R230 SL63 AMG 2008-2011: Buying Advice Needed!
Discussion
Hi All
I’m looking for a good example of a 2008-2011 SL63 AMG, ideally under 50k miles.
Does anyone have any tips on what are common (expensive) problems these cars tend to experience now they are getting on for 12-15yr old?
I’ve heard something about head bolts corroding on earlier cars and issues with ABC and roof mechanisms which can be very expensive to fix if/when they fail, but don’t know specifics or ball park costs.
Also, what is a sensible amount to expect for annual servicing at a main dealer for these older cars now?
I spoke to an SL AMG independent specialist a few years ago who pushed my towards the R230 SL55 rather than the R230 SL63, saying the SL63 was considerably more expensive to run in terms of the cost of repairing common problems, but not sure if he was just trying to flog me the SL55 stock he had at the time!?
Thanks
I’m looking for a good example of a 2008-2011 SL63 AMG, ideally under 50k miles.
Does anyone have any tips on what are common (expensive) problems these cars tend to experience now they are getting on for 12-15yr old?
I’ve heard something about head bolts corroding on earlier cars and issues with ABC and roof mechanisms which can be very expensive to fix if/when they fail, but don’t know specifics or ball park costs.
Also, what is a sensible amount to expect for annual servicing at a main dealer for these older cars now?
I spoke to an SL AMG independent specialist a few years ago who pushed my towards the R230 SL55 rather than the R230 SL63, saying the SL63 was considerably more expensive to run in terms of the cost of repairing common problems, but not sure if he was just trying to flog me the SL55 stock he had at the time!?
Thanks
I can’t help you with regard to the SL63, but I’ve the SL350 of that facelift vintage, and they’re meant to be a lot more reliable in terms of electronics than the older variant - you get airscarf too. They also look a lot more up-to-date, I think the older ones with the different back end and “peanut” style lights are starting to date now. You also get “gills” like a fighter plane 
Mine has been totally flawless.
Mine has been totally flawless.
A friend has had one (facelift) for many years, low mileage and the car has had both the headbolts done and a roof issue, which, IIRC, was a module and cost £1,500 at a specialist. However, I might be some way out on the cost as it was a few years ago and I can't recall if that included labour.
I'm not aware of any ABC problems on it, servicing costs obviously depend whether you use a main dealer or specialist and costs are probably in line with what you'd expect from a large engined sports car, bearing in mind that things such as brakes will also be more expensive than the non-AMG cars. It's just my opinion but I wouldn't be considering that type of car, or others such as Astons, if running costs were an issue, as any car can suddenly present a big bill. Headbolts and roof aside, his has been a good car but it isn't used daily.
I'm not aware of any ABC problems on it, servicing costs obviously depend whether you use a main dealer or specialist and costs are probably in line with what you'd expect from a large engined sports car, bearing in mind that things such as brakes will also be more expensive than the non-AMG cars. It's just my opinion but I wouldn't be considering that type of car, or others such as Astons, if running costs were an issue, as any car can suddenly present a big bill. Headbolts and roof aside, his has been a good car but it isn't used daily.
Anyone have any recent experience of costs for labour and parts of ABC pump, valves or struts being done or the infamous head bolts job?
Any ideas on discs and pads for the SL63, not really a risk item I guess but more a predictable consumable.
I spoke to a private seller last year who had just spent £18k over 18mths on his SL63 which was a bit of shock, but his car wasn’t right for me so didn’t proceed.
Any ideas on discs and pads for the SL63, not really a risk item I guess but more a predictable consumable.
I spoke to a private seller last year who had just spent £18k over 18mths on his SL63 which was a bit of shock, but his car wasn’t right for me so didn’t proceed.
dg73 said:
Anyone have any recent experience of costs for labour and parts of ABC pump, valves or struts being done or the infamous head bolts job?
Any ideas on discs and pads for the SL63, not really a risk item I guess but more a predictable consumable.
I spoke to a private seller last year who had just spent £18k over 18mths on his SL63 which was a bit of shock, but his car wasn’t right for me so didn’t proceed.
I had an SL500 and it cost me £18k in 3 years.Any ideas on discs and pads for the SL63, not really a risk item I guess but more a predictable consumable.
I spoke to a private seller last year who had just spent £18k over 18mths on his SL63 which was a bit of shock, but his car wasn’t right for me so didn’t proceed.
From memory....
Tandem pump (PAS and ABC) £850 plus vat plus fitting
Front struts £1160 plus vat plus fitting. Each.
The front struts have a balljoint at the bottom - a service/wear part that is built into the strut!!! Bonkers! I managed to get mine refurbed by a place in Liverpool for about £100 - basically a new ball joint lining fitted and nylon injected.
OP, it might be worth you having a chat with Ollie or one of his great team at Prestige Car Service:
https://www.prestigecarservice.co.uk/
They will let you know about potential initial costs on purchase for items not addressed to that point and also what servicing and consumables should cost you depending on your annual mileage, plus they are great for servicing
Ollie may even know of a decent SL63 for sale as he used to be connected to a small dealer who specialized in SL's of all sorts. I'm not sure if he still is but I'm sure he will be able to provide a few pointers if he isn't.
https://www.prestigecarservice.co.uk/
They will let you know about potential initial costs on purchase for items not addressed to that point and also what servicing and consumables should cost you depending on your annual mileage, plus they are great for servicing
Ollie may even know of a decent SL63 for sale as he used to be connected to a small dealer who specialized in SL's of all sorts. I'm not sure if he still is but I'm sure he will be able to provide a few pointers if he isn't.
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