flittlejr

I'm older so for me the SK550 is the way to go. The main thing is maintaining. I'm member of USAA and they have a terrific extended warranty program $1K per year and 12k. 0 deductible and have never been turned down. Had a oil leak and the dealer pulled the engine and replaced every seal & gasket $4200 bill They paid it all never said a word. If you buy an AMG they will NOT offer a warranty. It's certainly nice that I can drive a year with no bills for 1K (of course I bought 3 years, cause once the car is over 10 model years old will not sell you a warranty.Hopes this helps making decision. Frank

tscales

Do not regret it. I made that choice. The SL65 is fragile and expensive.

carguyshu

the sl55 I purchased hasn't exactly been rock solid nor cheap thus far....

850csi

Hey all -- first post, new to the board. I'm a BMW guy; much like OP, new to seriously wanting an MB; unlike OP had always appreciated early 00s MBs. Bumping this old thread because I'm having the same debate.

This story starts with me -- having driven my E90 for 13 years now -- wanting a fun third car with a V8 sound, and probably preferring something more GT-oriented as opposed to a true sports car (particularly as I think I'm going to be throwing some M3 suspension bits into my 3300lb 3er). I was initially thinking Corvette or Mustang GT (especially the newest generation, which does an ok job at pretending to be a grand tourer). I considered an XK8/R as well. I thought about sticking with 4 doors and finding an E39 M5. But I think I want a droptop/coupe, and R230s check all of the boxes -- as I see it, it is a versatile, refined GT with a muscle car's engine.

I want to spend around $20k. I understand that will just be scratching the surface. I'm very much an amateur DIYer, but a willing one, and I do plan on doing most of the wrenching on our 2 BMWs from here on out. I don't think the R230 is any more difficult to work on (?). It would probably be driven around 4k miles a year.

I am torn between a 2005-2008ish SL55 and a slightly newer (and perhaps post-facelift) SL550. It appears that there isn't a great difference in reliability and running costs between the two as it seems that both the M113 and M273 -- and their associated transmissions -- are solid? I honestly don't need 500hp (who does), but there is definitely an emotional appeal to owning what I feel is a modern classic.

Big question: should I be dissauded by these BCM fire issues that I'm seeing popping up on here (seemingly with great frequency recently?).

Ingenere

As probably one of the longest, continuous SL55 owners here, I'll give you my experience.

I was one of the first to get an SL55 back in '03. After almost 16 years and 86K miles it has been a brilliant car, with very few problems. Other than scheduled maintenance, the expenses have been minimal (other than massive depreciation). Since, I have no plan on selling, there isn't an actual loss.

The 55 was really the first car that really started the 500hp+ wars, and as such I think as time wears on, it will have some significance. Believe me, I have no allusions that it will appreciate, but the package makes it a very cool car. I have used mine from everything from DD, to track days and it just doesn't miss a beat.

Now that these cars are getting older, the secret to shopping for one is pretty basic. Don't immediately look for the cheapest car (chances are that one will be the most expensive). Look for a car with no stories and a full service history. After you have narrowed your choices down, get the car thoroughly checked by a dealer or shop that is well versed in these cars. While no method is fool proof, this has always worked well for me. Good luck. The SL55 is a brilliant car!

850csi

Thanks for that response! Eyeing a 2006 now with only 33k miles on it. Seller is the second owner. I'm actually a little bit concerned that the mileage might be a little too low?

It's also not the color[s] I wanted, but I suppose it's tough to be too picky when looking at 10+ yo cars.