SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: 2006 SL55 w/ 34k Miles
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Newbie
Joined: Sep 2025
Posts: 2
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SL55
2006 SL55 w/ 34k Miles
Hi Folks,
I recently had to re-create my profile since I was out of MB scene for many years. I have an opportunity to acquire a 2006 SL55 AMG w/ ~ 34k miles. What's the fair price for this car? Assuming clean title/good conition. I don't know about ABC situation and will do PPI. Thank you in advance.
I recently had to re-create my profile since I was out of MB scene for many years. I have an opportunity to acquire a 2006 SL55 AMG w/ ~ 34k miles. What's the fair price for this car? Assuming clean title/good conition. I don't know about ABC situation and will do PPI. Thank you in advance.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 2,309
Likes: 1,213
From: Baltimore County, MD
'13 s212 63 p30. '06 LX470
Hi Folks,
I recently had to re-create my profile since I was out of MB scene for many years. I have an opportunity to acquire a 2006 SL55 AMG w/ ~ 34k miles. What's the fair price for this car? Assuming clean title/good conition. I don't know about ABC situation and will do PPI. Thank you in advance.
I recently had to re-create my profile since I was out of MB scene for many years. I have an opportunity to acquire a 2006 SL55 AMG w/ ~ 34k miles. What's the fair price for this car? Assuming clean title/good conition. I don't know about ABC situation and will do PPI. Thank you in advance.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 274
Likes: 22
From: Rocky Mountains, Colorado
Just sold my '11 Porsche TurboS cab for an '03 SL55!
I'd research recent transaction on Bring A Trailor and MB Market. I seems like a low mile 'o6 with P030 is something like a $35k car. Let us know what you find.
Member
Joined: May 2024
Posts: 104
Likes: 26
SL55
$25-28k would be my guess. Far as the suspension the accumulators are aged out and likely need replaced. Test drive, hit some bumps and see if you get error messages but I'd just plan on doing it along with a fluid flush. If there are no other leaks and it operates up and down then ok fine. Amazing cars for the price.
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Member
Joined: May 2024
Posts: 104
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SL55
Or zero since I am not buying lol. Full disclosure I didn't process the P30 option. I find my "normal" SL55 quite enough. I realize some folks might value these upgrades, I probably don't have the driving skills to make them worth the cost.
This one went for 28k, I likely would have paid that but I don't like black cars particularly in AZ. Are the bottom enclosures missing or just off for pictures I dunno. P30 or no it has the same issues all SL55's have.
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/20...z-sl55-amg-18/
This one went for 28k, I likely would have paid that but I don't like black cars particularly in AZ. Are the bottom enclosures missing or just off for pictures I dunno. P30 or no it has the same issues all SL55's have.
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/20...z-sl55-amg-18/
Last edited by Iceclimber7; Jan 6, 2026 at 08:36 PM.
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Super Member
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 537
Likes: 116
From: Ann Arbor, MI
2004 SL600
Seems like a reasonable price on that car, perhaps even a bit on the low side for a 2008 with only 47K miles.
I keep an eye on BaT for possible AMG cars, but like @Iceclimber7 I also don't care for black cars and it seems that most AMG cars are black. A few years ago I found a perfect C6 Corvette but it was black. Bought it and had my body shop paint it white. Obviously buying a Black-series AMG and then painting it something else is going to kill its future value.
I keep an eye on BaT for possible AMG cars, but like @Iceclimber7 I also don't care for black cars and it seems that most AMG cars are black. A few years ago I found a perfect C6 Corvette but it was black. Bought it and had my body shop paint it white. Obviously buying a Black-series AMG and then painting it something else is going to kill its future value.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 537
Likes: 116
From: Ann Arbor, MI
2004 SL600
The BaT website clearly states that the buyer's fee is 5% with a min of $250 and a max of $7500.
Unless you pick up the car yourself, the transportation fee can add $2000 for open transport or $4000 for enclosed transport.
Bidders sometimes get overly competitive and run up prices much higher than they would sell at a dealer. Maybe that's why so many dealers are selling cars there now.
Unless you pick up the car yourself, the transportation fee can add $2000 for open transport or $4000 for enclosed transport.
Bidders sometimes get overly competitive and run up prices much higher than they would sell at a dealer. Maybe that's why so many dealers are selling cars there now.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2025
Posts: 44
Likes: 4
From: 27587
03 SL55 AMG
At minimum, 250 detailed and clear pictures are needed to get a basic understanding of condition specific to appearance, mechanical condition is another story.
I picked an SL 55 AMG on Cars n Bids and let's just say, buyer beware. If I had the smarts to go see it in person, I'd have run far from it instead.
I picked an SL 55 AMG on Cars n Bids and let's just say, buyer beware. If I had the smarts to go see it in person, I'd have run far from it instead.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,057
Likes: 341
From: NJ
2009 SL63 AMG
My R230 was a BaT car. Flew down to FL to inspect it in person before finalizing the transaction.
It checked out, some paperwork was signed / exchanged and its first road trip was the trip home.
I've bought cars sight unseen from auction before, but those were at wholesale or below prices to justify the extra risk.
From a site like BaT, C&B, etc. I would always want to inspect a won car before completing the purchase.
It checked out, some paperwork was signed / exchanged and its first road trip was the trip home.
I've bought cars sight unseen from auction before, but those were at wholesale or below prices to justify the extra risk.
From a site like BaT, C&B, etc. I would always want to inspect a won car before completing the purchase.
Member
Joined: May 2024
Posts: 104
Likes: 26
SL55
My R230 was a BaT car. Flew down to FL to inspect it in person before finalizing the transaction.
It checked out, some paperwork was signed / exchanged and its first road trip was the trip home.
I've bought cars sight unseen from auction before, but those were at wholesale or below prices to justify the extra risk.
From a site like BaT, C&B, etc. I would always want to inspect a won car before completing the purchase.
It checked out, some paperwork was signed / exchanged and its first road trip was the trip home.
I've bought cars sight unseen from auction before, but those were at wholesale or below prices to justify the extra risk.
From a site like BaT, C&B, etc. I would always want to inspect a won car before completing the purchase.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2025
Posts: 44
Likes: 4
From: 27587
03 SL55 AMG
It is not officially an option. Meaning...you can do that but you'll be banned from using that site again unless the vehicle can be shown as grossly misrepresented to the auctioning organization.
I fully admit that I f'ed my particular purchase up. I'd have never bid if I had gone to see it first.
I've not learned much over the years apparently either. I did something similar with a Cougar back in '02 and it took 6 figures to complete what should have been several grand based on the description.
I offer this description to others not to make the same mistakes and to inspect what you expect.
I fully admit that I f'ed my particular purchase up. I'd have never bid if I had gone to see it first.
I've not learned much over the years apparently either. I did something similar with a Cougar back in '02 and it took 6 figures to complete what should have been several grand based on the description.
I offer this description to others not to make the same mistakes and to inspect what you expect.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,057
Likes: 341
From: NJ
2009 SL63 AMG
I wasn't going over the car with a magnifying glass or anything silly like that.
More so:
-Inspecting the body panels for any signs of undocumented repair, since the CarFax was spotless and the car was listed & bid on as damage-free.
-Making sure the retractable top worked without issue (as advertised).
-Making sure the ABC suspension worked without issue (as advertised).
-Inspecting the engine for any odd noises, leaks, etc. that was different from the video uploaded to the auction.
If something minor was off, I'd try to work it out with the seller. If something major was off, I'd document everything, decline to purchase the car, inform BaT and go about getting that fee back.
Considering the vetting that goes into each auction, there is an expectation for the claims in the auction to be accurate.
Premium site, with excellent visibility...fetching a premium price as a result.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,057
Likes: 341
From: NJ
2009 SL63 AMG
It is not officially an option. Meaning...you can do that but you'll be banned from using that site again unless the vehicle can be shown as grossly misrepresented to the auctioning organization.
I fully admit that I f'ed my particular purchase up. I'd have never bid if I had gone to see it first.
I fully admit that I f'ed my particular purchase up. I'd have never bid if I had gone to see it first.
-Was the car flat out lied about in the auction description, or was information missing and you just chanced it?
-What were the issues with it?
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2025
Posts: 44
Likes: 4
From: 27587
03 SL55 AMG
This: information missing and you just chanced it
Bad idea and admittedly, I did get trigger happy on the bid site, then I paid up front before pickup.
Seller has been apologetic and forthcoming with information on various modifications, so no issues there.
I forget that my standards of vehicle maintenance and care are not the same as for others.
I can go into detail about what I found and am still finding. PM for details if desired.
I'll get through this, get it up to my standards and it should all be fine to drive again after the engine comes out to swap out the timing cover, resolve various leaks and address the things that a 23 year old high-performance Mercedes needs...until it needs something else.
Bad idea and admittedly, I did get trigger happy on the bid site, then I paid up front before pickup.
Seller has been apologetic and forthcoming with information on various modifications, so no issues there.
I forget that my standards of vehicle maintenance and care are not the same as for others.
I can go into detail about what I found and am still finding. PM for details if desired.
I'll get through this, get it up to my standards and it should all be fine to drive again after the engine comes out to swap out the timing cover, resolve various leaks and address the things that a 23 year old high-performance Mercedes needs...until it needs something else.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 537
Likes: 116
From: Ann Arbor, MI
2004 SL600
...I'll get through this, get it up to my standards and it should all be fine to drive again after the engine comes out to swap out the timing cover, resolve various leaks and address the things that a 23 year old high-performance Mercedes needs...until it needs something else.
Also have you found someone to do the work yet?
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2025
Posts: 44
Likes: 4
From: 27587
03 SL55 AMG
Correct. The pump bolts must have been loose, The back support bar was loose on the block-side as well.
I did not check any of them before driving it 320 miles home after purchase. I'd probably have missed it even if I did do a proper nut/bolt session on it.
It tossed the belt about a week later in a routine drive through the neighborhood, just to keep it from sitting.
Upon inspection, after seeing it tossed the accessory belt, I found one bolt was snapped off in the PS pump, the remaining bolt probably twisted the ear off of the timing cover, then the pump was free to toss the belt.
"Sketchy hack" is a strong term to use here. I've observed that many folks here have made the same swap to the non-dual PS pump and my particular situation is the first I've read about.
Perhaps the bolts had no loc-tite, perhaps they should just be checked periodically. (Note of caution to you that have swapped in the non-dual pump.)
The ABC delete was done at least 10 years ago and apparently was fine until one day it wasn't ...so I'm not faulting anyone but myself.
Usually, those Torx bolts are tough German steel and I've never seen one snap...at least over the course of many years working on BMWs that use similar bolts.
I do have a shop in mind to do the work and I'm in the process of gathering parts for the "while it's out" items.
That noted, I have a thread on this topic already and don't want to continue taking away focus on the topic of this thread from Gg505.
We can continue to discuss my situation in the other thread if needed.
I did not check any of them before driving it 320 miles home after purchase. I'd probably have missed it even if I did do a proper nut/bolt session on it.
It tossed the belt about a week later in a routine drive through the neighborhood, just to keep it from sitting.
Upon inspection, after seeing it tossed the accessory belt, I found one bolt was snapped off in the PS pump, the remaining bolt probably twisted the ear off of the timing cover, then the pump was free to toss the belt.
"Sketchy hack" is a strong term to use here. I've observed that many folks here have made the same swap to the non-dual PS pump and my particular situation is the first I've read about.
Perhaps the bolts had no loc-tite, perhaps they should just be checked periodically. (Note of caution to you that have swapped in the non-dual pump.)
The ABC delete was done at least 10 years ago and apparently was fine until one day it wasn't ...so I'm not faulting anyone but myself.
Usually, those Torx bolts are tough German steel and I've never seen one snap...at least over the course of many years working on BMWs that use similar bolts.
I do have a shop in mind to do the work and I'm in the process of gathering parts for the "while it's out" items.
That noted, I have a thread on this topic already and don't want to continue taking away focus on the topic of this thread from Gg505.
We can continue to discuss my situation in the other thread if needed.
Last edited by Double E; Jan 9, 2026 at 05:28 PM. Reason: Getting off topic...
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 537
Likes: 116
From: Ann Arbor, MI
2004 SL600
Yes, since the ABC was deleted 10 years ago, it wasn't done as a sketchy hack. Just bad luck on your part. However I suspect you wouldn't have noticed anything during a pre-sale inspection.
Member
Joined: May 2024
Posts: 104
Likes: 26
SL55
Sure it's an option. BaT mostly cares about their fee, which is charged to the CC on file.
I wasn't going over the car with a magnifying glass or anything silly like that.
More so:
-Inspecting the body panels for any signs of undocumented repair, since the CarFax was spotless and the car was listed & bid on as damage-free.
-Making sure the retractable top worked without issue (as advertised).
-Making sure the ABC suspension worked without issue (as advertised).
-Inspecting the engine for any odd noises, leaks, etc. that was different from the video uploaded to the auction.
If something minor was off, I'd try to work it out with the seller. If something major was off, I'd document everything, decline to purchase the car, inform BaT and go about getting that fee back.
Considering the vetting that goes into each auction, there is an expectation for the claims in the auction to be accurate.
Premium site, with excellent visibility...fetching a premium price as a result.
I wasn't going over the car with a magnifying glass or anything silly like that.
More so:
-Inspecting the body panels for any signs of undocumented repair, since the CarFax was spotless and the car was listed & bid on as damage-free.
-Making sure the retractable top worked without issue (as advertised).
-Making sure the ABC suspension worked without issue (as advertised).
-Inspecting the engine for any odd noises, leaks, etc. that was different from the video uploaded to the auction.
If something minor was off, I'd try to work it out with the seller. If something major was off, I'd document everything, decline to purchase the car, inform BaT and go about getting that fee back.
Considering the vetting that goes into each auction, there is an expectation for the claims in the auction to be accurate.
Premium site, with excellent visibility...fetching a premium price as a result.
Last edited by Iceclimber7; Jan 11, 2026 at 02:51 PM.
