SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: Weary about buying a 2007 SL55 AMG
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
2007 SL55 AMG
Weary about buying a 2007 SL55 AMG
I went and looked at a 2007 SL55 AMG with 46k miles on it on Friday.
My major concern is that even after it warmed up, there was slight shake in the motor at idle. I could put my hands on either side of the motor cover and could feel it knock.
The guy selling it said he had put 93 octane from a no-name gas station in it and was going to put shell v-power in it when it got low on gas.
Has anyone experienced the engine retarding timing when putting "off brand" gas in it?
Is there anything else I should look at before buying this car?
Other than the knock it seems like an amazing machine.
My major concern is that even after it warmed up, there was slight shake in the motor at idle. I could put my hands on either side of the motor cover and could feel it knock.
The guy selling it said he had put 93 octane from a no-name gas station in it and was going to put shell v-power in it when it got low on gas.
Has anyone experienced the engine retarding timing when putting "off brand" gas in it?
Is there anything else I should look at before buying this car?
Other than the knock it seems like an amazing machine.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 6,897
Likes: 85
From: Central WI (BFE)
SL55, ML500 & Acura TL
I'm with the guys above. You might ask the seller when the last time motor mounts and the tranny mount was changed. I am on my 4th set of motor and and second set of tranny mounts. Mileage is at about 90k. No doubt my mods have made it worse, but these liquid filled motor mounts definitely wear out quickly.
I can't imagine the ECU pulling timing at idle because of off brand 93 octane.
I can't imagine the ECU pulling timing at idle because of off brand 93 octane.
MBWorld Fanatic!
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 2,092
Likes: 29
From: Orlando
1967 Pro Touring turbo LSX Camaro
It's probably normal noise for that car/engine. They are noisy due to the chain drive from the oil pump slapping the inside of the front timing cover when the tensioner spring loses some of its snap. It's more of a nuisance noise than anything.
Trending Topics
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 445
Likes: 11
From: Washington, DC Metro Area
Currently: 2019 E450 AWD, Previous: 2002 CLK55 Cab
Take the car to an MBZ dealership, have the pre purchase inspection done, have the service history pulled, have them give yo a budget to repair whatever they find. Then armed with all of that info make a decision. This process has saved me literally thousands of dollars and eliminated several very well polished turds over the years. Good luck.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 6,897
Likes: 85
From: Central WI (BFE)
SL55, ML500 & Acura TL
I would add that you could post the list here for further discussion. There might be some items that have not been repaired that will likely fail. For instance the intercooler pump and the crankshaft positioning sensor.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
2007 SL55 AMG
I'm with the guys above. You might ask the seller when the last time motor mounts and the tranny mount was changed. I am on my 4th set of motor and and second set of tranny mounts. Mileage is at about 90k. No doubt my mods have made it worse, but these liquid filled motor mounts definitely wear out quickly.
I can't imagine the ECU pulling timing at idle because of off brand 93 octane.
I can't imagine the ECU pulling timing at idle because of off brand 93 octane.
I wasn't aware that the mounts went bad that quickly in these cars. Normally you can tell when a mount has gone by how it shifts or you can hear something knocking on acceleration or decel.
I just wanted to get some actual information from people who drive these cars and their experiences. I didn't know how sensitive the motor/ ECU was to what gas was in it.
Will MBZ tell me if the knock sensors are affecting the timing.
Last edited by LSean1; Oct 29, 2013 at 01:44 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 6,897
Likes: 85
From: Central WI (BFE)
SL55, ML500 & Acura TL
I also used to visit the drag strip on a regular basis too.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
2007 SL55 AMG
Full disclosure, I might have had one set changed out when it really wasn't necessary. Also, the mods put just south of 500 hp at the wheels and wheel torque is like 539. Lots of twisting going on when I light the little SL up.
I also used to visit the drag strip on a regular basis too.
I also used to visit the drag strip on a regular basis too.
Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 228
Likes: 2
ML63, ML320
I have over 80,000 miles on my SL55 and only recently had my motor mounts replaced. Essentially, the new ones eliminate vibration, and there is a noticeable driving difference from a smootheness standpoint.
