2006 MERCEDES-BENZ SL

Here at Quick and Big Ltd we are proud to be able to offer for sale, this appreciating modern classic, the legendary face lift Mercedes SL55 AMG (R230) 517. A technical and performance “tour de force” the Supercharged AMG delivers hard top comfort, soft top cruising, and super car performance. Jeremy Clarkson replaced a Ferrari 355 with one, and given the SL55 AMG is so good at many thing he described his as a “Swiss Army Knife.”

The best SL55 AMG’s values are already starting to climb, as those of us who wanted one when they were new (and around £95k plus extras) can now own one of our early motoring hero’s. As with all modern classics, the advice from forums and magazines is to buy the best you can afford.

At “Quick and Big” we specialise in finding rare and desirable cars, the type we all wanted in our youth. Just like our, last of the line “517”. Our SL55 is equipped with the legendary 5.4 litre, supercharged V8 (M113K), the very last face lifted SL55’s cars benefitted from the factory power upgrade to 517 hp / 720Nm. The supercharged SL55 AMG was then replaced by the SL63 AMG powered by the 6.2 naturally aspirated (M156) engine, conveniently rated at 518hp (but “only” 630Nm of torque).

When launched in 2002 the R230 then was quoted at 476bhp SL55 was Mercedes fastest and most powerful production car of all time, achieving 0-60mph in under 4.5 seconds, and go on to an electronically limited 155mph. A German car magazine back in the day, is alleged to have got a standard but derestricted car to 202mph. Over time, the SL55's quoted power increased to 496 bhp, then upped again to, the 517 seen in our example here.

The supercharged M113k engine, makes in my view the best sound, and low down guttural rumble, building to a deep crescendo (sounding much like a Rolls Royce, Merlin).

SL55 AMG’s are becoming rarer by the day, the “517” cars are even rarer. Ours benefits from being, beautifully presented, loaded with desirable extras, comes with a comprehensive history and upgraded to coil overs. Those of us who remember the “noughties” with a pang of fond nostalgia, are snapping these cars up as investments and to use as weekend fun cars.

LN56YYM has only covered 98,240 miles, backed up by comprehensive service history. It was registered on 1/9/2006 and has had only 3 previous owners. Its presented in our view, the best colour combination of Obsidian Black Metallic, with Black Nappa leather interior, with carbon fibre trim and Anthracite head lining.

In our view, our modern classic muscle car is beautifully presented inside and out, and benefits from numerous desirable options including: Panoramic roof, distronic (proximity controlled) cruise control, keyless entry / go, Bose speakers, massage / cooled seats, garage door opener, centre console mounted mobile phone.

The SL55 AMG 517 was loaded with standard equipment (even by modern day standards). Its spec is exhaustive, but here’s some of the highlights: paddle sequential gear shifts on steering wheel, electronic steering wheel adjustment, auto dip rear view and door mirrors, power fold door mirrors, soft close boot, climate control, front and rear Parktroninc, command sat nav / DVD / TV, heated seats, auto bi-xenon head lamps with corning function, TV, aux input, cooled glove box, head lamp washers, multiple air bags and electronic stability program (you can turn it off, not sure I’m that brave). This list goes on and on.

Our SL55 AMG has two modifications: Its secondary cats have been removed (not too loud, and does not drone), but liberates some more V8 noise, and the ABC suspension system has been professionally replaced with adjustable coil overs. I realise this modification may not be for the purists, but it does guarantee no future expense from the complex ABC air suspension.

Since I first saw and heard one of these cars back in the noughties, I’ve wanted one. At the time, I was working in Central London and our Managing Director drove one into his private car park on Oxford Street every day, the sound as exhaust note bounced off the tall buildings as he approached is still etched on my mind.

Our rare SL55 AMG comes with a comprehensive service history, with 18 service records in the original service book (its now on its second book), most recently serviced for us at 98k.

It has been exclusively maintained at Mercedes / AMG main dealers and specialists:

10k miles – MB Brentford (Main Dealer)

19k miles – MB Brentford (Main Dealer)

29k miles – MB Brentford (Main Dealer)

39k miles – MB Brentford (Main Dealer)

48k miles – MB Brentford (Main Dealer)

59k miles – MB Brentford (Main Dealer)

70k miles – MB Brentford (Main Dealer)

75k miles – MB Chelsea (Main Dealer)

80k miles – The German Motor Co (MB Specialist)

81k miles - The German Motor Co (MB Specialist)

84k miles – A & A Merc Tech (MB Specialist)

86k miles – A & A Merc Tech (MB Specialist)

88k miles – A & A Merc Tech (MB Specialist)

90k miles – A & A Merc Tech (MB Specialist)

93k miles - A & A Merc Tech (MB Specialist)

95k miles - A & A Merc Tech (MB Specialist)

96k miles - A & A Merc Tech (MB Specialist)

98k miles – MB of Medway (MB Specialist)

Its MOT history is excellent, and backs up its mileage as genuine, the most recent test was passed with no advisories and does not expire until 21/9/2026.

Its 20 Rohana alloys have just been professionally stripped, dipped and re powder coated (they look amazing), and come shod with Pirelli P Zero’s all round, 255/40/20 (front) and 285/30/20 (rear) tyres, the fronts are new, and the rears have 4mm of tread. It also comes with its original 18 inch AMG alloys (new tyres and refurb required).

Our SL55 AMG comes with full book packs, two working remote keys, locking wheel nuts, spare wheel, compressor, tool roll, and warning triangle.

For the big Merc’s lucky new owner, it will also come with an independent 90+ point pre delivery inspection. It is of course HPI clear, a copy of the PDI and full HPI report will be available to potential purchasers.

Many thanks for wading through our lengthy description, we believe it’s better to describe our cars fully. It is not in our interest to waste your time or ours, with inaccurate or incomplete descriptions. It does of course have the odd age related imperfection (which used car doesn’t), but for its age it really is excellent.

Our face lift SL55 AMG “517”, really does tick all the Quick and Big Ltd boxes, it is great value, very quick, beautifully presented, comprehensively maintained, super rare, sounds awesome, appreciating in value and no ABC system!

Please visit the photographs again as they form part of the description (there are many more online at "Quick and Big"), familiarise yourselves with our terms and conditions (also online at "Quick and Big") and contact us via Piston Heads or by calling Peter on 07860691960, to arrange a viewing / test drive by appointment. Any inspection is welcome. Part exchange particularly if it’s quick, big or rare a pleasure.