[compaddict]

Looking for a good example between 25-30k. I am trying to educate myself but am confused on the differences between years and facelifts, ETC.
What should we look for? They all have retractable hard tops right?
That's how confused I am...
TIA,
Vince

 

[okbarnett]

03 to 08 has round headlites, 09 to 12 has lo profile headlites and new 6.3 engine and 7 speed trans, all r230 s are convertable, mostly same features except newer the year the more updates

 

[SinSL]

Make sure to educate yourself on ABC suspension prior to purchasing.

 

[compaddict]

I figure ABC as a plus thing. I love it on my S55. Cost of ownership right?

Make sure to educate yourself on ABC suspension prior to purchasing.

 

[Gary Knox]

In my opinion, the ABC system is one of the many great features of these cars. I am confident with the 'preventive' servicing I've done on my '03 which is just short of 50K miles that it will provide excellent service for the next 50K miles (well, I'll purge the fluid every 3-4 years, regardless of mileage (probably less than 10K).

It's hard to find ANY supercar that provides as much performance, comfort, style, and 'grins' as the SL55 in good condition provides.

 

[compaddict]

I'm trying to lock into what year to be on the prowl for. I like the 722.6 transmission in our 2005 S55.. And the newer styling as well.

 

[okbarnett]

theres always am advantage to buying newer years, but if you want a 03 to 08, id just find the right car cause they are pretty much the same, if you want a 09 newer version then its a different car from many standpoints
Id go for a car with performance pkg cause you get more performance options

 

[compaddict]

2003-2008 for sure. AMG for sure.
Do all the 03-08 have the 722.6?
And I don't seem to find any 2005?

 

[okbarnett]

as far as I know the 55 and 65 up to 08 had the same 5 speed, never heard any different or advantages till 09

 

[Vader1]

03-04 have COMAND CD Navigation, 05+ have the DVD Navigation.

 

[compaddict]

Thanks!

 

[okbarnett]

yes and 09 up has 40g hard drive nav, but its very little improvement in the old system. all are hard to use and not user friendly. thats another reason Ive said just pick a good car you like, Ive seen great 03 s with 10k mi, and Ive seen great 08 s with all the options , Id say theres marginal differences in driving either one

 

[vtvette]

If you're looking at SL55's they were only from 2003 to 2008 correct?

 

[SinSL]

Cost of ownership right?

Big times $$$. Especially if you don't catch problems before you buy.

 

[compaddict]

You have that right! I looked at many S class cars before purchase. I figure I will have 3.5K into my S55 in the first two months. Half from deferred maintenance and half for repairs.

 

[Fog471]

2004 SL 55 AMG

OK bought my car for 24K with 88 K miles in what looked like good condition.
Some things I discovered after I got the car home:

All the mounting tabs for both headlights were broken. Due to some STM trying to adjust them there instead of the internal adjusters.

The front air dam was badly token from idiots running into parking stall bumpers.

3 of 4 wheels were bent.

After a while repairs.

Trunk pull down mechanism failed, required new lock $360.00

At 100K miles the 2nd air pump failed
New pump MB $683. Ebay $290. + relay &install $690.

@ 100100 mi Shifter park lock out failed. Quote was $750 + did it myself for $31.

4 new tires rears went 10K fronts were burnt on the inner edge to the wire due to loose front wheel bearings. $700.
Plan on new rears every 10 K depending on how much fun you have.

Remember every bit of the car cost $$$$ even the junkies know what they have. I paid $125 for a used ash tray.

Still I figure I got a better car than the same money could have bought me new.

Wemart

 

[SinSL]

I figure I will have 3.5K into my S55 in the first two months.

If you find one with perfectly working ABC (it won't be fine, unless fluid was changed at some point) than 3.5k is plenty.

If you have to tackle ABC issues, better make that 5k.

Insist on doing rodeo during pre-purchase.