SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: 2003 SL55's
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 15
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2004 SL55, 2006 CLS500, 2011 E350, 2011 SLS
Don't know about 2003's, but
as original owner of 2004 SL55 purchased in Sept 2003, it has nearly 170,000 miles as of May 2012.
No engine issues although transmission was replaced under initial warranty and replaced struts due to ABS issue. Seat heating unit went out after 100K miles, but have not replaced it as of yet. There have been other non-mechanical issues that I have probably forgotten about over the years, but nothing substantial comes to mind.
No engine issues although transmission was replaced under initial warranty and replaced struts due to ABS issue. Seat heating unit went out after 100K miles, but have not replaced it as of yet. There have been other non-mechanical issues that I have probably forgotten about over the years, but nothing substantial comes to mind.
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,703
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From: Arizona
SL55AMG, Ferrari 348, Ferrari Testarossa, Ferrari F40, Ferrari Mondial t, Ducati 916, Indycar
I've owned my '03 since new, and it has been fairly bullet proof.
Other than regular service:
1 set of TPMS
1 IC pump
1 AC compressor
1 shifter
I don't think that is very much trouble in 9 years.
Other than regular service:
1 set of TPMS
1 IC pump
1 AC compressor
1 shifter
I don't think that is very much trouble in 9 years.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 41
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SL55 AMG
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 92
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From: From NYC now in Hong Kong
Shopping for: CLK500or CLK55 or SL55 or SL500 or C43
as original owner of 2004 SL55 purchased in Sept 2003, it has nearly 170,000 miles as of May 2012.
No engine issues although transmission was replaced under initial warranty and replaced struts due to ABS issue. Seat heating unit went out after 100K miles, but have not replaced it as of yet. There have been other non-mechanical issues that I have probably forgotten about over the years, but nothing substantial comes to mind.
No engine issues although transmission was replaced under initial warranty and replaced struts due to ABS issue. Seat heating unit went out after 100K miles, but have not replaced it as of yet. There have been other non-mechanical issues that I have probably forgotten about over the years, but nothing substantial comes to mind.
thanks very much! this is very helpful. it seems the SL55's are pretty darn reliable considering all the technology the car has!
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 14
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From: Port Perry Ontario Can.
2003 sl55
Orginal owner of a 2003 SL55 now with 60K. Been thru 3 sets of tires(to be expected) 1 shifter (anti theft pin issues) , 1 xenon igniter and a set of ball joints. All issues under warranty except for the shifter. I still love it. Oh and those plastic panels beside the rear glass are now delaminating. Time to replace.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 6,897
Likes: 85
From: Central WI (BFE)
SL55, ML500 & Acura TL
There are a few common issues of the early r230s. The SC clutches and SC bearings tend to fail. The IC pump tends to fail. It is common for motor mounts and tranny mounts to fail. ball joints and lower control arms tend to wear out on these heavy monsters as well. In addition, many people struggle with ABC suspension issues. You can search any of the issues I listed to get a ton of good information.
Here is a DIY for you https://mbworld.org/forums/sl55-amg-...ement-diy.html
Orginal owner of a 2003 SL55 now with 60K. Been thru 3 sets of tires(to be expected) 1 shifter (anti theft pin issues) , 1 xenon igniter and a set of ball joints. All issues under warranty except for the shifter. I still love it. Oh and those plastic panels beside the rear glass are now delaminating. Time to replace.
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SpeedRiven SL600, ML320CDI
