SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: P30 Package
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 537
Likes: 115
From: Ann Arbor, MI
2004 SL600
Agree that asking more than $29K was too much for that car. Who the heck now cares about some special color edition.
However an aftermarket headunit would be a plus for me. I replaced the "flip phone technology" COMAND unit with a few weeks of buying my SL600 in 2021; don't care to drive a car far without Apple CarPlay. My latest headunit even has a complete OBD2 scanner built in so I can monitor Torque, Fuel Trims, IAT, Boost and more at the same time as listening to a podcast via CarPlay. Granted the aftermarket headunit in that BaT car didn't accommodate the cup holders; however a proper sized DIN-2 setup keeps the cup holders.
However an aftermarket headunit would be a plus for me. I replaced the "flip phone technology" COMAND unit with a few weeks of buying my SL600 in 2021; don't care to drive a car far without Apple CarPlay. My latest headunit even has a complete OBD2 scanner built in so I can monitor Torque, Fuel Trims, IAT, Boost and more at the same time as listening to a podcast via CarPlay. Granted the aftermarket headunit in that BaT car didn't accommodate the cup holders; however a proper sized DIN-2 setup keeps the cup holders.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 2,515
Likes: 900
From: DFW
SL63
Rapport.
My definition “a condition of agreement in thought or emotion” “a heightened sense of friendliness, or camaraderie.”
Textbook definition…
a close and harmonious relationship, in which the people or groups concerned, understand each other’s feelings, or ideas, and communicate well.
I posted my definition before looking up the Oxford Languages definition.
My definition “a condition of agreement in thought or emotion” “a heightened sense of friendliness, or camaraderie.”
Textbook definition…
a close and harmonious relationship, in which the people or groups concerned, understand each other’s feelings, or ideas, and communicate well.
I posted my definition before looking up the Oxford Languages definition.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 472
Likes: 299
2014 S63 2010 ML350 Bluetec 2009 SL550
Who cares about special color packages ? Well me for one, and plenty of others. So many R230s are black, white or silver - ordered by dealers in "safe" colors. Yawn...
Mine is Mars red and we get complements on the color and paint quality everywhere we go.
The P30 package is pretty cool but the top speed increase is beyond irrelevant and I like the standard 5 spoke wheels on the SL55 a lot. If I was SL55 shopping (and I was at one point 5 years ago), overall condition, color and miles woukd end up being more important. I even gave up on the AMG R230s entirely when I drove an SL550 and realized it did everything I wanted in a 2 seat convertible for my wife and me.
Good luck finding "the one" at the right price point. There are quite a lot of them out there but many have more deferred maintenance than is desirable.
Mine is Mars red and we get complements on the color and paint quality everywhere we go.
The P30 package is pretty cool but the top speed increase is beyond irrelevant and I like the standard 5 spoke wheels on the SL55 a lot. If I was SL55 shopping (and I was at one point 5 years ago), overall condition, color and miles woukd end up being more important. I even gave up on the AMG R230s entirely when I drove an SL550 and realized it did everything I wanted in a 2 seat convertible for my wife and me.
Good luck finding "the one" at the right price point. There are quite a lot of them out there but many have more deferred maintenance than is desirable.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 537
Likes: 115
From: Ann Arbor, MI
2004 SL600
Sure, color is important to everyone. The R230 came in about 15 standard colors over the years and Mars Red sounds great. What I meant is a limited edition color is not going to make a car more valuable now, except for the rare buyer who really likes that color.
BTW - I'm OK with most colors except black. Once bought a used black Corvette due to excellent condition, but had it painted white, partly because black is extra hot on a race track, especially after the A/C has been removed.
BTW - I'm OK with most colors except black. Once bought a used black Corvette due to excellent condition, but had it painted white, partly because black is extra hot on a race track, especially after the A/C has been removed.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 622
Likes: 211
From: My house
SL55AMG, GL450, SLK, S550, Maserati Coupe
Mars red is very nice. My car is black, I guess I don't mind, I got black wheels and also the windows are fairly black (that helps keep the heat out in the summer) but I tinted those for privacy; where I live (near Seattle) a lot of people like throwing bullets if they think for a moment that you disrespected them. If they can't see you very well, that increases their chances of missing. We call the car, the SR71 Blackbird. P30 package is maybe important to some people, but if you drive a "standard" SL55 AMG that is tuned well and running perfectly, well, the car would absolutely amaze you. Ridiculously fast. Very powerful. Back in the 1980s, people used to spend ridiculopus amounts of money trying to make their cars drive like this, and here Benz did it right at the factory, nothing else needed. Even Mario Andretti said the car was "Amazing, amazing" after he test drove a "standard" 2003 SL55 AMG at a track from Motor Trend at 208MPH. I know some guys add bigger injectors, tube headers, etc., but there's certainly no need for any of that unless you're taking the car racing.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 537
Likes: 115
From: Ann Arbor, MI
2004 SL600
Just noticed a 31k-Mile 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG P30 Performance Package is on BaT now, closing tomorrow. Currently at $17K, but likely to go much higher.
Should help determine the market value for such a desirable car, although these auctions often go higher than market value. I will post its final price and if the reserve was met.
Should help determine the market value for such a desirable car, although these auctions often go higher than market value. I will post its final price and if the reserve was met.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 537
Likes: 115
From: Ann Arbor, MI
2004 SL600
The 31K Mile 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG P30 was bid to $27,000 and Reserve was not met.
Two 33K Mile 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG P30 sold in the past 5 months for $33,500 and $46,000.
Two 33K Mile 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG P30 sold in the past 5 months for $33,500 and $46,000.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Syracuse Indiana
sivikvtec,
I'd appreciate your insight on the reasons to consider a later model.
I'm trying to learn as much as possible about this machine.
It may be a year before I pick one up, dependent on my comfort level and what comes onto the market.
Lived experience from someone like yourself is invaluable.
I'd appreciate your insight on the reasons to consider a later model.
I'm trying to learn as much as possible about this machine.
It may be a year before I pick one up, dependent on my comfort level and what comes onto the market.
Lived experience from someone like yourself is invaluable.
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Super Member
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 622
Likes: 211
From: My house
SL55AMG, GL450, SLK, S550, Maserati Coupe
I have owned a 2003 SL55, a 2004 SL600, and an 2007 SL550. They are all great cars and I would not hesitate to buy any one of them all over again.
In addition to those; 1980 R107, 2001 R129, those are just the SL's. Also W140, W124, W202, W220, W221, R170, W163, X164, X166... Some folks is crazy.
In addition to those; 1980 R107, 2001 R129, those are just the SL's. Also W140, W124, W202, W220, W221, R170, W163, X164, X166... Some folks is crazy.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 359
Likes: 291
From: Rockport, TX
2007 S65 AMG-Sold, 2007 SL55 P030 - 2016 GL450 - - 2017 AMG GTS - Sold - 2015 AMG S65
Thanks for your post on the SL55 P30 models
With mileage comes, driving and maintenance experience at 133K and going strong I can say the 2007-2008 model yeas are great cars if maintened well.
Here is a current picture of the car and the new brakes that went on all around this week.
Happy motoring to all.
HK
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 611
Likes: 197
From: USA
2005 Mercedes Benz C55 AMG..1967 Lotus Europa..1987 Lotus Turbo Esprit HCI..2020 Mercedes Benz E350
kcmkuda.......
Boy, if your car was a 2011 - 2016 MB SL63 AMG in Tanzanite Blue Metallic.......I'd buy it........
GLWS.....
Rob
Boy, if your car was a 2011 - 2016 MB SL63 AMG in Tanzanite Blue Metallic.......I'd buy it........
GLWS.....
Rob
Member
Joined: May 2024
Posts: 104
Likes: 26
SL55
Agree that asking more than $29K was too much for that car. Who the heck now cares about some special color edition.
However an aftermarket headunit would be a plus for me. I replaced the "flip phone technology" COMAND unit with a few weeks of buying my SL600 in 2021; don't care to drive a car far without Apple CarPlay. My latest headunit even has a complete OBD2 scanner built in so I can monitor Torque, Fuel Trims, IAT, Boost and more at the same time as listening to a podcast via CarPlay. Granted the aftermarket headunit in that BaT car didn't accommodate the cup holders; however a proper sized DIN-2 setup keeps the cup holders.
However an aftermarket headunit would be a plus for me. I replaced the "flip phone technology" COMAND unit with a few weeks of buying my SL600 in 2021; don't care to drive a car far without Apple CarPlay. My latest headunit even has a complete OBD2 scanner built in so I can monitor Torque, Fuel Trims, IAT, Boost and more at the same time as listening to a podcast via CarPlay. Granted the aftermarket headunit in that BaT car didn't accommodate the cup holders; however a proper sized DIN-2 setup keeps the cup holders.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 537
Likes: 115
From: Ann Arbor, MI
2004 SL600
But now listed as unavailable; I suspect a newer version is out.
As the picture shows the connection is to the included OBD2 dongle. The unit supports two Bluetooth connections at the same time - one to the OBD2 dongle and one to your cell phone.
Search Amazon for "car stereo with obd2 scanner". I see a very similar unit.
