SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: Thinking of getting an SL55 advice?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 287
Likes: 29
From: Orange County, Ca
2004 E55, Triumph Speed Triple
Thinking of getting an SL55 advice?
Hey guys and gals,
I currently have an a6, but my family have always been more Mercedes people. After dealing with all the crap breaking on my Audi, I'm starting to think I should have just gotten a benz as well.
Anyways, I'm thinking about getting rid of it and getting an SL55, as I miss having a convertable (had an S2000 before the a6) and I want some power. I have done a bit of research, like I've read that the 05+ ones are the ones to get, get a PPI, make sure the ABC system is in good shape etc.
Is there anything special I need to know about these cars? I've heard the transmission is kind of lazy, is that true? Are they a handful in corners? Would this be a reliable DD?
Thanks in advance for the replies.
I currently have an a6, but my family have always been more Mercedes people. After dealing with all the crap breaking on my Audi, I'm starting to think I should have just gotten a benz as well.
Anyways, I'm thinking about getting rid of it and getting an SL55, as I miss having a convertable (had an S2000 before the a6) and I want some power. I have done a bit of research, like I've read that the 05+ ones are the ones to get, get a PPI, make sure the ABC system is in good shape etc.
Is there anything special I need to know about these cars? I've heard the transmission is kind of lazy, is that true? Are they a handful in corners? Would this be a reliable DD?
Thanks in advance for the replies.
Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 135
Likes: 16
From: Port Coquitlam BC
2018 E63S AMG
Haha Tyztoy I was just going to mention your car
I have a 2007 SL55 Performance Package car and I love it. When I bought my car for $36,000 with 76,00 km's on it I knew there were things that need to be addressed on the car. That being said, I kept a buffer to put into the car if I need to. So far it's been great. Just going through the soft close issue (which my brother will fix). This forum is excellent for these cars with many knowledgeable people. After putting on brand new tires, I kept $5,000 for any ABC issue and brakes (maybe late next year). I have the performance package so they are pricey.
Now getting to the car I find the opinions are very different. I love the car. It is fast, close to the last year of production (510 HP and 531 torque) and my transmission actually shifts quick in manual mode. maybe because it is my summer car so when I drive it I "enjoy" it.
The convertible top is the best. Comfort is incredible (I'm 6'2" and 215). Handling is pretty good but remember it's a GT car, not a Porsche 911. That being said with the 030 Package it grips pretty good and can hold it's own. Brand new Bridgestones help. It's a great car. SL550 is great but I love the extra power and AMG styling. SL600 is awesome but meant to be more mellow (but oh that can change), SL65 well....
It's a great car and I looked at a number of vehicles before I picked my SL. Porsche 911, SLK55, SL600, and Corvette. My SL55 "Betty" clicks all the boxes for me.
Good luck,
Shaun
Now getting to the car I find the opinions are very different. I love the car. It is fast, close to the last year of production (510 HP and 531 torque) and my transmission actually shifts quick in manual mode. maybe because it is my summer car so when I drive it I "enjoy" it.
The convertible top is the best. Comfort is incredible (I'm 6'2" and 215). Handling is pretty good but remember it's a GT car, not a Porsche 911. That being said with the 030 Package it grips pretty good and can hold it's own. Brand new Bridgestones help. It's a great car. SL550 is great but I love the extra power and AMG styling. SL600 is awesome but meant to be more mellow (but oh that can change), SL65 well....It's a great car and I looked at a number of vehicles before I picked my SL. Porsche 911, SLK55, SL600, and Corvette. My SL55 "Betty" clicks all the boxes for me.
Good luck,
Shaun
Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 135
Likes: 16
From: Port Coquitlam BC
2018 E63S AMG
Just saw your post so you may be looking for a 2003 to 2005. I like getting the last years of the production and many of the issues with these cars were corrected in the later years (2006 - 2008). Tyztoy has a nice car though...
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 287
Likes: 29
From: Orange County, Ca
2004 E55, Triumph Speed Triple
Yeah, I would be looking at preferably an 05, I heard they had most of the big stuff sorted by then. I'm about your size, (6'2'' and 210 lbs) so glad to hear it's comfortable. I think I'm ok with normal brakes, those huge ones look cool, and I'm sure they work great, but the expense isn't really worth it to me.
There are a couple other cars I'm looking at, S4, cayman, and E55, but so far I like the SL55 the best.
There are a couple other cars I'm looking at, S4, cayman, and E55, but so far I like the SL55 the best.
Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 135
Likes: 16
From: Port Coquitlam BC
2018 E63S AMG
The convertible top is what really sets these cars apart from the one's you mentioned. The speed, looks, sound, and of course the top make for a most enjoyable experience.
Cheers and good luck!
Cheers and good luck!
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Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 212
Likes: 16
From: Northern California,USA
2012 C63 P31 Coupe. 2007 SL55. 1992 911 C2 Coupe
Ejbrock
I love my '07 SL55. Fantastic car. Service records helped me determine my preventative maintenance scheduling. Good luck in finding the right car.
I love my '07 SL55. Fantastic car. Service records helped me determine my preventative maintenance scheduling. Good luck in finding the right car.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,908
Likes: 17
From: Florida
03SL55
My car is an 03 and I have never had a serious issue to speak of in 8 years of ownership. Minor issues, cabin sensor replaced, motor mounts, trans mount and changed the oil.
A friend in NY had an 07 SL55 and his car was in the dealer for service every month for window, trunk and top issues. He traded the car in after year. Maybe its the luck of the draw. Dont be fooled into thinking an 05 will save you from having to open your wallet just because some guy on the intranets says so. Buy a Camry if your looking for reliability and cheap service.
A friend in NY had an 07 SL55 and his car was in the dealer for service every month for window, trunk and top issues. He traded the car in after year. Maybe its the luck of the draw. Dont be fooled into thinking an 05 will save you from having to open your wallet just because some guy on the intranets says so. Buy a Camry if your looking for reliability and cheap service.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 258
Likes: 7
2003 SL55
If all you care about is speed, e55 is probably your best bet. If you do miss the convertible, nothing in any class offers the same comfort AND performance of and SL AMG. Any of them.
Within 20k, i cant think of a single thing that comes close...
However, be warned that most lowball r230 cars for sale likely have had chronic abc or transmission issues. Expect to drop 3-5k extra on top of the price of sale for either of those. I picked mine up for 10k with 55k miles. It had 3 leaking struts, a broken runk, a busted head light, a broken glove box, a dead ic pump, and a broken exhaust connection. For 5k invested it was almost new.
A year later, all that was fixed, and on top it needed new wheels because one broke due to too low profile of a tire on the 20s it used to have, a pulley grenaded and left me stranded for a couple days while on vacation, the parking pawl broke and left me stuck in my driveway and unable to get to work (could have been worse), and i had to replace a bunch of gaskets.
Now that thats all been taken care of, the car is a dream to drive! If only the abc didnt start leaking again already
I love the car. I have just accepted the fact that it will constantly require more attention than any of my other vehicles to make sure it is running. In return, it keeps me very safe with the way i like to drive it
Within 20k, i cant think of a single thing that comes close...
However, be warned that most lowball r230 cars for sale likely have had chronic abc or transmission issues. Expect to drop 3-5k extra on top of the price of sale for either of those. I picked mine up for 10k with 55k miles. It had 3 leaking struts, a broken runk, a busted head light, a broken glove box, a dead ic pump, and a broken exhaust connection. For 5k invested it was almost new.
A year later, all that was fixed, and on top it needed new wheels because one broke due to too low profile of a tire on the 20s it used to have, a pulley grenaded and left me stranded for a couple days while on vacation, the parking pawl broke and left me stuck in my driveway and unable to get to work (could have been worse), and i had to replace a bunch of gaskets.
Now that thats all been taken care of, the car is a dream to drive! If only the abc didnt start leaking again already
I love the car. I have just accepted the fact that it will constantly require more attention than any of my other vehicles to make sure it is running. In return, it keeps me very safe with the way i like to drive it
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 287
Likes: 29
From: Orange County, Ca
2004 E55, Triumph Speed Triple
My car is an 03 and I have never had a serious issue to speak of in 8 years of ownership. Minor issues, cabin sensor replaced, motor mounts, trans mount and changed the oil.
A friend in NY had an 07 SL55 and his car was in the dealer for service every month for window, trunk and top issues. He traded the car in after year. Maybe its the luck of the draw. Dont be fooled into thinking an 05 will save you from having to open your wallet just because some guy on the intranets says so. Buy a Camry if your looking for reliability and cheap service.
A friend in NY had an 07 SL55 and his car was in the dealer for service every month for window, trunk and top issues. He traded the car in after year. Maybe its the luck of the draw. Dont be fooled into thinking an 05 will save you from having to open your wallet just because some guy on the intranets says so. Buy a Camry if your looking for reliability and cheap service.
I don't mind working on cars, I wouldn't have bought my current car if that wasn't the case. That said, I don't want something that will have issues every other week either, as if I get this I'll have a motorcycle and this car.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 287
Likes: 29
From: Orange County, Ca
2004 E55, Triumph Speed Triple
If all you care about is speed, e55 is probably your best bet. If you do miss the convertible, nothing in any class offers the same comfort AND performance of and SL AMG. Any of them.
Within 20k, i cant think of a single thing that comes close...
However, be warned that most lowball r230 cars for sale likely have had chronic abc or transmission issues. Expect to drop 3-5k extra on top of the price of sale for either of those. I picked mine up for 10k with 55k miles. It had 3 leaking struts, a broken runk, a busted head light, a broken glove box, a dead ic pump, and a broken exhaust connection. For 5k invested it was almost new.
A year later, all that was fixed, and on top it needed new wheels because one broke due to too low profile of a tire on the 20s it used to have, a pulley grenaded and left me stranded for a couple days while on vacation, the parking pawl broke and left me stuck in my driveway and unable to get to work (could have been worse), and i had to replace a bunch of gaskets.
Now that thats all been taken care of, the car is a dream to drive! If only the abc didnt start leaking again already
I love the car. I have just accepted the fact that it will constantly require more attention than any of my other vehicles to make sure it is running. In return, it keeps me very safe with the way i like to drive it
Within 20k, i cant think of a single thing that comes close...
However, be warned that most lowball r230 cars for sale likely have had chronic abc or transmission issues. Expect to drop 3-5k extra on top of the price of sale for either of those. I picked mine up for 10k with 55k miles. It had 3 leaking struts, a broken runk, a busted head light, a broken glove box, a dead ic pump, and a broken exhaust connection. For 5k invested it was almost new.
A year later, all that was fixed, and on top it needed new wheels because one broke due to too low profile of a tire on the 20s it used to have, a pulley grenaded and left me stranded for a couple days while on vacation, the parking pawl broke and left me stuck in my driveway and unable to get to work (could have been worse), and i had to replace a bunch of gaskets.
Now that thats all been taken care of, the car is a dream to drive! If only the abc didnt start leaking again already
I love the car. I have just accepted the fact that it will constantly require more attention than any of my other vehicles to make sure it is running. In return, it keeps me very safe with the way i like to drive it
I've also heard that the transmissions on these cars was pretty solid. I'm expecting to do gaskets, plugs, and belts when I get it, as any 10 year old car will probably need a little love.
As for the abc is it a case of if it was maintained its good to go, or is it a case of when it will break not if?
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 258
Likes: 7
2003 SL55
I think its more of a case of "did i get a lucky one or not" as i understand it, the abc isnt considered a maintenance item on these cars, but it seems to be hit and miss whether or not its a quick fix or a recurring nightmare.
Personally, i suspect it has more.to do with letting the car sit than anything, but i cant prove that.
Personally, i suspect it has more.to do with letting the car sit than anything, but i cant prove that.
Member
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 212
Likes: 75
From: Arizona
2003 SL55 AMG, 1989 348 Challenge, 1987 Testarossa, 1992 F40, 1989 Mondial t cab, 2001 X5 4.4 Sport
Oh no. Another "I can buy one of these for dirt" guys. I see them all the time in the Ferrari world and to some extent in the AMG world.
The cheapest car to buy is usually not the least expensive to own. You buy the best car you can afford. One with no stories, no accidents, a complete service history. One that has not been a 'problem child'. One that shows pride of ownership. That won't be the bargain basement car. But it will be the one to buy, own, drive and enjoy.
Even though depreciation has hurt values, these still are $130K+ cars, with all the complexities and costs involved. What will happen with these cars is as depreciation allows folks who can afford the bottom or lower end cars and then short cut on service or crap themselves when the first repair bill comes in and either sell it on or park it. There will be fewer and fewer good and great cars, and those will become sought after.
I've had mine since new and it has been brilliant. It has done DD, trips, track days and shrugged them all off. For me, it's not worth selling. What could possibly replace it? Nothing.
Shopping for an SL55? Don't bottom feed. It will end up not being a fun experience. Spend more up front and get a great car.
The cheapest car to buy is usually not the least expensive to own. You buy the best car you can afford. One with no stories, no accidents, a complete service history. One that has not been a 'problem child'. One that shows pride of ownership. That won't be the bargain basement car. But it will be the one to buy, own, drive and enjoy.
Even though depreciation has hurt values, these still are $130K+ cars, with all the complexities and costs involved. What will happen with these cars is as depreciation allows folks who can afford the bottom or lower end cars and then short cut on service or crap themselves when the first repair bill comes in and either sell it on or park it. There will be fewer and fewer good and great cars, and those will become sought after.
I've had mine since new and it has been brilliant. It has done DD, trips, track days and shrugged them all off. For me, it's not worth selling. What could possibly replace it? Nothing.
Shopping for an SL55? Don't bottom feed. It will end up not being a fun experience. Spend more up front and get a great car.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 287
Likes: 29
From: Orange County, Ca
2004 E55, Triumph Speed Triple
Oh no. Another "I can buy one of these for dirt" guys. I see them all the time in the Ferrari world and to some extent in the AMG world.
The cheapest car to buy is usually not the least expensive to own. You buy the best car you can afford. One with no stories, no accidents, a complete service history. One that has not been a 'problem child'. One that shows pride of ownership. That won't be the bargain basement car. But it will be the one to buy, own, drive and enjoy.
Even though depreciation has hurt values, these still are $130K+ cars, with all the complexities and costs involved. What will happen with these cars is as depreciation allows folks who can afford the bottom or lower end cars and then short cut on service or crap themselves when the first repair bill comes in and either sell it on or park it. There will be fewer and fewer good and great cars, and those will become sought after.
I've had mine since new and it has been brilliant. It has done DD, trips, track days and shrugged them all off. For me, it's not worth selling. What could possibly replace it? Nothing.
Shopping for an SL55? Don't bottom feed. It will end up not being a fun experience. Spend more up front and get a great car.
The cheapest car to buy is usually not the least expensive to own. You buy the best car you can afford. One with no stories, no accidents, a complete service history. One that has not been a 'problem child'. One that shows pride of ownership. That won't be the bargain basement car. But it will be the one to buy, own, drive and enjoy.
Even though depreciation has hurt values, these still are $130K+ cars, with all the complexities and costs involved. What will happen with these cars is as depreciation allows folks who can afford the bottom or lower end cars and then short cut on service or crap themselves when the first repair bill comes in and either sell it on or park it. There will be fewer and fewer good and great cars, and those will become sought after.
I've had mine since new and it has been brilliant. It has done DD, trips, track days and shrugged them all off. For me, it's not worth selling. What could possibly replace it? Nothing.
Shopping for an SL55? Don't bottom feed. It will end up not being a fun experience. Spend more up front and get a great car.
It's my understanding these aren't exactly high strung Ferraris either, I understand that it is going to need some love, and I don't mind giving it what it needs, and parts look like they're about the same as for my mom's E350. (save for brakes of course)
Truth is, I just graduated from University, and this is sort of a gift to myself after putting in 5 years of hard work and getting a 'real' job.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 287
Likes: 29
From: Orange County, Ca
2004 E55, Triumph Speed Triple
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From: Florida
03SL55
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Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 328
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2004 SL55 AMG
If you can't afford a good one...you REALLY can't afford a bad one.
That being said, if you are handy (and/or have a good independent mechanic) you for sure can get into these supercars for pennies on the $...and then fix as you go.
If the Audi nit-picked you, I would think a 10 year-old (ultra complex) SL55 would also keep bothering you with minor glitches...its not a Honda (S2000).
That being said, if you are handy (and/or have a good independent mechanic) you for sure can get into these supercars for pennies on the $...and then fix as you go.
If the Audi nit-picked you, I would think a 10 year-old (ultra complex) SL55 would also keep bothering you with minor glitches...its not a Honda (S2000).
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Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Saint Johns FL. USA
05 SL55, 10 C63, 12 SLK3, 20 S560, 08Bentley GT Speed, 16 Aston Martin Vanquish
If you buy one you are in for a real treat. Of all the cars in my collection, and all the cars I have had, the SL 55 is my favorite. Mine is a 2005 that now has 8000 miles on it and has never been in the rain. The last show it was in it took best of show. Love this car.
