SL55 AMG as a week end toy....

[yewcheck]

.....Would this be a good idea?
Thinking of buying one, but really only will be using it as a weekend toy!
Heard/read horror stories of these cars deteriorating if they are not used regularly, I was going to buy a tuscan 2 but after many nights reading up on those cars and the problems they have thought maybe the 55 may be a better bet!!

Dave

[Catpuddle]

yewcheck said:

.....Would this be a good idea?
Dave

Yes, but buy a good one. Have it inspected.

i've had mine 2 days, and I'm still getting used to the huge fun factor.

[SLacKer]

Well I have had mine for over 2 years and it is an occasional use toy. I haven't had any issues with that as it is kept in a garage and if it is to be left for more than a couple of weeks I put the rear battery on charge to just keep it happy.

It did get stuck outside in Xmas 2010 due to a new car arriving and the snow came in so couldn't move it for a good week as it was under a foot of snow with no issues of boot seal leak once the snow had thawed so OK there.

They are a lot tougher than people give them credit for the engine and gearbox are strong but it has a few Achilles heals as I am sure you are aware

• ABC Suspension
• Ball joints which cannot be separated from the suspension arm
• Brake system uses a pump rather than a servo which can go
• Boot seal leaks allowing water onto electronics in the boot floor

Get a good one and you will be fine get a bad one and you will be in pain.

As for the car it is awesome. So powerful when you want it to be and a real cruiser when you just want to relax.

[yewcheck]

Thanks guys.....I have an internal with central heating and fully carpeted! wife tells me I look after my cars better then her

I am looking forward to the day I become an owner of one of these great machines, are there any reccomendations of someone who good check over prior to a purchase?

Kind Regards

Dave

[Catpuddle]

Depends where you are, I used Wayne Gates Mercedes Benz Specialists of Harrow, highly recommended. One car we looked at sticks in my mind. The car I was considering had at least two of the faults mentioned by Slacker above, plus some others, including noisy belt train (suspect ABC pump bearings), service B overdue, no evidence of spark plug change, no evidence brake fluid had ever been changed, recent front bumper replacement, damage to boot lid (poorly repaired) non opening roof and non closing boot, seat stopped working after test drive, battery warning light stayed on, o/s/f strut leak, slight steering rack leak, damp drive shaft boots, front discs overdue for replacement, front tyres on limit ....

So although the car was low mileage, one owner, and "full MBSH" it had been completely neglected.

and they wanted top money. I mean top money.

Terry from WG spotted most of the above in a few minutes, and was on to MB to check the history.