SL55 AMG known issues / concerns

[kelk]

Hi all,

I wonder if any of you can let me know of any known areas of concern on SL55 AMGs please?

I'd be looking at a car around the £30k mark and, as with all cars, I assume there are known issues that need to be verified or chekced prior to any kind of outlay.

Not wishing to put a downer on the car, just so I know what to look out for.

Thanks

Kelk

[SLacKer]

Hi

Great choice, it is really quick and really comfortable.

From my experience you want to check the following

ABC Suspension

Check that the car sits level on all four wheels on a flat road. Check that this is the case for all 3 suspension heights (button to the passenger side of gear change) and there are no leaks anywhere around the suspension area.

Rust

Check the wheel arches specifically the rear for any sign of rust bubbling. Also the front of the boot in each corner (nearest the door) and also the roof panel edges. If the car is less then 8 years old and has a full MBSH then this can all be done under the corrosion warranty.

Boot

Check for any signs of water leaking over a prolonged period. Pull the boot base pad out and the boot well moulding out and check underneath (where the toolkit and battery is) for any signs of water ingress.

Roof

Check that the roof operates perfectly and the quarter glass returns to normal position on each closure. Also check the roof seals and the cabin for any sign of water damage where it may have leaked.

Comand

Make sure comand is working and the sat nav is fine also take a few cds and check the changer (behind passenger seat)

Engine

Make sure it pulls strong and also check that charge cooling pump. At about 40 floor it to about 60 and then back off and repeat a few times if after the third time it is still pulling strong then the pump is likely to be fine. Obviously a nice stretch of empty dual carriageway is ideal and there is no need to exceed any speed limits just put a heat strain on the inter cooler.

Battery

The car has two batteries one on the engine bay for starting and the other for auxiliary systems. If you get a battery warning it may indicate the boot battery is on the fritz.

Keys

Make sure you have both sets of keys and they both work. They cost a lot to replace.

If anything on the car is faulty don't assume it is a cheap fix assume the opposite and get the owner to get it fixed.

Exhaust make sure the exhaust centre bracket is ok. Try and move the endpipes if they move a little and there is resistance then fine if one or the other moves a lot then expect a broken bracket.

Parking brake

Check this releases cleanly and the dash light goes out try it a few times with both a light pressure applying it and a heavier pressure.

Brakes

They are expensive so make sure you are happy with the discs and the pad thickness.

Warranty

Get a Tier 1 if possible. If the ABC goes pop expect a bill north of £2k if the Kompressor goes then sell a few vital organs.

Remember AMG is German for "double the price"

[benzito]

SLacKer said:

Remember AMG is German for "double the price"

lol more like treble the price! Excellent overview slacker, I can't actually think of anything to add except that the OP should also look through previous receipts to see what work has been done before (e.g. the intercooler pump may already have been replaced)

[kelk]

Thanks for the details there mate. It's good to get some real honest feedback on what must be folks' P&Ds.

[666 SVT]

Incidentally if anyone needs any front discs for their SL then Stratstone Mercedes Bradford are selling front discs, Pads and wear contact sensors for £300 all genuine Merc stuff. They are flogging them via EBay too.

[SLacKer]

Also buy the latest you can afford. The 2005 DVD based comand is a good start point. Not saying everything after that is great but they designed out a few rough edges by then.

It is a great car though just get a good one.