2005 SL55 AMG

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My old man is looking for a new toy. This week he's loonking at a couple of possibilities.

He is looking at a SL55 AMG from 2005 with 70k miles from dealers.

What are the main weaknesses if any and what to look for in general ownership. What are the maintenance costs. brakes and general servicing etc.

I have steered him towards the merc as he's also fancying a porsche. I think the v8 will win him over.

Thanks for any info.

[JohnRS4]

Have owned similar SL for about a year. Normally things to look out for are ABC suspension which is a weakness on this model and is very expensive to repair. Leaks into the boot. Check all the rubbers for deterioration. Engines tend to be very solid and provided it has been serviced regularly should be fine.

Remember these cars were £100k+ cars when new and servicing/running costs are high ie 16 spark plugs!! Mpg will be 15 - 20ish depending on driving style. Rear tyres again may only last 4k miles depending on weight of right foot.

Fabulous cars and fantastic value for money once this old.

[ZX10R NIN]

JohnRS4 said:

Have owned similar SL for about a year. Normally things to look out for are ABC suspension which is a weakness on this model and is very expensive to repair. Leaks into the boot. Check all the rubbers for deterioration. Engines tend to be very solid and provided it has been serviced regularly should be fine.

Remember these cars were £100k+ cars when new and servicing/running costs are high ie 16 spark plugs!! Mpg will be 15 - 20ish depending on driving style. Rear tyres again may only last 4k miles depending on weight of right foot.

Fabulous cars and fantastic value for money once this old.

As above check the ABC bushes etc saying that if the bushes on the legs are gone there is a guy who can refurb them with a poly bush.

Check for leaks as SL's weren't as water tight as the 100k price tag would have you believe.

Apart from that they're great cars mine had 696bhp & a SL63 conversion(loved the look of the 63 but couldn't give up the bhp) loved the car still have tinges of regret in selling it.

Edited by ZX10R NIN on Monday 12th January 23:33

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Thanks for the info guys!!

The Merc he's looking at has had the ABC pump changed so that's a plus I suppose.

He's also eyeing up a 911 but I'm trying to push him towards an AMG as he's a V8 fan.

[PGN6]

Abc has many parts - struts are the key at around 1250 each if I remember correctly and merc only sell in pairs..
Saying that amazing car loved mine and wish I had kept it

[Blue62]

Had one of these in 2004, great motor but the boot seal went and I had problems with the supercharger, I got out before the warranty expired.

[JohnRS4]

PGN6 said:

Abc has many parts - struts are the key at around 1250 each if I remember correctly and merc only sell in pairs..
Saying that amazing car loved mine and wish I had kept it

Merc will sell individually as had my rear one replaced. They also sell refurbished units at a reduced price.