High mileage sl55 a bad idea?

rmani · 02-10-2009, 10:29 AM #1

I've seen a couple floating around with 100k miles for sale in the low-mid 20s. Just wondering if this is a bad idea.

From what I've heard about the 2003+ SLs in general the shocks are expensive and tend to go bad, and then they are quirky with electrical problems.

Should I just stay away? I really like the SLs and love the SL55.

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DFW911T · 02-10-2009, 12:43 PM #2

The '03's were the first model year .... what's your gut reaction to that?
It's a complicated car and my guess would be that you'd get fewer surprises with an '04.
I don't think that mileage is an issue on the driveline, probably more of an issue on the ABC suspension.

IndebtS5 · 02-10-2009, 05:13 PM #3

I would stay away from any MB of recent years with 100K+...my Dad a 1989 or 90 S -class and it went to 200k...
A forced induction with out warranty would scare me..just my .02

lee7758 · 02-10-2009, 07:34 PM #4

I will stay away with the 03 models!!!

puds · 02-10-2009, 07:40 PM #5

I would stay away. I've heard horror stories with the sl55 with the kompressor heating up.

allenjdmb · 02-11-2009, 05:27 AM #6

you'll need to have some money buried in the back yard for that thing. And I own one and love it (but I won't own one without some kind of warranty, at least for catastrophies). My old wrench used to say "100k cars don't come with $100 repair bills".

rmani · 02-11-2009, 09:54 AM #7

thanks for the input guys. I do have spare cash available for emergency repairs but I would never wanna get hit with a 10k repair bill for a car only worth 20-25k that just seems stupid to me.

allenjdmb · 02-11-2009, 09:58 AM #8

but I would see it more likely to "$2500 you to death". Friend with a 140k mile Cayenne has been really trouble free, and in the last 60 days has had three RO's over $2500 each.

Dan98 · 02-11-2009, 10:14 AM #9

Buddy has '03 SL55 with 175,000 km, had some issues with the fuel tank a few months ago but other then that, it works fine

niqui · 02-11-2009, 03:12 PM #10

no way.
do Not touch

Point2Point · 02-11-2009, 05:23 PM #11

SL55 is an incredible car. My advice? No warranty, no buy.

niqui · 02-11-2009, 05:53 PM #12

id buy an early 90's benz over a early 2000 one.
o bought my red e320 in 93; i have had no issues.
no the s500 on the other hand, was in and out of the workshop since day 1.

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