Everything You Need Know About The SL55 AMG R230 (4K)

In this video, I go over the Mercedes-AMG SL55 R230 which was available from 2002-2008. I briefly cover the performance, model year changes, and unique production of the SL55 over the years including the performance package.
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Clean example: bringatrailer....

[@Spaced_trip21]

Just bought a 2003 SL55 I’ve been looking at, my heart has never beat so fast and I’ve never been more happy. Got it for a very good price and with 94k miles I couldn’t turn it down.

[@mikechan2044]

Nice! How much did you pay for it?

[@eldontsoi]

same q, how much did you pay?

[@troypatillo1688]

Enjoy it!

[@mitchelrucinski9178]

How is it doing now? Might be buying one in a week or so. Please don’t be scared to give too much detail

[@mmttpp4477]

19k???

[@quattronetics]

i love the soundtrack that you use from the original NFS: High Stakes game

[@revinot]

Was just about to mention that :-) only real gamer car fans will know

[@nosutv2893]

TRue !!! watch out for POLICE :D

[@kingcrumpet]

All units, be on the lookout for a speeding... JAGUAR....

[@Johntrena]

@@kingcrumpet tekken 1-3

[@aleksalazarevic2926]

Srbija!

[@LegitStreetCars]

Well crap, now I want one even more

[@damionbates5463]

Please do. I watch your channel and wonder why you haven’t gotten one

[@krzysm5]

Buddy you have no room for more cars!😉

[@NRawhide]

I've already bought two E320 CDI Estate cars for almost nothing thanks to your channel and picked up a mint SL55 last week to complete the stable. The SL is a lovely car so buy away!

[@chiefdenis]

It's nice to know the tesla hasn't weaned you off Mercs

[@chiefdenis]

@@krzysm5 buy the cars, the room will come 😈

[@flaviandelima3573]

Fantastic video. Most importantly the info is spot on. I own a 2005 and your comments on abc reliability are precise. Have changed all 4 struts, valves, lines etc for over $20k ! But the car is unique and is fantastic to drive. Will keep it until it dies and bury in my back yard.

[@Fall-off-currencies]

$20k is absolutely rediculous. But every time I go nuts if I see a R230. In my opinion the most beautiful MB ever

[@troypatillo1688]

I had two women once say to me about my 2003 SL 55 that it’s old looking. My response was have you ever driven one? They said no. I said have you ever even ridden in one. They said no. Clearly, you’ve never owned one so you don’t “know” anything. Took them for a ride and they wanted one. 😂 Best car I’ve ever owned.

[@steve0504]

@@troypatillo1688. …..And then you took them back to your place and had a 3 some. AWESOME! I’m going to get one for sure. Hopefully a blonde and a brunette. Gotta mix it up a bit….

[@Dranreb865]

Haha worse part is you had a discussion with a woman. It made you more of a loser than them.

[@Sage_TheAmericanPitBullTerrier]

I love my 04 SL55. . got it 9 months ago. Very happy with the performance.

[@bigboo2097]

Nice what color combo ?

[@saidalsiyabi4384]

Hello sir Were are you from? If you are interest or any one for sl55 lorinser tell me

[@riocastanon710]

How has it been

[@savagestratos]

I really like videos like this. As time goes on I appreciate the fact that people like you do this kind of research and explain it the way you do. I want a car like this but may never get the chance to own one before they disappear or aren’t worth the money. So if you keep researching cars like this I’ll eventually have the money to buy whatever is the new hotness in this car category(MB AMG). Thanks!!

[@24revealer]

My wife mentioned she liked the new Toyota Supra, but I don't like it. I showed her the 2014 Buick Riviera Prototype I found as she really liked her Regal. They never made that car though, so I started looking for 2 door cars in that style and am falling in love with this 2008 Mercedes hardtop convertible! The supercharger would be a nice touch.

[@a73capri]

Wow, talk about good fortune... I got an 07 with the performance pack and less than 50k miles for $25k in 2018. I needed to replace the steering pump right away, otherwise it has just needed regular maintenance items. It’s an awesome car to drive and just look at. Thanks for a great video.

[@eddherring4972]

So nearly bought one when I got my 911, what stopped me was when I overtook a slow car on a duel carriageway, as I pulled out to go around I was doing 60, when I pulled in I was at 120. I realised I’d lose my license very quickly and chose my 911 which was the car I originally wanted. That test drive lasting around 10 minutes also used £10 fuel, it left the dealership with nothing, the vendor stuck £10 in and I’m counting time getting fuel in that 10 minutes. When I drove back into the dealership the fuel gauge showed totally empty, it was running on willpower! What a machine.

[@RegionalRadioShackManager]

I know not an AMG but I bought my SL500 with the AMG body kit in Firemist Red for $3200. Almost fully optioned. Gets crazy attention everywhere. I think it’s time for a 55 or 65 Now in case anyone wondering as far as reliability. I have a US first year 2003. So as far as what the video states. I bought mine almost aight unseen. (Super reckless but not my first Benz) I just made sure the suspension was not sagging etc. It had 150k miles. Not it has 157000 and it is my daily driver. A MUST is to have it be daily driven. I feel the ABC fluid has maybe been changed once. No major problems with that. But I would check to make sure it’s “code free” the SBC system on mine is great no leaks or issues as far as I know. One thing I feel it’s important it’s the Batteries on these cars. They have TWO. From my experience with this SL they jumped the rear one before my ownership and blew something with the rear SAM (another thing to be knowledgeable on MBs period.) anyways I have the “Red Battery Issue” which prevents my top from operating. So in a nutshell make sure your SL has no ABC warnings, Make sure no leaks especially on the valve covers, and that there’s no Battery Light on. Other than that. At least from the SL500 they are BULLETPROOF. Had many Benz a Corvette and a Mustang GT and this is by far my favorite car. Can’t wait to upgrade to a real AMG soon

[@LawrenceMarkFearon]

Good video. I like how you went deeper into the exotic mechanical systems solutions to keep them running and avoid problems. Most just buy a bad example and neglect it, then wonder why ABC doesn't work anymore. Steve Jobs was driving this car daily during iPhone development and that says how highly valued the SL55 was for him. There's no better endorsement.

[@LawrenceMarkFearon]

A S Humphrey ah yes. This is a good question. Because the congestion of California and New York is prohibitive. However I live in Maryland, with many interstates crisscrossing our region. Just last night I was running up Rt. 95 from Washington to Baltimore at speeds around 145kph. The sparse weekend traffic moves at rapid pace. An AMG SL dominates the cut and thrust combat of interstate driving at speed. Radar detector and laser jammers activated too, of course.🛣

[@FU-Utube]

I saw one on the road today, and noticed the thicc rear tires and figured it made some power. Sure enough it's a very cool car.

[@twilson1973]

Nice review. This is a very helpful video for anyone looking to purchase an SL

[@roadwarrior144]

If one is experiencing alot of trouble with their ABC system KW makes coil overs for the R230. But you do need to add a sway bar. Im sure it can be done because the SL65 Black Series used a conventional suspension system with steel coil springs and sway bars.

[@TheHomeExpert5]

This is a fantastic video because you show before and after pictures so that we can see for ourselves the changes that were made to the car. Bravo bravo bravo, did I say Bravo? I meant bravo bravo bravo, that is just awesome and the way to do it. My hat is off to you.

[@ListerMotorsports]

Great vid, I have a sweet 07.... I'm shocked at how fast it is , just an incredible car all around ! Great vid, Thank you !

[@bikerman6907]

Cool car you have👍😊. Do you have had any mecanical issues with your SL55, suspension etc...? I just bought a mint conditioned 2006 G55 amg, with only 30 000 km on the clock, great sound, power and torque. So now, I am looking for an SL also, either SL55, or an SL 63 with the na M156 6.2 V8 engine. Cheers from Norway

[@sosaadisfying]

Amazing video man! Really informative for people just browsing different cars.

I rolled up behind a silver SL55 while cruising in my silver E55 this summer. The highway split from one to two lanes eastbound, and it was on! I caught, and got by him at 132. 24 more rated horsepower than my stock E55? I don't think so. By the way, Mexico is a great place for doing these antics :-).

[@topo520]

Al I saw a race in Mexico where a GLC43 AMG SUV beat E55 in a drag race and roll race as well. Those new 43 series engines are awesome !! I test drove the c43 and it’s quick as hell. There was a GLC43 AMG tune that did 3.3 seconds to 60 with Eurocharged tune.

[@bradesq9422]

I have owned a 2003 for a couple of years and it I think it's a perfect car. Power, comfort, refinement and its a Benz.

[@alexantonov6741]

I see on my dad’s 55AMG, title compressor, and that’s the best feeling I ever get man! It’s really cool!

[@Leonardo555ZZZ]

Great video ,,totally professional,,,,excellent info and visual editing.

[@Bob_B_Dixx]

My Dad has a 2007 SL 55 AMG in his Collection.I love this car

[@JNFGambler24-7]

Superb, concise and accurate. Brilliant video!

[@vga6509]

I have both 2004 S55 and a 2004 SL55 but SL55 is a different kind of animal. If you consuder buying one look for a rare F1 package car (P30 performance package) The one that was built as F1 pace car. This has lsd, sl65 bumpers, brakes, wider throttle body, extra oil cooler, Nürburgring suspension set up, stiffer ABC system etc.

[@boblacks945]

I owned a 2003 SL500 from 2009 to 2012. The car had only 35,000 miles when I purchased it from an exotic car dealer. I drove the car a total of only 12,000 miles over these four years. It was a great looking and driving car, but the maintenance cost was very high. I have receipts for over $16.000! The only thing that saved me from complete disaster was an extended three-year warranty that cost $4,000 at that time. So, buyer beware. You need to put a good sum of money in a rainy day fund to keep this car on the road. P.S.- Maybe if I had my mechanic change the fluids in the ABC hydraulic system and raised and lowered the top more often I would not have had to fix these major systems at great expense.

[@narcissistinjurygiver2932]

i bought an 03 for 1200. but i am a mb tech. rebuilding the abc and hydraulics.

[@islandknight6105]

Well, you could buy a brand new Cadillac and lose $30k the first 2 years in depreciation. So it’s all relative 🙄

[@liahfox5840]

That wasn't a review. That was a schooling! I think I'm in love with you

[@fordlandau]

Fabulous looking car even now. One of Mercs best designs.

[@TheMuzikall]

The car that took the Benz SL into Super Car territory👏👏👏

[@wondafulweasel]

Thanks for the research man! Instant like !

[@richodon]

Excellent and very useful review. Perfect summary too.

[@Rotaermel]

Fun fact: In mid 00s, AMG had a commercial in car magazines that showed a frog-green Porsche 911 with the headline „Kiss me, I‘m a bewitched SL 55 AMG.“

[@corkscrewlifestyle]

Would get a 2006 SL65 AMG in charcoal gray metallic in a heartbeat. Those supercharged V8 were the best V8 from Germany. AMG can make one of the greatest V8 ever!

[@JuhaEerikki]

2006 SL65 AMG had a V12.

[@causeoflava]

KZbin doing something right by recommending this to me.

[@MasterOfNone88]

Bro! you seriously have talent! we need more videos especially for 55 series cars. 55 > 63

[@XeomKY]

And I'm proud to own an 03 sl55!

[@jakabukovnik8876]

Love your videos man keep making them 👍

[@leontessmith8272]

Good information. Thank you. I am looking to Upgrade from E350 w212 to the SL 55 AMG. Because of the chang in body lines and headlight, I was leaning towards 2009, but the video gave me a lot to think about. Thanks again for putting out much-needed information.

[@parsajanaki7203]

great video! sl 55 amg is one of favorites cars of all time cant wait to own one someday!

[@999poppe]

Dude thanks for doing this video ! Love from Sweden !

[@ryanp7219]

Please make one on the S55 AMG with the M113K

[@DanielEhlmann]

Was wondering where your usual music went. Then I watched to 6:33 and was happy again.

[@shqairh]

I'd love to see a guide for buying R230 AMGs that concludes everything about them

[@NRawhide]

Great video - you deserve more views given your high quality production.

[@MoparViking70]

I have an ‘05 and I didn’t know a lot of these changes. Excellent video!

[@narcissistinjurygiver2932]

have your abc accumulators changed

[@cedjazz]

Once again a great review. I feel very fortunate to own a 2008 Sl55 p30. 72k miles but it’s been well serviced it’s entire life. Would love to see a review on the rare C55

[@tylercouture216]

what color combo cmon we need details

[@cedjazz]

Mr. TAMW , 😂 black on black...

[@shimon2476]

@@cedjazz *BAD MOFOS* I'm sure is the number plate! Lol.

[@bigboo2097]

@@cedjazz niceeee

[@alexyoung478]

Well done you are definitely the Meister, very professional video M113K for life 👍🏻

[@monticella]

I've owned one for 17yrs. I do everything myself. Just know that a digital odometer is much easier to roll-back than an analog

[@javiknoxk4281]

I hear about the abc problem in this car, what you call tell about that? Any advice? Cuz i want one

[@monticella]

@@javiknoxk4281 Very difficult question to answer here on KZbin! A neglected ABC is a money pit. One that has been properly maintained can be problem free. Check the main reservoir for clean fluid by dipping a clean lint-free rag into it. Fluid should appear very "light green" and not brown. Transparent. Check all four shocks for any sign of leaks. Two marks on ABC reservoir: bottom mark=engine off. Top mark=engine running oil warm. I'm mechanical engineer so maintenance easy for me. Be careful, R230 can be very expensive to own if you buy one that has been NOT properly serviced. Or bring to mechanic for pre-purchase approval. You can perform work yourself. Engine and Tranny are bullet proof! Best MB ever made.

[@scottb7958]

Nice job with this video! I love my 2008 SL55 AMG. Best bargain buy I ever made.

[@ruahruah2154]

Very great video! thanks very much )) This car is one of the best ever made i think i love the design of it as well

[@derekstocker6661]

I had problems with roof, failed several times, I let it go.

[@ruahruah2154]

@@derekstocker6661 how long you own it and what mileage is it?

[@derekstocker6661]

@@ruahruah2154 About four years, mileage was around 60k when I parted with it, super looking in black, wonderful drive but problem vehicle. A friend of mine had an almost new Audi convertable, roof probs from almost day one with having to be transported with roof up! Sold it.

[@davidmcdermott3415]

I'm going to look at an '05 with 80k for $20k tomorrow. This video was very helpful, thanks.

[@randomrawrecords6727]

Wanted one all along ... Thanks bud!!! Know what to look out for!

[@collectiveconsciousness2287]

This has been really helpful, I’ve been thinking about buying one

[@SharonGranados]

Honestly it is still one of my favorite cars . My grandpa bought this car years ago and we still love it. We have a 2008 model with all of the upgrades with custom red and black carbon fiber details on the outside of the car. Love this video🤍

[@user-xy5vi6nb6b]

Great video ! ! ! I have had a fully optioned 07 P30 SL55 since 2010 which now has only 14K miles. Mine is Mars Red/Black and definitely not for sale.

[@CozyGomez]

Can you make a video for the S55 AMG!

[@jameslemerond7581]

Yes I agree! My actual favorite besides e55 because of how comfy it is

[@sgc1999]

the sl55 is the amg. the regular model is just an sl500

[@lalo8726]

@@sgc1999 no he means the s55 sedan

[@NoWheelDrive]

Great video!! I'd like to watch a similar one regarding SL65. I guess many updates should be very similar and overall it should be simpler to review it because SL65 came with most of the options by default. PS: I never saw in person an SL55 with exclusive leather option. According to brochures it should be available at least for 2007 cars. I like that nice leather dashboards on SL600 and SL65.

[@Alps6408]

2007-2008 SL65's were great cars, reliable BUT when stuff goes wrong it's a different level of expense.

[@NoWheelDrive]

@@Alps6408 Yeah, the price you pay for V12... I'd like to buy SL55 with Both P30 and Designo but I've never seen a single SL55 with both packages...

[@borisyurinov4822]

1:15 need for speed 2 soundtrack. You animal !!!! Love it !

[@smscorpio1]

Great informative video, and kept short. Thanks!

[@takeapieandrun]

Just drove this car in GT6, was curious about it in real world, thanks

[@carlvitus]

So ahead of their time these babies

[@shartingfish5761]

This was helpful in helping me walk away from one of these used, way to much crap to go horribly wrong... Makes the older ones that much more appealing.

[@Yojikman]

Great video mate!

[@jimbeck3230]

Great video! I hope you will do one about the SL-65. I started researching those about six months ago. A video like yours would be great.

[@samspace81]

Bravo, great job! I'm wanting those nifty wiring harness covers for my E55 W211 underhood now lol

[@HullRupture]

Recommended any of the Mercedes sl's from this generation. You can get them at bargain prices now. I have an sl500 and it's an unbelievable car. The downside is the problems you inherit with the r230 body design. It's been a money pit ironing out the issues when I bought the sl. Classic boot leak, bad roof seal and clogged drains and seals right through the chassis that need unblocking if you plan to use this car in the heavy rain. I also lose sleep about the day when the airmatic suspension fails. The sl350 is recommended to keep potential maintenance costs down. Otherwise all the sl models are amazing cars to drive

[@LawrenceMarkFearon]

No SL's have Airmatic suspension.

[@fordlandau]

Gorgeous car.

[@jimmy737]

Love videos like this!

[@migueltorres79]

What a fantastic video😊

[@Aldo-Music-Channel]

Excellent review and insight into this great car 👋👋😄🎵

[@gblikesnikes]

8 piston calibers 🤤 this will be my next convertible. I’ve been looking for the Legendary Magma Red SL55 AMG for about 2 years now and it’s been a struggle but I know sooner or later one will pop up.

[@gblikesnikes]

William Crawford nah I need those

[@harrykemmerer9537]

I have one .rare but legendary? I feel lucky now

[@richiemiami]

I have a 2009 w m156 and in certain ways I wish I had the m113k motor for they were bullet proof and were easy to make additional hp (change pully). However the M156 has the sound and if you do the head bolts the motor is actually a great motor. Yes, it still has the little issues like the cam advancers and lifter noice that the M156 was known for. My 2009 looks brand new and that's the thing about these cars they were built to such a level that 100,000 miles is nothing and they simply get better with time. My brake light just recently came on and that is the ABS system that is under recall so I do have to bring it in to the dealer to get it fixed. The other abc suspension has been worked on too. I had a great aftermarket warranty that replaced the pump and two from abc struts. I also have rebuilt a few of the hydraulic motors. The bottom line is this car requires maintenance so if you think this is a toyota - it's not but no totyota gives you this much satisfaction!

[@paulfuente87]

Video was sooo needed thanks! awesome vdi

[@sandyperalta3734]

Thanks for all that important information 👍 you're the best. I'm choosing the 2007. According to my buyer.

[@dlee6985]

Great video! Very informative. I hope you don’t get very many views on this video.......so everyone doesn’t scoop up all the sl55’s and leave none for me at these bargain prices when I’m ready to buy lol

[@teslanaireiii7101]

I have an '04 SL500 with only 30k miles. Love it. Might get an SL55 when someone persuades me with too much money that they want my pristine SL500.

[@TOShorts]

not gonna happen. SL500s are a dime a dozen these days

[@monticella]

Good video! Mine is a black beauty. You forgot to mention oil leakage past the o-ring on the crankcase oil level sensor. If this is leaking, chances are the oil pump pick-up tube seal is brittle as well. Good informative video tho, post more.

[@michaelajayi]

Good Review my friend :-)

[@harrydoggy1234]

I really love your videos great job

[@SteveRogers461]

Great video and well made 😎

[@roadhouseguy]

My favourite GT car.

[@AkselMagnus]

Flawless video, good job!

[@itzjdub282]

Excellent review

[@Matthew00049]

I owned an '04 SL55 AMG from 2006-16. Loved that car. still miss it! but i love my Tesla too

[@Nekroman111]

1:20 i remember that song on need for speed on ps1!!!!!!

[@TheOneTrueMvP]

SL600 video would be cool.

[@spartan114m]

Really well made Vid.

[@davejohnson3860]

Next to the W215 CL55 Mercedes- Benz got it right!!

[@bennynunez]

Just picked up my 2004 SL500 from the dealership for an ABC problem, I have no idea how they fixed the car, they could not explain how or why the problem occurred, in your video you covered the ABC problem and proper maintenance. The dealership has no idea. Thanks for the info.

[@Lianpe98]

Great video, thank you. Can you also make a video on the SL65 please?

[@raymck2115]

good review and i so so want one

[@franklopezfl5]

Nice that someone has done p/o the homework. I've been thinking of buying one and comparing various years and models can be confusing. I like that you have pointed out certain packages to look for, not all sellers mention them. Thanks!

[@JomesZ]

Can you make one for a CL600 v12 naturally aspirated and SLK 55 amg.

[@mehmetbagcan4904]

Aaah love the nfs 3 tune. Shouts to Rom di Prisco!

[@shamil808]

Incredible info.

[@scottcampbell2590]

Man great job on the things to look out for. That was a very well thought video you made.

[@MtripGroup]

this one is good clear and awesome

[@roadwarrior144]

To supplement all of the indispensable knowledge in this video, the Comand systems (display/head unit) can suffer from catastrophic internal failures resulting in HUGE costs to replace. Additionally, the TeleAid systems can cause faults and parasitic battery drains. The DAS systems in the early SL55’s allowed for these pesky TeleAid systems to be completely coded out and removed, without causing annoying warning/error messages in the cluster.

[@bernardwarr4187]

Thanks so much. Great you share your incredible knowledge of Mercedes. Will you do a 500E video?

[@AMGmeister]

Bernard Warr 500E will be my next video, coming in a few days!

[@bernardwarr4187]

If you need a vehicle, mine is available for you. I would like a 55 AMG as well

[@paulross9287]

As I understand it, no limited slip differential, heck, my 1996 Buick Roadmaster came with that.

[@christophercaruso448]

Great video