Should You Buy a MERCEDES SL55 AMG? (Test Drive & Review)

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#mercedessl55amg #mercedessl #mercedesamg #mercedesreview #carreview

[@HighPeakAutos]

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[@fastasfox]

You have for sale my dream car...love the red xf (s) sportbrake...can't see that being in stock long.

[@HighPeakAutos]

@@fastasfox me neither. It’s lovely isn’t it

[@fastasfox]

@@HighPeakAutos I will run it past her indoors...don't hold your breath though .

[@CathodeRayNipplez]

I wish BTOB had something better than the 'Spot The Ball' thing. I did subscribe to them but that entry system just shit me to tears.

[@Aprill264]

That sounds quite a bit like gambling or a lottery but I don't care, whatever helps your channel

[@mrboomboombaby]

Love how your channel is slowly becoming Hoovies garage except your cars aren't broken 😂

[@HighPeakAutos]

😂 Haha thanks. Don’t speak too soon though. You’ll jinx it

[@archechme]

@@HighPeakAutos you're not like hoovie who seems to think he can lull his audience in to thinking he's broke. "oh yeah i'm completely broke lol btw here's a diablo and a countach I just bought"

[@HighPeakAutos]

@@archechme haha yeah that’s right

[@mrboomboombaby]

@@archechme nah not Matt! Hes about two new academy members away from a givenchy suit. Not scared to hide the baller status 😂😉

[@CarsofGlasgow]

I was thinking that last night :P

[@Mrrio1864]

Great review, I owned one for 6 years and it put a smile on my face every day I used it, On a summer day or night with the roof down it’s sublime, but the common problems which they suffer from, annoyed me (price and waiting time for parts) still the experience of owning one out weighed the annoyance!! If you have ever wanted one get one, just make sure the following have been done.. roof and boot seals, secondary air pump, ABC pump, abc shocks as the bearing fails which requires the whole shock to be changed and last but not least the baffles in the fuel tank, I waited nearly a year for this part to be delivered from Mercedes Germany

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks for watching! Great cars :)

[@rogerb68]

You're such a great reviewer Matt, love the SL, thanks for the honesty with your channel, other vloggers don't come any where near..

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks! I appreciate that

[@stevie007]

Very true 👌

[@barryhill1044]

You obviously are very rich. I’ve owned both a SL 600 and the AMG and they both become wallet burglars ! The repairs just kept heaping up ...

[@Salubrious101]

That SL is one of the cars of my dreams, my perfect trim colour, paint, wheels the lot, it's the perfect AMG. Well done you deserve it.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks!

[@jugeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee]

I've always loved the looks of this car, future classic!

[@SA-zoom1]

Clarkson bought one when they were launched. The stig took it on a hot lap as a prank

[@charlieboylol527]

It’s like all cars that you love and own and cost a fortune to keep but as soon as you get behind the wheel it always puts a smile on your face 👍🙏

[@HighPeakAutos]

Well said!

[@antonioercolino6087]

Whenever( if ever) you want to sell this car you'll need a steward to control the queue of guys lining up to buy it. A brilliant future classic car.☺

[@lesvosace602]

yes you should. very much so. one of the few mercs i actually like. looks great.

[@williamfence566]

The engine's addictive but those wheels! Understand why it's a keeper in that condition. Great review .

[@nickp4179]

Thumbs up again. One of the greatest engine sounds and one of my favourite cars. Sounds like a spitfire when on full bore. You do get the feeling the car's driving you not the other way around. Brucie bonus is the messaging seats.

[@Bod1st]

Love your honest and informative reviews, no BS just realism when it comes to costs for us car lovers.

[@louiiis922]

Binged watched almost all of yours vids recently. Keeping me sane during lockdown mate, keep ‘em coming!

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks! Glad i could help 😉

[@Matthersch77]

amazing how cars haven’t aged from the last 20yrs... I have a SL400 and love it but the V8 55 is special...keep it for a long time. Really enjoy your videos, thanks very much,

[@vladimirsimonovic5234]

Yep, a timeless classic in another 20+ years. Thanks for the video.

[@chelseaguy70]

Beautiful car and much nicer than the newer SL. Nice design before Mercedes lost the plot and the SL design went downhill.

[@tonyemans4512]

“T Rex kicked in the nuts” ! Priceless made me chuckle

[@barbarusbloodshed6347]

Not exactly how I want my car to sound, though 0.0

[@brianiswrong]

One of his finest to date.

[@niakoi7960]

I laughed at this was well, although... when you think about it, last time I checked dinosaurs were reptiles which lay eggs. So I doubt a T-Rex had nuts in the sense we imagine this. Still, I'm glad that no one can actually check this for sure...

[@tenan757]

I’ve been looking at these for 2 years now, I just can’t pull the trigger because of the side profile, everything else is so perfect

[@johnloughton5394]

When I took early retirement after 6 months got a bit bored so took a part time job with a merc dealer. Wow, drove every merc possible but my favourite was the SL V12 AMG, what a beast.

[@steveearley8352]

My SL journey started with test driving the 55; my heart was sold, what a joy! My head then kicked in and i bought a 16 plate 500 which I loved. The way I worked this out was that the 500 gave me 90% of the 55s good bits and gave me a better chance of hanging onto my licence and being cheaper to run. Such a nice problem to work through. Love the reviews 👍

[@HighPeakAutos]

Very nice!

[@TheDarrenc1973]

Love them.... it's on my 10 car garage lottery win list 😂

[@davidhammond3738]

Just 10🤣

[@JSweec]

I sold my 2004 SL500 last summer and bought a 2012 911 C2S and I agree with you in terms of the SL's daily usability, the 911 just has so little storage compared to the SL. One thing I didn't like about my SL500 was the sluggish feeling when you put your foot down, I'm sure the SL55 or 65 are a totally different animal, but the fact that you can get a manual in a 911 just makes it feel so much more direct and fun (I guess it's the theater created by rolling through your own gears lol). Anyway, your video certainly makes me miss my old SL, but I'm happy that it went to a nice owner, lots of memories in that car, perfect for Southern California. keep up the good work!

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks for watching. I totally get why you swapped the SL for a 911. In an ideal world you'd want both. I love the 911 when you really want to drive it but the SL is easier to live with. Cheers

[@mikenorris5378]

Absolutely love the sl55, I have been seriously considering one. Thanks for putting me off, those maintenance bills are frightening!

[@marchoodless8150]

I had one of these for a few years and absolutely loved it. I do miss it and this video has reminded me what an awesome car it is!

[@Jahmed5635]

Ooh another tasty review, a childhood dream car of mine for sure 🤩

[@HighPeakAutos]

100%

[@richardmock3198]

“I will keep forever” high praise indeed 😁 that German V8 machine gun soundtrack is pure ear porn!!! Lovely 😊

[@HighPeakAutos]

Isn’t it just

[@phateutube]

Good video liking the longer length than the recent videos 👍

[@mark_just_mark]

Love the SL, almost bought one for the summer weekend runabout plus Gary Barlow and Jackie Weaver in the same video...!!!

[@Earthwatcher57]

Great presentation, a joy to watch.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks!

[@SuperMauricem]

Love this car, truly lucky to have found one with such low mileage and also no knocks or other reasons why it was off the road apart from the owner not using it. Very honest review with mention of the expensive service/repairs that you have experienced and the common problems with water coming into the roof mechanism, sensors on that roof should also be mentioned. The suspension on these are often replaced when they go wrong with standard suspension. Nevertheless even with its quirks a truly brilliant showroom ready masterpiece of a car. The colour of that interior is not going to be for everyone!!

[@1951GL]

Torque and rear wheel spin - in the early 90s a late friend of mine had a friend from childhood, always out to impress. He had driven an MG Miidget for years, few miles, highly polished, in the driveway. In 1992 he took delivery of a TVR Griffith. Parked in front of his house, we were summoned to see this beauty. He got in it and, MG Midget style, flattened the accelerator hoping to do 0 to 60 in a suburban street in 4.8 seconds. The TVR simply spun through 90 degrees and he kerbed the nearside front wheel (badly) and steam came up from the rear tyres. This review rather reminded me of a drive (my Dad had a mate with a car sales place in Rochdale) in a Mercedes 230 SL , as a 15 year old, in 1966. After that, nothing could ever be quite the same.

[@jondobbs]

5:23 - this is why I watch this channel (and the cars), delivered so effortlessly

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks! Much appreciated

[@darrenquarterman2611]

Great content again thanks do you ever sell vans I’d be interested in a van review probably only me tho

[@GixxerZilla]

Ah the Saab night panel. Always loved mine, you knew you were on it when the rest of the speedo lit up

[@sharadbuddhdev]

Love these cars. Fantastic choice Matt. Another great review as always! 👌🏼👌🏼

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks! 👍

[@richardsmart4377]

Great review of a sensational vehicle.... I smile every time I drive mine, until I get the workshop bill!! But the smile soon returns as soon as I drive out and press the right foot to the floor! It’s a keeper, values here in Australia are increasing very nicely for the good ones.

[@khrisbharath752]

I think STEVE JOBS had one of these back in the day. He always had SL's.

[@DaciaProject]

He also drove it unplated.

[@markcole1473]

Great car and great fun. I had an 2004 SL500 and loved it BUT every time I saw and heard a SL55 it made me feel I was missing out so I got myself 2003 SL55 and it’s brilliant! A previous owner has monkey’d with the exhaust (fitted a cross pipe) so it’s sounds even meaner and louder, too loud in fact so I’ll probably be looking to return it to standard at some point.

[@tomasznowak9648]

I really respect your attention to the details man.👍

[@antallakatos2318]

I like that you talk about servicing and its costs

[@fx02zbn]

What a brilliant video. You nearly dropped the F bomb Matt!!!

[@santana9537]

Back when Mercedes convertibles/coupes had their own special appeal. Tbh, the E46 M3 and Bentley are a bit of you along with the Range Rover

[@aerotus888]

Fantastic review!

[@micheltremblay6449]

Great review, thinking of buying an SL55 and it certainly helped me confirm my love for this vehicle

[@CB-ov1ho]

The colour combo is a nod to the Gullwing

[@HighPeakAutos]

Absolutely

[@RATTLER238]

My Uncle has a Gullwing in exactly those colours! #stunning

[@visionist7]

Is that why it has a white headliner? I would much prefer a black headliner

[@robinjones6999]

the noise reminds of an approaching tube train - think hard about that one Mat

[@HighPeakAutos]

I get it

[@stevebarry9939]

Had one of these a few years ago after lusting after one for ages. As much as I loved it, I always felt it was a little bit flawed. A few electrical gremlins, such as water ingress into the front passenger footwell which made the dashboard light up like the starship enterprise, but I could live with them. The reason I sold the car, and it drove me crazy, we’re the squeaks and rattles from the steel roof - no matter what I did it I could never get it proper sorted. It just detracted from all the great things I loved with it. Perhaps I had a duff one, I’ll never know, but when I now see one I do get the urge to dip my toe into ownership again.

[@YudiMuchanis]

I am currently considering to purchase this exact car. And found this video. Thank you. This really helps a lot.

[@RevLexus]

I love that interior!

[@HighPeakAutos]

Me too!

[@print-master]

I had a C 43AMG 1999 estate which was one of the first cars made at AMG factory. I kept it 12 years before buying a C 63S estate. The C 43 was fantastic, never let me down hundred percent reliable and very fast certainly the fastest estate in town until the C 63S came along. Great with you, glad your SBC breaks didn’t fail .

[@HighPeakAutos]

Great choice in cars. The C43 is a very rare car

[@patrickjohnson9329]

Superb review. I have a friend who has had one since 2004. A couple of years ago we went to the Festival of Speed in it. What a day that was. Fabulous day and the drive there and back was exciting, to say the least. If you haven't been, put it at the top of your Bucket List. Keep up the great work. Cheers Pat.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks for sharing!

[@summitdetailing6697]

Great video, brilliant cars!...it appears we have the same taste in cars, I'd have one of these over 911 at the same price point but would have a harder decision choosing between it and an XKR. The multi-spoke wheels make them look like 15"'s visually but suit the car in a strange way, the optional 5-spoke somehow look out of place on what is a timeless car design. Cheers, Chris

[@HighPeakAutos]

I love the XKR too

[@MatchboxGarage]

This Merc really is a beauty 😍😍😍

[@HighPeakAutos]

It is isn't it

[@khalidanwarchoudhry4347]

I kept it for 2 years. Got it sorted and loved it every time I drive. I part exchanged with electric car. Still miss the sound. Gear box is sluggish. But keep it as automatic and enjoy as lovely GT with nice engine note

[@borisbus7451]

I enjoyed this review and totally agree with the 4k "rule of thumb" - I've had an SL500 in my collection for about 5 years now - when I bought it, very quickly it needed the SBC brake control unit - 2k. Then gearbox re-build due to leaking torque converter - 2k from an auto-box specialist. In my case I uncharacteristically went cheapo when buying the car and got bitten in the backside pretty hard. So far its ended up costing about 60% of its original purchase price but on the flip side its lovely to drive now its a straight car, has decent performance despite not being the 55 AMG and the looks are still so fresh that those not in the know (mostly everyone where I live in Spain and they drive Seat Leon diesel hatchbacks) think its a 40 grand car. Love the channel, keep it up as we love your unique style.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks for watching! I love the 500. There’s plenty of power there - the 55 is a bit daft

[@tcaudiobooks737]

1:37 So in the words of Talking Heads you may find yourself behind the wheel of a large automobile?

[@HighPeakAutos]

Well... how did I get here?

[@benhenry1571]

With a beautiful house, with a beautiful wife... Love that song

[@BrianFraser]

Off the dual carriageway lol, love how you held back the swearing as if you'd get in trouble with your mum 😁

[@HighPeakAutos]

Hahaha always polite

[@johnmallett4983]

I adore my 2007 SL 55 and to this day I talk to it and pat it on the fender whenever I go out to my garage. They are truly special cars.

[@HighPeakAutos]

I agree. I’ll keep mine forever

[@Human2Ai2030]

I had a serious H On for one of these cars and the only thing that put me off was a common fault with the cylinder head bolts, they go through water jackets and with time the flow of the water makes them really thin and they snap , It you intend to keep it , there are new head bolts kits for those engines. Just the sound of that engine, is so sweet.

[@pires908]

Lovely car, one of my favourites. Just surprised to see you so happy with a car that doesn't have cup holders :-)

[@HighPeakAutos]

It has one 😉

[@pires908]

Happy to hear that. :-)

[@mc4130]

Bit geeky, but the articulation on that middle windscreen wiper is mesmerising... god I’ve got to get out more...

[@HighPeakAutos]

😂

[@danielrobinson2861]

You can't...

[@davewinsle]

Great video again Matt, absolutely love all your car content 😊👍🏼

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks!

[@njp100]

Very useful - many thanks

[@samfallow18]

Well... if it's good enough for Dale Winton, it's good enough for me.

[@tinniswood2577]

I'm going for the cheapest one on Gumtree.

[@julesviolin]

You'll be sorry 😃

[@richardsedorski1206]

Gosh that brought back memories Raymond Baxter nice one.

[@BomberFletch31]

I remember I heard the noise of one of these way back when they were new, and I fell in love with it. To date, I still think it's the best sounding car I've ever heard.

[@HighPeakAutos]

I agree!

[@millinutz]

This time, a very extensive review... alas, i'm still none the wiser where, and if, there are "cup holders" in that expensive hobby you have?? This vehicle though, beats a Juke any day... 😆

[@visionist7]

Under the satnav a cupholder folds out

[@davidsingleton9864]

Mercedes Benz SL 55 AMG has been a successful seller in general.

[@mrkongsimr]

Nice review , I have just one like it and love it . But I envy you for the red interior . Thanks !

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks! I really think it’s suits the red

[@overnightpartsfromjapan01]

I have fond memories of being on school work experience in 2004 at a sports car rental place, being shoved into the passenger seat as the chief car wash guy planted it from a standstill. Just immediate thrust.

[@liamwilson6205]

"NO JACKIE!!" Haha, she's a tyrant if there ever was one

[@retepyam5858]

Watched the vid dictatorship democracy, you disagree she cuts you out of the meeting.

[@abbashussain6390]

There is no such thing as a cheap Mercedes

[@AutoAbsolute]

Well done on getting sponsored mate - love you reviews and choice of cars.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Glad you like them!

[@bukso8888]

You have improved the quality of the Chanel a lot over the years I am watching you well done.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks! 👍

[@jamessheehy4895]

You have no authority here to spin the wheels! No authority at all!!! Read the wheelspin rules and understand them!! 🤣

[@tinniswood2577]

I take charge!!

[@a1harrogate]

You built up all that credibility, then.... Radio 1 😂🤣😂

[@Bignewshound60]

Absolutely top notch review.. always so watchable and absorbing... if you like cars. I just bought a 350sl 2003 - based ion Matt's advice. We love it. Just one small thing, Matt...you don't fold down the electric roof with the buttons behind the panel. they are for operations the roll bar. you pull that panel up to open the roof. Anyway, great review.

[@TheEarlofK]

Glad to hear that you're keeping the car and I'm sure that it is money well spent to keep it in tip-top condition.

[@dominicwood3750]

As an owner of a SL350 this video hits the spot again and what a great example. Must be the lowest mileage one in the UK and a sure fire long term investment. Regarding your bills you might have been a bit unlucky with the controller cards but £2.5k for the rest including a wheel refurb and new P7s tyres is a steal. Silver with red is straight from the original 1950s Gullwing SL and the Airfix model I had as a kid, and the AMG seats look so cool. That grunt, that sound... however on an early morning trip from back from London in my SL350 a SL55 joined me for 2 hours and guess what it was no faster, so is this super performance worth paying extra for? decisions, decisions....

[@jjefferyworboys8138]

Definitely one to keep. These come along so rarely. In 40+ years of car ownership I have only ever brought one car, that I will keep for ever and I love it.

[@HighPeakAutos]

What was it?

[@julesviolin]

I'm glad you've reviewed the FAB SL as it's what I've had for 4 years, spotted the prices creeping up before I took the plunge ! £18k with just 37k miles, one owner & most importantly for me.....garaged from new. I try not to buy multi owned sat outside cars EVER. Finally sorted all the similar issues you've had myself saving a few grand I guess ! There's a few owners of these who spend days and nearly £4k deleting the ABC system which to me is sad, turning a 100k car into a basic £20k primative suspension system. It's quicker and cheaper to fix whatever breaks in the ABC and just keep the ABC fluid and filter fresh and it will be fine. What amazing value for money these are, 500 bhp Tin roof muscle car V8. What more can one ask for 😎

[@georgemalyn3653]

I had a 2003 500 sl loved it when it was right but it wasn;t right often enough but still miss it

[@judemurphy3356]

Love these cars and was waiting for this review makes me want one more now.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks for watching

[@Carrera-gp9od]

Great review as always , I was hoping you were going to say it was up for sale at the end , I would have been on the phone ! I’m off to autotrader to have a look 👀 now 👍🏻

[@stevie007]

Great stuff as usual Matt 🙌

[@HighPeakAutos]

Glad you enjoyed it! Cheers!

[@alchapman1052]

The red interior is a real nice touch , and the the car passed its by pass by grin factor hands down, a stunning example .

[@raasalghul9211]

A really nicely put together, and a genuine review. You should be a car show presenter.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Cheers

[@ZKhweziN]

Raising and lowering the roof is the actual panel. The buttons underneath are for raising or lowering the roll bar.

[@Rob1Rich]

Great review. Great find. Love your style. Every review you do is top class. Incredible mileage. I'm being a bit pedantic but your sponsor isn't 'giving away' the cars really are they?

[@andreworam2849]

I purchased one last year, 2004 😀SL55 f1. F1 pack includes a limited slip diff amongst other things, these cars really need this with so much power going through the rear. Every petrol head needs an AMG in their life at some point.

[@eddyrocket8737]

It is like you sensed it! Been looking at these online, but will probably end up with an E55 wagon with SL55 mufflers because why not.

[@sprautos]

Great car, pleasure to work on for mat one of view who invests in there cars and appreciates our work. Top man.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks!

[@Nodrog832]

Finally! Thank you for this video!

[@timcam8713]

Good shout out to Prestige Wheels, they did my SL400 wheels before Xmas for a small crack repair, Strip, Paint and Diamond cut, they do look brand new £260 absolute bargain. great service too.

[@mikewilliams4947]

I have one. I love it. So fun. Lose the back end with a jab of the throttle. Previous owner put headers on it :)

[@Hussain14000]

The best looking model of the SL

[@FullyLoadedTrojanSL]

I have the exact same duo! 2003 SL 55 and a 2007 Continental GT63 Mansory. You have great taste!

[@kcalb3180]

owned it for 3 years and it's truly fantastic