spex2004

Hey everyone,

I'm currently in the market for a 03, 05 or 07 sl55. Been doing research on the car for a while now and I think I'm finally ready to purchase it. Just wanted some advice before I make my decision..

First off, I don't have much experience with Carmax buying, but how is it? I know they have "extended warranties" available which sound pretty awesome. I was thinking of picking up either an 03 sl55 with 28k miles for ~$39k, or an 07 with 45k miles for 46k. I can add extended warranties for about $2k which covers upto 125k miles. From what it seems, Maxcare (carmax's warranty program) is pretty comprehensive covering almost bumper-bumper (even covers supercharger as well). Seems pretty good, but anything that sounds too good to be true usually is. Any experiences anyone?

Second, I guess is any advice on which is a better year to go with? I know the 05+ have the updated center console - not really a big deal to me, I might change out the entire head unit anyways. But are there any things in particular that I should be keeping an eye out for? Any help for a first time buyer would be great!

Thanks!

m_berman

Stay away from car max especially with MBs notwithstanding Sls

They get there crap from auctions

Buy from dealer or PP with a history

As far as warranties Fidelity,Easycare or just email your local MB dealers you are in need of an aftermarket warranty-You'll get caparison quotes

Good luck

Zaddick

In 05 they added a spare tire (besides the change in the Nav/Com system). the car also lost the AUX input in the glove box.

For 07 they upgraded the HP and Torque a little bit. They aslo changed the front grill to 3 slats from the previous 4.

I'd rather have the newer car, all else equal. Of course, in an SL you want the better taken care of car, and that is not just mileage or year.

I would not think a $2K warranty would cover all the MB systems. Since one of the ABC pumps going out would cost you $3K at a dealer you should see what parts in the suspension and the roof are covered.

Good luck.

Z

spex2004

Thanks for the informative responses guys!

The search continues...hows the sl600 in comparison? Would I be looking at higher maintenance bills on the 600?

How much would you estimate an after-market warranty to cost? And do those warranties cover everything (at least major $$ repair parts)? I've never shopped after market warranties so I have no idea what numbers I should be expecting.

Thanks again!

migg48

I bought an 05 SL 55 with 16K miles. Love the car. I've owned lots of 12 cyl cars, BMW, Ferrari, Lamborghini and MBZ. 12 cyls cost more than 8. They are smoother and very nice, but hard to sell, because people know that they can be very, very expensive. No matter what you buy....get a warranty or you'll end up afraid to drive it. You may buy a car for 35K, but you are repairing a 120K car......

Warranty costs vary. My car had a MBZ warranty, but I added another on top....3K, and glad to know it's there.........

jwrichter

I bought my 2005 2 yrs ago with 14,500 miles on it. Bought it from a Porsche dealership that didn't even know the car was still under warranty. I am truly happy with the car and from reading these forums would buy a 05 or newer. My Mercedes mechanic says the 8 cylinders are the way to go unless you are independently wealthy as they are more expensive to maintain. I bought a Chrysler after market warranty for 5 yrs or 80k with a $200 deductable for $2400. I just had $1000+ repair work done and my mercedes dealer said they paid promptly with no isssues. I believe they still warranty the 8 cylinder sl but don't know about the 12's. Be patient and you will find the car for you, if you're in a hurry it might really cost you. Good luck in your search.

chiurw

I remember when I was in the market for an SL55 four years ago, forum members recommended to buy the newest I could afford. I purchased an '06 with 20k miles and it has been a great car. One month prior to my factory warranty expiring, I purchased an extended warranty from Chrysler that extended it out to 5 years, 100k miles for $2400, minus a $200 deductible. About the only major thing that went wrong has been the ABC suspension. Recently had the ABC pump and valve block replaced that cost the warranty company $4200.

My recommendation is to look at the '07 since I read in this forum that the ABC suspension was simplified compared to the pre-07 models.