pablo4.2

Hi Guys, I'm really psyched about getting an SL55 in the next very few weeks but have a few concerns/questions: I drove it (in my NY-NJ area) for a very short time and noticed a beautiful roar and bark from the engine/exhaust. Does this become obtrusive on the highway or does it go away for the most part unless you press down significantly on the throttle? I've read about many electrical problems here but how do most of you feel about your car's reliability? Pls be specific. How many of you have or have not experienced rattling tops? Finally are the Type IV double spoke wheels available or not in the U.S.

Thks much,

Pablo

evanichka

I put around 6k miles on mine so far, since I am only able to drive it during vacations (wouldn't dare to drive it around Boston).

There is a rattling somewhere to the leftside middle to top of the driver, but haven't had time to take it in yet.

I have the fuel tank rattle, but once I turn the music up or am going fast enough, its hard to hear.

The engine can be loud, but I don't find it annoyingly loud or anything.

I had an electrical problem in 03 SL500 (would cold start, but not warm start) which could not be fixed in a timely matter which resulted in me buying the SL55 a few months later, but other than that, no electrical problems.

There was a clicking noise coming from the front wheel but that was fixed within a day at the dealership. The front left bumper light went out after around 4k miles, but that was fixed within an hour. So far, very satisfied with the service I have been getting. Looks like Theodavies of Hawaii is turning things around in the service department.

So far I am satisfied with the car. One thing is its lower than other cars I have driven, and its very very easy to bottom out, so make sure you be extra careful when going over bumps and steep ramps. One thing that scares me is when it rains a lot. In Hawaii the past year or so there have been quite a few heavy showers (which last around 45 mins so you never know when youll get stuck in one). When there is a significant water level, the car aquaplanes more than other cars I have driven.

pauld

20K on mine.

The roar is only there if you want to floor it......

I've had no problems at all of an electrical nature.

My only major disappointment is the lack of features in the comand system (No Bluetooth, DAB (Sat Radio), CD Head Unit.

Regards and enjoy your car......I still enjoy mine every day.

P

sillydriver

My old SL55 produced what I found to be an annoying engine drone cruising on the highway, but it’s really a matter of personal opinion.

I like my 2004 Renntech SL600 much more than the 2003 SL55 it replaced (no problems so far – I’ll keep my fingers crossed). Part of that is due to the improvements made in all 04 SLs vs. 03; for example, much better software for the brakes. Nevertheless, I advise you to consider the 600 as well as the 55.

Twinturbo

From what I have heard, there may be a few problems when the car is relatively new, but these can fixed under warranty, even if you have to beg on some minor but costly fixes if you have a stubborn service centre. I have also heard that the rattles from the roof have been fixed on the 04 model, but if it is not, it can be fixed by re-welding some joints, but this is rare. I think the fuel tank noise is also fixed in the 04 or 03 model, but if it is noisy it can be easily replaced with a new one as many people have done. Some people appear to be lucky while some have problems, hope you get good one and have fun!

pablo4.2

Thanks guys. Any more would be appreciated.

jettie1767

I've only test driven an '04 SL55 and I didn't find the rumble/groan annoying at all. I have an '04 SL500 which I intend to replace with an '05 SL55. I ordered the '05 55 last week and should arrive sometime aug/sept.

I will strongly advise you get the '05 SL55 because it will have the dvd-based navigation which is much better than the current one.

pablo4.2

Thks, but living in NY-NJ I would want the car for the whole summer which means getting it very soon. I like the exhaust but wonder, as some have posted, if it's noticeable at highway cruise. BTW, I could forgo the better NAV but is the 05 going to have a 7 speed auto box? Thks again.

jettie1767

According to Ray Catena in Edison, the '05 55 will have the 7G transmission.

JackStraw

jettie1767,

Is the '05 SL600 supposed to get the 7-speed as well?

pablo4.2

In response specifically to the 7 speed tranny on the 05 SL55 question and any other changes for 05, a dealer emailed this to me:

For '05 the only real change is the S/CL DVD COMAND system which will be
standard (minus the cassette). There will also be a Bose surround sound
audio package standard. No changes specific to SL55 or SL600.

Another dealer confirmed this. I don't know if they just don't know.

stockseer

I've actually declined a couple offers to buy my SL55 ('03), which may not be financially wise, but because it's been VERY reliable.

Now with over 7000 miles on it (build '03of '03) there were very early brake squeal issues, but that was finally resolved (I think they figured out what to do about that; something to do with a dry pin or something)... and the software for the seat had to be reloaded when it was brand new. Both minor items.

At this point I have not encountered the fuel pump (rattle)issue, which I think was only on the '02 builds. One occasional flex in the top, but only on rough roads. Body very rigid and solid from an overall standpoint. Exhaust noise is welcomed (to be at least) and really is part of the beauty of the car in my opinion. So is the engine sound, though there is an occasional 'chirp' from the supercharger for which there's no fix I'm aware of (if there is it would be welcomed to hear about that).

Only complaint is the lack of 'bluetooth' and a spare tire maybe. Otherwise it blows-away the reliability and comfort/speed ratio (overall equation) compared to any other 'benz, porches, BMWs or even Ferraris I've own over my life, and is a great 'daily driver'.

enjoy!


__________________
'03 SL55 black/charcoal
all options but distronic

jettie1767

Jack,

I didn't ask about the 600. Sorry.

Twinturbo

I have never heard that the 05 SL55 will have a 7 speed. If mercedes has strengthened it, then surely they would have done so to handle the 600 and 65 power, and I know that the 65 still has 5 speed. I think it will come with the fresh up or facelift of the SL. Netherless, it will be interesting to see the performance and economy gains, and also how AMG do with the programming, as I hear they greatly improve the characteristics of gearboxes.

IngenereAMG

I have had my SL55 for over a year now and it has been flawless. No noises. No electrical problems. I think that the sound is great...even a little too quiet...but that's just me.

I had my ECU worked on....it is derestricted and has an extra 50hp/50 lb ft of torque. The car will outrun just about everything I've got...save the Indycar! It will even run pretty close with the F40! It's not as tactile or as viceral as the F40....but the F40 doesn't have carpets and a radio!! Even trade I guess!

pablo4.2

Thanks Dino. Any warranty issues with the modified ECU?

IngenereAMG

Mods are undetectable!!!

mfspolo

what company did you get your ECU upgrade from?

jettie1767

Pablo,

Where are you in ny/nj? If you're interested, there's an '04 SL55 (Brilliant Silver) that's available at Ray Catena in Edison, NJ. They've offered it to me for almost $4k off msrp. You can call Bob Gold and inquire.

pablo4.2

I live in Manhattan and have a home in Spring lake, NJ. Due to my inexperience w/ MB in general and AMG in particular I not sure if this is a good deal even though it sounds fair. I will call him to see the car at least. What do u think of the price? Thks for ur help.

pauld

Pablo

Dealing with US car reps is I'm sure as unpleasant as dealing with UK car reps.

They make more money from the finance then they do from the car...and 3 seconds after you've signed they've forgotten your name.

One thing that's great here is that the dealers CANNOT sell a new car at over list (it's illegal) however they do sell 'pre-registered' new cars over list occasionally (a 'friend' of the dealer buys it at list and doesn't take delivery...so you buy it with one pre owner already on the car).

As to whether it's a good deal the question is probably influenced by (in no order of importance):-

How long it's been in the showroom (i.e. is the dealer carrying the cost's yet?)
When is the new model due?
Any extra's on it that are non standard?
What finance deal you can work out?
Is the salesman on monthly targets...and how close is he to hitting/not hitting them?

They're the one's I can think of quickly..I'm sure other people here will have others they can add.

I usually decide before I go in how much I'm willing to pay and take a bankers draft (cashiers check) with me for that exact amount...if negotiations bog down I put it in front of me and say if we don't agree that price I'm leaving with the draft...it get's peoples attention at least.

Paul

jettie1767

Pablo,

I dropped you a PM. Please read.