SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: Questions and Opinions
Thread Starter
Banned
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 4
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Not an MB...yet
Questions and Opinions
Hello everyone;
I am signed up in here just to ask a couple questions and get some honest opinions.
I have always loved Mercedes, unfortunately don't have one right now but just got a great new job and have have an opportunity at one.
Not just any one either.
This is where the opinions come in.
It happens to be my doctors car, over heard him talking about getting rid of it while I was at his office.
Worth it? 2005 SL 65 AMG, but it has 72k miles on it for $33k
1 owner, carfax is clean, title is clean. Guy just wants to get rid of it and knowing him get another one or a Maserati or something crazy, he loves fast cars.
Claims he never had any issues, but also doesn't have any extended warranty or anything left on it.
Sooo.
#1. is it worth it? I heard 2005's are the most problem ridden from the past decade because of a new drive train ( or so i have read)
#2. what is the insurance like on these? I am 30 and have always settled for practical boring cars.
#3. can I even get a warranty on this now or not and If so what does that run?
This SL65 has always been a dream car and while I love it and want it.....I also do not want to be dumping loads of cash on it with trips to the dealership or having it jacked up in my garage all the time. I am handy with a fixing issues in cars but I don't even want to try with a Mercedes and their ridiculously complex systems, much less a bi-turbo V12
Thanks for any help you guys can give.
I am signed up in here just to ask a couple questions and get some honest opinions.
I have always loved Mercedes, unfortunately don't have one right now but just got a great new job and have have an opportunity at one.
Not just any one either.
This is where the opinions come in.
It happens to be my doctors car, over heard him talking about getting rid of it while I was at his office.
Worth it? 2005 SL 65 AMG, but it has 72k miles on it for $33k
1 owner, carfax is clean, title is clean. Guy just wants to get rid of it and knowing him get another one or a Maserati or something crazy, he loves fast cars.
Claims he never had any issues, but also doesn't have any extended warranty or anything left on it.
Sooo.
#1. is it worth it? I heard 2005's are the most problem ridden from the past decade because of a new drive train ( or so i have read)
#2. what is the insurance like on these? I am 30 and have always settled for practical boring cars.
#3. can I even get a warranty on this now or not and If so what does that run?
This SL65 has always been a dream car and while I love it and want it.....I also do not want to be dumping loads of cash on it with trips to the dealership or having it jacked up in my garage all the time. I am handy with a fixing issues in cars but I don't even want to try with a Mercedes and their ridiculously complex systems, much less a bi-turbo V12
Thanks for any help you guys can give.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 603
Likes: 2
From: Asheville, Atlanta
SL 65 AMG, Porsche 911 (993), 2014 Cayenne GTS, 2013 Toyota Highlander Limited
Posted below is my history with my car to date - this was a post on AMG Private Lounge I posted this week.....a more complete cost analysis over the last 3 years........
My AMG is just fantastic when it runs, but not that reliable relative to being in the shop with just 47K miles on the clock......have driven it 20k in 3 years this month.......
My Easy Care Warranty, which cost 4K for 4 years up to 60K on the car has covered:
Ignition module - $ 1K
Intercooler motor - $.5K
Coil Pack - $ 1.2K
Truck soft close (PSE Pump/Latch) - $ 1.5 K
MAP sensor - .1K
Front left strut - $ 1.1K
Oil cooler - front right - $ 1.1K - my driver error
SUB TOTAL EXPENSE - $ 6.5 K
My out of pocket - maintenance costs....
New Plugs - .4K
Tires - 1.1K
Glove Box fix - .1K
Oil changes (3) - .6K
Transmission service - .1K
2 front rotors - 2K
Wipers - .1K
Suspension creak T Service Bulletin (2X) - .4K
Warranty deductibles - .8K
Tensioner and V-belt - .4K
Trunk strut - .1K
Engine Starter Battery - .1K
SUB TOTAL EXPENSE - $ 6.2 K
GRAND TOTAL OPERATING COSTS - 3 YEARS - 20K MILES
PLUS - Gas @ $ 3.70 gal. (16 MPG) and Insurance @ $ 80 month - 7.0K
3 YEAR GRAND TOTAL = $ 19.7 K/approx.
Approx. $1 cost per mile........................warranty basically paid for repairs in advance with my money and I am $ 2.6 K ahead on warranty approx. with a year to go....
My first Mercedes has been an interesting ride compared to Porsche/BMW/AUDI/Lexus experiences.......much more costly.....but the car is difficult to match for performance and to part with......
My AMG is just fantastic when it runs, but not that reliable relative to being in the shop with just 47K miles on the clock......have driven it 20k in 3 years this month.......
My Easy Care Warranty, which cost 4K for 4 years up to 60K on the car has covered:
Ignition module - $ 1K
Intercooler motor - $.5K
Coil Pack - $ 1.2K
Truck soft close (PSE Pump/Latch) - $ 1.5 K
MAP sensor - .1K
Front left strut - $ 1.1K
Oil cooler - front right - $ 1.1K - my driver error
SUB TOTAL EXPENSE - $ 6.5 K
My out of pocket - maintenance costs....
New Plugs - .4K
Tires - 1.1K
Glove Box fix - .1K
Oil changes (3) - .6K
Transmission service - .1K
2 front rotors - 2K
Wipers - .1K
Suspension creak T Service Bulletin (2X) - .4K
Warranty deductibles - .8K
Tensioner and V-belt - .4K
Trunk strut - .1K
Engine Starter Battery - .1K
SUB TOTAL EXPENSE - $ 6.2 K
GRAND TOTAL OPERATING COSTS - 3 YEARS - 20K MILES
PLUS - Gas @ $ 3.70 gal. (16 MPG) and Insurance @ $ 80 month - 7.0K
3 YEAR GRAND TOTAL = $ 19.7 K/approx.
Approx. $1 cost per mile........................warranty basically paid for repairs in advance with my money and I am $ 2.6 K ahead on warranty approx. with a year to go....
My first Mercedes has been an interesting ride compared to Porsche/BMW/AUDI/Lexus experiences.......much more costly.....but the car is difficult to match for performance and to part with......
Last edited by abiazis; Aug 12, 2012 at 05:53 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,498
Likes: 222
Porsche guy who drives SL63 w/ perf pkg AND perf suspension
it is easy, no guessing required. You have to take the car to a mercedes dealer, have them do a cpo inspection, look up all the service history, then youll know everything there is to know about the car. and what it needs.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
From: Boston & Bonita Springs, Fl
2005 SL65 w/RENNtech Stage 2, 2013 MB GL550
I own a 2005 SL65 with about 33,000 miles and have had practically nothing wrong with it, except replacing brakes and rotors. I had an extended warranty and that lasted 4 years and just purchased another 5 year 60,000 warranty last Nov for about $7000. I've even tracked the car a little. I think the price is a little low but maybe he just wants to get rid of it quick, sounds like a good deal price wise as long as there are no mechanical issues. Good Luck
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,268
Likes: 253
An 05 is not less or more reliable than say an 07. The face lifted cars (08+) are the more reliable ones. Or least that is what the public opinion is.
Aftermarket warranty on a high mileage car will most likely not be possible or if it is it will not be worth it.
The car will need in no particular order the following in the next few years (if it has not been done yet)- a he pump, coil packs, brakes, trunk latch, both valve blocks, an abc hose or two or five, a tandem pump, a shock or two....
Also make sure that car had a brake flush and reared oil replaced around 50k miles or last year.
But when they run..... They run
Last edited by alx; Aug 12, 2012 at 07:25 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 6,897
Likes: 85
From: Central WI (BFE)
SL55, ML500 & Acura TL
I suggest you give your insurance company a call and get a quote on the SL65. I have actually found insuring MBs not to be as bad as I thought they would be given their cost. Obviously, repair costs are higher than less expensive cars, but besides liability, the big exposure for insurance companies is medical. Maybe the extensive safety features and safe history of MB cars helps drive down the premium.
A point on the mileage. My personal opinion is that these cars are better off being driven. I have a couple of friends that thought they got a great deal on low mileage "garage queens" only to find they needed lots of repairs once put on the road.
The Dr. might be a big car guy and already know this, but you might tell him he needs to take a look at the new 2013 SL63 AMG (R231).
A point on the mileage. My personal opinion is that these cars are better off being driven. I have a couple of friends that thought they got a great deal on low mileage "garage queens" only to find they needed lots of repairs once put on the road.
The Dr. might be a big car guy and already know this, but you might tell him he needs to take a look at the new 2013 SL63 AMG (R231).
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Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 314
Likes: 5
E class
Hello everyone;
I am signed up in here just to ask a couple questions and get some honest opinions.
I have always loved Mercedes, unfortunately don't have one right now but just got a great new job and have have an opportunity at one.
Not just any one either.
This is where the opinions come in.
It happens to be my doctors car, over heard him talking about getting rid of it while I was at his office.
Worth it? 2005 SL 65 AMG, but it has 72k miles on it for $33k
1 owner, carfax is clean, title is clean. Guy just wants to get rid of it and knowing him get another one or a Maserati or something crazy, he loves fast cars.
Claims he never had any issues, but also doesn't have any extended warranty or anything left on it.
Sooo.
#1. is it worth it? I heard 2005's are the most problem ridden from the past decade because of a new drive train ( or so i have read)
#2. what is the insurance like on these? I am 30 and have always settled for practical boring cars.
#3. can I even get a warranty on this now or not and If so what does that run?
This SL65 has always been a dream car and while I love it and want it.....I also do not want to be dumping loads of cash on it with trips to the dealership or having it jacked up in my garage all the time. I am handy with a fixing issues in cars but I don't even want to try with a Mercedes and their ridiculously complex systems, much less a bi-turbo V12
Thanks for any help you guys can give.
I am signed up in here just to ask a couple questions and get some honest opinions.
I have always loved Mercedes, unfortunately don't have one right now but just got a great new job and have have an opportunity at one.
Not just any one either.
This is where the opinions come in.
It happens to be my doctors car, over heard him talking about getting rid of it while I was at his office.
Worth it? 2005 SL 65 AMG, but it has 72k miles on it for $33k
1 owner, carfax is clean, title is clean. Guy just wants to get rid of it and knowing him get another one or a Maserati or something crazy, he loves fast cars.
Claims he never had any issues, but also doesn't have any extended warranty or anything left on it.
Sooo.
#1. is it worth it? I heard 2005's are the most problem ridden from the past decade because of a new drive train ( or so i have read)
#2. what is the insurance like on these? I am 30 and have always settled for practical boring cars.
#3. can I even get a warranty on this now or not and If so what does that run?
This SL65 has always been a dream car and while I love it and want it.....I also do not want to be dumping loads of cash on it with trips to the dealership or having it jacked up in my garage all the time. I am handy with a fixing issues in cars but I don't even want to try with a Mercedes and their ridiculously complex systems, much less a bi-turbo V12
Thanks for any help you guys can give.
with the Amg sport package. Might be easier to get warranty with less miles. Also you can spend 1000 bucks on a tune and have a faster car than a stock sl65.
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Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
From: Boston & Bonita Springs, Fl
2005 SL65 w/RENNtech Stage 2, 2013 MB GL550
Thread Starter
Banned
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Not an MB...yet
I suggest you give your insurance company a call and get a quote on the SL65. I have actually found insuring MBs not to be as bad as I thought they would be given their cost. Obviously, repair costs are higher than less expensive cars, but besides liability, the big exposure for insurance companies is medical. Maybe the extensive safety features and safe history of MB cars helps drive down the premium.
A point on the mileage. My personal opinion is that these cars are better off being driven. I have a couple of friends that thought they got a great deal on low mileage "garage queens" only to find they needed lots of repairs once put on the road.
The Dr. might be a big car guy and already know this, but you might tell him he needs to take a look at the new 2013 SL63 AMG (R231).
A point on the mileage. My personal opinion is that these cars are better off being driven. I have a couple of friends that thought they got a great deal on low mileage "garage queens" only to find they needed lots of repairs once put on the road.
The Dr. might be a big car guy and already know this, but you might tell him he needs to take a look at the new 2013 SL63 AMG (R231).
The last 4 cars I have had have a 100k+ miles in less than 5 years.
Driving, not even racing, just driving is what I love to do. It is my zen, and my zen becomes an even bigger grin when i have power like this monster under my foot.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
SL55 AMG
Trust me on this, If i get a car, no matter what it is. I drive its wheels off.
The last 4 cars I have had have a 100k+ miles in less than 5 years.
Driving, not even racing, just driving is what I love to do. It is my zen, and my zen becomes an even bigger grin when i have power like this monster under my foot.
The last 4 cars I have had have a 100k+ miles in less than 5 years.
Driving, not even racing, just driving is what I love to do. It is my zen, and my zen becomes an even bigger grin when i have power like this monster under my foot.
Just curious, is your YouTube channel:cutegoofoff?
Thread Starter
Banned
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Not an MB...yet
I own a 2005 SL65 with about 33,000 miles and have had practically nothing wrong with it, except replacing brakes and rotors. I had an extended warranty and that lasted 4 years and just purchased another 5 year 60,000 warranty last Nov for about $7000. I've even tracked the car a little. I think the price is a little low but maybe he just wants to get rid of it quick, sounds like a good deal price wise as long as there are no mechanical issues. Good Luck
Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 94
Likes: 0
2005 SL55 AMG
The big thing with these cars is reliability and cost of repairs. If you can deal witha car that needs a lot of maintenance and the cost of replacing a lot of parts and systems then go for it. The price of the car is very good and it will be a pleasure to drive.
If this is going to be your only car and you need to rely on it to get around, I would not recommend it.
Go to a local MB dealer and speak with a service manager. Get some ideas of the prices to fix shocks, tandem pumps, coil packs, and then even just routine maintenance. If you lose all the blood in your head and want to faint, this is not the car for you. The costs of maintaining a $180K car are very steep and stay high, even if the value of the car has dropped 80%. There is a difference between getting into the car and continuing to keep it moving down the road.
I am not saying this to make the car sound like a bad choice. Just be sure you are walking into the situation with your eyes open and informed. The car can be in "mint" condition on your report and then something can fail after a month that takes $3K in repairs. I went through a similar decision process on a higher mileage car and ended up going for it. I really like the car, but it has not been trouble free. I've had a Lexus for 6 years that has only cost me gas, tires, and a set of brakes (plus some regular maintenance of course). My SL has required about $5K in repairs in the first 6 months of ownership.
Good luck with your decision. That is an amazing car and it would put a big smile on your face.
Z
If this is going to be your only car and you need to rely on it to get around, I would not recommend it.
Go to a local MB dealer and speak with a service manager. Get some ideas of the prices to fix shocks, tandem pumps, coil packs, and then even just routine maintenance. If you lose all the blood in your head and want to faint, this is not the car for you. The costs of maintaining a $180K car are very steep and stay high, even if the value of the car has dropped 80%. There is a difference between getting into the car and continuing to keep it moving down the road.
I am not saying this to make the car sound like a bad choice. Just be sure you are walking into the situation with your eyes open and informed. The car can be in "mint" condition on your report and then something can fail after a month that takes $3K in repairs. I went through a similar decision process on a higher mileage car and ended up going for it. I really like the car, but it has not been trouble free. I've had a Lexus for 6 years that has only cost me gas, tires, and a set of brakes (plus some regular maintenance of course). My SL has required about $5K in repairs in the first 6 months of ownership.
Good luck with your decision. That is an amazing car and it would put a big smile on your face.
Z
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,703
Likes: 5
From: Arizona
SL55AMG, Ferrari 348, Ferrari Testarossa, Ferrari F40, Ferrari Mondial t, Ducati 916, Indycar
Just like all cars, there are ones that have been cared for and those that aren't.
As previously stated, a thorough PPI at a MB dealer will tell you what you are getting in to. I would also ask your doc if he has service records and take a look and see if it was a problem child so to speak.
My SL55 has been pretty bullet proof over the last 9 years.
As previously stated, a thorough PPI at a MB dealer will tell you what you are getting in to. I would also ask your doc if he has service records and take a look and see if it was a problem child so to speak.
My SL55 has been pretty bullet proof over the last 9 years.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 603
Likes: 2
From: Asheville, Atlanta
SL 65 AMG, Porsche 911 (993), 2014 Cayenne GTS, 2013 Toyota Highlander Limited
Make sure you run the OBD codes to see if any misfires occurred......
Sometimes hard to pinpoint the issue, but coil pack failure is usually the culprit.....I also replaced per above post, my ignition module
Coil packs are a very weak spot on these cars.......there may have been an upgraded part number installed at some time in the car's history.....
Sometimes hard to pinpoint the issue, but coil pack failure is usually the culprit.....I also replaced per above post, my ignition module
Coil packs are a very weak spot on these cars.......there may have been an upgraded part number installed at some time in the car's history.....
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,477
Likes: 1
From: Colorado
07' SL65, 04' E55, 03' Evo8, 08' GSXR, DSM's...
I would start of with A PPI, and get the history pulled on the car like someone else said. Ask your boss for the maintenance records on it. Getting a reputable warranty on it may be a little tough as well. Check your insurance agent for quotes, as i have found some places don't want to inure the car, such as Allstate, and try to have you go through third parties for coverage. Personally, i would make sure you are financially stable before purchasing a car that could potentially be very costly to maintain/ fix. Buying a "expensive" car because you just got a "good paying" job is not wise IMO. Would be better to wait it out, save up some money, and see how things are financially before moving forward. But if you feel you can handle it, go for it. Good luck.
Aaron
Aaron
