SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: Any tips when searching for a SL55?
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: So Cal... In between LA and OC
2005 CLK320 Vert & 2005 CLK55 AMG
Any tips when searching for a SL55?
Hey Everyone,
I'm thinking about picking up a SL55 as a daily driver. Any tips or suggestions you can give me before purchasing? Any specific years I should stay away from or look for? Any help would be great, I really appreciate it!!!
-Roland
I'm thinking about picking up a SL55 as a daily driver. Any tips or suggestions you can give me before purchasing? Any specific years I should stay away from or look for? Any help would be great, I really appreciate it!!!
-Roland
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 339
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1998 E300TD
The engines/trans are hunks of german granite, so it's really the supporting systems to worry about: SBC, ABC, Vacuum Pump, and Hydraulic Pump/cylinders for the top. If any one of these systems hasn't been serviced or repaired/replaced, you should mentally plan on doing the work sooner than later. I love mine....but sometimes feel like I'm driving a bomb with an unknown timer.
ABC2 started 2006, it's not as serviceable as ABC1 (valve blocks can't be rebuilt), so depends if you do your own work or not.
'Nothing is more expensive than a cheap SL' - buy the history just as much as the car.
ABC2 started 2006, it's not as serviceable as ABC1 (valve blocks can't be rebuilt), so depends if you do your own work or not.
'Nothing is more expensive than a cheap SL' - buy the history just as much as the car.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,187
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From: Santa Clara, Ca
2003 SL55 / 2002 SLK32
There are actually quite a few changes to the 230474 (sl55 2003-2006) and 230472 (sl55 2006-2008), but here are the changes that come to (my) mind
2007 and 2008 (and some late 2006 cars ... essentially all model "472" sl55s) have ALL of the upgrades like better ABC, real paddle shifters, larger throttle body/slightly more powerful motor, improved brakes, and some more, but these are harder to find and more expensive.
2003s are most prevalent and generally lowest priced, but they have a few shortcomings that may or may not matter to you. They include
> keyless-go was not as well sorted as you need to carry a separate "card" in order for this function (can be upgraded to 2004 spec with keyless function built into key, but expect to spend $700+ for this upgrade)
> steering wheel shift buttons only operate in "manual mode" while ALL later years operate in ALL modes. This can be corrected by changing TCU (transmission controller)
> transmission used "brown-top" solenoids ("blue-tops" are considered more desirable for their crisper function and were used on ALL later models)
> rear axles/diff are slightly lighter duty and offer fewer upgrade options (limited slip diffs, etc)
>one year only side-view mirrors (could be an issue if you want to replace the internal frame mechanism)
>PRE-"most" audio system (This was on 2004s as well ... works well enough, but more difficult upgrade path if you want better audio) .
summary, if you have zero intention to upgrade (and don't care about keyless go as most 2003 owners have lost one or both of the cumbersome cards and replacements are NOT available), then a 2003 could be the best value for you.
If you are planning an audio upgrade then a 2005 or later likely makes more sense.
IF you want the best, get a "472" (some 2006s, all 2007 and 2008s) but expect to pay for it.
hope that helps,
Chris
2007 and 2008 (and some late 2006 cars ... essentially all model "472" sl55s) have ALL of the upgrades like better ABC, real paddle shifters, larger throttle body/slightly more powerful motor, improved brakes, and some more, but these are harder to find and more expensive.
2003s are most prevalent and generally lowest priced, but they have a few shortcomings that may or may not matter to you. They include
> keyless-go was not as well sorted as you need to carry a separate "card" in order for this function (can be upgraded to 2004 spec with keyless function built into key, but expect to spend $700+ for this upgrade)
> steering wheel shift buttons only operate in "manual mode" while ALL later years operate in ALL modes. This can be corrected by changing TCU (transmission controller)
> transmission used "brown-top" solenoids ("blue-tops" are considered more desirable for their crisper function and were used on ALL later models)
> rear axles/diff are slightly lighter duty and offer fewer upgrade options (limited slip diffs, etc)
>one year only side-view mirrors (could be an issue if you want to replace the internal frame mechanism)
>PRE-"most" audio system (This was on 2004s as well ... works well enough, but more difficult upgrade path if you want better audio) .
summary, if you have zero intention to upgrade (and don't care about keyless go as most 2003 owners have lost one or both of the cumbersome cards and replacements are NOT available), then a 2003 could be the best value for you.
If you are planning an audio upgrade then a 2005 or later likely makes more sense.
IF you want the best, get a "472" (some 2006s, all 2007 and 2008s) but expect to pay for it.
hope that helps,
Chris
