amok55amg

I have been thinking of face-lifting my 2003 but I have doubts.

When looking at the 2008/12 version it is somewhat a totally new car. When comparing the R129 model witch was face-lifted the changes was not as dramatic as in this R230 version and the transformation was a natural one.

This face-lifting of the R230 was very drastic and it does not stop there – they also threw out the engine – the compressor had to go….
The question is; is it a natural development? Or will it be like the old hags of Hollywood trying to keep their long-gone youth?

It would not have annoyed me if it was only cosmetic but the change of the engine makes me think if this is just a desperate move from my side to “do something” …. after all; the look of the 2002/08 AMG with its compressor is considered by AMG people to be one of their finest …. a classic. So; face-lifting this model – would I be looked at as a Vandal?

Also; seen some face-lifting where people put on the ensign “6.3” and had removed the “55” + “V8 Kompressor” ensign ……. then we talk Kit-car …………………… there’s nothing to be ashamed off calling out it’s a SL55AMG that have had a facelift …………………. or am I wrong?

sprins

Don't ruin your future classic. Don't do it.

DCMETRO22Z

Plus One.

I don't like seeing a Facelifted SL with the pre-facelift interior,steering wheel and intrument cluster.

Sharkster

Go for it!
(see pic in my signature)...

RonnieRenaldi

Sharkster, post pics of your car pls.

anotherAMG

Ronnie,

Are those Radenergie R10 wheels? I had them on my E46 M3. They look even better on the SL tho.

RonnieRenaldi

Yes, more pics here:
https://mbworld.org/forums/sl55-amg-...hotoshoot.html

kustom2k1

Here is one of sharksters posts from the build Ronnie
https://mbworld.org/forums/sl55-amg-...-facelift.html

sprins

You can also spend your money on an inner facelift: http://www.mercedesforum.nl/forum/vi...p?f=27&t=27587

I had this done (that's my car) and think it's a better investment than the exterior facelift.

The trip from Sweden to the Netherlands is doable. Make a vacation of it and have a freshly updated cockpit instead of a facelift-gone-horribly-wrong.

Just IMHO of course :-)

Sharkster

Thanks for linking. Saved me the hassle of looking up that thread myself.
But as amok55amg already commented on the original thread, I guess he has already seen the pics a couple of years ago.

amok55amg

Very fine car you have there Sharkster - indeed it is - but I have now made my mind up and the difference in both appearance and engine is to big for me. I think it's another car entirely .... so I keep my classic and if I want the new look of the sl - I guess I have to buy a 63 then

https://mbworld.org/forums/sl55-amg-...ew-vs-old.html

I rather put my energy (and money!) in upgrading and maintaining this beast I have ........ guess I will change the color ...... black is too hard to keep ... thinking of a mat gray or mat white ... or these colors to "new" for my classic??

0-60Motorsports

Sharkster, when you did the upgrade what kind of coding did the car require if any. What parts were required?