whitewagon

Looking to get into a convertible SL 55 and wanted to get your thoughts on best year for the buck, potential issues to look for, average maintenance costs you all are seeing...

I was originally starting to search for a 2014-16 AMG wagon but my wife really insists on wanting to keep an SUV. I have an Aston Martin Vantage and now my wife is really wanting a nice convertible weekend car... Had a Porsche Boxster but it was a six speed and she wants an automatic. also track a BMW X1 35i for fun a few times a year

I've done a bit of research and it seems the 2005-2007 SL55 seems to be a good spot to start search I am in the $20-30K range and looking for a car with mid average miles ( 4 to 6K miles a year)...

Any thoughts on what to look out for and avoid...? I am a gear head and can do most maintenance and other work, with a quick jack lift in my shop.

Thanks

57staff

I have an '03 SL 55 and I really enjoy the car. I also have a Boxster and the SL makes a really good GT car whereas the Boxster is a superb sports car. Common modifications include smaller supercharger pulley and tune, lowering links, upgraded intercooler systems.

The original intercooler pump is a weak spot. Replace with the newer Bosch pump and all is good.

ABC is always a concern. Make sure there is a service history with that system. Usually at least one fluid flush and a new smaller gauge filter has been put in. Some like to put a magnetic filter in front of the pump as well. Same with transmission, just get a service on the trans fluid if it has not been done recently.

I have not had issues with my roof but some people experience problems with the roof mechanism hydraulics. Typically o-rings need replacing.

The trunk closing mechanism seems to break pretty easily on these. The pump develops cracks and you have to get some epoxy and seal up the cracks.

I along with others have had to replace our battery control module. They have a tendency to burn out and in some cases actually catch fire.

Engine and transmission mounts will fail over time. Find an indy shop that knows how to do the replacement without having to lift the engine. Makes it a 2-hour job instead of an 8-hour job. You could do it yourself as well with a floor jack.

Sometimes the supercharger pulley clutch will fail and possibly shred a belt.

Getting an '05 or newer SL will mean replacing the Command system with a modern stereo is easier. '05 and newer have a Bose amplifier/speaker system using a MOST fibre optic ring and there are MOST adapter harnesses for putting in a new double DIN head unit.

whitewagon

57 thanks for comments... I'm looking into a 07 with about 90K mikes on it... Suspension was repaired at 48K miles and engine mounts replaced at 65K miles.... Seems to have full records of repairs, mainly at MD dealers or MD indy Shops...

Any issues with high mileage?

skylolow

57Staff pretty much covered it all. I'd add the 07+ do have an updated ABC system which is suppose to be less issues. 05 was the year they made a ot of SL55's and is generally regarded as the best year to own from the first run. 07 is the year they made the most of the mid cycle update. 08's are hard to find as very few made to the shores over here.

I'd just add in when your dealing with cars that are over 10 years old expect to have some typical wear issues that may need attention like hoses or slight oil leak from old gaskets that may need attention.

Sounds like your fairly handy. So that goes along ways with owning a SL. I'd pick up a Star dig. or at the very least icarsoft MBII for Benz($150 from amazon).

Not saying 90K is bad but there is a lot of examples out there with a lot less mileage. Look for good service records. Not sure were your located but this a car worth looking around the country for and not just settling on one with in a few hours of yourself. Have a PPI done for about $200 at a local MB shop can save you thousands right away. They'll be able to tell you everything that looks great, may need attention shortly, and what needs to be done now. Rest assure if they don't find much your probably buying a very solid car as they love to find issues and usually make a bigger deal out of them than they are hoping to get you too get it serviced. As any SL or S series coming into a MB dealership means $$$$$$$.

Ingenere

I have an '03 and I've had it since new. It has been brilliant. It has had a few things that are out of the ordinary, but for the most part it has been stellar.

In 16 years, aside from regular maintenance:

Engine/transmission mounts
Seized AC compressor
Secondary air pump
IC pump
SBC unit (MB is now warranting them and they reimbursed me)
ignition switch
ABC accumulators

Hendrik Koster

Great cars, I found a 07 with the P030 option and have really enjoyed the car. I do have SDS and do all my own maintenance which I believe is the best way to go about it if you can.

v8sonly

Is the P030 option relatively rare on these cars?

Ingenere

Yes, it is rare. It was a $14 or $15K option and not many sprung for it.

v8sonly

Sweet, thanks for the info.

That's quite a collection you have there. Hearing you praise the SL speaks volumes of it.

Ingenere

Thanks. It really is a great car!

Hendrik........ where did you get those fender covers? I do most of my own service work as well and would love a set!

Hendrik Koster

See the contact information below, great guys to work with.

I've been in Arizona to cars and coffee in Scottsdale several times and look forward to go back one of these days.

Best H

Comprehensive vehicle protection and maintenance | From AGA Inc.

contact
561-529-1929
brebitzer@yahoo.com




I do have the fenders (2) , door sill (1) and seat (1) cover as well.


Same cover works for DS & PS side

smithwn55

I just closed on an 08 with less than 27,000 miles, all service records (done by MB) and 2 owners. Rated a 98 cosmetically and has no apparent mechanical issues.

It was listed for sale in your price range.
Bill

zmirza10

Bill - Did you buy yours from MB North Houston (autonation MB dealer). Black on black with glass roof? if it is that one, did the dealer fix/replace the front bumper crack? It's a clean SL, i knew the previous owners.

smithwn55

I purchased my car from BMW of the Woodlands (Houston). Although the front bumper was repainted, to the best of my knowledge it was not cracked.

Ironically I'm having the front bumper repainted this week due to the poor quality workmanship ("fish eyes" in the paint). I'll then have a ceramic coating applied after paint correction in order to improve overall appearance and make my job of washing it effortless.

Bill

Gene Gorman

I have had 77 cars now. And my ‘05 SL55 is still my all time favorite car. It is now 14 years old and has 9400 miles and has never been in the rain. The only thing that I have had to replace was one rear strut. I try to do my own maintenance and keep all my cars in a climate controlled garage. The only other thing I had to replace a set of tires because they flat spotted from lack of use.

smithwn55

Gene - Someone's going to be very lucky one day when you pass that car on! Given your stable of cars, the fact that it's your favorite says a lot.

Adi-Benz

Wow!

cnterline

Worlds Quickest and Fastest , I love it, seen here at track but street driven all the time
Recently face lifted

smithwn55

Congrats on beating your own record! What track are you using to run those fast times?

Atomicman

I just bought a 2 owner 2004 for $18K, 60K miles on it. Never been hit, Paint is gorgeous! It is a Designo Edition with Designo Graphite paint. ABC has had work done on it and the top mechanics rebuilt. Everything works as it should including Supercharger Chirp!

Loving it!

cnterline

Maryland International Raceway and ATCO NJ ,

richiemiami

The M113K Motor is considered one of the best mercedes motors of all time. They are dependable and make a lot of horsepower and when the time ever comes, easily make more hp with relatively not too much work. I have a M156 which has head bolt issues so believe me the M113k motor is a great motor