SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: Question after purchase and shake-down run of SL55 AMG
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Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 11
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2003 SL55 AMG
Question after purchase and shake-down run of SL55 AMG
I originally posted in the new guys area, and should have placed it in this forum. Sorry if you are reading this for the second time.
I have recently purchased low mileage (35K miles) bone-stock SL55 AMG. After inspection and oil change by MB in Denver, drove to Ottawa, Canada and return over 10 day period to get to know the car. I had it inspected at the MB dealer in Ottawa before the drive back to CO. MB Ottawa stated the car was in great shape, except for a little bit of play in the ball joints. Questions based upon my shake-down run:
1. I've noticed a slight hesitation and heard a squeak when adding some throttle at relativley low RPM. I am assuming this is the supercharger clutch engaging. Is this a correct assumption, and is it normal?
2. The engine appears to run hot at city speeds, although below 100C. As well, as I was waiting at the border, the engine seemed to idle a bit rough and the temperature gauge climbed alarmingly, though no buzzers, bells or flashing lights would indicate that it was above the "normal' range. A bit of coolant did burp out of the expansion container although MB Ottawa stated this was not abnormal. Is this indeed normal?
3. The last point is just a statement. What a wonderful car, and a hoot to drive.
Sorry for being long-winded, and I won't be in future posts. Any one with insight into my queries above?
Thank you very much for your time.
I have recently purchased low mileage (35K miles) bone-stock SL55 AMG. After inspection and oil change by MB in Denver, drove to Ottawa, Canada and return over 10 day period to get to know the car. I had it inspected at the MB dealer in Ottawa before the drive back to CO. MB Ottawa stated the car was in great shape, except for a little bit of play in the ball joints. Questions based upon my shake-down run:
1. I've noticed a slight hesitation and heard a squeak when adding some throttle at relativley low RPM. I am assuming this is the supercharger clutch engaging. Is this a correct assumption, and is it normal?
2. The engine appears to run hot at city speeds, although below 100C. As well, as I was waiting at the border, the engine seemed to idle a bit rough and the temperature gauge climbed alarmingly, though no buzzers, bells or flashing lights would indicate that it was above the "normal' range. A bit of coolant did burp out of the expansion container although MB Ottawa stated this was not abnormal. Is this indeed normal?
3. The last point is just a statement. What a wonderful car, and a hoot to drive.
Sorry for being long-winded, and I won't be in future posts. Any one with insight into my queries above?
Thank you very much for your time.
Last edited by southwestcanuck; Aug 7, 2013 at 12:11 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 876
Likes: 41
From: ST. Louis, MO
'16 SL550, '18 Porsche Macan GTS
Congrats on the new ride! Is the car by chance one that was listed here by a member? Silver w/ light grey interior, correct? Nice car and if it's the same one I'm thinking of, an awesome price! Post some pics!
Sorry I can't answer any of your questions as I'm still looking for my first SL.
Sorry I can't answer any of your questions as I'm still looking for my first SL.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
2003 SL55 AMG
Thanks for the replies.
Firstly, in response to Steve's question, no the car was not the one posted in this forum, but I did get a great deal. The seller accepted my offer, having already said no to similar offers, as I am in the military. I love Americans and the way they support their soldiers in uniform!
I probably should have used the word "chirp" as opposed to squeek to characterize the noise eminating from the supercharger - almost like the sound from a turbo's pop-off valve. Is there an engagement clutch in there?
I will post some pictures of the SL and my other two cars when I have an opportunity.
Firstly, in response to Steve's question, no the car was not the one posted in this forum, but I did get a great deal. The seller accepted my offer, having already said no to similar offers, as I am in the military. I love Americans and the way they support their soldiers in uniform!
I probably should have used the word "chirp" as opposed to squeek to characterize the noise eminating from the supercharger - almost like the sound from a turbo's pop-off valve. Is there an engagement clutch in there?
I will post some pictures of the SL and my other two cars when I have an opportunity.
Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 89
Likes: 1
From: Alberta, Canada
2004 SL55 AMG Kompressor
Having never done it, I can't say, but there it a bearing in there, and i believe the fix for the chirp was a common bearing from a supply house, i remember there even being a write up for it.
I know the sound, mine makes it if I bag on her violently, then let off, it'll do it....
You another canadian?
I know the sound, mine makes it if I bag on her violently, then let off, it'll do it....
You another canadian?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,268
Likes: 253
the coolant needle temp once reaching operating temp should not move more than a barely perceptible by the eye amount. most dont move at all. if it does- you have a cooling issue.
fan problems usually do not show up in das so a dealer running a scan will not see a problem. have the coolant changed and properly filled up/ bled. have fans checked via das actuations. check ic pump and if coolant is circulating ie properly bled (working pump does not denote circulating coolant).
if problem persists check if cooling system hold pressure or you have a leak. does the coolant disappear? note level and observe over a period of time. you should use zero coolant.
fan problems usually do not show up in das so a dealer running a scan will not see a problem. have the coolant changed and properly filled up/ bled. have fans checked via das actuations. check ic pump and if coolant is circulating ie properly bled (working pump does not denote circulating coolant).
if problem persists check if cooling system hold pressure or you have a leak. does the coolant disappear? note level and observe over a period of time. you should use zero coolant.
Last edited by alx; Aug 8, 2013 at 05:15 PM.
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Thread Starter
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2003 SL55 AMG
Thanks again everyone.
Alx, your comments were very helpful. I had the cooling system pressure tested already, and all checked out fine however, the signs and symptoms seem to point to the IC, as you surmised. I will explore in that direction next and let you know how it turns out.
PS94, yes I am a Canadian, still an active serving member of our military serving in Colorado at a bi-national US/Canadian command headquarters.
Teekay1, once the extended warranty has expired, Kleemen "options" will be investigated! Thanks for the tip - I've gone onto their website and am amazed at some of the potential applications for my car.
Thanks again all for providing some insightful comments and potential solutions.
Alx, your comments were very helpful. I had the cooling system pressure tested already, and all checked out fine however, the signs and symptoms seem to point to the IC, as you surmised. I will explore in that direction next and let you know how it turns out.
PS94, yes I am a Canadian, still an active serving member of our military serving in Colorado at a bi-national US/Canadian command headquarters.
Teekay1, once the extended warranty has expired, Kleemen "options" will be investigated! Thanks for the tip - I've gone onto their website and am amazed at some of the potential applications for my car.
Thanks again all for providing some insightful comments and potential solutions.
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PLATINUM SPONSOR
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 3,834
Likes: 65
From: Texas
2003 CL55
The 2003 original clutch had some noise to it and in 04, they added a plastic spacer to cut down on the squeak.
your car is also self bleeding and has bleed lines to keep air out.
your car is also self bleeding and has bleed lines to keep air out.
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E63 Biturbo, UPD Cold Air induction kit, UPD performance crank pulley and UPD adjustable rear suspension with ride height adjustment.
CL55 UPD Cold Air Boost kit, UPD 3000 stall converter, UPD 77mm SC clutched pulley and beltwrap kit, Custom long tubes, UPD crank pulley , UPD suspension kit, UPD SC pulley, Aux. HE, Trunk tank w/rule 2000 pump, Mezeire pump, UPD 5pc idler set, Aluminum rotor hats.
www.ultimatepd.com
instagram @ultimate_pd
facebook.com/ultimatepd
