Viper98912

That's right, after a very long time of indecision, I'm finally biting the bullet, throwing all logic and reasoning in the trash, and going to get an SL65.

Here's what I'm looking for:

Important needs:
- 2005-2008 model years
- Black exterior
- Graphite interior (I prefer the single tone graphite/graphite interior, but it looks like these are very rare to find as most of the 05-06's seem to have the two tone graphite/gray interior)
- Mostly stock, minimal mods
- Clean title/carfax/autocheck/no accidents
- A great price!

Less important wants (pros):
- Relative "high" mileage is ok!
- Maintenance records, but specifically referring to ABC and coil packs
- Pano roof
- Parktronic
- Carbon fiber interior trim
- 07-08 tail light/spoiler/bumper/interior upgrades

Potential problems (cons):
- Non stock items, like missing stock graphite 19" wheels
- Radical changes to the car
- Accidents and non-clear titles

I'm located in Georgia, so something on the east coast or middle of the country would be great. I'd love to be able to drive it home and not deal with closed transport shipping carriers. Most of the cars I've been looking at are in California ... a TON of them. You guys in Cali must really love your SL's!

I will be financing this car, I am not a cash buyer. For some reason some people have issues with this . I am willing to wait for the right car at the right time with the right price. I keep Autotrader, Cars.com, and Ebay in my bookmarks and check out new cars as they post. Feel free to PM me if you have something you're interested in selling...

SteveL1

Good luck with the hunt! I've been looking for the right one for over a year now. Have passed on a few that I should have grabbed in hind sight, but I'm extremely picky. I'm narrowing my search down to an '08 Blk/Blk that has to have Parktronic, Keyless Go, Pano roof and prefer Distronic but not a deal breaker. Also want a car with under 40k miles and clean car fax with good maint. records.

If I happen to see something that fits your desires better than mine I will be sure to pass it along.

sgaar

You are in luck, so to speak. You want a black car so that makes it much easier. I specifically didn't want a black car (hate black cars) so it took a while to find mine. I live in NC but found my 65 in L.A. and did a pre-purchase inspection and got it on a transporter.

What I learned is that M-B dealers in L.A. doesn't want to do the PPI as they think it opens them up to litigation in the event that there are problems found later that didn't show during the PPI.

I also found that a car hauler can get a car cross-country in 3 days (what the heck does UPS and FedEx always take a week on ground? ) and it was about $700.

Viper98912

Thanks for the feedback. I did hear that some dealers in LA are also not doing PPI's anymore because of that same reason.

pjdough

Good luck with your search! And, stick to your guns. There's a 65 with your name on it all you have to do now is to wait. It'll be worth it.

I've been lucky with my cars. After a lengthy wait I found my E55 (all black incl interior (no two-tone)). Several years later, and not necessarily actively searching all the time, I came across a fantastic buy on my 05 SL65. A low mileage, extremely well kept, and only slightly modified beauty (i.e., BBS wheels mounted on the car with pristine OEM rims thrown in on the side). She's been a great ride since I got her 18 mos ago.

With the top down, my girl at my side, and the Meisterschafts growling, there's few cars on the roads today that give your the feeling that a luxury 2-seater V12TT does. And that ain't no BS... It's worth the wait!

P.S. If you're looking for an exhaust that REALLY brings out the best of, and beast in, the 65, take a listen to the Meisterschaft GTs.

euphoriaDSM

Same position, I've ben hunting a 65 for about a year now. Wants are Black, pano, parktronic, distronic, and under 40k miles. I refuse to lose those options as my sl55 I have has them and I can't see upgrading cars but losing options.

sgaar

When I was looking for my 65, Distronic was a nice to have. If looking through the possibilities for a while it seems like Distronic is a rare find in 65's. It seems to be available on 600's more than 65's for some reason.

So if you can't find one with Distronic, think of it like not loosing something but gaining something You will be getting a 600HP V12 twin-turbo which in my book more than makes up for not having Distronic

euphoriaDSM

Distronic is the one option I'd be willing to part with if all other criteria was met.

Viper98912

Same here, I really don't care for the distronic.

Glad to see there are more buyers in the market here; that I'm not the only nut out there going against the grain of reasoning.

richvegas

damn! distronic is by far my favorite option on my 65.
i've been in the hunt for an sl65 to trade up to and that is a must! lol, to each their own

Viper98912

So you like distronic that much? Reason? Just easy I guess?

ttboost

I believe my car has Distronic and I have never used it and never will.

richvegas

some people use cruise control all the time, some don't. i use it alot and the distronic allows me to do this easier. also helps if you're not paying attention

ttboost

I wasn't going to say it, but in my opinion, that is what it's for...so you don't have to pay attention. Having had my company car totaled last week, I make an effort to pay attention all the time. These newer cars are really taking the hard work out of driving. Not sure if that is good.

pjdough

Dude - no need to defend preferences. Too much time on sites like this is devoted to those expressing opinions or preferences as facts. It is, or gonna be, your car. Personally, if you were to get a pink AMG with spinners, stuffed dice hanging from the mirror, and whitewalls...I don't care nor should anyone else. It that's what floats your boat, sail away swabbie.

Get what you want...it's your $!

Viper98912

You know its funny I say I probably won't use the distronic, yet I use cruise control 80% of the time I'm driving....

alx

my 65 does have distronic. i dont think i ever used it.