Want to scratch the SL55 itch but ABC...

[SteveX]

Hi Guys,

I STILL have the CLK55!

I am at a cross roads again, do I keep her or do I scratch that SL55 itch instead?

The thing is, I really don't want to buy an SL55 and be chasing ABC issues for years and sinking 1000's into it getting no where. So, any advice? Is it really that unreliable, does it really cause that many issues? With the ages of SL55's now, will all of them likely have suspension issues?


Thanks!


Steve

 

[sl500amgsport]

Hi, yes buy an R231 instead

Mercedes SL500 R231

 

[Craiglxviii]

ABC fixes have more than halved in cost. Pumps are now £500, struts £300, valve blocks can be rebuilt for £100 per axle. Don’t let it put you off.

 

[LostKiwi]

ABC is not as bad as forums would have you believe. Yes there are some troublesome ones but there many are not.

 

[Craiglxviii]

ABC is not as bad as forums would have you believe. Yes there are some troublesome ones but there many are not.

Quite right. It’s not like one would need to replace most of the entire system

 

[McDonald]

ABC contributes to a fantastic ride.

Every element of an ageing car can cost you money, especially if not maintained. If you need maintenance-free motoring, buy new. If you have the opportunity to own an SL55, grab it and fly, but keep aside a little fix money so that you're not always anxious.

 

[DSK]

If you really want an SL55, then get it. As mentioned, the ABC issue is known and documented, so just keep some money aside if it needs it. Personally i think its a hell of car for the money now considering how its competition such as the Porsche 911 Turbo always retains a high price.

 

[flowrider]

When I bought my SL500 I worried about ABC issues but my concerns were unfounded, so far. It's important that you do your inspections thoroughly, check for any work already done, check the condition of the ABC fluid and check service records, don't skimp by buying a cheap car. Look around the forums at post regarding air suspension, engine issues etc and some of the huge costs involved, it makes ABC costs/issues no different to anything else on a Mercedes car IMO.

 

[SteveX]

Thanks guys, this one seems to have had some money spent on it, mileage is a little higher than I would like though:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mercedes-SL55-AMG/153478299886?hash=item23bc0500ee:g:XVUAAOSwBA1c0KTS

 

[Blobcat]

Thanks guys, this one seems to have had some money spent on it, mileage is a little higher than I would like though:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mercedes-SL55-AMG/153478299886?hash=item23bc0500ee:g:XVUAAOSwBA1c0KTS

It’s been lowered and appears to have spent more money on painting his exhaust tips that general maintenance. Could be a decent car but I’d go for a standard one that has heaps of maintenance paperwork rather than fashion.

 

[ajlsl600]

to be fair my sl600 had only 1 abc drama in 6 yr and it was no fault of the car. it depends what you want it for, others think different but i would not have the confidence in 10+ old ABC systems to be taking a long relaxing tour around europe. with hindsight i would have had non ABC for that,but for fun driving in the uk or NEAR europe i think its a great car. now some will have done the full europe thing and had no issues , but for me getting up in the am to find the wheel sat on the wheel arch or all the oil in the road would wreck any chance of an enjoyable tour so i did not do that in the vdoz, ,which i kind of regret .one needs to understand the pressures and stresses that the system is under on 10 or more yr old pipes and valves for me it just was not worth the possible aggro 1000km from home. when i find my mg or ng tf i hope to rectify that. and relax with the lack of complication . i have done the europe tour 2x on my duc 748 and gsx14 but frankly its a long slog on a bike at age 61.
if YOU know its a well sorted 55 or you buy it priced for YOU to sort it i am sure you can get a number or really enjoyable eu tours sans issues .

 

[LostKiwi]

As you know Andy we took our ABC equipped SL to Bordeaux and I've also taken it to the wilds of Scotland (where the nearest supermarket was 80miles away). Both were about the same distance from home (though Scotland was the longer drive).
Didn't really feel worried either time. (and that in spite of changing a strut last year).

 

[Craiglxviii]

We did the same with the CL to Italy...

 

[McDonald]

I wouldn't hesitate about long distance travel with mine, but I'm an eternal optimist. And I do have both Mobilo and AA cover.

But its not a VDoz, and fuel consumption would be punishing. Tremendous fun though.

 

[John Laidlaw]

Due diligence more due diligence then.. more due diligence
That’s my advice in hindsight no matter who is selling it to you....
Then enjoy

 

[Craiglxviii]

I wouldn't hesitate about long distance travel with mine, but I'm an eternal optimist. And I do have both Mobilo and AA cover.

But its not a VDoz, and fuel consumption would be punishing. Tremendous fun though.

One can average 27-28mpg. That’s hardly punishing.

 

[LostKiwi]

One can average 27-28mpg. That’s hardly punishing.

Ours consistently does 25. Struggles to get anything higher.

 

[Blobcat]

Ours consistently does 25. Struggles to get anything higher.

I've had 23.94mpg for my last tank in my R171 V6 I had quite a bit of fun with that 60 ltrs

 

[LostKiwi]

I've had 23.94mpg for my last tank in my R171 V6 I had quite a bit of fun with that 60 ltrs

That's what petrol was refined for!
If you want to get A to B get a diesel. If you want to have fun there's only one answer

(Dons flame suit and awaits diesel backlash )

 

[Blobcat]

That's what petrol was refined for!
If you want to get A to B get a diesel. If you want to have fun there's only one answer

(Dons flame suit and awaits diesel backlash )

Looking at the Mercedes site today you can't configure a diesel E-Class...