SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: Hello?
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 74
Likes: 6
From: Southern NH
2003 SL55 AMG
Hi, I’m an ‘03 SL55 owner. I’ve been here for about 10 years. There are some very smart individuals here. I’ve been fairly lucky with mine so far, I only drive it about 2-3000 miles a year though. Depending on the miles it has there is definitely maintenance you should be considering. I did oil, tranny, conductor plate and rear end right away. Runs smooth. Let me know if you need anything. John B.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Oregon
2004 R230
Thank you for the reply! Most appreciated. It has 55k miles. It runs like a top other than the supercharger cutting out. I've ordered a new I/C pump which I believe will solve that problem. We'll see. I also have a scanner on its way for obvious reasons.
My concern at the moment is how it drives. I've never driven anything with the ABC system so maybe that's it? It drives nicely down the highway at speed. Steering is tight etc. But, when i get on it (ESP on) its fairly difficult to keep straight. Also at slow speeds the car feels as though the back end "shifts" when it hits bumps. Not sure if that describes anything but i figured i would ask.
When our weather get better I'll get it on the lift and check it out properly. Just curious in the meantime if it should drove differently than a "normal" car. Thank you again.
My concern at the moment is how it drives. I've never driven anything with the ABC system so maybe that's it? It drives nicely down the highway at speed. Steering is tight etc. But, when i get on it (ESP on) its fairly difficult to keep straight. Also at slow speeds the car feels as though the back end "shifts" when it hits bumps. Not sure if that describes anything but i figured i would ask.
When our weather get better I'll get it on the lift and check it out properly. Just curious in the meantime if it should drove differently than a "normal" car. Thank you again.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 74
Likes: 6
From: Southern NH
2003 SL55 AMG
Mine has 70k miles so yours is barely broken in. What color combo is it? I just did a TCU upgrade from MK Ultra. Pretty aggressive, next is the pulley and a tune. I’ll let you know how it works out.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 74
Likes: 6
From: Southern NH
2003 SL55 AMG
So a dark gray? That sounds nice. Mine is silver with the gray interior. Panoramic roof and every option except air pressure sensors in the tires. (Thank God) 😁 Getting ready for the upgrade on 4/10. I’ll let you know how it works.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Oregon
2004 R230
Yes. Dark Gray. Definitely keep me posted on updates! I appreciate that. I'm still working the little bugs out of mine. I replaced the drivers side speakers with a oem used set I found. Hopefully that will fix my squeal. I also just received my new I/C pump and should be able to get to it this weekend.
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Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Oregon
2004 R230
From my research, not personal knowledge, the I/C pump is the water pump that keeps the supercharger cool. When it fails the intake temperature on the supercharger gets too warm and it will shut it down to protect the engine. Simple change it looks like and from what I read, the factory pumps were a little weak. Mercedes started putting in an updated pump when they failed but mine looks to be original. I'm hoping anyway!
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 74
Likes: 6
From: Southern NH
2003 SL55 AMG
IC Pump
Well keep me updated. Being a 20 year old car there may be less owners now. But the car still rocks! aaYou s7m*****es out there know a helluva lot more about it than I do. Give a shout out and introduce yourselves. Fisherfast on Youtube hs some great videos and cars. I’m sure he could help as well. 👍
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 2,617
Likes: 1,214
From: Phoenix
222 S-65
Charge coolant pump moves coolant in the charge cooling system. There are heat exchangers in the intake manifold and in the stack of heat exchangers in front of the engine. Idea being to get heat out of the intake air charge which is heated by the supercharger making pressure. High intake air temps mean less dense air and less resistance to knock.
