SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: Just bought a 2003 Sl 55
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Newbie
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Washington, WV
2003 SL 55
Just bought a 2003 Sl 55
I just purchased a 2003 SL 55 with 9200 miles. I love the car but hope I can keep it running after reading all the bad reviews. But it's to late to turn back now. I've own several MB but this is my first AMG. Anyhow just wanted to say hi to everyone.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 438
Likes: 4
From: Morristown, NJ and Philly
Current: Cadillac CTS-V (V2), Chevy Cruze Past: E55k
Congrats on finding a virtually brand new car. As long as you don't mod it you shouldn't have any real issues. Go ahead and buy yourself a upgraded supercharger pump now because the stock one will surely kick the bucket soon.
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
Congrats on your SL55. Don't believe everything you read. Remember, bad news travels faster than good. People that have problems make more noise than those who don't.
I have had an '03 SL55 since new and it has been extremely reliable, with only a handful of repairs in 10+ years, and none have been the nightmares that you read about. And as far as tuning goes, I own Veloce Performance and my car has been the test bed for much of our 55 work, and again...... bullet proof.
There is lots of room in this engine for reliable performance improvement.
I have had an '03 SL55 since new and it has been extremely reliable, with only a handful of repairs in 10+ years, and none have been the nightmares that you read about. And as far as tuning goes, I own Veloce Performance and my car has been the test bed for much of our 55 work, and again...... bullet proof.
There is lots of room in this engine for reliable performance improvement.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 319
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From: San Francisco
2015 SL63 AMG
OMG, it's a horrible car, bad bad bad, consider yourself lucky if you can keep it running for more than 20K, you should totally trust the review~ it's never too late to trade it in for something that had a better review
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 606
Likes: 1
03 R230 SL55 / 94 W124 E500
Good luck with your newly purchase, and i wish you a joy ride!
I just sold mine 2003 SL55 with 35,000 miles. Indeed it has been a horrible car and not reliable at all. From the dreaded ABC suspensions, to vario roofs issues. She was a Sunday cruiser, could not be happier than the day lift my garage. Next time, I would stay away from those early Chryslers 2002-2008 models.
I just sold mine 2003 SL55 with 35,000 miles. Indeed it has been a horrible car and not reliable at all. From the dreaded ABC suspensions, to vario roofs issues. She was a Sunday cruiser, could not be happier than the day lift my garage. Next time, I would stay away from those early Chryslers 2002-2008 models.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 445
Likes: 11
From: Washington, DC Metro Area
Currently: 2019 E450 AWD, Previous: 2002 CLK55 Cab
Good luck with your newly purchase, and i wish you a joy ride!
I just sold mine 2003 SL55 with 35,000 miles. Indeed it has been a horrible car and not reliable at all. From the dreaded ABC suspensions, to vario roofs issues. She was a Sunday cruiser, could not be happier than the day lift my garage. Next time, I would stay away from those early Chryslers 2002-2008 models.
I just sold mine 2003 SL55 with 35,000 miles. Indeed it has been a horrible car and not reliable at all. From the dreaded ABC suspensions, to vario roofs issues. She was a Sunday cruiser, could not be happier than the day lift my garage. Next time, I would stay away from those early Chryslers 2002-2008 models.
A reality check, second source confirmation is needed here.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 8,882
Likes: 1,214
From: In my garage
E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
No, Chrysler had nothing to do with Mercedes manufacturing from 2002-2008. Mercedes owned Chrysler and not the other way around. There was sharing going on between the two but it was Mercedes sharing platforms and technology with Chrysler.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 8,137
Likes: 26
From: Maryland
Eurocharged 2004 E500, Eurocharged ECU/TCU 2005 SL600, 2010 Caddy SwaggerWagon
Generally, the ones that don't get driven often have more problems than the ones that DO get driven often. YMMV
Enjoy the car, don't let anxiety overwhelm you every time you take her out. Mine has been mostly awesome, but when things do need servicing, it's pricey.
Enjoy the car, don't let anxiety overwhelm you every time you take her out. Mine has been mostly awesome, but when things do need servicing, it's pricey.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,038
Likes: 295
From: Saint Johns FL. USA
05 SL55, 10 C63, 12 SLK3, 20 S560, 08Bentley GT Speed, 16 Aston Martin Vanquish
Good find. Enjoy your new toy. Mine is a 2005 that now has just over 6000 miles on it. It has been flawless and is still my favorite car.
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
cls550/c300
07 sl550 is a new gps needed??
Considering a very low mi 24k, CPO sl550, concerned about the 2007 GPS. Should I consider an update, and
how much of a hassle/cost is it? I value any imput.
how much of a hassle/cost is it? I value any imput.
Last edited by jackinthebenz; Nov 18, 2013 at 10:12 PM.
