Hey Folks. Never been into Mercedes, so I don't know much about the history and/or variations of the cars. They've always been vehicles I couldn't afford or didn't want to, but that all changed recently. Happened upon a car sitting on a lot and it's beautiful! 2004 SL600, 100K miles but really in immaculate condition---and I'm a stickler for condition, be it a Porsche or a Studebaker! In any case---walked around it, talked to the lot owner but he was just closing up and I didn't test drive it or get into serious negotiations, but he did raise a question. He said this is a SL600 AMG---but when I do a search I see that AMG cars for 2004 should have been SL55s...not SL 600s? Were there a subset of 600s that were made to AMG specs, or is this a case of an extra badge being thrown on to dupe novices like myself that don't know much about these vehicles. Any help is appreciated---they provide a CarFax on their website and it does appear to have a clean on, with no accident history or anything, but doesn't address the AMG issue as it shows "Mercedes-Benz SL600" with the accurate mileage. Image is the rear of the vehicle with the AMG badge on the right---is this correct and is this a desirable car, or is it a trap for someone like me? Thanks in advance for any help---advice from SL600 owners as to whether this would be a good weekend car to enjoy, or whether it would turn into a maintenance nightmare would also be appreciated. Thanks!
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FlyingSkip87
2004 SL600 AMG?
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Hey Folks. Never been into Mercedes, so I don't know much about the history and/or variations of the cars. They've always been vehicles I couldn't afford or didn't want to, but that all changed recently. Happened upon a car sitting on a lot and it's beautiful! 2004 SL600, 100K miles but really in immaculate condition---and I'm a stickler for condition, be it a Porsche or a Studebaker! In any case---walked around it, talked to the lot owner but he was just closing up and I didn't test drive it or get into serious negotiations, but he did raise a question. He said this is a SL600 AMG---but when I do a search I see that AMG cars for 2004 should have been SL55s...not SL 600s? Were there a subset of 600s that were made to AMG specs, or is this a case of an extra badge being thrown on to dupe novices like myself that don't know much about these vehicles. Any help is appreciated---they provide a CarFax on their website and it does appear to have a clean on, with no accident history or anything, but doesn't address the AMG issue as it shows "Mercedes-Benz SL600" with the accurate mileage. Image is the rear of the vehicle with the AMG badge on the right---is this correct and is this a desirable car, or is it a trap for someone like me? Thanks in advance for any help---advice from SL600 owners as to whether this would be a good weekend car to enjoy, or whether it would turn into a maintenance nightmare would also be appreciated. Thanks!
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Real /////AMG’s have 2 numbers. SL55, SL63, SL 65. That /////AMG Badge makes that guy feel important and at most it would have an AMG Appearance Package. From the look of the rear bumper it does not. Which brings up another topic these days. The upper case /////AMG’s with 8 cylinders and the lowercase (amg’s) with the numbers 43 and 53. To me which are far from a real car. Anymore the new cars are Supposed High Horsepower,Limited Mileage computers, that will not make it to their first oil change without having to come in for an issue. Anyway that 230 chassis SL600 is a good car if it has a good maintenance history. Remember if it has (ABC) suspension/Always Bring Cash, check out the under side body panels for fluid, make sure top operates with no fluid leaks from sun visor areas for the vario top locks, and both batteries are good.
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These arent robust cars to begin with snd 18 years as well as 100,000 miles doesn’t help.
“Maintenance” on a car like this with this mileage will include ABS pump.accumulators, valve block rebuilds, top hydraulic repair, front suspension rebuild. If none of those maintenance items has been addressed more than likely you will have to.
Between top failuresand suspension problems when they arise, it will get costly. If you have to rely on others to repair the car it can get very costly. Then there’s the 4 more cylinders.
“Maintenance” on a car like this with this mileage will include ABS pump.accumulators, valve block rebuilds, top hydraulic repair, front suspension rebuild. If none of those maintenance items has been addressed more than likely you will have to.
Between top failuresand suspension problems when they arise, it will get costly. If you have to rely on others to repair the car it can get very costly. Then there’s the 4 more cylinders.
Maybe that AMG badge is because of some type of a dealer add on but as far as I know the SL600 is a non AMG ride. The SL65 is it's V12TT AMG equivalent. That year SL600 is an awesome ride but 100k seems a little long in the tooth to me. The SLs have a variety of Achilles heels (see previous comments). The SL600, with it's twin turbo V12, adds to the list (IE: 2 separate coolant systems, etc) and makes some repairs more complicated (read expensive).
Check that car out well and ask for a maintenace history. If they can't provide a concise one I'd pass on it.
Don't under any circumstances drive it before you know they have a full maintenance record as once you hit the throttle on that thing you're gonna buy it! 🤣 I knew I was buying mine without maintenance records after taking that shakedown cruise. However mine only had 35k miles on it, not 100k.
Check that car out well and ask for a maintenace history. If they can't provide a concise one I'd pass on it.
Don't under any circumstances drive it before you know they have a full maintenance record as once you hit the throttle on that thing you're gonna buy it! 🤣 I knew I was buying mine without maintenance records after taking that shakedown cruise. However mine only had 35k miles on it, not 100k.
Get a VIN readout to tell you how the car was equipped when sold new.
For it to be a “real” AMG, it has to have the hand-built motor AMG. I think It would also come with quad exhaust tips.
It might have the AMG appearance option, but those cars would not come with the rear badge.
For it to be a “real” AMG, it has to have the hand-built motor AMG. I think It would also come with quad exhaust tips.
It might have the AMG appearance option, but those cars would not come with the rear badge.
……Also, open the hood to see if the AMG engine builder’s signature/autograph plate is on the engine cover, which will tell you if it’s a real AMG motor under the hood.
def not an AMG, but cool car. I had one years past and its a beast. The entire car has a different feel then sl550s, even SL500s. The transmission was crude by comparison to the newer R230s.
I realized I couldn't drive the heck out of the SL600 on long road trips and stuff and not feel guilty, plus worry. Twin turbo V12 is engineering marvel, 500 HP and an impressive growl when its "up on the pipe." I also made a good deal of coin on this car when I sold it, since I bought it for pennies and sold it for dollars after fixing some stuff. (vario roof and PSE stuff frustrated the previous owner, MB wanted 11K to fix it, I did it for under 3K)
It was great to show off to my friends.
Today I drive a MY2009 SL550 that is much better for my needs and really nice. I wanted a refined touring car to take 1000 mile road trips with the lady, and the commonality of the SL550 makes maintenance and repairs more predictable. Welcome to the club, these cars are a blast and the SL600 is special.
I realized I couldn't drive the heck out of the SL600 on long road trips and stuff and not feel guilty, plus worry. Twin turbo V12 is engineering marvel, 500 HP and an impressive growl when its "up on the pipe." I also made a good deal of coin on this car when I sold it, since I bought it for pennies and sold it for dollars after fixing some stuff. (vario roof and PSE stuff frustrated the previous owner, MB wanted 11K to fix it, I did it for under 3K)
It was great to show off to my friends.
Today I drive a MY2009 SL550 that is much better for my needs and really nice. I wanted a refined touring car to take 1000 mile road trips with the lady, and the commonality of the SL550 makes maintenance and repairs more predictable. Welcome to the club, these cars are a blast and the SL600 is special.
The R230 generation of SLs are classics, and it should not be difficult to good examples with
relatively low mileage……..
Personally, I would look at the 2007 - 2011 model years…. the cars were improved from year-to-year. The SL550 is a great road trip car, and comes with 382 HP….and a 7-speed trans, which is plenty quick and very smooth for most situations….
I have a 2009 SL63 AMG and the car is a beast.. NOT AS SMOOTH AS THE SL550, but
very fast…….
relatively low mileage……..
Personally, I would look at the 2007 - 2011 model years…. the cars were improved from year-to-year. The SL550 is a great road trip car, and comes with 382 HP….and a 7-speed trans, which is plenty quick and very smooth for most situations….
I have a 2009 SL63 AMG and the car is a beast.. NOT AS SMOOTH AS THE SL550, but
very fast…….
Mine has that badge.
I really think dealers had those emblems made up and stuck them on cars that had the "AMG" body package or whatever just so who ever bought one could have something to show for it.
Since i was "enlightened" on the difference between real AMG and dealer AMG, I have actually noticed quite a few cars with that same dealer emblem. Not just SL's, but all different models.
I really think dealers had those emblems made up and stuck them on cars that had the "AMG" body package or whatever just so who ever bought one could have something to show for it.
Since i was "enlightened" on the difference between real AMG and dealer AMG, I have actually noticed quite a few cars with that same dealer emblem. Not just SL's, but all different models.
I believe the badges are added by owners. I can’t imagine a dealer doing this, even good used dealer. Everybody knows it’s fake, and it diminishes your car.
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