Good day, forum.

I'm on my last few steps of research in getting an SL55.
Was looking at SLK55's and decided the pricing was so similar for the SL55 I should look at these closer.
My budget is up to 45K so I'm seeing a vast variety of cars out there...

So, what's the differences (and things to look out for) between 03-06 SL55's?

I hear (again, not proven yet...) that in 05' they made some changes...if that is true, what were they?
Any more changes in an 06'?

Lastly, is an aftermarket, fully comprehensive extended warranty needed on all of those years?

Thanks
Steve

 

This is not a comprehensive list, but what I recall from my own recent research:

03 - Used a credit card for keyless go

04 - Got rid of credit card for keyless go, may be slightly more reliable since not initial year of US delivery (the r230 chasis was available as MY 02 in Europe)

05 - Changed to more modern NAV system (this was a larger screen which replaced some of the wood trim around the screen in 03 & 04, DVD instead of a book of CDs, still not as good as my phone), added a spare tire, lost the AUX input in the glove compartment, & apparently decreased the responsiveness of the shift buttons on the steering wheel (I did not test this myself)

06 - No changes that I am aware of

07 - HP & torque increases (sometimes referenced as happeining in 2006, but this was the year it happened, and was applied only to MY 07 cars) and changes to ABC suspension (more rapid reaction time). Also added paddles shifters to the steering wheel instead of buttons and I think they started to offer an AMG kit that was mostly cosmetic. That kit could have been offered earlier - I am not sure. Also, the key now has a chrome edge instead of all black plastic.

08 - no changes

I ended up narrowing my search to MY 04 and 05. I ended up with an 05 because I fell in love with the color combo (metalic emerald green over two-tone lite gray).

An aftermarket warrantly will be more expensive for older cars (like the 03) and those with over 70K miles. For $45K I would recommend searching for a certified 2007. This will allow you to buy 2 extra years (for 3 years total) of MB warranty. I have seen several (though not a lot) of certified 07 SL55s in the 45-50 range recently. Also, as much as people **** and moan about dealers, buying a car from them can give you more (of course not total) piece of mind. Afterall, they want to stay in business and could be more willing to deal as inventory sits (no emotional attachment to a product).

Good luck!

 

Thanks!
Comprehensive update.
Out of the 150+ "views" on this thread, anyone have anything to add?

 

I am not familiar as to what the AMG package in 2007 was that "was mostly cosmetic". A performance package was added and I do think it was 2007 but it more than cosmetic. It had 2 piece larger rotors, limited slip diffrential, retuned suspension and a higher controlled speed limit. The cosmetic changes were an SL65 type front bumper, 19" 2 piece AMG SL 65 wheels but painted silver instead of graphite, alacantara steering wheel and perhaps carbon fiber interior trim.

 

Lou is definitely right. Thanks for the correction Lou.

The AMG perfromance package (I believe it has an 030 code) has the following:

Internally ventilated composite front brake discs, size 390 x 36 mm

Multi-disc rear locking differential with 30% locking effect for additional traction

19-inch twin-spoke AMG alloy wheels, multipiece, size 8.5 x 19 with 255/35 R 19 tyres (front) and size 9.5 x 19 with 285/30 R 19 tyres (rear)

AMG performance suspension based on Active Body Control (ABC)

Additional oil cooler

AMG front apron with larger air intakes

AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel in leather/black Alcantara, with silver-coloured aluminium shift paddles

I believe it was quite expenseinve (something like $14000 list) and rarely ordered.

Best,

Z

 

Great, thanks.
I've seen a few 07's for sale...a bit too pricey at this point so I'll stay with the 05-06 as there appears to be little difference between those two.

Does this forum have an "extended warranty" contact? Someone to provide quotes via VIN, etc?

Thanks again all!

 

The description above, as stated was the 030 package (performance package), and the option price was $14K.

As for years to get, I would be more concerned with the individual car and its history. I have had my '03 since new and it has been taken care of. As a result it has been bullet proof.

Since we tune these cars, I see allot of clients who buy cars based only on $, and those that don't. Many of the cheap cars have no records or history, and unfortunately those cars tend to have issues. That is what I have seen from my experience.

 

Some comments and suggestions:

I think the chrome key started being issued in 2006. Whatever the case, you can easily upgrade to the eye catching and easier to handle chrome key. You can buy em on eBay and swap the board.

Having owned an 06 and test driven a few 03-04's, I think the Bose sound system in the early cars is superior. I also like the fact that earlier cars have the aux connection. The CD VS DVD nav argument (I feel) is bunk because both suck. I never used the stock navigation unit in my 06 as my handheld Garmin was far superior.

Most of the clean 04-05 SL55's I have been tracking are still selling for $40k+. I've yet to find a 07+ anywhere close to $45k...finding a certified 2007 SL55 for $45k???? I'd buy it in a heartbeat.

I agree that dealers are far less emotional about cars. Many owners are just a pain in the *** to deal with and in denial that their $140k car is now worth 35-$40k. Dealers are under pressure to move units on a monthly basis. Also...since you mentioned a warranty, many people here recommend Fidelity. An advantage of buying from a dealer is you can demand a PPI (pre purchase inspection) and get the car covered by Fidelity right away. If you were to buy from a private party, you would need to take the car to a dealership and have them do an inspection before Fidelity will honor the warranty. Chances are, the dealer (or even "more honest" independent shops) will find at least $2,000.00 worth of stuff wrong with the car meaning that you will have to pay for these repairs out of pocket before your warranty kicks in. This can quickly take away any price advantage you got from a private party.