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.

 

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.

 

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

 

I will stay away with the 03 models!!!

 

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

 

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".

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

no way.
do Not touch

 

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

 

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.