Just been looking at an SL55

[B15TT0]

Hi all,

After months of deliberation and all the johnny foreigners stealing our uk C6 Z06 Corvettes i'm pretty much 100% decided I'm going to change tack and get an SL55.

I had a look at one today a friend is selling (privately) and liked what I saw. The comfort, looks, sound, gadgets, roof and speed were all good. Shame they're not manual and personally I'd like the exhaust a bit louder (i'm sure there are ways and means...)

Anyway, it's a 53 plate black one with 60k, panoramic roof, suede and leather all over and massage heating / cooling seats. Anyone got a glass's guide handy to give me a ball park figure?

It's had the boot seals replaced before, and a new ABC unit recently - i'd been warned about them. Are there any other things I need to look out for?

Finally, I'm planning to get the car looked over by a specialist to spot any issues it may have. Does anyone know if Merc dealers will do this inspection for you and if not, can anyone recommend a specialist in the North East?

Many thanks,

Chris

[markbe]

B15TT0 said:

Hi all,

After months of deliberation and all the johnny foreigners stealing our uk C6 Z06 Corvettes i'm pretty much 100% decided I'm going to change tack and get an SL55.

I had a look at one today a friend is selling (privately) and liked what I saw. The comfort, looks, sound, gadgets, roof and speed were all good. Shame they're not manual and personally I'd like the exhaust a bit louder (i'm sure there are ways and means...)

Anyway, it's a 53 plate black one with 60k, panoramic roof, suede and leather all over and massage heating / cooling seats. Anyone got a glass's guide handy to give me a ball park figure?

It's had the boot seals replaced before, and a new ABC unit recently - i'd been warned about them. Are there any other things I need to look out for?

Finally, I'm planning to get the car looked over by a specialist to spot any issues it may have. Does anyone know if Merc dealers will do this inspection for you and if not, can anyone recommend a specialist in the North East?

Many thanks,

Chris

Hi Chris, Book value is around £25000, but I would say with 60k nearer
£22500. However first have a look at auto trader on line and see whats
currently being asked.

Mark.

[B15TT0]

Cheers Mark. Thought as much. Don't know how well he's going to take that but we'll see. There are a few more on Autotrader if this one doesn't work out. Must be Black and have Command Sat Nav.

[r129sl]

If the boot seals have been done there is not much more can go wrong with them. I don't know where you are in the north east but in Newcastle upon Tyne the only person I would let loose on a car like this is Paul Smith at Mercedes-Benz of Newcastle. I know it is the dealer, but he is a very good mechanic.

[Callughan]

Potential issues to look out for: http://repairpal.com/cars/mercedes-benz/sl55+amg#p...
Good luck

[Gouki]

Parkers/glasses guide may be a little off. I bought a 27,000 mile example on a 2002 52 plate for £26,750 recently. Looking at adverts on autotrader I found to be a little misleading with respect to condition of the vehicles. Eventhough there are ones available for around the £22K mark I would check these over with a fine toothed comb. I looked at examples upward to £35K and they were not good (missing history, dash scratches, distronic errors etc.) Mine had had the ABC pumps replaced as well which was a 'little' peace of mind.

Good luck.

[mikial]

B15TT0 said:

Hi all,

After months of deliberation and all the johnny foreigners stealing our uk C6 Z06 Corvettes i'm pretty much 100% decided I'm going to change tack and get an SL55.

I had a look at one today a friend is selling (privately) and liked what I saw. The comfort, looks, sound, gadgets, roof and speed were all good. Shame they're not manual and personally I'd like the exhaust a bit louder (i'm sure there are ways and means...)

Anyway, it's a 53 plate black one with 60k, panoramic roof, suede and leather all over and massage heating / cooling seats. Anyone got a glass's guide handy to give me a ball park figure?

It's had the boot seals replaced before, and a new ABC unit recently - i'd been warned about them. Are there any other things I need to look out for?

Finally, I'm planning to get the car looked over by a specialist to spot any issues it may have. Does anyone know if Merc dealers will do this inspection for you and if not, can anyone recommend a specialist in the North East?

Many thanks,

Chris

Hello Chris, I test drove a C6 Z06 last year courtesy of David Slocombe from Manchester, we met half way between there and Suffolk. I was mightily impressed with the Z . The figures were discussed which were relatively favourable and I was contemplating life again with American muscle, I was not relishing the drive back to Suffolk in the SL55 , as the journey homeward unfolded and I settled into a rhythm , approaching slower traffic,no more than caressing the throttle ,all and sundry dispensed in a flash I began to re-asses my thoughts , "this is some unique machine" was the outcome. By the time I returned home , all thoughts of a changeover were dismissed , since then, in my eyes, the 55 has grown to icon status. It`s simply the best deal for the moneyout there , value for performance is not matched , ( All i m h o of course ! )

I`d like to add, brakes discs tend to be abused and can be warped , it`s critical these are replaced if this is the case, I would also say have a good look around , maybe lower your criteria re: the spec you want for a lower mileage example.

Good luck in your quest , buy the right car and you will not be disappointed.

[B15TT0]

mikial said:

Hello Chris, I test drove a C6 Z06 last year courtesy of David Slocombe from Manchester, we met half way between there and Suffolk. I was mightily impressed with the Z . The figures were discussed which were relatively favourable and I was contemplating life again with American muscle, I was not relishing the drive back to Suffolk in the SL55 , as the journey homeward unfolded and I settled into a rhythm , approaching slower traffic,no more than caressing the throttle ,all and sundry dispensed in a flash I began to re-asses my thoughts , "this is some unique machine" was the outcome. By the time I returned home , all thoughts of a changeover were dismissed , since then, in my eyes, the 55 has grown to icon status. It`s simply the best deal for the moneyout there , value for performance is not matched , ( All i m h o of course ! )

I`d like to add, brakes discs tend to be abused and can be warped , it`s critical these are replaced if this is the case, I would also say have a good look around , maybe lower your criteria re: the spec you want for a lower mileage example.

Good luck in your quest , buy the right car and you will not be disappointed.

Hi Mikial, I know what you mean about deal for the money - i just can't ignore the value they're showing at the moment.

It's funny how you came back to the SL55 after being impressed with the Z06. I think i've felt similar as I was originally thinking an SL55 would be a nice stop gap but after the trip out in one yesterday i've been realising it actually is a damn good car in its own right. The weather this week is helping as well!

Thanks for all the posts so far all. I've spotted this one now and am trying to arrange flights to go and take a look at it. Thoughts? Black SL55 at http://www.topautomotive.co.uk

[AlexRWD]

B15TT0 said:

I've spotted this one now and am trying to arrange flights to go and take a look at it. Thoughts? Black SL55 at http://www.topautomotive.co.uk

Hi - looks like a very nice car! Only comment I would make, from having looked at quite a few, is that the light colour leather does seem to show its age, looking "dirty" on a lot of the examples I saw, whereas the darker leathers tend to look in better condition.

[THX138]

I too considered a Z06 but in the end decided the SL55 was just too much of a good all rounder.
Incidentally I drove a friends new 599 a few weeks ago and it has a wonderful presence and sense of occasion, but it didn't seem/feel much faster than my car, although the figures I read suggest it is?. Maybe Italian horses are smaller than German ones?
Above all I just love that big slug of instant torque in the SL.

The SL55 does it all, Thug & Cruiser, Convertible & coupe.
I had a Dension iPod interface fitted so now all iPod functions are through the Nav screen and Steering wheel controls..brilliant!
Mine has the bigger composite front discs which were replaced under MB warranty due to micro-cracks emanating from the drilled holes, it's due to have a headlight switch (still works just intermittent display light). Other than that, no problems.

[Callughan]

THX138 said:

I too considered a Z06 but in the end decided the SL55 was just too much of a good all rounder.
Incidentally I drove a friends new 599 a few weeks ago and it has a wonderful presence and sense of occasion, but it didn't seem/feel much faster than my car, although the figures I read suggest it is?. Maybe Italian horses are smaller than German ones?
Above all I just love that big slug of instant torque in the SL.

The SL55 does it all, Thug & Cruiser, Convertible & coupe.
I had a Dension iPod interface fitted so now all iPod functions are through the Nav screen and Steering wheel controls..brilliant!
Mine has the bigger composite front discs which were replaced under MB warranty due to micro-cracks emanating from the drilled holes, it's due to have a headlight switch (still works just intermittent display light). Other than that, no problems.

I've driven a 599 and there was a huge difference compared to the 55. Were you in the right mode, the 599 is set up in a way that you are always in control so it may have not felt that fast for that reason. Either way glad you chaps like your 55's.

[B15TT0]

Callughan said:

THX138 said:

I too considered a Z06 but in the end decided the SL55 was just too much of a good all rounder.
Incidentally I drove a friends new 599 a few weeks ago and it has a wonderful presence and sense of occasion, but it didn't seem/feel much faster than my car, although the figures I read suggest it is?. Maybe Italian horses are smaller than German ones?
Above all I just love that big slug of instant torque in the SL.

I've driven a 599 and there was a huge difference compared to the 55. Were you in the right mode, the 599 is set up in a way that you are always in control so it may have not felt that fast for that reason. Either way glad you chaps like your 55's.

I was going to say I hope the 599 feels a lot faster than a 55. One day I hope to have a 599 and I expect it to be every bit as fast and wonderful as the current reviews suggest. Catastrophic depreciation on new V12 Ferraris is to be welcomed imo

[Callughan]

B15TT0 said:

Callughan said:

THX138 said:

I too considered a Z06 but in the end decided the SL55 was just too much of a good all rounder.
Incidentally I drove a friends new 599 a few weeks ago and it has a wonderful presence and sense of occasion, but it didn't seem/feel much faster than my car, although the figures I read suggest it is?. Maybe Italian horses are smaller than German ones?
Above all I just love that big slug of instant torque in the SL.

I've driven a 599 and there was a huge difference compared to the 55. Were you in the right mode, the 599 is set up in a way that you are always in control so it may have not felt that fast for that reason. Either way glad you chaps like your 55's.

I was going to say I hope the 599 feels a lot faster than a 55. One day I hope to have a 599 and I expect it to be every bit as fast and wonderful as the current reviews suggest. Catastrophic depreciation on new V12 Ferraris is to be welcomed imo

This one is not depreciating as much however the 612!!!! The only complaint I had about the 599 was the lame sound although this can be changed.

[THX138]

Callughan said:

THX138 said:

I too considered a Z06 but in the end decided the SL55 was just too much of a good all rounder.
Incidentally I drove a friends new 599 a few weeks ago and it has a wonderful presence and sense of occasion, but it didn't seem/feel much faster than my car, although the figures I read suggest it is?. Maybe Italian horses are smaller than German ones?
Above all I just love that big slug of instant torque in the SL.

The SL55 does it all, Thug & Cruiser, Convertible & coupe.
I had a Dension iPod interface fitted so now all iPod functions are through the Nav screen and Steering wheel controls..brilliant!
Mine has the bigger composite front discs which were replaced under MB warranty due to micro-cracks emanating from the drilled holes, it's due to have a headlight switch (still works just intermittent display light). Other than that, no problems.

I've driven a 599 and there was a huge difference compared to the 55. Were you in the right mode, the 599 is set up in a way that you are always in control so it may have not felt that fast for that reason. Either way glad you chaps like your 55's.

Oh dear, have I started something here?

Don't get me wrong, but I was expecting more, a quantum leap, something otherworldly.
It's just the way it felt, much less torque from the fezza, with the SL the power is immediate at very small throttle openings.
SL 516lbs/ft @ 2650rpm Vs. 599 448lbs/ft @ 5600rpm

I have always been of the opinion that torque is more important than HP on the 'street' for instant/immediate accessible power
Of course the Ferrari is faster, I'm sure the 599 would be 2.5 seconds or so quicker to 100mph
I just said it didn't feel muchfaster, perhaps because I'm used to a torqueier engine and out of respect for my friends car didn't wring the nuts off it.

I loved the Ferrari, but missed my gadgets, with which the SL is festooned.
Oh yes, I thought the Ferrari F1 gearshift was superb, super quick!

If they built a 599 Spyder, well, that would be interesting!

Power to all!

Edited by THX138 on Tuesday 21st April 18:23

[Callughan]

THX138 said:

Callughan said:

THX138 said:

I too considered a Z06 but in the end decided the SL55 was just too much of a good all rounder.
Incidentally I drove a friends new 599 a few weeks ago and it has a wonderful presence and sense of occasion, but it didn't seem/feel much faster than my car, although the figures I read suggest it is?. Maybe Italian horses are smaller than German ones?
Above all I just love that big slug of instant torque in the SL.

The SL55 does it all, Thug & Cruiser, Convertible & coupe.
I had a Dension iPod interface fitted so now all iPod functions are through the Nav screen and Steering wheel controls..brilliant!
Mine has the bigger composite front discs which were replaced under MB warranty due to micro-cracks emanating from the drilled holes, it's due to have a headlight switch (still works just intermittent display light). Other than that, no problems.

I've driven a 599 and there was a huge difference compared to the 55. Were you in the right mode, the 599 is set up in a way that you are always in control so it may have not felt that fast for that reason. Either way glad you chaps like your 55's.

Oh dear, have I started something here?

Don't get me wrong, but I was expecting more, a quantum leap, something otherworldly.
It's just the way it felt, much less torque from the fezza, with the SL the power is immediate at very small throttle openings.
SL 516lbs/ft @ 2650rpm Vs. 599 448lbs/ft @ 5600rpm

I have always been of the opinion that torque is more important than HP on the 'street' for instant/immediate accessible power
Of course the Ferrari is faster, I'm sure the 599 would be 2.5 seconds or so quicker to 100mph
I just said it didn't feel muchfaster, perhaps because I'm used to a torqueier engine and out of respect for my friends car didn't wring the nuts off it.

I loved the Ferrari, but missed my gadgets, with which the SL is festooned.
Oh yes, I thought the Ferrari F1 gearshift was superb, super quick!

If they built a 599 Spyder, well, that would be interesting!

Power to all!

Edited by THX138 on Tuesday 21st April 18:23

It's all good.

Torque always makes the car feel quicker but it doesn't mean it is quicker. When I had my CLK 55 it had much more torque than my C4S, but my C4S could run rings around it. Torque must also be taken in relation to the weight of the car. The 599 is 272kg lighter and around a 100hp more. The 599 is also NA so would be very different in power delivery to the 55.


SL55 is a nice car but don't think it can be compared to the 599. However the most important thing in any car is how it makes you feel

[THX138]

Cheers Callughan!

I think the only real comparison I was trying to make was for the benefit of the original poster, that the SL55 is astonishingly good value when compared with pretty much anything else out there right now.

Don't suppose there'll be any £26,000 599's for sale any time soon..unfortunately!

[B15TT0]

THX138 said:

Cheers Callughan!

I think the only real comparison I was trying to make was for the benefit of the original poster, that the SL55 is astonishingly good value when compared with pretty much anything else out there right now.

Don't suppose there'll be any £26,000 599's for sale any time soon..unfortunately!

Too late THX138! I no longer want an SL55 and am now on the hunt for a F599! I refuse to settle for anything less ;-)

Seriously though, I appreciate hearing the comparison - for the car to even be discussed in the same thread as a 599 is good enough for me. Plus you can take the roof off!

The 55 i linked to above has a deposit on it now. Unfortunately not mine despite my efforts to fly down from Newcastle to Cardiff to look at it as someone who looked at it last weekend has decided to go for it before I've had a chance to view.

Nevermind - I'm a firm believer in there always being a better deal just around the corner!

[mikial]

B15TT0 said:

THX138 said:

Cheers Callughan!

I think the only real comparison I was trying to make was for the benefit of the original poster, that the SL55 is astonishingly good value when compared with pretty much anything else out there right now.

Don't suppose there'll be any £26,000 599's for sale any time soon..unfortunately!

Too late THX138! I no longer want an SL55 and am now on the hunt for a F599! I refuse to settle for anything less ;-)

Seriously though, I appreciate hearing the comparison - for the car to even be discussed in the same thread as a 599 is good enough for me. Plus you can take the roof off!

The 55 i linked to above has a deposit on it now. Unfortunately not mine despite my efforts to fly down from Newcastle to Cardiff to look at it as someone who looked at it last weekend has decided to go for it before I've had a chance to view.

Nevermind - I'm a firm believer in there always being a better deal just around the corner!

If we hunt in a pair , more chance of success , I fancy a 599 too !!

( BOGOF ?)

Good attitude to have , " buy in haste , repent in leisure " as my dear old grandad would say !

[B15TT0]

mikial said:

If we hunt in a pair , more chance of success , I fancy a 599 too !!

( BOGOF ?)

Good attitude to have , " buy in haste , repent in leisure " as my dear old grandad would say !

I'm in but how about a group buy? Hands up who wants a 599....

I'll draft the email to Ferrari later. "Dear Mr Di Montezemolo, In these credit crunch impacted times i'm sure you'll be very interested in our offer, which to put simply is to purchase 15 of your unused 599 motor vehicles.

As we are buying in bulk i'm sure you will afford us a discount. How does 88% off RRP grab you?"

[markbe]

As a matter of interest performance figures for the 599 and SL55 are quite
different. Autocar results.

599 ......0-100 = 7.4secs...0-150 = 16.3secs.

SL55......0-100 = 10.4secs..0-150 = 24 secs.

Mark.