SL55 /SL600 give me some reasons to buy! Owners please ...
Discussion
Doing a bit of research and it all seems to be "big bill hell" ... is it that bad? The ABC stuff that seems to be a recurring issue, is that the same for the SL600? Is that a more reliable option?
Wouldn't mind some opinions for recent owners. I'm looking at a 2004 model later in the week.
J
Wouldn't mind some opinions for recent owners. I'm looking at a 2004 model later in the week.
J
Remember that no one posts the following
"No problems at all for the last 5 years of ownership"
a forum will always reflect the negative aspects of car ownership.
I have had my SL55 for 2 years now and have had the kompressor coolant pump go. No drama and was covered by warranty. It would only fail after repeated hard acceleration so didn't affect normal driving. I have just put my car into Mercedes to check an ABC warning message but I did also acquire a puncture on the same journey which led to the rear near side being 4 fingers high and the offside 3 fingers so I am hoping it was that. Also no issues since the warning.
The brakes are large and expensive to replace so check they are all good. Mine looked OK on the front face but had a lot of pad build up on the hidden disk face. Try to find some evidence of brake change with the mielage it was done at.
The engines are almost rock solid (see issue with cracked piston) as are the gearboxes. Just make sure everything works and no broken buttons etc. as these will cost to replace. The roof especially should be prefect in operation so try it several times and any doubt walk away.
The other issue are the boot seals which are expensive to replace and if the boot gets water in the electronics on the boot floor can be affected. Saying that there are various threads around that describe how to protect the electronics. Best test is for a car you are serious about get the hose out and simulate rain, wipe the boot lid down and then check the carpet for water ingress (some water drops may get in from the tips of the lid as you lift it). They have two batteries one for starting and one in the rear for all the electronics which can sometimes go flat if not used for a few weeks and it disables some features if it is low until the battery has had some charge. You can trickle charge the rear one (intelligent charger is best) but not the front which as it is only used for starting should be trouble free.
As for bodywork there can be rust issues around the arches and also on the roof look very closely for small bubbles around the roof area the arches are more obvious. There is a warranty for this which is 8 years but requires a full MBSH. Best get a car where this has been done or I believe later cars were much improved as it was the sealing of the panel which was the problem.
Anyhow the SL55 is absolutely fantastic to drive and a real treat to own. If you want peace of mind get a MB approved and a Tier 1 warranty for the first year. The Panoramic roof is nice to have as well.
"No problems at all for the last 5 years of ownership"
a forum will always reflect the negative aspects of car ownership.
I have had my SL55 for 2 years now and have had the kompressor coolant pump go. No drama and was covered by warranty. It would only fail after repeated hard acceleration so didn't affect normal driving. I have just put my car into Mercedes to check an ABC warning message but I did also acquire a puncture on the same journey which led to the rear near side being 4 fingers high and the offside 3 fingers so I am hoping it was that. Also no issues since the warning.
The brakes are large and expensive to replace so check they are all good. Mine looked OK on the front face but had a lot of pad build up on the hidden disk face. Try to find some evidence of brake change with the mielage it was done at.
The engines are almost rock solid (see issue with cracked piston) as are the gearboxes. Just make sure everything works and no broken buttons etc. as these will cost to replace. The roof especially should be prefect in operation so try it several times and any doubt walk away.
The other issue are the boot seals which are expensive to replace and if the boot gets water in the electronics on the boot floor can be affected. Saying that there are various threads around that describe how to protect the electronics. Best test is for a car you are serious about get the hose out and simulate rain, wipe the boot lid down and then check the carpet for water ingress (some water drops may get in from the tips of the lid as you lift it). They have two batteries one for starting and one in the rear for all the electronics which can sometimes go flat if not used for a few weeks and it disables some features if it is low until the battery has had some charge. You can trickle charge the rear one (intelligent charger is best) but not the front which as it is only used for starting should be trouble free.
As for bodywork there can be rust issues around the arches and also on the roof look very closely for small bubbles around the roof area the arches are more obvious. There is a warranty for this which is 8 years but requires a full MBSH. Best get a car where this has been done or I believe later cars were much improved as it was the sealing of the panel which was the problem.
Anyhow the SL55 is absolutely fantastic to drive and a real treat to own. If you want peace of mind get a MB approved and a Tier 1 warranty for the first year. The Panoramic roof is nice to have as well.
I agree with that. I've had my SL55 for 2 years now - ABC light came on and it was pump related - cost £1800 to fix at my local MB dealer - they matched the independents quote. Apart from that had a service which was £1200. I don't have a warranty but do have FMBSH for added piece of mind and they will look over a car pre purchase (they looked at mine). I've had no other expenses apart from tyres which are similar £ to every other performance car.
Did think of selling a few months ago - its an 03 with 38k miles and fully loaded - but could think of nothing to replace it with. A decent one will cost early to mid 20's from a reputable dealer - and for pure performance, hard top convertible, comfort and noise there is no comparison in my opinion. You would have to spend a lot more money to get close. My advice - go for it, you won't regret it.
Did think of selling a few months ago - its an 03 with 38k miles and fully loaded - but could think of nothing to replace it with. A decent one will cost early to mid 20's from a reputable dealer - and for pure performance, hard top convertible, comfort and noise there is no comparison in my opinion. You would have to spend a lot more money to get close. My advice - go for it, you won't regret it.
Check my garage for a more in depth write up and get one bought. Brakes are very reasonable for the non F1 performance pack models, and can all be bought from eurocarparts (pagid pads and discs front and rear came in at £341 including discount).
Rust will be an issue for the rear arches unless the car has been cleaned throughouly behind the arches or kept in a garage. Regarding the boot seal, the seal could be fine and just drain holes blocked with dirt.
Servicing at MB can be made less painful by supplying your own oil since it takes 9 litres. Also if the car is over a certain age MB will offer discounted labour rates. I'm about to embark on the SL's second European trip ~2500 miles and am really looking forward to it!
If you need one car to do it all, this is it!
Rust will be an issue for the rear arches unless the car has been cleaned throughouly behind the arches or kept in a garage. Regarding the boot seal, the seal could be fine and just drain holes blocked with dirt.
Servicing at MB can be made less painful by supplying your own oil since it takes 9 litres. Also if the car is over a certain age MB will offer discounted labour rates. I'm about to embark on the SL's second European trip ~2500 miles and am really looking forward to it!
If you need one car to do it all, this is it!
16 months in my ownership, everything wet has been changed inc ABC, seals lubed, drain holes uncluttered, paint detailed and leather fed, its a garage queen on 2000 a year if that and it will only be replaced with a Grancabrio S when i can afford it. Even a new keyless go gear knob as I like the pile on a fresh one. Lovely lovely car one parking sensor failed other than that nowt - nothing at all just preventative maintenance - 34k on the clock.
Edited by DSLiverpool on Tuesday 24th July 21:28
If you can afford an SL65AMG buy this. I had a SL55 AMG pace car version a few years ago. Due to their rarity I fancied an SL65. 604bhp and colossal torque for £35,000 to £45,000 depending on year and mileage.Fantastic car cost approx £50,000 more than the 55 when new. When you own one you know why, having said that 55 still a great car. The 2013 SL65 AMG has the same engine as the cars from 2004 onwards only slightly greater bhp same torque. Yes car lighter due to diff construction and 7 speed box but I prefer the look of the R 230 and the new car will be priced at about £180,000!! I believe
I have had my SL55 for about three months now and love it.
Mine has had a full suspension re-build by the previous owner using Arnot (sp?) struts from the US so hopefully the ABC is all good, it certainly held the high ride height setting when I took it camping over the weekend.
The R230 is a really good looking shape and seems to get admiring glances wherever I take it, it is also laugh out loud fast.
I have the panoramic roof and distronic, the latter being a revelation for boring drives to work etc.
Really what are you waiting for.....
Mine has had a full suspension re-build by the previous owner using Arnot (sp?) struts from the US so hopefully the ABC is all good, it certainly held the high ride height setting when I took it camping over the weekend.
The R230 is a really good looking shape and seems to get admiring glances wherever I take it, it is also laugh out loud fast.
I have the panoramic roof and distronic, the latter being a revelation for boring drives to work etc.
Really what are you waiting for.....
Hi
The SL55 is a really great car.
Have had mine for just over a year.
Mine has the F1 Performance Pack which looks great and is a really good car to drive.
Little use and family life means it is now time to let it go and it is on Pistonheads looking for a new owner! Only 27500 miles so just run in.
Enjoy whichever car you buy, there is very little to beat it for the money
J
The SL55 is a really great car.
Have had mine for just over a year.
Mine has the F1 Performance Pack which looks great and is a really good car to drive.
Little use and family life means it is now time to let it go and it is on Pistonheads looking for a new owner! Only 27500 miles so just run in.
Enjoy whichever car you buy, there is very little to beat it for the money
J
Had mine for about a year and no troubles at all (apart from battery flat when I didn't use it for 5/6 weeks).
I think you forget the performance these things have and the sort of hassles you'd get on an equivalent car. Yes I worry about big bills for the suspension ball joints and ABC - but I found a cheap fix for the ball joints on PH (search Gouki's postings or mine), the previous owner had replaced the roof seals and the ABC works fine.
In the meantime I've got a convertible that's quiet with the roof up and wonderfully comfortable in winter. In drier weather it sounds like thunder and goes like stink.
I'm even starting to come to terms with it being an auto....
I think you forget the performance these things have and the sort of hassles you'd get on an equivalent car. Yes I worry about big bills for the suspension ball joints and ABC - but I found a cheap fix for the ball joints on PH (search Gouki's postings or mine), the previous owner had replaced the roof seals and the ABC works fine.
In the meantime I've got a convertible that's quiet with the roof up and wonderfully comfortable in winter. In drier weather it sounds like thunder and goes like stink.
I'm even starting to come to terms with it being an auto....
Edited by CliveM on Monday 6th August 14:01
Edited by CliveM on Monday 6th August 14:02
Don't forget the fairly common 'stuck in park' problem, whereby the plastic interlock breaks in the selector. A common fault on mercs by all account.
Mines in my garage up on ramps whilst I sort the bloody thing out!
Stupid design... Why don't mercedes fit a regular steering lock like every other manufacturer?!!
Mines in my garage up on ramps whilst I sort the bloody thing out!
Stupid design... Why don't mercedes fit a regular steering lock like every other manufacturer?!!
Jayzee, I tried to get the ESM unit out myself. However I couldn't do the last bit (didn't know how), two further bolts in the rear of the centre compartment. However the best way to remedy the problem is that ask Mercedes to take out the unit, give it to you to fix, then they will refit the unit. This solution cost only £120. Now I know how to remove the ESM it would be free!
I figured to try doing it myself... Bad decision. Got the unit out after removing all the under tray etc. Now I have to pull the ESM apart on a bench and see which of the two types of plastic crap I have. Gouki, would Mercedes fix my existing ESM if I take it to them? I have heard that if a different ESM is used, it'll need programming to the car - so not an option as the car is stuck in my garage.
I am assuming they will want to replace the whole unit (keyless go too) at great expense. It's a right pain and has tainted my experience of the car.
Did you take the ESM apart yourself?
Maybe pm me to keep thread on topic?
I am assuming they will want to replace the whole unit (keyless go too) at great expense. It's a right pain and has tainted my experience of the car.
Did you take the ESM apart yourself?
Maybe pm me to keep thread on topic?
Edited by Jayzee on Tuesday 7th August 18:13
PM sent Jayzee.
Also to keep this thread on topic, I'm currently in the process if obtaining an Arnott ABC strut (NSR), will report back once fitted. Cheaper at $600 USD compared to £1400 from Mercedes. Mercedes have quoted 3.6 hours labour (£60/hour + vat) to fit. Front refurbed ball joints are still going strong 15,000 miles later.
Notwithstanding my SL55 AMG bill this month is in excess of £3500 - ouch. A warranty COULD have saved about £750 off the bill, but most items are likely wear and tear since the car is fast approaching it's tenth birthday!! Car value according to parkers is still £17,800 (private good) which is quite surprising really.
The dilemma you'll likely have once you've bought one, is which car do you replace it with?
Also to keep this thread on topic, I'm currently in the process if obtaining an Arnott ABC strut (NSR), will report back once fitted. Cheaper at $600 USD compared to £1400 from Mercedes. Mercedes have quoted 3.6 hours labour (£60/hour + vat) to fit. Front refurbed ball joints are still going strong 15,000 miles later.
Notwithstanding my SL55 AMG bill this month is in excess of £3500 - ouch. A warranty COULD have saved about £750 off the bill, but most items are likely wear and tear since the car is fast approaching it's tenth birthday!! Car value according to parkers is still £17,800 (private good) which is quite surprising really.
The dilemma you'll likely have once you've bought one, is which car do you replace it with?
Gouki said:
PM sent Jayzee.
Also to keep this thread on topic, I'm currently in the process if obtaining an Arnott ABC strut (NSR), will report back once fitted. Cheaper at $600 USD compared to £1400 from Mercedes. Mercedes have quoted 3.6 hours labour (£60/hour + vat) to fit. Front refurbed ball joints are still going strong 15,000 miles later.
Notwithstanding my SL55 AMG bill this month is in excess of £3500 - ouch. A warranty COULD have saved about £750 off the bill, but most items are likely wear and tear since the car is fast approaching it's tenth birthday!! Car value according to parkers is still £17,800 (private good) which is quite surprising really.
The dilemma you'll likely have once you've bought one, is which car do you replace it with?
The previous owner had fitted Arnott struts all round on mine. For US customers they carry a lifetime guarantee, this is non transferable and iirc does not apply outside of the US, however the fact they offer this means they have confidence in the product.Also to keep this thread on topic, I'm currently in the process if obtaining an Arnott ABC strut (NSR), will report back once fitted. Cheaper at $600 USD compared to £1400 from Mercedes. Mercedes have quoted 3.6 hours labour (£60/hour + vat) to fit. Front refurbed ball joints are still going strong 15,000 miles later.
Notwithstanding my SL55 AMG bill this month is in excess of £3500 - ouch. A warranty COULD have saved about £750 off the bill, but most items are likely wear and tear since the car is fast approaching it's tenth birthday!! Car value according to parkers is still £17,800 (private good) which is quite surprising really.
The dilemma you'll likely have once you've bought one, is which car do you replace it with?
My car has been left for the weekend with the suspension on full extension and did not droop so so far so good.
The engine is a complete peach, just keeps pulling. The sound is intoxicating and addictive. Over 8000 miles and 7 months of ownership I spent about a grand on an intercooler pump and a sensor. It will cost you money, there's no doubt about that.
Shame the chassis really lets the engine down, but as a relaxed drop-top cruiser there really is nothing that offers better value IMO
Shame the chassis really lets the engine down, but as a relaxed drop-top cruiser there really is nothing that offers better value IMO
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