Before I hang up the driving gloves......

[Starlight]

I've been seriously looking at changing my 2012 c350 estate for something that will make me smile and an SL500 or SL55 (2004-2007) would seem to fit the bill so if anyone in the club who knows of a suitable vehicle with full service history please reply. I'm a genuine private buyer who looks after his cars so the car would go to a good home - totally mad but you only live once so what the heck.

 

[SmartAmg]

Welcome.

 

[mioba]

Hi OP. Welcome to the forum.
If I was you and knowing myself, if I purchased a 500 I would always be kicking myself for not getting the 55.... But thats me.

Be patient and keep searching till you figure out the right options you need. The right one will come along esp as you want a keeper.

 

[Paul Garrett]

Hello and welcome

 

[Blobcat]

Hello and welcome

 

[Starlight]

Thanks for the greetings - yes it's something I have been looking at for two months and a lot of research!

 

[Blobcat]

Thanks for the greetings - yes it's something I have been looking at for two months and a lot of research!

The R230 can have quite a few "features" unfortunately. Very nice when working well but challenging when they start "boinging" at you.
@00slk might have an 55 for sale...

 

[Paul Garrett]

Thanks for the greetings - yes it's something I have been looking at for two months and a lot of research!

Well i love my SClass 500, effortless power when needed the 55's are also great but im sure you will find something that pleases you, im keeping mine as a last car il ever own if i can help it?

 

[mercmancdi]

Hi welcome / hope you find a nice one , A one off would be nice.

 

[Starlight]

It's not about performance I'm seeking as the SL500 is a fraction of a second quicker to 60 than my 350 (SL55 much quicker!) But over my motoring years I've driven everything from an original Shelby Cobra to Ferraris and Porsches etc. It's partly the look of the car and being different to modern stuff that usually means a smaller engine with big turbos. Well aware of the ABC issues but then you don't get the ride comfort if say you go for an SL350. It's going to take time for the right car at the right price but I'd rather buy from a club member as they tend to know more than the average seller when you ask the right questions.

 

[A.J.]

Hi and welcome to the forum

 

[SL63 Mark]

Yes they are good cars, you need to find a well looked after one. Mine has FMBSH, but is not for sale unfortunately. Most have no real problems at all, contrary to what has been said above.

 

[Hotspur]

OP I too am looking at an AMG SL - but I am looking at an 2008 SL63 - may I ask why you are opting for the SL55 rather than SL63 - I don't know much about them, is the 55 a better prospect to own than a 63 in terms of reliability and long term values - or vice versa?

 

[Starlight]

I just like the look of that particular model year - a classic car with a toe into future technology. If I was looking for pure driving pleasure then I'd buy an original Lotus Elan (I've driven nothing since that compares but I wouldn't want an accident in one!). The car I think that comes closest in terms of a two seater luxury car without the folding hard top is the BMW 840. Their values are rising rapidly but just like the SL are prone to people who couldn't afford to upkeep them properly.

 

[Timeandleisure]

Hello,
Would you be looking for a project or something pristine?

 

[Starlight]

The million dollar question. I've seen cars advertised between 5-25k with mileage as low as 20,000 but is a cosseted winter lay over car mechanically as good as one with reasonable mileage driven most weeks. Take the ABC suspension, if the general opinion is they're good for 40,000 miles then even on a 20,000 mile car you'd be looking at probably a 4k plus bill when the car has done a further 20,000. Condition and history is all when buying a used car but there are good older models and bad newer ones and that has always been the case. My present C350 estate had one previous owner from new and it features some very expensive extras plus low mileage but the thing that swung it for me is that it has never missed a MB service which is just as important, not that MB are the best in servicing but the fact the owner didn't skip what are expensive cars to maintain.

 

[Timeandleisure]

I only ask because I have MBFSH and pristine record of whatever has been done on my car, including, all service check documents when they were on paper down to the receipts for tyres etc. . This model is notorious for some issues and blessed are those that have escaped these. So whilst the service and maintenance is all accounted for, it's still just a record and a contingency budget needs to be maintained as the car will fail and/or rust. Whether that is due to an actual fault or as I think more recently, due to a lack of technical expertise on older technology and a change it and see attitude at MB dealerships including Brooklands! I say this because I had many issues with the ABC and its been in every MB in the London and Surrey area. Lack of attention or perhaps a sheer overwhelming workload due to bonkers targets, not clearing down codes after repair can lead to unnecessary work too. I wish I had known sooner about the fantastic independent specialist garages, mentioned on this site, as I would have tried them too. My experience, yes having MBFSH is great but not indicative of what costs lie ahead..... my humble opinion, not for the fainthearted but perfect if looking for a labour of love..., which is what did. So I agree MBFSH does indicate good things and I would also say any other record showing equivalence does too.

 

[Starlight]

100% agree

 

[00slk]

Hello and welcome

I have a SL55 for sale, I wont sell it until the car is perfect though, then I will most likely not sell after that

I have a lovely Money Pit your are welcome to buy, but you will need deep pockets and a huge bank account......for this car will bankrupt the next owner
It's trying its hardest to bankrupt us

 

[Starlight]

I applaud your dedication that regardless of cost you want to own a great example of this marque. No rose tinted glasses here regarding costs involved (although I'm used to Porsche costs) and I always research known problems etc and am handy with a set of spanners and plug in diagnostics but it all comes down to the actual vehicle and what it's true worth is when you cost repairs that need doing. It's unfortunate that many cars are being bought as an investment and are priced accordingly but the Government will year by year raise taxes to 'persuade' as many people as possible to switch to electric which will make the average buyer less keen to take the plunge on older models. So as I said in my OP it doesn't make sense but it's good for the soul to take risks as you only live once.