrip in the CLK BS for sure. Mine won't even drive along to the supermarket in it...

IngenereAMG

I have had my '03 SL55 since new, and it has been very, very reliable. No headaches at all.

As for mods, we do plenty to both 55s, as they are the same engine, and respond similarly. If you don't need 4 doors/seats, the SL55 is brilliant...... is very fast out of the box and can be made even faster for not allot of money.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

AMGfan

The combination of the engine of the 55K in the SL (better tuned sound in the SL55 vs E55) and the open air feel of the drop top is hard to beat. Just do your due diligence with the SL55 and you should be fine...an aftermarket warranty (if still available wouldn't hurt) on top of that would always be good thing.

03'55AMG

Wow, 400 MORE lbs? Lol, it seems backwards. Looking around and seeing some 2003s going for around 30k, but idk if they resolved any bugs in later model years? If I do jump on one I'll try to be around 40-45k, and not first model year. Any suggestions before I start getting hopes up? The IC issue and clutch are understandable to me, I've already dealt with these issues on the very same engine.

sprins

ABC is the real 'issue' you might have with an SL (struts or pump). Not so much a matter of 'if' but rather 'when'. Still, it's inconvenient and expensive when it happens, but not as much as the previous owners depreciation ;-)

cal1

Some of the additional weight is in the drop top mechanism, but I think the majority of it is in making the convertible more rigid.

ZorroAMG

Wait, what?? LOL

sprins

In the SL; yes, in the BS a big NO!!!

However, I'm not aware of the current meaning of "road trip" in internet pr0n lingo

ZorroAMG

No, you are missing my point. I was bowing at the fact that you have both a GF and a wife! haha

sprins

Ah LOL! Yeah, we're pretty open minded over here

cal1

LMAO

I can attest to that as a visitor to Amsterdam and the Walletjes (red light district). Wifey was with me though and she is not as open minded as the locals.