SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: Year differences
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 746
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From: Bethesda,Md.
Bentley Arnage Red Label
Year differences
Hi Guys,
I am new to the forum and have been looking for an SL55. Other than the new dvd command, what differences are there from 03-05? I have found some sub 5k mile 03's for high 90's, 1k mile 04's for 112 and then there is the 05 at msrp of 125-130. Besides having a "new" car,and a longer warranty, what would I not get with an 03 or 04? Were there any major bugs on the earlier cars? Thanks for the help.
I am new to the forum and have been looking for an SL55. Other than the new dvd command, what differences are there from 03-05? I have found some sub 5k mile 03's for high 90's, 1k mile 04's for 112 and then there is the 05 at msrp of 125-130. Besides having a "new" car,and a longer warranty, what would I not get with an 03 or 04? Were there any major bugs on the earlier cars? Thanks for the help.
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 24
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dvd navi is definitely a major change, but i think there is also a change in the sound system, it like nicer or something. also yeah definitely 05s have less bugs in the car. i am waiting for the 05 sl55 myself so these are just things i found while surfing for infos.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,458
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From: Orlando
CLS55
You should be able to pick up the '04 for $105k and I suggest that as the best buy. I haven't noticed one single problem in the 04 besides the fact that your chances of being pulled over are high 
But I think that accounts for all the model years
Happy Shopping!
But I think that accounts for all the model years
Happy Shopping!
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 746
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From: Bethesda,Md.
Bentley Arnage Red Label
So it seems that the only big difference is the command. I have seen the new style command for sale on ebay and have read opinions about it may or may not be interchangeable with the old unit but I didn't read anything from anyone that actually had it done. I have the older unit in my G500 and the navigation is terrible. Has anyone actually switched the units? I think the 04 looks like the best deal and although I like the new command, I don't think it would be worth 20k to me.
Thanks for the info!
Thanks for the info!
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 691
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From: Ponce Puerto Rico
SL500 2003 previous/ E350 2007 actually
Originally Posted by Juice it
So it seems that the only big difference is the command. I have seen the new style command for sale on ebay and have read opinions about it may or may not be interchangeable with the old unit but I didn't read anything from anyone that actually had it done. I have the older unit in my G500 and the navigation is terrible. Has anyone actually switched the units? I think the 04 looks like the best deal and although I like the new command, I don't think it would be worth 20k to me.
Thanks for the info!
Thanks for the info!
Where did you find that opinions and the new commander on the e bay? Would you post the links to the sites?
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,703
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From: Arizona
SL55AMG, Ferrari 348, Ferrari Testarossa, Ferrari F40, Ferrari Mondial t, Ducati 916, Indycar
I have an '03. One of my friends has an '04 and the other an '05....there is virtually nothing between any of them except the DVD Nav...and frankly who cares about that? My '03 has had zero problems and I have 14K on the clock and some track time. Go with what you want...great car!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Abbotsford, BC, Canada
1999 SL 500 & 2011 E 550 4Matic
This is encouraging in a way.
I think that I will eventually buy a used SL55.
I was getting a bit concerned that the 03 and 04 models may not have the creeking roof under control.
The DVD NAV system was also of interest. But I will likely never use NAV of any sort. Does it play DVDs? Apparantly not in North America.
I guess that a lower cost, used 03 SL55, without creeking roof may be acceptable.
I think that I will eventually buy a used SL55.
I was getting a bit concerned that the 03 and 04 models may not have the creeking roof under control.
The DVD NAV system was also of interest. But I will likely never use NAV of any sort. Does it play DVDs? Apparantly not in North America.
I guess that a lower cost, used 03 SL55, without creeking roof may be acceptable.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 372
Likes: 19
From: Florida
Mercedes S550
One reason to buy new
I bought a 2005. One of my reasons was that if I bought a used car (MB or otherwise), I would not have any rights against the manufacturer under the Florida Lemon Law. 
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 800
Likes: 0
2005 SL65
Comand 2005...
i pushed its buttons in the showroom yesterday.
seemed much quicker, better GUI, more intuitive, easier use...altogether more friendly.
however, IMO, not a great reason to spend $30k more than a comparably equipped earlier model year car.
david
seemed much quicker, better GUI, more intuitive, easier use...altogether more friendly.
however, IMO, not a great reason to spend $30k more than a comparably equipped earlier model year car.
david
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 800
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2005 SL65
Ormond2004, about FL lemon law...
the explanation below of FL lemon law applicability is a copy-paste from the FL AG's website.
if i were a layperson interpreting the meaning, then i'd say a dealer transaction vehicle, including those that are STARMARKed, would not be covered.
however, a private transaction vehicle, pursuant to the 24-month limit, likely would be covered.
david
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Florida's Lemon Law only applies to NEW or demonstrator vehicles sold in the state of Florida. New or demonstrator vehicles that are leased in Florida are also covered, if they are lease-purchased, or if the lease is for one year or more and the lessee is responsible for taking the vehicle in for repair. If the vehicle is transferred from one consumer to another during the first 24 months after delivery to the original consumer, and both consumers use the vehicle for personal, family or household purposes, the consumer to whom the vehicle is transferred may be covered under the Lemon Law.
The Lemon Law Does NOT Cover:
* Trucks weighing more than 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight;
* Off-road vehicles;
* Vehicles which are purchased for purposes of resale;
* Motorcycles and mopeds;
* The living facilities of recreation vehicles.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
if i were a layperson interpreting the meaning, then i'd say a dealer transaction vehicle, including those that are STARMARKed, would not be covered.
however, a private transaction vehicle, pursuant to the 24-month limit, likely would be covered.
david
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Florida's Lemon Law only applies to NEW or demonstrator vehicles sold in the state of Florida. New or demonstrator vehicles that are leased in Florida are also covered, if they are lease-purchased, or if the lease is for one year or more and the lessee is responsible for taking the vehicle in for repair. If the vehicle is transferred from one consumer to another during the first 24 months after delivery to the original consumer, and both consumers use the vehicle for personal, family or household purposes, the consumer to whom the vehicle is transferred may be covered under the Lemon Law.
The Lemon Law Does NOT Cover:
* Trucks weighing more than 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight;
* Off-road vehicles;
* Vehicles which are purchased for purposes of resale;
* Motorcycles and mopeds;
* The living facilities of recreation vehicles.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
