2002 sl 55 amg. anything to look out for?

[mwg123]

Are there any common faults with these that i need to be aware of? Looking at an 02 52 with under 50k on the clock. Any help and advice will be greatly recieved.

Thanks,

Matt

[shadowninja]

I am sure I read on a Merc forum that the variable suspension can get stuck, leaving you with a rather large bill.

[markbe]

shadowninja said:

I am sure I read on a Merc forum that the variable suspension can get stuck, leaving you with a rather large bill.

Also leaking struts however these items would be picked up on MOTing.
Also check for water in the boot, badly cracked brake discs,hardtop folding into the boot smoothly, proper merc history.

Mark.

[Callughan]

Electronics can be tempramental

[davidn]

Air con can leak.
David

[Big Brin]

You asked "anything to look out for?" on a SL55.

Admiring glances and a tendancy for the hair on your neck to stick up.

[xxx2]

Definately check for water leaks into boot. Can be incurable.

[steve_amv8]

shadowninja said:

I am sure I read on a Merc forum that the variable suspension can get stuck, leaving you with a rather large bill.

Yep. I believe it shares the same Active Body Control (ABC) as the CL and S-Class of that era and it is rather prone to problems - which can be simple (eg blocked/sticking valve) or expensive (think £1200 for a new ABC pump)

[rassi]

Pick up the recent Evo buying guide - roof and dampers were the things to look out for IIRC