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

SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: Need Advice on higher millage SL55 AMG

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Old Feb 4, 2015 | 09:30 PM
  #1  
sfreid's Avatar
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'03 SL55, '11 Lotus Evora
Need Advice on higher millage SL55 AMG

Hi Guys,

First off, i'll introduce myself. I'm Spencer and i'm up here in Seattle (go seahawks)

I'm looking at an 03 SL55 AMG with 72k miles

It is fully loaded and has 09 SL63 AMG rims which I think is a benefit.

I have searched the forum for advice on higher millage cars but I haven't seen anything new since '10 or so. What do you guys think? The car comes with a complimentary 6 month/6k full power train warranty (engine,transmission,suspension)

Looking forward to hearing responses

(edit: I do know of the ABC issues and stuff like that, i'm just wanting to know... should I do it?)

Last edited by sfreid; Feb 4, 2015 at 09:43 PM.
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Old Feb 4, 2015 | 10:34 PM
  #2  
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Sure, why not?

I bought mine with 83K...at 86K now. It is an awesome car.
Read this first: http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r230...l#post11217842
Make sure that these issues are addressed, or will be, by your warranty.
Get an independent inspection by an MB expert, unless you are one. It may save you 50 times what you pay for the inspection. Cheap insurance.
Good luck and enjoy!
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Old Feb 5, 2015 | 12:31 AM
  #3  
sfreid's Avatar
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'03 SL55, '11 Lotus Evora
Originally Posted by kbob999
I bought mine with 83K...at 86K now. It is an awesome car.
Read this first: http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r230...l#post11217842
Make sure that these issues are addressed, or will be, by your warranty.
Get an independent inspection by an MB expert, unless you are one. It may save you 50 times what you pay for the inspection. Cheap insurance.
Good luck and enjoy!
You are the man. I think i'm going to go forward with the car as the warranty will cover anything that is found on inspection (not including electronics but that's a risk i'm willing to take)
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Old Feb 5, 2015 | 04:42 AM
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1967 Pro Touring turbo LSX Camaro
You consider 72k miles high for a 12 year old used car?
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Old Feb 5, 2015 | 10:24 PM
  #5  
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2003 SL55 AMG, 1989 348 Challenge, 1987 Testarossa, 1992 F40, 1989 Mondial t cab, 2001 X5 4.4 Sport
If these cars have been cared for 70K miles is just getting going.

Have the car checked over. Look at the records. Buy it and go have fun!

I've had my '03 since new and it has been great.
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Old Feb 9, 2015 | 08:33 PM
  #6  
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'03 SL55, '11 Lotus Evora
In the shop ;)

I did get the car inspected at MB Seattle and the car needs about 3k in work. I know that I could save a little by going to an indy but to be honest I don't really care this time around. I figured lets get the issues sorted out and hope for a trouble free experience In the future I will probably go on an Indy though.

I'm doing the:

motor mounts (beginning to leak)
trunk struts
drivers side massage seat
intercooler pump

not bad for 3 grand.
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Old Feb 10, 2015 | 02:44 AM
  #7  
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03SL55
motor mounts (beginning to leak)
trunk struts
drivers side massage seat
intercooler pump

not bad for 3 grand.

They are bending you over hardcore, no lube on you buddy. Go to an indy that is competent and reliable. Save 2k.
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Old Feb 10, 2015 | 01:45 PM
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'03 SL55, '11 Lotus Evora
Ehh - this might be true but tbh I don't really care this time around. The car needs nothing now and i'll be taking it to a very good indy who was recommended to me by a friend.
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Old Feb 10, 2015 | 08:53 PM
  #9  
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SL65
70k, high mileage???? These cars are just getting warmed up.

Granted all items that are known to break down, WILL break down...but once you are passed those speed bumps....

This will be a keeper of a car, invest in it.
Maybe consider an facelift/Widebody/wrap. ...etc. & it will always keep a smile of your face as you enjoy the long open road. The only time I feel bad in the car is when a SL500 or SL550 pulls behind me...guilty feeling
That's all!
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Old Feb 10, 2015 | 08:55 PM
  #10  
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SL65
How much are you buying it for? If I may ask?
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Old Feb 10, 2015 | 08:57 PM
  #11  
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SL65
Almost forger...ask for a VMI, if you got any friends that work at a MB authorized dealership or if you have any contacts or means of getting one. It may cost a few bucks to grease a palm here or there...but will give you a map to how well the car was maintained, as all MB are connected
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Old Feb 12, 2015 | 12:00 PM
  #12  
sound 8's Avatar
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SL 63 W/B AMG , S600,C220
I have had low mileage cars that have been nothing but trouble, so it doesn't
follow high mileage will give you trouble, you can usually get a feeling how
well a cars been looked after, particularly if your a petrol head .
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Old Feb 12, 2015 | 03:15 PM
  #13  
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SL65
I would rather take an older high mileage MB that has passed all known issues and serviced according to the VMI..and know I will keep it till wheels fall off.

Over a younger low milage MB, that "known" issues have not arisen yet. With hopes of trying to sell it later...good luck.
Not gonna happen .
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Old Feb 13, 2015 | 05:43 PM
  #14  
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SL55 AMG 2003 V-Max
I bought my 2003 in 2008 with 100k on the clock and use it only in the summer and it has now covered 115k, runs like new. I only do regular service.
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