SL55 AMG, SL63 AMG, SL65 AMG (R230) 2002 - 2011 (2003 US for SL55 and 2004 for the SL65)

SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: General consensus on extended warranties?

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Old Jan 8, 2014 | 12:25 PM
  #1  
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General consensus on extended warranties?

Hello everyone. I just wanted to get a general consensus of the forum of whether or not to consider purchasing an extended warranty on a 04 to 08 SL. I have been shopping for a while and now it's time to pull the trigger. I have been doing most of my maintenance and minor repairs myself on my past vehicles, but non have been of this caliber. I am looking at SL500, SL550 and more than likely SL55.

I know opinions will vary widely, so I am mostly asking those who don't mind changing their own oil or brake pads.
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Old Jan 8, 2014 | 03:33 PM
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things like brake pads aren't covered

but things like active headlights, thrust bushings, active door handles, fuel pumps, 2ndary air pumps, etc are covered under my plan...

I paid ~$3.3k for my 4 year 60k mile warranty and it's covered $8.5k of repairs so far
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Old Jan 8, 2014 | 04:02 PM
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I opted for the M-B extended, and it more than paid for itself. ABC pump, top pump, roof flaps, seatbelt, motor mounts, trans mount, suspension bushings, etc.
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Old Jan 8, 2014 | 08:47 PM
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I'm in the same boat as you as I've been shopping for an SL55 for a while now and all I can say is that I will absolutely have an extended warranty for whatever car I end up getting. The stories here are justification enough that it should be well worth it.

The notorious items for SL's like the ABC system can be more than the cost of a warranty by itself. I also do most of my own normal maintenance but doubt that I would have a clue how to tackle some of the high dollar repairs. The only way I would consider otherwise would be if the car I buy has already had all of the common issues taken care of.

Case in point is that there is a forum member that is trying to sell his SL500 and the ABC light just came on. Needs a pump and the dealer quoted him over $3k to replace.

Last edited by SteveL1; Jan 8, 2014 at 08:53 PM.
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Old Jan 9, 2014 | 06:23 AM
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Same boat as you looking at the same model years and I have been consistently getting the same advice.
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Old Jan 10, 2014 | 11:08 AM
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Thanks for all the replies. Have you all been shopping Ext. Warranties yet?

Good luck to us all in finding the right car!
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Old Jan 12, 2014 | 02:50 AM
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I just purchased my 03 sl55, I purchased an after market warranty through AAA auto protection.
I paid $5200 with a $250 deductible. After the thirty day 1000 mile waiting period, I took my car in for it's scheduled maintenance. They found a few things that needed to be repaired. Mind you I had no idea that the car needed these repairs. The amount of the repairs where around $6000. The shop submitted the claim and the warranty company sent out an inspector to verify the needed repairs. After two plus hours of inspecting my car, he determined that the issues with my car where pre existing, and denied the claim. Mind you I only had my car for two mo, purchased out of Scottsdale AZ. At first I was a little upset and ready to cancel the policy but once the underwriter explained there decision, it made sense. Fyi, most of the insurance policies are underwritin by royal administration. You just have to find one that gives you the best down payment options. After listening to the underwriter I have a better understanding of how to deal with the warranty companies. If after purchasing your warranty you have issues with your car, drive it at least 3000 extra miles after 1000 mile waiting period and about 6 mo before submitting your claim, this will better insure that they won't say that your issues are pre existing.
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Old Jan 13, 2014 | 01:29 AM
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Originally Posted by samplelogistics
After two plus hours of inspecting my car, he determined that the issues with my car where pre existing, and denied the claim.
Pre existing conditions? Sounds like we need Obamacare for cars.
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Old Jan 13, 2014 | 02:07 AM
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Email me on the prices of the warranties. I actually sell them myself.

TJ.
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Old Jan 28, 2014 | 01:46 PM
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Originally Posted by samplelogistics
If after purchasing your warranty you have issues with your car, drive it at least 3000 extra miles after 1000 mile waiting period and about 6 mo before submitting your claim, this will better insure that they won't say that your issues are pre existing.
Great Advice! That is a tough lesson. Thx
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Old Jan 29, 2014 | 05:56 PM
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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
I bought an extended warrantee ($6K 5yr/50k mile) on our 07 SL55 (and mine has the 030 pkg in it) I waited 11 months before attempting to service the car. They replaced the driver seat heating element as it was not functioning. They replaced the entire seat leather cover and all. That in it self would have been a huge out of pocket cost if I paid it myself. Ours is an EasyCare warrantee.

~Earl J
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Old Jan 30, 2014 | 01:48 AM
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Originally Posted by Toadster
things like brake pads aren't covered

but things like active headlights, thrust bushings, active door handles, fuel pumps, 2ndary air pumps, etc are covered under my plan...

I paid ~$3.3k for my 4 year 60k mile warranty and it's covered $8.5k of repairs so far

What warranty/company did you go with ?
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Old Jan 30, 2014 | 01:52 AM
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Old Jan 30, 2014 | 09:48 AM
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I have, and have heard absolutely no negative comments on, Fidelity Warranty. The previous owner purchased the warranty a year or so before I bought the 05 SL65; for $40 dollars it was transferred to my name. Since I've had the car more Fidelity has covered anything that went wrong (that was covered by the Platinum Plan - which is very extensive).

My vote - Fidelity.
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Old Jan 30, 2014 | 07:30 PM
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you know you're in trouble when an insurance company engages someone from their 'Claims Prevention" department to inspect your car. Thanks for the advice on when to submit your claim.


Originally Posted by samplelogistics
I just purchased my 03 sl55, I purchased an after market warranty through AAA auto protection.
I paid $5200 with a $250 deductible. After the thirty day 1000 mile waiting period, I took my car in for it's scheduled maintenance. They found a few things that needed to be repaired. Mind you I had no idea that the car needed these repairs. The amount of the repairs where around $6000. The shop submitted the claim and the warranty company sent out an inspector to verify the needed repairs. After two plus hours of inspecting my car, he determined that the issues with my car where pre existing, and denied the claim. Mind you I only had my car for two mo, purchased out of Scottsdale AZ. At first I was a little upset and ready to cancel the policy but once the underwriter explained there decision, it made sense. Fyi, most of the insurance policies are underwritin by royal administration. You just have to find one that gives you the best down payment options. After listening to the underwriter I have a better understanding of how to deal with the warranty companies. If after purchasing your warranty you have issues with your car, drive it at least 3000 extra miles after 1000 mile waiting period and about 6 mo before submitting your claim, this will better insure that they won't say that your issues are pre existing.
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Old Jan 30, 2014 | 07:33 PM
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In order for Obamacare for cars to work we need more younger (newer) cars to sign-up.

Originally Posted by SteveL1
Pre existing conditions? Sounds like we need Obamacare for cars.
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Old Jan 31, 2014 | 05:15 PM
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Paid $3,800 for an extended servide plan from CNA on my E55 and purchased it from the dealer where I get my work done. It's an 06 and expires in Dec. 2014 and was well worth the cost. It's paid for itself by about a factor of three times what I paid for the plan. Only had a couple of denials for minor stuff that made no sense to me like not paying for a front end alignment after replacing a front strut.
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Old Feb 1, 2014 | 01:14 AM
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Wink

Originally Posted by samplelogistics
I just purchased my 03 sl55, I purchased an after market warranty through AAA auto protection.
I paid $5200 with a $250 deductible. After the thirty day 1000 mile waiting period, I took my car in for it's scheduled maintenance. They found a few things that needed to be repaired. Mind you I had no idea that the car needed these repairs. The amount of the repairs where around $6000. The shop submitted the claim and the warranty company sent out an inspector to verify the needed repairs. After two plus hours of inspecting my car, he determined that the issues with my car where pre existing, and denied the claim. Mind you I only had my car for two mo, purchased out of Scottsdale AZ. At first I was a little upset and ready to cancel the policy but once the underwriter explained there decision, it made sense. Fyi, most of the insurance policies are underwritin by royal administration. You just have to find one that gives you the best down payment options. After listening to the underwriter I have a better understanding of how to deal with the warranty companies. If after purchasing your warranty you have issues with your car, drive it at least 3000 extra miles after 1000 mile waiting period and about 6 mo before submitting your claim, this will better insure that they won't say that your issues are pre existing.
"Pre-existing" that's Reason 12,369 Under Section C13.01 - 4782.01 Paragraph 212, Page 14,789 Amended Version, which Precedes 12563.01 of How not to pay out a claim.

Last edited by mercedes4ever; Feb 1, 2014 at 01:20 AM.
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Old Feb 1, 2014 | 10:45 AM
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I need brakes for my 03 SL 55 AMG. Got a quote of 1700 dollars for pads and rotors. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to avoid that 1700 dollar bill. There has to be a less expensive way to get the brakes done
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Old Feb 1, 2014 | 02:15 PM
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Old Feb 1, 2014 | 05:34 PM
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Originally Posted by samplelogistics
I need brakes for my 03 SL 55 AMG. Got a quote of 1700 dollars for pads and rotors. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to avoid that 1700 dollar bill. There has to be a less expensive way to get the brakes done
Shop around, keep away from the Stealers.
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Old Mar 2, 2015 | 01:51 PM
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Originally Posted by speedpeddler
Paid $3,800 for an extended servide plan from CNA on my E55 and purchased it from the dealer where I get my work done. It's an 06 and expires in Dec. 2014 and was well worth the cost. It's paid for itself by about a factor of three times what I paid for the plan. Only had a couple of denials for minor stuff that made no sense to me like not paying for a front end alignment after replacing a front strut.
What is the name of your dealer?

And is anyong else using CNA?
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