SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: New to the '03 SL55 AMG world...
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Newbie
Joined: Sep 2012
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2003 SL55 ANG
New to the '03 SL55 AMG world...
Hi Gang: Just got a very good deal on a beautiful car (72K miles) from my brother-in-law. (His wife surprised him w a new SL63 for his 50th) so he was not expecting to sell. Anyway, he put 20K in hwy miles on it during the 2 years w very few problems--nothing serious. Since I do not have service records prior to his ownership, what should I do? I do not want any surprises but do not wish to burn $280 for a "prepurchase" inspection.
Should I just drive until something goes wrong? My wife has an '01 E-320 that is just "plug and play" with no issues, so I've been spoiled. What might I expect to be wearing out--struts, rotors, etc.? Thanks for any direction.
Should I just drive until something goes wrong? My wife has an '01 E-320 that is just "plug and play" with no issues, so I've been spoiled. What might I expect to be wearing out--struts, rotors, etc.? Thanks for any direction.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 586
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From: Phoenix AZ
2005 C55 AMG - 2018 340i - 2006 SL55 AMG - Sold
Get a per-purchase inspection. These cars break and they break often. A pre-purchase inspection will help you decide if you want the car and it could also save the relationship between you and your brother in law. It's not uncommon for these cars to come back from a PPI with a $4-$8,000.00 repair estimate.
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From: Seattle, WA
(SOLD) 05 E55 Estate. 11 Golf TDi
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Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Texas
M6 Gran Coupe
You are kidding, right? Get a PPI....if you don't want to pay the $280....you might want to reconsider taking on a car where it's likely you will need several thousand dollars of work if certain stuff goes out (struts, ABC, suspension.....several things).
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Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Maryland
Eurocharged 2004 E500, Eurocharged ECU/TCU 2005 SL600, 2010 Caddy SwaggerWagon
A warranty for the car is going to be in the $5000.00 range. And worth every penny, assuming the term is decent.
Just wondering how much you're expecting to spend on maintenance and repairs, per year?
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Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 8
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2003 SL55 ANG
Not sure, but escrowing $200/month for maintenance but will do whatever it takes to keep it in tip top condition. I'm 66 and plan to keep it as my last car and pass along to one of my sons someday when I am no longer able to drive. I do have a very close friend who ownes an Indy that I will see this week-end on a hunting trip. He'll give me the low down on what I'm looking at.
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Joined: Nov 2012
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From: SF Bay Area, CA & Northern New York (2nd home)
2007 SL55 w/030, 2014 B Electric, 2012 ML350, 1965 Shelby GT350 w/48IDA Webers, previous 06 SLK55
Hello gatorbe, My wife and I are new to (in our case an 07 SL 55 AMG) this class of car. Congrats! We bought ours from a BMW dealer with 48k miles. They offered and we bought at the time (last weekend) a 3rd party warrantee from Zurich, Im also considering a plan from a company called Easy Care. They have a very good BBB rating and was recommended by my regular MB service person. I asked him how easy it was to deal with that company. He said you have to be carefully and read the small print as to what's covered and what's not. The car will need an inspection, as he said they will not cover pre- existing issues. Bottom line is the higher the mileage the higher the cost of the plan is what I'm gathering. Good luck to you.
Cheers
~Earl J
Cheers
~Earl J
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Texas
M6 Gran Coupe
I had Easycare many years ago when I had my CL and they were really good....never had an issue. That being said, like Earl said, make sure you find out what's covered on the SL as a lot of those warranties don't cover hardtop issues, etc.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Phoenix AZ
2005 C55 AMG - 2018 340i - 2006 SL55 AMG - Sold
Fidelity, NAC, and Easycare seem to be the best...in that order. Fidelity is by far the favorite. I've talked to many service advisers about this.
Zurich also seems to be good, but VERY expensive.
Zurich also seems to be good, but VERY expensive.
