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Mercedes SL55AMG

candellara

candellara

New member
As per title, i wanted something fun for the Summer with a bit of grunt to match

I stumbled across a 2006 SL55 which i proceeded to buy.

After reading as much information as possible, i still waded in and bought the car. It's one hell of a beast in performance terms for it's age, but it doesn't come without it's potential issues - more of that later :shocked:

It's as much performance in straight line terms that anyone could ever want on a UK road. It's a fantastically complex car (more of that later) but in reality lots of the scare stories are probably aimed at those who haven't been correctly initiated into the costs of running a car with that performance. I don't think there's a used car at that price point that (derestricted) can crack 200mph?

Pics and an intro into the highs and lows of running an SL55 later

EDIT: No pics yet as it's at MB being fixed for the 2nd time in 3 months
 
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slapshot said:
The auto gearbox is awful though.
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I really don't find it that bad. I guess if you take it in context of what the car is and from what era, you're more forgiving.

The car is no sports car, definitely a GT but when you consider the car was penned nearly 20 years ago, the old 5 speed auto doesn't seem so bad :grin: That said, i think most auto boxes from the late 90's were awful?
 
Used the car all weekend :thumbsup:
 

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Just had virtually the same car turn up here at my premises, a recent purchase by a local friend.

He also has a few issues with it, mostly cosmetic and old tyres but for 10 grand, its a beast
 
MoreThanPolish said:
Just had virtually the same car turn up here at my premises, a recent purchase by a local friend.

He also has a few issues with it, mostly cosmetic and old tyres but for 10 grand, its a beast
Click to expand...

Yep, you can buy an early car for as little as £10k through to about £35k for a late, low mileage car:thumbsup:
 
Can't believe i've had the SL55 for a year already!!

So - 1st MOT time in my ownership and i'm always doubtful of supplying dealers and their MOT's :)

It always gives me a good opportunity to have a thorough look at the underside of the car and the condition is fantastic with no sign of any oil leaks or damp spots on the ABC struts :)

The tester couldn't find absolutely nothing to report or advise on which kind of re-affirms the overall condition as thought when i bought it from the dealers.

So, service in a few months and the question now beckons - Main Dealer or Specialist?

The car's history is Main Dealer throughout bar one service - which was just prior to my purchase. So, Main Dealer or Specialist?
 
I’d just say whoever will do the best job of it.....
But....if selling soon, main dealer.
I’ve been watching these on bring a trailer. A lot more in the US than here.
A work colleague has just picked up a fantastic CL600 for about £20k


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Just seen this thread. I'm pretty sure your car is a later 7 Speed not a 5 speed (they changed in 2006). I've had a few AMG's from SL's (55 and 63) to an SLS. The '55 is a fantastic car and is ludicrous performance for the money.

Even the ABC struts are not an issue, a main dealer would quote you for an entire strut where there is a company in Germany that can supply just the strut ball joint.

I would go indie personally. Main dealers have very few experienced technicians these days, mainly spotty youngsters used to working super fast to hit an hourly target . An experienced well trained indie will know far more about the complexities of one of these cars. Unlikely to make any difference to the value on a car of this age.
 
Mike01606 said:
I’d just say whoever will do the best job of it.....
But....if selling soon, main dealer.
I’ve been watching these on bring a trailer. A lot more in the US than here.
A work colleague has just picked up a fantastic CL600 for about £20k


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

I think i'll probably go Main Dealer even though i'm not planning on selling.

Truth is, for the money - nothing else comes close to the SL55. The M113K engine is a monster and couple over 500bhp with roof down motoring - and what can you buy?

The ABC system (although moaned about due to the cost of maintaining it) is actually very very good and the car handles very very well given its kerbweight

A brilliant magazine article recently which pitched the SL55 AMG against a 360 Spider (Sy's car) - that was a good read. Modern Classics Jan 2018 issue
 
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Have a mate who’s run one of these for years, think it’s now north of 120000miles. It’s not that well looked after and gets used, mainly in France. Think the only issues have been fairly minor but are expensive when they need something doing. MB dealers come across as being helpful when required.
 
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