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2003 SL55 AMG, 1989 348 Challenge, 1987 Testarossa, 1992 F40, 1989 Mondial t cab, 2001 X5 4.4 Sport
I just ran across this thread, so I thought I would chime in.
I've had an '03 since new and as of 10/19 it has done 90K miles and it has been a very good car. I've followed the services as recommended. In 16 years there have been a few things.
AC compressor
oil level sensor
rear trunk struts (3X)
IC Pump
Secondary air pump
console shifter
ABC Accumulators
Trans and engine mounts
Trunk latch
lower control arm bushings
ball joints
valve cover gaskets
ignition switch
ABC pump
It has been a thoroughly enjoyable car. It is the first 500hp car that really started the hp wars that we still have today. The looks of original R230 is aging quite well and I believe that the SL55 will be a future classic. I can hardly believe that I have had this car 16 years. If the car has been taken care of, these are great.
That’s quite a list of non service items to have had replaced and the danger with these cars is that their value is so low that people start skipping anything but the essentials. You’ve obviously kept it in great condition. My SL55 was bought in 2002 so is now 17 years old and has only covered 38000 miles but is now worth 1/10 of what I paid for it, never mind the effect of inflation.
What about batteries? I’m on my 4th trunk battery and am about to replace the starter battery which I hope will fix some starting weirdness.
I have owned my '03 SL55 for over 5 years. Has about 57K miles on it (bought with 45k). It had three good and financially capable previous owners, and was in excellent mechanical and physical condition. I changed all fluids, including Supercharger and ABC shortly after purchase. I had one 'top flap' that failed, (replaced both), had to re-seal the soft close trunk vacuum motor (with epoxy), and that's about it other than ONE real failure - the fuel pump died on I-95. Flatbeaded to the dealer for a $1500 repair, and that has been it other than routine maintenance. I also drive a '97 BMW 840Ci, a 2009 Aston Martin DB9, a 2013 Audi A8, and every time I get in the Sl55 and drive it a few miles, my brain says 'wow, this truly is a great car'.
Gary
Last edited by kittyandgary; 10-25-2019 at 10:01 AM.
2003 SL55 AMG, 1989 348 Challenge, 1987 Testarossa, 1992 F40, 1989 Mondial t cab, 2001 X5 4.4 Sport
Originally Posted by blueSL
That’s quite a list of non service items to have had replaced and the danger with these cars is that their value is so low that people start skipping anything but the essentials. You’ve obviously kept it in great condition. My SL55 was bought in 2002 so is now 17 years old and has only covered 38000 miles but is now worth 1/10 of what I paid for it, never mind the effect of inflation.
What about batteries? I’m on my 4th trunk battery and am about to replace the starter battery which I hope will fix some starting weirdness.
16 years and 90K miles, I don't really think that is that bad. These aren't Kia's. I paid $130K out the door, and I take care of it like one would when spending $130K. I live in the desert...... battery replacement is a service item as heat takes a huge toll on them.
If you have a mindset that, "The car is only worth X and I'm not going to spend whatever to fix or maintain it". You may as well break it up for parts, because at the end of the day, it is a very expensive and complex car that has commensurate costs associated with it. There also really isn't anything that can give you the look, feel and performance of the SL55. So, you have to decide, is it worth it. I know what I paid and I also know what the market is for them right now. I haven't lost anything...... unless I sell!
I have a 2005 SL55. It now has 9400 miles on it and only had to replace one rear strut. The hazard button got sticky and I replaced it.
It is still my all time favorite car.
Up date on the mileage. It turned over 10000 on the way back from the Hilton Head Concours. Still hasn’t been in the rain.
Last edited by Gene Gorman; 11-04-2019 at 09:47 AM.
Bought mine new in june 2003. Done a few mods. On 40k miles on it. Slr cams, larger pulley, larger throttle body, short headers, phenolic spacers, stronger tie rods, still enjoying it.
2003 SL55 AMG, 1989 348 Challenge, 1987 Testarossa, 1992 F40, 1989 Mondial t cab, 2001 X5 4.4 Sport
Originally Posted by blueSL
That’s quite a list of non service items to have had replaced and the danger with these cars is that their value is so low that people start skipping anything but the essentials. You’ve obviously kept it in great condition. My SL55 was bought in 2002 so is now 17 years old and has only covered 38000 miles but is now worth 1/10 of what I paid for it, never mind the effect of inflation.
What about batteries? I’m on my 4th trunk battery and am about to replace the starter battery which I hope will fix some starting weirdness.
Oh yes, batteries. I live in the AZ desert and batteries just don't last more than 3-4 years. That's the price we pay for 320 days of sunshine and some great driving roads!
The starting weirdness I mentioned was not fixed by replacing the starter battery, the starter relay and the starter motor. Turns out it starts every time with Keyless Go and sometimes but rarely using the key. The problem is that the starter motor only receives power for an instant, not enough to get the car going. When it does start on the key, it’s fine.
The Mercedes dealer looked at the stream of errors in the diagnostics and THINKS replacing the transmission lever will solve the problem but doesn’t guarantee it. It’s the next best step, they say. Trouble is, it’s a $1300 step...
Starting the car with the key involves three security coded components talking to each other - the ignition key module, the engine management unit and the transmission selector.
Anyway, I’m not prepared to pay for their educated guesswork, so now in effect, it’s a Keyless Go only car, just like my Ferrari 488 GTB and my Range Rover Sport SVR.
10-25-2019, 02:19 AM
