Kelvin07

Hey guys,

I am a long time AMG owner, I currently have an ML63 and a G55, well, it doesn't make much sense to me having two SUV's, I want to sell my 09' ML63, and I would love to finally buy a Bi-Turbo V12, I really like the lines and the design of the R230, very sporty, but classy...

I have seen some great deals on 04'-06' SL65's, between $25k-$36k, I would love to own one of those, if I can get it with decent mileage and with a good history and do some engine preventive maintenance (replace the parts that are known to be an issue) as soon as I get it, I guess I can have a relatively hassle free ownership, does that make sense?

I would love to hear your advice as to where are the best places to buy these SL65's,? dealerships?, problems to look for prior to buying?, good price on a 04'-06' SL65?, and anything else you can think of...

Is there anyone that you may know that can search and find a good SL65 for someone like me?, someone that KNOWS these cars and can recognize a lemon and save me future headaches?

nycphotography

AMG V12, ABC R230, and "hassle free ownership" seem to be mutually exclusive.

That said, if you can deal with your own repairs, I think the fragile bits tend to be owner serviceable. ABC pumps, struts, hoses, valves, and coil packs and such.

The core mechanicals tend to be rock solid (engine block, heads, valve train, transmission and drive line).

At least that's my impression.

boostd

I got my 05 with 29K miles late last year for 37K. It had 15K of RENNtech work done from a dealer as well. There's definitely good deals out there if you look. These cars illustrate why depreciation is awesome.

shardul

iTrader: (1)

make sure you factor in 2k to 4k a year on maintenance.

they can turn into a money pit quickly. I had a V12TT.

sound 8

If you run a Mercedes that's 3 to 5 years old, you must expect that it will go
wrong, and expensive to fix, in fact I think Mercedes go wrong more than any brand I have had. Usual problems like suspension, pipes,pumps,sensors,, and pumps for doors, central locking, seat adjustment
and coil packs, and more. The SL65 is a great car, it's weakest point is the
auto box, which is lazy, try the newer SL MCT gearbox and you will see what
I mean. If you have a friendly garage, and buy patent parts, it could be a lot
less costly to run.
S8

Kelvin07

My experience has been mixed, I had CLS55 which was a nightmare and a money pit, but my ML63 and my G55 have been rock solid, other than the regular maintenance.

I've read a lot about issues with the 65's coil packs and water pumps.

Kelvin07

Thanks Shardul, coming from you, and considering how well you know these cars, this is very discouraging

That R8 tho...

sound 8

I have had 1 SL55, 2 SL65, 2 SL63 Nat *** , 1 SL63 TT , 1 CLK 63 nat ***,
1 CL 65 and a S600, so you could say I am well qualified. The answer is simple, the newer ones went wrong less, the 63 TT had nothing , but it was new, the 63 Nat *** was great, nothing in 3 years. Older 55,65 and CL 65 and 600 is where all the money goes. So by the time we can afford a SL65,
the ticking will stop and the problems start, it's quite logical.
S8

carguyshu

the SL65 is going to have all the normal SL issues plus a 20+ hour labor bill when the motor mounts need replaced, new coil packs (buy from advance auto with the lifetime warranty), and rotors that are 600-800 each for the front. In return you get 100 more hp than a 55, a much nicer interior than a 55, much better brakes, and a boatload more torque that is easily tunable to absurd levels. Other components have minor upgrades (for instance the clutch packs in the tranny are more robust and have a higher rating), but those are the big things.

abiazis

65 is a money pit.....

euphoriaDSM

Mines been extremely reliable over the last 2 years. Changed a o-ring on a abc hose and did plugs and coil packs after a tune and that's it.

abiazis

We will check back in another 20k miles....you have been lucky......I was for 4 years and then not worth owning it.....when it starts having issues it will be time to dump it like any other used car......

Jan T

My 05 has been real good to me so far. Only major thing was a recent SBC unit, but all is good now. The torque on these things seem almost more then my Murci, and i didn't even RENNtech it yet. Some new orange Beamer and I got into it for a short stretch at a light today, and it was pretty much no contest. The Beamer did sound good though with some kind of modified exhaust. Nice to know the engines are pretty much bullet proof, as I laid into it pretty good. I would say drive some and see if the thrill is worth paying maintenance. Crap shoot I suppose regarding maintenance, as mine has been excellent so far.