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After much debating and coin flipping, I finally took the plunge on my first German car. Hoping this SL 55 AMG is not a total lemon, LOL.
This car was the 3rd car on my list for buying, as i wanted the 030 nurburgring package, but the one turned out to be a total pos, and the other sold.
2003 in Brilliant silver 72,000 miles, plenty of records, a few small nicks in the hood paint, but otherwise she is exceptionally clean.
I already had my first issue, as the car was delivered on a car transport and well it seen some snow and whatever else, so figured yes it is 38 degrees but she needs a washing.
everything went great, until the car was parked in the garage, and the horn turned on!
After trying to the panic button, unlocking the car etc, i had to get in the trunk and find the fuse schematic, to get the fuse out.
pulled the fuse no more issue, and this afternoon, unlocked the car, popped the hood installed fuse, no issues.
Not sure how to take this, but did read something about the horns getting wet and cold, or moisture in the relay can guess this.
Sorry for the long intro, but looking forward to enjoying this car, and doing some mods as well.
You have a short in your alarm siren. Very common to all 230 SL's. Congrats on your purchase. Not sure I would ever recommend an R230 as a first MB and first German car.
Looks like my twin. What color interior? I have the Berry Red interior that looks really striking. I'm at about 67k miles after 1 year of ownership - added about 12k miles.
Looks like my twin. What color interior? I have the Berry Red interior that looks really striking. I'm at about 67k miles after 1 year of ownership - added about 12k miles.
Charcoal grey and black, would of loved the burgundy or red, but pretty excited about the car even with some little teething issues as it seems.
Will inspect the alarm siren this weekend, and start some minor modding.
Charcoal grey and black, would of loved the burgundy or red, but pretty excited about the car even with some little teething issues as it seems.
Will inspect the alarm siren this weekend, and start some minor modding.
Before you start spending time and money modding you first priorities are to confirm that all filters/fluids have been changed (including super charger oil and ABC flush),all ABC lines are dry on the outside and all dust covers on the struts are in good shape.
Before you start spending time and money modding you first priorities are to confirm that all filters/fluids have been changed (including super charger oil and ABC flush),all ABC lines are dry on the outside and all dust covers on the struts are in good shape.
Best wishes and enjoy the car
Indeed, I consider going through and changing all filters, fluids and vehicle specific services a given on any vehicle I buy. debating on do I go with motul products or mobil 1.
You have a short in your alarm siren. Very common to all 230 SL's. Congrats on your purchase. Not sure I would ever recommend an R230 as a first MB and first German car.
When I was a college student looking to purchase a W113 280SL for my very first car a factory-trained Mercedes mechanic advised me not to buy it or any other used Mercedes. One of the worst bits of advice in my lifetime (along with advice to sell all stocks I owned in September, 1998).
I am going to go out on a limb here, and assume for many owners who are springing for the SL 55 AMG they know what they want, and realize that there is some inherent flaws and more than average maintenance involved with this car.. if they wanted reliability and performance they would go buy a corvette (been there done that multiple times)
So many more issues than that. This is one complicated Benz. Not a good intro to the Benz family. Could leave a mark if the OP does not know what they are getting themselves into.
R230 and specially the 55 truly are not a good initiation to MB ownership ,
but it can be a satisfying experience if all goes according to plan .
Main culprits are the ABC system and the roof . If these are cleared ,
the rest is normal maintenance , albeit an expensive one .
Avoid bad roads , pot holes and road bumps as much as you can ,
do not abuse the car and it will reward you .
Always open the roof while stationary on a flat road , no inclines
and keep checking the oil in the pump ( roof pump ) .
The rest is pot luck really . Enjoy the car as much as you can
and put a yearly budget on the side to avoid surprises .
Indeed, I consider going through and changing all filters, fluids and vehicle specific services a given on any vehicle I buy. debating on do I go with motul products or mobil 1.
Mobil1 and in the process don't forget the - Super charger oil - (Mobil Jet oil do a search for this) this an item that easily gets overlooked
Mobile Jet Oil II (2) for the Kompressor.
Mobile 1 0W40 for the V8.
Pentosin CHF11S for the ABC and Power Steering pump.
Have used these since new in my ‘03 S55
I used Fuchs Titan 4134 ATF, lower cost alternative to the MB factory labeled ATF. Approved fluid.
Not sure about roof problems.
Congrats on the purchase. I still think it is one of the most beautiful cars in the world to be produced in all of 2000’s. I have been lurking this forum when the S55 and E55 forums slow down.
2003 SL55 AMG, 1989 348 Challenge, 1987 Testarossa, 1992 F40, 1989 Mondial t cab, 2001 X5 4.4 Sport
Great car! The SL55 is brilliant. There still isn't anything out there that checks as many boxes. I've had my '03 since new and it's been great. Enjoy....
Great car! The SL55 is brilliant. There still isn't anything out there that checks as many boxes. I've had my '03 since new and it's been great. Enjoy....
I've got to agree with you Ingenere - there isn't a car that checks so many boxes. The car is very brilliant!!! I enjoy every time I drive mine.
Last edited by Nor Cal SL55; Mar 21, 2019 at 07:29 AM.
Reason: spelling
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
