SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: Potential New SL63 owner (2011) - HELP :)
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Joined: Dec 2012
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Jeep Srt-8
Potential New SL63 owner (2011) - HELP :)
Hi all - I have done a ton of reading regarding these cars. I'm buying sight unseen, but with full money back guarantee from a dealer.
The car is a 2011 SL63 (35K miles) - I have read that some have had some serious reliability issues and recommend older SL65 or SL55.
I would love to hear some opinions on that year SL63? Keep in mind I know maintenance is expensive on these. I just do not want to be at the dealer every week.
Not driving everyday, probably just 5000 miles a year in the summer. I'm up in Baltimore.
Thx in advance!
The car is a 2011 SL63 (35K miles) - I have read that some have had some serious reliability issues and recommend older SL65 or SL55.
I would love to hear some opinions on that year SL63? Keep in mind I know maintenance is expensive on these. I just do not want to be at the dealer every week.
Not driving everyday, probably just 5000 miles a year in the summer. I'm up in Baltimore.
Thx in advance!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2008
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Porsche guy who drives SL63 w/ perf pkg AND perf suspension
First, this is no way to buy a car. You need to look at carfax, take the car to a MB dealer and have a complete cpo inspection, and look at the complete MB service history.
Could cost you thousands of dollars if theres some little problem.
Its a great car if theres nothing wrong with it.
Could cost you thousands of dollars if theres some little problem.
Its a great car if theres nothing wrong with it.
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Jeep Srt-8
Clean carfax, one owner. and if they ship it out here and I take it for inspection and it fails they will ship it back free. It also has all of its service records which are up to date.
So I was just curious about overall build quality / reliability as it is out of warranty.
So I was just curious about overall build quality / reliability as it is out of warranty.
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Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Kansas
2003 E55, 2003 SL55, 2014 CLS63, 2018 q50 Redsport, 1968 Camaro SS, 1999 Trans am Firehawk
all of the common problems related to the convertible top mechanism, ABC suspension, etc. are going to be the same with an SL63 as they were with the SL55 and SL65. There are tons of seals both in the vert top and ABC suspension that don't like sitting from lack of use. The car should be driven at least weekly if possible. Earlier build date 63 motors also had different designed head bolts that are prone to failure and should be replaced as preventative maintenance prior to there being catastrophic failure that could possibly ruin the engine. Look to spend a grand or two getting the head bolts updated.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 29
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Jeep Srt-8
all of the common problems related to the convertible top mechanism, ABC suspension, etc. are going to be the same with an SL63 as they were with the SL55 and SL65. There are tons of seals both in the vert top and ABC suspension that don't like sitting from lack of use. The car should be driven at least weekly if possible. Earlier build date 63 motors also had different designed head bolts that are prone to failure and should be replaced as preventative maintenance prior to there being catastrophic failure that could possibly ruin the engine. Look to spend a grand or two getting the head bolts updated.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,498
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Porsche guy who drives SL63 w/ perf pkg AND perf suspension
as I understand it these 11s were updated bolts and no common problems. When you get a 11 car its far better condition than getting a 03 or 07 car that has aged .
But I have been around cars for along time, and i wouldnt entertain playing around with a car dealer, across the country, that says ship, returns %100 guarantee. If he doesnt have any problem shipping and refunding a car, he wouldnt have any problem taking it to a dealer a few miles away and letting you have inspection and advice from them
But I have been around cars for along time, and i wouldnt entertain playing around with a car dealer, across the country, that says ship, returns %100 guarantee. If he doesnt have any problem shipping and refunding a car, he wouldnt have any problem taking it to a dealer a few miles away and letting you have inspection and advice from them
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2013
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From: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Mercedes SL63 AMG; Mercedes E63 AMG S 4matic; Mercedes C43 AMG; Mercedes S Class, Mercedes GLK
as I understand it these 11s were updated bolts and no common problems. When you get a 11 car its far better condition than getting a 03 or 07 car that has aged .
But I have been around cars for along time, and i wouldnt entertain playing around with a car dealer, across the country, that says ship, returns %100 guarantee. If he doesnt have any problem shipping and refunding a car, he wouldnt have any problem taking it to a dealer a few miles away and letting you have inspection and advice from them
But I have been around cars for along time, and i wouldnt entertain playing around with a car dealer, across the country, that says ship, returns %100 guarantee. If he doesnt have any problem shipping and refunding a car, he wouldnt have any problem taking it to a dealer a few miles away and letting you have inspection and advice from them
