SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: Please Help, want to buy used SL55 AMG
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Miami FL
2006 CLK350 Convertible
Please Help, want to buy used SL55 AMG
Hello all fellow forum members.
I love all the information on this forum, and hope to be able to chip in wth any info in the future.
Since the SL55 AMG launched, I just fell in love with everything about the car.
Lately I;ve been keeping my eye open for something interesting.
I found a 2003 Black on Black SL55 AMG with 101.000 miles, and am ready to pull the trigger.
The car looks absolutely amazing and seems to have every possible option (including keyless entry/start & glass roof). 2 owners on the car, clean title, clean carfax.
Now, i've been reading, and one major problems on this model is the ABC suspension, I;ve seen that there are various fixes if that fails.
What other common issues are there? Any thing I should look out for?
The car is 20.000, so it's not a cheap ride for that year, but as I said, the car looks gorgeous.
Please help with any info or suggestions.
Thanks!
I love all the information on this forum, and hope to be able to chip in wth any info in the future.
Since the SL55 AMG launched, I just fell in love with everything about the car.
Lately I;ve been keeping my eye open for something interesting.
I found a 2003 Black on Black SL55 AMG with 101.000 miles, and am ready to pull the trigger.
The car looks absolutely amazing and seems to have every possible option (including keyless entry/start & glass roof). 2 owners on the car, clean title, clean carfax.
Now, i've been reading, and one major problems on this model is the ABC suspension, I;ve seen that there are various fixes if that fails.
What other common issues are there? Any thing I should look out for?
The car is 20.000, so it's not a cheap ride for that year, but as I said, the car looks gorgeous.
Please help with any info or suggestions.
Thanks!
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Miami FL
2006 CLK350 Convertible
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Miami FL
2006 CLK350 Convertible
I see you have a C55 AMG, I found a super clean 1 owner 05 C55 - 100.000 miles for 12k.
But I just loooove the SL55....
Just a quick question (curios) is the mpg better on the C55? I know it's lighter then the SL.
But I just loooove the SL55....
Just a quick question (curios) is the mpg better on the C55? I know it's lighter then the SL.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 8,882
Likes: 1,212
From: In my garage
E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
You need to do a search on autotrader.com. Lots of very nice examples with half the mileage in that price range. With that many miles, you shouldn't pay more than $14k for a 2003.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Miami FL
2006 CLK350 Convertible
The one I am interested in is 19.8k so it's well below what's on auto trader, and the car just looks immaculate.....
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 8,882
Likes: 1,212
From: In my garage
E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
Don't overpay for the SL. Show them it is overpriced. You can have a car shipped across the country for a.few grand or or less. Even if it looks clean, the car is a potential landmine. The SL can be ultra expensive to maintain.
Trust me when I say that you are better off buying one for a little more than just slipping in for what you can afford. There is nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes. Buy the newest SL with the lowest mileage. It will pay for itself. If you have to spend $5k on a good warranty, it will pay for itself quickly.
Trust me when I say that you are better off buying one for a little more than just slipping in for what you can afford. There is nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes. Buy the newest SL with the lowest mileage. It will pay for itself. If you have to spend $5k on a good warranty, it will pay for itself quickly.
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Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 306
Likes: 19
From: West Chester, PA - USA
2003 SL55 AMG
I'd suggest 'hanging loose' for a bit longer. The price on R230's is likely to drop over the next 4-5 months, then rise again in the spring. Two and a half years ago, I bought an '03 from a Doc I knew through the Porsche 928 Forum web site with 46K miles on it, in a rare and attractive color for $26K. It had 3 owners, all in the dry climate (humidity is bad for the ABC system unless it is flushed every 3 years or so), and had been well maintained at MB dealers. It really needed nothing. I drove it 2.2K miles home with no issues. I did significant 'preventive maintenance' over the first winter (replaced all fluids, including so called 'lifetime' ones - ABC hydraulic flush and supercharger oil change). I connect a CTek maintainer to the battery if the car is not going to be driven at least once in 7 days, and it has performed perfectly for the past 2 1/2 years.
GREAT cars, just take your time and find a good one. INVESTIGATE ABC history on the car before you buy, and read everything you can find on SL55/R230 Forums about the system.
GREAT cars, just take your time and find a good one. INVESTIGATE ABC history on the car before you buy, and read everything you can find on SL55/R230 Forums about the system.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,498
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Porsche guy who drives SL63 w/ perf pkg AND perf suspension
You need to look and search alot more. I wouldnt suggest buying a 100k mi SL. You could put as much as you pay into it in repairs. Buy a good car up front and pay a few $ more. First of all, you NEVER buy a SL w/out having a MB dealer inspect it. Get a cpo inspection, a car fax, and look at the MB master sheet. then decide.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 42
Likes: 7
From: Springfield, OH
13 E350 Bluetec ...... 05 SL55
Do you homework. Get a good PPI from a reputable company. Cars are
shipped all the time. A few K upfront may save you many K over time.
Don't buy on impulse, hunt for the best value. Read and Reread this thread.
Good luck with your search.
shipped all the time. A few K upfront may save you many K over time.
Don't buy on impulse, hunt for the best value. Read and Reread this thread.
Good luck with your search.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 955
Likes: 127
From: Kansas
2003 E55, 2003 SL55, 2014 CLS63, 2018 q50 Redsport, 1968 Camaro SS, 1999 Trans am Firehawk
I bought my 03 earlier this year for $20,000 with approx 80,000 miles on it. I couldn't find anything else remotely close to that price near me. I don't agree with others saying to buy a low mileage car for cheaper and have it shipped. I think you are way better off finding a car near you that you can see in person and inspect. Things can get costly fast b/c you bought a car that looked good in pictures and then when it arrives off the car trailer its a total dud.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 358
Likes: 14
From: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Mercedes SL63 AMG; Mercedes E63 AMG S 4matic; Mercedes C43 AMG; Mercedes S Class, Mercedes GLK
Not sure if Kustom sold or would still be interested in selling but this a well documented lower miles car with some nice modifications for just a bit more than that price. He is also located in Florida.
https://mbworld.org/forums/sl55-amg-...sl55-sale.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/sl55-amg-...sl55-sale.html
Last edited by mcguirja; Oct 26, 2015 at 10:46 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 955
Likes: 127
From: Kansas
2003 E55, 2003 SL55, 2014 CLS63, 2018 q50 Redsport, 1968 Camaro SS, 1999 Trans am Firehawk
Not sure if Kustom sold or would still be interested in selling but this a well documented lower miles car with some nice modifications for just a bit more than that price. He is also located in Florida.
https://mbworld.org/forums/sl55-amg-...sl55-sale.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/sl55-amg-...sl55-sale.html
Member
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 212
Likes: 77
From: Arizona
2003 SL55 AMG, 1989 348 Challenge, 1987 Testarossa, 1992 F40, 1989 Mondial t cab, 2001 X5 4.4 Sport
I love hearing the debate over spending $20K or $25K on an SL55. These were $100K+ cars. I paid $130 out the door back in '03.
As these cars get cheaper, the types of hands they fall into are generally bargain buyers who are seeing this as a cool car instead of a Kia. However, the first time a repair bill comes in, or services are required, corners start getting cut. As more corners are cut, the general condition deteriorates and there will be more and more junkers floating around.
I know this because I own an ECU tuning business and the types of owners that come in now with these older 55s are scared of oil change prices, let alone quality tuning work.
I for one see no reason to ever sell my SL55. It is too good of a car, with too much going for it to give away for $20K. As I tell guys looking for cheap Ferraris; there is no such thing as a cheap Ferrari.... or an AMG. Buy the best one you can afford.
As these cars get cheaper, the types of hands they fall into are generally bargain buyers who are seeing this as a cool car instead of a Kia. However, the first time a repair bill comes in, or services are required, corners start getting cut. As more corners are cut, the general condition deteriorates and there will be more and more junkers floating around.
I know this because I own an ECU tuning business and the types of owners that come in now with these older 55s are scared of oil change prices, let alone quality tuning work.
I for one see no reason to ever sell my SL55. It is too good of a car, with too much going for it to give away for $20K. As I tell guys looking for cheap Ferraris; there is no such thing as a cheap Ferrari.... or an AMG. Buy the best one you can afford.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 289
Likes: 0
From: salt lake city, utah
2007 sl65 amg
There is 06 SL55 with 110K miles with rear blue color you could probably have for 21K. I will see if I can add link
http://www.ksl.com/auto/listing/2471300?ad_cid=12
http://www.ksl.com/auto/listing/2471300?ad_cid=12
Last edited by ALEN35; Oct 29, 2015 at 02:54 AM.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 571
Likes: 5
From: Sweden
SL55AMG + SL600 + E320 + A180
What to look for - some info to be found here: http://amok55amg.wix.com/normann
Love your car ALEN35
Love your car ALEN35
Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 103
Likes: 7
From: South Australia
2004 (MY05) SL55
There is 06 SL55 with 110K miles with rear blue color you could probably have for 21K. I will see if I can add link
http://www.ksl.com/auto/listing/2471300?ad_cid=12
http://www.ksl.com/auto/listing/2471300?ad_cid=12
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 289
Likes: 0
From: salt lake city, utah
2007 sl65 amg
What to look for - some info to be found here: http://amok55amg.wix.com/normann
Love your car ALEN35
Love your car ALEN35
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 289
Likes: 0
From: salt lake city, utah
2007 sl65 amg
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 6,897
Likes: 85
From: Central WI (BFE)
SL55, ML500 & Acura TL
I love hearing the debate over spending $20K or $25K on an SL55. These were $100K+ cars. I paid $130 out the door back in '03.
As these cars get cheaper, the types of hands they fall into are generally bargain buyers who are seeing this as a cool car instead of a Kia. However, the first time a repair bill comes in, or services are required, corners start getting cut. As more corners are cut, the general condition deteriorates and there will be more and more junkers floating around.
I know this because I own an ECU tuning business and the types of owners that come in now with these older 55s are scared of oil change prices, let alone quality tuning work.
I for one see no reason to ever sell my SL55. It is too good of a car, with too much going for it to give away for $20K. As I tell guys looking for cheap Ferraris; there is no such thing as a cheap Ferrari.... or an AMG. Buy the best one you can afford.
As these cars get cheaper, the types of hands they fall into are generally bargain buyers who are seeing this as a cool car instead of a Kia. However, the first time a repair bill comes in, or services are required, corners start getting cut. As more corners are cut, the general condition deteriorates and there will be more and more junkers floating around.
I know this because I own an ECU tuning business and the types of owners that come in now with these older 55s are scared of oil change prices, let alone quality tuning work.
I for one see no reason to ever sell my SL55. It is too good of a car, with too much going for it to give away for $20K. As I tell guys looking for cheap Ferraris; there is no such thing as a cheap Ferrari.... or an AMG. Buy the best one you can afford.
