SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: Service recommendations 03 SL55 AMG
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 164
Likes: 13
From: NJ
2003 SL55 AMG GT , 2000 BMW 323I coupe
Service recommendations 03 SL55 AMG
Hey members,
I'm in the process of having my engine replaced due to catostrophic cylinder failure.
My question to you is: if you were having your engine replaced, what other non-standard or hard to reach components would you replace while the engine is out? I'm trying to get the "motor out" parts changed now that I have the chance.
I changed all motor/trans mounts about 20k miles ago, so I guess they are still good.
The car has 80k miles on it. I'm putting a replacement engine in with 75k.
Any suggestions are appreciated.
Thanks
I'm in the process of having my engine replaced due to catostrophic cylinder failure.
My question to you is: if you were having your engine replaced, what other non-standard or hard to reach components would you replace while the engine is out? I'm trying to get the "motor out" parts changed now that I have the chance.
I changed all motor/trans mounts about 20k miles ago, so I guess they are still good.
The car has 80k miles on it. I'm putting a replacement engine in with 75k.
Any suggestions are appreciated.
Thanks
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 339
Likes: 66
1998 E300TD
Isn't there an ABC pipe that runs under the engine that can't be replaced without the engine out?
I'd consider headers, those are super easy with the engine out, compared to in...lol.
Upgraded torque converter?
I'd consider headers, those are super easy with the engine out, compared to in...lol.
Upgraded torque converter?
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 282
Likes: 23
From: Rocky Mountains, Colorado
Just sold my '11 Porsche TurboS cab for an '03 SL55!
Engine and trans mounts no matter how the existing ones look, unless they are quite fresh.
If you do end up pulling the supercharger for any reason, then I'd up end it and really drain the fluid as when done with a syringe in the car I don't think you get that much of the oil out.
You may want to service the throttle body too, although this isn't hard to do when it's in the car.
Since you'll have the Power steering/ABC system open, I'd do the full flush there too.
Good luck, kind of rare to drop a rod in one of these it seems. Regrets there.
If you do end up pulling the supercharger for any reason, then I'd up end it and really drain the fluid as when done with a syringe in the car I don't think you get that much of the oil out.
You may want to service the throttle body too, although this isn't hard to do when it's in the car.
Since you'll have the Power steering/ABC system open, I'd do the full flush there too.
Good luck, kind of rare to drop a rod in one of these it seems. Regrets there.
Member
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 230
Likes: 21
From: Orchid Island, FL
SL 55 AMG, BMW M Roadster, Holden Commodore SSV
Here's my list, as you can see I've spent about $3k since buying my 08 SL55 4 years and 20,000 miles ago. And it now needs another $4.3k.
Never mind how much I've spent in mods!
Cars are not for folks without disposable income, thats for sure.
Bill
Never mind how much I've spent in mods!
Cars are not for folks without disposable income, thats for sure.
Bill
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 282
Likes: 23
From: Rocky Mountains, Colorado
Just sold my '11 Porsche TurboS cab for an '03 SL55!
Wow Smith, that's a lot on an '08 with say 55k miles.
Here's my list with parts costs + my list of repairs/replacements. I've done all of the labor except for replacing the TPM sensors.
My car came to me with 73k miles, and new batteries, ABC/PS Pump and reservoir and a new ABS module with those fluids replaced along with a fresh Trans service. One of the Front Struts was new too. This car had been used only intermittently with periods of long storage.......not to mention a lot of deferred maintenance and no records other than for those items noted above and the generic info in the CARFAX. The car was absolutely filthy, I doubt that it had ever been detailed! It had a cracked and beat up front bumper, and the Left Rear Quater panel had been painted but very well done and only my paint meter caught it. Near new 5 YO Michlin's on 4 thoroughly curbed wheels. On the positive side it was relatively unworn, and it was unmolested. Everything worked except the top (empty reservoir) and ABC warning came on over bumps (bad accumulator); the original engine mounts shot of course, and the other front strut was weeping. I paid $13k for it from a rural dealer who had no market for it. Now I have $18.7k total in it including $700 for Star/DAS/Xentry. But I have a fully serviced no issues SL55 in Silver over Berry (My preference), fresh front bumper, grill and wheels refurbished. I probably have 20 hours into the paint (local wet sanding and polishing etc) and it glows, a real tribute to the factory paint. I knew it was a project car but also knew I'd enjoy doing the work learning a whole new make.
BTW, this forum and a number of its members have been beyond valuable in helping me out!!!
Here's my list with parts costs + my list of repairs/replacements. I've done all of the labor except for replacing the TPM sensors.
My car came to me with 73k miles, and new batteries, ABC/PS Pump and reservoir and a new ABS module with those fluids replaced along with a fresh Trans service. One of the Front Struts was new too. This car had been used only intermittently with periods of long storage.......not to mention a lot of deferred maintenance and no records other than for those items noted above and the generic info in the CARFAX. The car was absolutely filthy, I doubt that it had ever been detailed! It had a cracked and beat up front bumper, and the Left Rear Quater panel had been painted but very well done and only my paint meter caught it. Near new 5 YO Michlin's on 4 thoroughly curbed wheels. On the positive side it was relatively unworn, and it was unmolested. Everything worked except the top (empty reservoir) and ABC warning came on over bumps (bad accumulator); the original engine mounts shot of course, and the other front strut was weeping. I paid $13k for it from a rural dealer who had no market for it. Now I have $18.7k total in it including $700 for Star/DAS/Xentry. But I have a fully serviced no issues SL55 in Silver over Berry (My preference), fresh front bumper, grill and wheels refurbished. I probably have 20 hours into the paint (local wet sanding and polishing etc) and it glows, a real tribute to the factory paint. I knew it was a project car but also knew I'd enjoy doing the work learning a whole new make.
BTW, this forum and a number of its members have been beyond valuable in helping me out!!!
Member
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 230
Likes: 21
From: Orchid Island, FL
SL 55 AMG, BMW M Roadster, Holden Commodore SSV
A lot of the early maintenance I did was all preventative. The items needed now (oil leaks) is new.
Care has 47k on it too,
Anyway, these cars are only for those with free disposable income, **** breaks (or will) and you've got to fix (and/or maintain) to prevent.
JMO. Love the car though.
Care has 47k on it too,
Anyway, these cars are only for those with free disposable income, **** breaks (or will) and you've got to fix (and/or maintain) to prevent.
JMO. Love the car though.
