Which SL55 to go for?

[yellowxpack.]

Hi all,

Looking for some advice on which SL55 to get.
I want a post 2002 model for £25-30k, seems to be alot of choice.
Did the car have a facelift in 2004 / any reason to buy a later car rather than a 2002 car for example?

Are there any AMG/general options it is worth seeking out? Pana roof/keyless go look like obvious choices, but I've read about an OEM 030 performance pack - can this be retro fitted - does it come with an LSD?

Some of the early cars have single spoke 18" 5 spoke alloys rather than the turbine/19" AMG dual spoke 5 spokes - is this purely cosmetic and I can change them for later wheels?

Thanks,

Laurie

Edited by yellowxpack. on Friday 18th December 12:25

[Gouki]

The standard car does not come with an LSD whereas the performance pack adds the LSD and about 24 bhp give or take. Of course you can always retrofit the bumper, LSD and wheels but I personally would rather get a DMS pulley upgrade and have close to 600 bhp. I love Keyless go but don't have the panoramic roof. Also if you think that changing the interior trim (3 pieces) to a different colour would be a cheap option the AMG aluminuim trim pieces comes in at £2400.

You can change the wheels, just remember that the tyre pressure monitiors need to be swapped as well. The turbine wheels are 18" and there are many sets for sale at approximately £800. The dual spoke wheels you are describing are the AMG Type IV alloy and were standard fitment on the SL 65 AMG with either 9.5" or 10" rear rim width. I'm still trying to source a reasonably priced and straight set of these wheels.

Also factor in that the tyre pressure sensors will be coming to the end of their life now (battery dies after ~ 70 months) and will need replacing at £80 per corner.

I've owned my SL55 AMG since March and during the last 14,000 miles I have spent around £2500 on maintenance.

Edited by Gouki on Friday 18th December 12:47

[markbe]

yellowxpack. said:

Hi all,

Looking for some advice on which SL55 to get.
I want a post 2002 model for £25-30k, seems to be alot of choice.
Did the car have a facelift in 2004 / any reason to buy a later car rather than a 2002 car for example?

Are there any AMG/general options it is worth seeking out? Pana roof/keyless go look like obvious choices, but I've read about an OEM 030 performance pack - can this be retro fitted - does it come with an LSD?

Some of the early cars have single spoke 18" 5 spoke alloys rather than the turbine/19" AMG dual spoke 5 spokes - is this purely cosmetic and I can change them for later wheels?

Thanks,

Laurie

Edited by yellowxpack. on Friday 18th December 12:25

All SL alloys are interchangeable.
Early SL's had a few teething problems such water leaking into the boot.
03 were better and 04 model year better again and has the upgraded sat nav.
A good Mercedes service history is a good start, and a call to the service
agent will tell you if the previous owner looked after his car.
To 'upgrade', DMS are good so are Kleemann who also fit LSD's at a sensible
price.

Mark.

[yellowxpack.]

Hi Gouki/Mark,

Thanks for the replies - nice to hear from people that run these type of cars.

It seems paying up for the 030 pack is a bit ott, especially when an LSD (the most useful part of the pack I think) can be retro fitted fairly cheapily.

Think I'll stay away from engine mods, as to be honest I think it'd prefer the standard/cheaper servicing/maintenance than the gains from a few more hp at that level.

I think I'll try and find a good 2004 model with 19" wheels in January, when people have post Xmas blues! If you see anythign on forums etc please shout!

Thanks,

Laurie

Edited by yellowxpack. on Monday 21st December 08:47

[Shy Torque]

Hi Yellow,

I have an '03 SL55, pm me if you want to know more.

Obviously this doesn't mean i'm breaking the rules and it's up for sale

[AlexRWD]

Hi Laurie - this excellent SL55 is also for sale

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1390792.htm

[Callughan]

Gouki said:

The standard car does not come with an LSD whereas the performance pack adds the LSD and about 24 bhp give or take. Of course you can always retrofit the bumper, LSD and wheels but I personally would rather get a DMS pulley upgrade and have close to 600 bhp. I love Keyless go but don't have the panoramic roof. Also if you think that changing the interior trim (3 pieces) to a different colour would be a cheap option the AMG aluminuim trim pieces comes in at £2400.

You can change the wheels, just remember that the tyre pressure monitiors need to be swapped as well. The turbine wheels are 18" and there are many sets for sale at approximately £800. The dual spoke wheels you are describing are the AMG Type IV alloy and were standard fitment on the SL 65 AMG with either 9.5" or 10" rear rim width. I'm still trying to source a reasonably priced and straight set of these wheels.

Also factor in that the tyre pressure sensors will be coming to the end of their life now (battery dies after ~ 70 months) and will need replacing at £80 per corner.

I've owned my SL55 AMG since March and during the last 14,000 miles I have spent around £2500 on maintenance.

Edited by Gouki on Friday 18th December 12:47

The Performance Pack does not add hp, unless you are talking about the models various revisions where engine power has gradually risen.

How are your tps's they never worked on my CLK 55 and my fathers S600.

Edited by Callughan on Saturday 2nd January 01:14

[Gouki]

From what I have read is that the 55 engines were originally specified to have 476 bhp, but due to higher achieved output were later re-rated to 493 bhp. The performance pack which was amg pace car spec always had [517] in the title which I assumed was related to bhp. My car is going in to Vikings Canterbury for two tyre pressure monitors to be replaced on Monday and will keep you updated!

[Callughan]

Later cars were 517hp but this wasn't because of the F1 pack. I've had the tps sensors replaced three times under warranty on the S600 so would be interested if these guys do a good job

[yellowxpack.]

Hi guys,
Thanks so much for the info - I've put a deposit down on a shiny SL55 and will pick it up in about a week. Took it for a test drive & lets just say its
bit of a change from my race mk2! Hope to see you at some events in the NY.
Cheers,
Laurie

[d8ean]

had an 03 one back in 03, just doing a deal on a 55 plate one, good tip to know about the wheel sensor batteries! thanks

epic everday sports car!!!

what colour did you end up getting YP?

[yellowxpack.]

Certainly not a yellow one (alas!! - this one is my sensible car)
Black/Black with turbine wheels/pana - looks super cool!
Laurie

[Gouki]

Callughan said:

Later cars were 517hp but this wasn't because of the F1 pack. I've had the tps sensors replaced three times under warranty on the S600 so would be interested if these guys do a good job

Dropped it off on Monday with the parts already ordered in and to cut a long story short it's still there with the 'correct' parts coming in tomorrow. I'm a fairly relaxed guy and I know that some of my friends would get really annoyed by this level of service but to be fair it's not like the SL would be much good in this weather anyway!

[Callughan]

Gouki said:

Callughan said:

Later cars were 517hp but this wasn't because of the F1 pack. I've had the tps sensors replaced three times under warranty on the S600 so would be interested if these guys do a good job

Dropped it off on Monday with the parts already ordered in and to cut a long story short it's still there with the 'correct' parts coming in tomorrow. I'm a fairly relaxed guy and I know that some of my friends would get really annoyed by this level of service but to be fair it's not like the SL would be much good in this weather anyway!

Thanks for the update, hope they do a good job.

[Gouki]

They have done a very good job! Two tyre pressure monitors fitted and system reset (including 4 new valves). Diagnosed and fixed an issue with the roof (£45). MOT and a complimentary car wash for £514.

The cost was initially a little shock but getting the car back 100% as mercedes intended was worth it. The original issue vikings had with the TMPS was an issue with two different types could be fitted to the car.

[Callughan]

Good to hear, will call them