I bought a SL55AMG from 2003 in the spring of this year from Rome in Italy and of course I did a rundown of the car’s history before the buy and I was of the opinion that most major issues are taken care of ……. but since joining this forum I have started to wonder………..

I have now been driving it for eight month and put some 12.000 km. on it bringing it to a total of 141.000 km. I like the speed but don’t drive it hard. It has performed very well – never had any issues with it – only had to change a single bulb for the registration sign. I have used it every day and I love my car. I am planning to keep it and I’m not blind to the fact that it cost to have this kind of car running and in shape.

My question is: will my car stay OK and should I only expect “usual” wear and tear? or should I expect further large “breakdowns” in the future?

The story for REPAIRS in short for my car is as followed:

· 22.000 km. Shift of air pump - repaired at MB for their account
· 25.510 km. Shift of connecting rod + bearings – repaired at MB for their account
· 66.000 km. V-Belt + Tighter pulley: 649 Euro
· 71.000 km. Lever and interior spindel: 98 Euro
· 72.000 km. Total overhaul of break system – repaired at MB for their account: 1.932 Euro
· 72.000 km. New brake pads: 655 Euro
· 73.000 km. Air pump - repaired at MB for their account: 677 Euro
· 78.000 km. Total overhaul of brake system: 2.198 Euro
· 87.000 km. Engine mount: 1.016 Euro
· 95.000 km. Struts: 670 Euro
· 107.400 km. Generator + battery: 1.804 Euro
· 107.800 km. Valve gear: 1.979 Euro
· 108.000 km. Steering box assembly: 3.148 Euro

The car had new owner which only change oil on engine once at a non-MB dealer.

· ??????? km. New battery: 228 Euro

At 129.000 km. I bought the car and had MB going over it making a B-Service including new spark plugs + some repairs.

· 129.000 km. Tie Rods: 5.919 SEK
· 129.000 km. Spring for trunk: 1.967 SEK
· 129.000 km. Cylinder gasket: 2.498 SEK
· ???????? ?????so …… what’s next?????????

So; I ask you all: Is my car a POS or simply just another “normal” SL 55 AMG?

I would like to hear other SL55AMG owner’s opinion off where my car is on a scale from 1 to 10 ….. 1 being a total POS car………

Thanks to you all

 

Most of the abc stuff has yet to **** the bed.

Otherwise your car sounds about normal for the mileage.

They are complicated, over engineered and with pathetic reliability.

But they are soooooo nice when they run right