Boulder GT3

I have the opportunity to buy a good friends 2009 SL63 at a near nothing price. Orig owner, all services, no damage, 9K miles.

I've had 4 sl550's with minimal issues.

Obviously, the 2009 is first year and a different transmission. Have the cars been pretty stable other than the usual SL550 issues?

Thanks in advance.

okbarnett

great cars, but first dct trans had software update like a recall. I would have MB see if it got it.
First of all take the car to, you know the guy get his selling dealer, a MB dealer and get a complete cpo inspection and all the history, and ask if they could sell you a cpo warrantee. In some cases they can. Believe me, a amg can have minor problem and cost thousands to fix.

mcguirja

I've had my '09 for the past 5 years and have had no issues with it to date, although I have invested in proactive repairs and maintenance.

The early issues with DCT have been sorted and agree with okbarnett's suggestion to have the dealer confirm the software and component's are up to date.

The other issue is head bolts and valve buckets. You won't see much reference about them here on the SL forum but the C63 guys have pages of documentation on it. Unfortunately the 2009 will be in the affected range. I decided to proactively have both head bolts and buckets done at a cost of $4,000. It was my choice though, my engine was completely fine. The likelihood this has been done in your vehicle is negligible. With all that said, there are many owners that have driven many miles with no issue, while there have been instances of head bolts going at very low miles.

Overall, I love my SL and have no regrets on the purchase. Although it is now a couple of models out of date I like it better than the newer ones so have no plans to trade up - the recent announcement of the GT C Roadster has caught my eye which has me thinking about it now but it isn't available for another 6 months!

Good luck with your decision.

James

okbarnett

I thought that the bolt and lifter issues were the older generation 6.3 like the c in its introduction

mcguirja

They changed to the new head bolts and valve buckets in all M156 engines towards the end of the 2010 model year. The C63 forum has a good thread that shows where the serial number cut off was for old design versus new design. There are instances of this happening across all car models, you just don't read about it as much in the lower volume forums. I had the old head bolt design on mine, confirmed when I changed them out. Mine were still in reasonable shape, although I could see where the corrosion was beginning to take place. I can take a picture and post if anyone is curious, I kept the parts. Based on what the OP is describing I would buy this car in a heart beat, head bolts wouldn't dissuade me.

Boulder GT3

Great feedback. I'm going to talk to my buddy tomorrow. The car has been a garage queen and never wanted for anything.

My guess is that the trans would have been updated but highly doubtful the buckets and head bolts have been touched.

Like most cars like this, you just have to decide if you can handle some risk.

okbarnett

check at the dealer and ask if they will put the cpo warrantee on it

Boulder GT3

I'm used to high end cars and boats that cost a lot when blow up. I'd just run naked on it.

Randed

I have a 2009 SL63 AMG with only 17,000 miles on it. The top off coolant warning and coolant light just came on. I got it into the dealership as soon as the light came on. Dealership just called and said I have coolant in my oil and my head bolts are broken. They want to charge me $9,000 US to take out engine, fix head bolts, and inspect for damage. That price won’t cover any engine damage done. I am beyond upset. My dealership sent me to Mercedes customer service to see if they will help with the cost, but after looking at some posts on this forum, I’m not optimistic. This is the first I had heard of the issue, as I am a new forum member. Incredibly frustrated that Mercedes has had known issues with head bolts and these engines and hasn’t done anything to fix it. Even a cheap car would have an engine that would last 10 years and 17,000 miles. I expect more from Mercedes and hope they will come through for me. Any tips to get them to help?

Risk7

That is terrible news indeed. The M156 has had its share of unfortunate outcomes both in the news and in driver experience.

Here's a post with someone mentioning the same problem with the same M.Y. and model vehicle:

Then there is the issue with the cams:

As for what to do, *if* they deny you the assistance you need perhaps try having an attorney prepare a class action pleading (without index number) and present it to them.

That should really get their attention.

Randed

Thanks for the reply, Risk7