SL55 questions.

[nubbin.]

Does anyone have any thoughts or comments on the virtues and vices of 18" vs 19" wheels? Not so much the styling, more durability, ride quality etc. There are some good looking AMG replicas available - anyone tried them or got any comments on them (or any other non AMG/Brabus fitment)?

Also, do all SL55s have the TV electronics fitted, but disabled? If so, how much is it to get it working?

Are rain sensing wipers standard?

Thanks.

[sneijder]

TV was only standard on the SL600, as an option on the SL55 it was around £700. As a rule of thumb to retrofit through a dealer, treble it. The TV tuner that lives in the rear wing is £1000 alone.

Rain sensors were standard.

Brabus easily do the best looking / developed alloys for these cars, another option would have to be Carlsson : www.carlssonwheels.co.uk/

I know a Jasper Blue SL with the Carlsson multispokes on and it looks great. I'd avoid the Khan alloys on an SL as the rim stands proud of the tyre and magnetically sucks kerbs towards it, I've not seen a straight one yet.

[sjn2004]

If you are considering buying one then check for leaks in the boot. I posted this in another thread.

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There is a design fault with the SL's, always check in the boot for dampness/water. In the base of the boot are various motors (roof/central locking),2nd battery etc. If these get wet you are in big trouble and a big bill. Seems cars either leak or don't leak. If a car leaks, the dealers have big problems stopping it leak. If it never leaked, then your OK.

[nubbin.]

Thanks for that - I am buying and the car I'm interested in has had the boot seals sorted out. I saw your thread about it and made a point of asking.Top advice!

[sjn2004]

nubbin. said:

Thanks for that - I am buying and the car I'm interested in has had the boot seals sorted out. I saw your thread about it and made a point of asking.Top advice!

Some people never seem to be able to get them fixed, there are cases of seals being replaced 3 or 4 times, even then the leak isn't fixed. Hosepipe tests don't work either, only rain due to diffences in surface tension. Its a basic design flaw rather than a defective seal.

[nubbin.]

sjn2004 said:

nubbin. said:

Thanks for that - I am buying and the car I'm interested in has had the boot seals sorted out. I saw your thread about it and made a point of asking.Top advice!

Some people never seem to be able to get them fixed, there are cases of seals being replaced 3 or 4 times, even then the leak isn't fixed. Hosepipe tests don't work either, only rain due to diffences in surface tension. Its a basic design flaw rather than a defective seal.

Coming from TVRs with multiple leaks and numerous home fixes, I doubt whether a Merc leak could get the better of me!!

[nubbin.]

Another question. Is it possible to retrofit tyre pressure monitors? I'm thinking about a wheel swap, and I'm hopeless at remembering to check tyre pressures.

[sneijder]

Should be possible, sensors are £100 each and the control unit for them is £350. That's ignoring fitting and wiring the control unit in. Seems a little steep to me.