Mercedes SLS Gullwing

Mercedes SLS Gullwing

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Discussion

donutskidmark

Original Poster:

1,307 posts

160 months

Tuesday 13th August 2019
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I just wondered if any visitors to this forum have had or have currently got a Merc SLS Gullwing and what their experience has been- I’m looking to buy an SLS and basically would like to hear what owners think of them- worth the dollar or not?
I appreciate any pics and advice regarding spec

cgt2

7,145 posts

195 months

Tuesday 13th August 2019
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Very tight cockpit for anyone over 6ft, not much headroom and a wide sill to get in and out. What I found hampered the enjoyment of the car was the visibility and awkward driving position.

Other than the claustrophobia though a wonderful car but I am not sure it's worth the kind of money being asked these days, the same engine can be found in a C Class though things like the carbon propshaft are unique.

Re: spec it's a rare find but there were a handful of SLS GT's which is a far more bespoke and special supercar feeling than the standard SLS, feels more distanced from other AMG Mercs.

MarkM3Evoplus

825 posts

207 months

Wednesday 14th August 2019
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Had a little go in a mate's.

Felt very wide and difficult to place down the narrow lanes I drove it, with the long bonnet and felt quite soft, however, when I hooned into a bend far too quickly (mate almost S&^t himself), it tracked round beautifully! Needs to be settled before going into bends, then feels good, as no lightweight and dives and rolls a bit.

Great sound and very distinctive looking car. Would make a great tourer for long trips, but still give a bit of a thrill down the twisties if you don't mind the size and not great visibility.

My mate loved it and made a decent profit selling on. Wonder if prices are dropping in the current climate?

CitySlicker

316 posts

100 months

Wednesday 14th August 2019
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It’s a very special car with unique doors, engine, design etc. I had the gt edition and it was dynamically very capable. Being a Mercedes it’s inexpensive to maintain and my car was very reliable with high build quality.

I will buy back into the SLS in the future, next time a standard variant, but for now I’m waiting for prices to come down which they will.

utgjon

713 posts

180 months

Wednesday 14th August 2019
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Funny seeing this today - i watched the excellent PH review of the SLS Black last night.. if only they weren't so expensive!

donutskidmark

Original Poster:

1,307 posts

160 months

Wednesday 14th August 2019
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Thanks for the replies so far.
I just fancied something a bit different ...
I’ve never actually seen one in the wild

MDL111

7,177 posts

184 months

Wednesday 14th August 2019
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utgjon said:
Funny seeing this today - i watched the excellent PH review of the SLS Black last night.. if only they weren't so expensive!
Looked at prices after reading this thread - nearly fell off my chair - my than half a million for a Black - holy cow

donutskidmark

Original Poster:

1,307 posts

160 months

Wednesday 14th August 2019
quotequote all
The SLS black series was limited to 300 worldwide.
Only 15 were UK cars.....which may explain the asking price.

MDL111

7,177 posts

184 months

Wednesday 14th August 2019
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donutskidmark said:
The SLS black series was limited to 300 worldwide.
Only 15 were UK cars.....which may explain the asking price.
ah didn't realise that they are this rare - still a lot of money / makes an SLR look like a bargain

garystoybox

813 posts

124 months

Wednesday 14th August 2019
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My business partner owned one from new as a daily driver and I spent quite a bit of time behind the wheel.
Neither of us really rated it and I remember him losing a fortune on trade in after 18 months.... nobody was buying them.
Apart from the engine, a very average drive imo. My abiding memory as a tall chap was that it was like driving a washing machine (from space and visibility point of view).
Not a patch on his CLK Black, which is where my money would be going if after a rare Merc. Price on the SLS are bananas for what they are.

MickyveloceClassic

427 posts

66 months

Wednesday 14th August 2019
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Great car. Father in law bought this new in October 2010 and still has it.

Beautifully balanced, gearbox software amended back in Affalterbach and cheap to run.

There were some big losses incurred by some, but this is valued at around the original list price, so no issues.


Numptie

30 posts

166 months

Thursday 30th January 2020
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I’ve owned one for over 5 years now. Love it to bits.
Service every year cost very reasonable.
Looked at R8 but no room to store anything.
Sounds great. Had all gearbox upgrades done at Mercedes Warrington. Drives well but I don’t hammer it anywhere.
It will be a classic I doubt prices will fall. Lots of them have been exported now. Not many left.

Blackmclaren

5 posts

93 months

Saturday 1st February 2020
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Numptie said:
I’ve owned one for over 5 years now. Love it to bits.
Service every year cost very reasonable.
Looked at R8 but no room to store anything.
Sounds great. Had all gearbox upgrades done at Mercedes Warrington. Drives well but I don’t hammer it anywhere.
It will be a classic I doubt prices will fall. Lots of them have been exported now. Not many left.
Hi, can you give me details re Warrington upgrading gearbox software, I was under the impression you could only do it in Germany. Many thanks Daniel

footsoldier

2,273 posts

199 months

Saturday 1st February 2020
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Had one for 2 years and 12k miles, bought in at the bottom and sold for nearly 50% profit, planning to have a change of scenery, and then buy in again later. Wish I’d kept it!

Had gearbox upgrade done in Germany, also interested to know If it can be done in UK now.

Numptie

30 posts

166 months

Saturday 1st February 2020
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Mercedes Benz Warrington are AMG specialists. They have looked after my car for 4 years now after terrible service from other Mercedes dealers. The SLS has some quirks and needs special tools for servicing.
Mercedes Warrington has everything. They upgraded
The gearbox software to remove the gear change lag that was present when the cars came from the factory. Yes you could only get this done in Germany at one point. They checked my cars records and said it could have two upgrades done. Wait for this they did it all free of charge. I highly recommend this garage but it’s difficult to get through to them on the phone. They are always mega busy. Hope this helps. It is a 270 mile round trip for me to get there but we’ll worth it.

Blackmclaren

5 posts

93 months

Sunday 2nd February 2020
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Thanks, I live 2 mikes away so will pop in.