The Cost of Owning a MERCEDES SL55 AMG For One Year

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Today marks 12 months of SL55 AMG ownership. Let's work out the costs of running such a car.
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#SL55AMG #SL #Mercedes #highpeakautos

[@grnpnzer]

"The cost of owning a 2002 MB SL55 for 700 miles" seems a more appropriate title. Regardless it is an awesome example.

[@matthewking5612]

TBF, when you buy a secondhand car, especially a performance one it's the first few hundred miles/weeks when most problems appear.

[@ianbradley9838]

Proof, that you sir, definitely know your onions ! You absolutely knew this was a proper car when you purchased it along with the Bentley Continental from the same fastidious owner. No surprise then, that it’s behaved impeccably ever since ! Breathtaking value for money ! Keeper keeper keeper without question “We’ll Gel” but bloody good luck to you mate 👍 These little wins definitely soften the pain ! 👏👏👏

[@HighPeakAutos]

Haha that’s right - they make it worthwhile. Cheers

[@stevennewman]

I never watch KZbin videos all the way through but yours always seem to grab me... Well done.

[@BEGGARWOOD1]

679 miles! I used to do that in a week in mine . Three years of ownership and 120k miles and mine did not let me down once . Always serviced on time and when things needed to be done, they were done. Most Mercedes sat navs and ICE are dated at launch !

[@rogerb68]

Nice way to end a stressful day listening to the SL, thanks Matt..

[@Billythebubble]

Love the hat plug at the end, was very funny with the roof down in middle of winter....good shout!

[@burtonization1]

its always hard to leave an SL in general especially when you made yours a great example by investing in enjoying future miles in it. well done its always a special place to sit in regardless what engine or model you own the R230 is still a head turner today !

[@terryurquhart2413]

My lad and myself went to Mercedes museum in Stuttgart ( and Porsche museum ) for a long weekend , should have made it a week or two …. But the SL 55 was epic on the autobahn apart from the VWT5 van pushing to get past me at 120 mph !!! We got out of the SL after an 11 hour stint back home and it felt like I had just got out of my easy chair ….not much else could have done that in the way we did it! Keep up the good work , great channel ….. !

[@kevincroft9848]

Nice one Matt. Very good video as usual Thanks for all-out videos they are 100% spot on Kevin

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks for watching

[@avinstallations]

Matt, this is a great video. I own a 2003 SL55 AMG (Brabus K8), I have owned it for the past 14 years! It has been very good to me. Regularly serviced.

[@amgpilot9290]

Your video from one year ago may or may have not influenced my decision to pick up a pristine '04 SL500 in the same color from a similarly meticulous previous owner in San Francisco, California. It's one of the best automotive purchases I've ever made in my life and I've put about 1,000 miles on it since April. Cheers, Matt!

[@HighPeakAutos]

Very nice! Glad it helped. Enjoy it 😉

[@zanewilmans]

same storey with my E500 2014 . zero issues after a thorough service 3 years ago!

[@dailyhunter3683]

Loving the sound on that SL. "As reliable as gravity." My physics teacher would love that.

[@AndreW-rp3us]

Great car. I have a 2003 in Jasper Blue with Pano roof. You can get a Bluetooth module that fits the Nokia holder, I have one in my car. I also fitted an auto roof module to raise and lower the roof from the remote. I have no boot leaks, good ABC pressure and the original batteries. When you get a good one they are epic. The best mpg I ever got was 24 mpg on a steady run down to the tunnel.

[@HighPeakAutos]

They look great in Jasper Blue

[@MikesMercsandothercars]

Hi - can you tell me what type of roof module did you fitted and where you got it from? Mike

[@petemartin7589]

Great video. And I love this car. I have an SL 350 a 2004 it's in silver too and I love it. One day I hope to upgrade to the SL55. Classic and timeless looks and a really great car for touring. I have had mine 5 years and apart from the MOT, service and petrol costs, it's been very reasonable.

[@graham8033]

Matt, you didn’t mention how much it’s gone up in value which I’m sure would put your price per mile well into minus figures. A lovely car and a keeper as it’s not always about value. Enjoy it 👍

[@HighPeakAutos]

That’s a good point actually

[@graham8033]

Maybe do a short update in your next video! 👍

[@GermanWhip-3900]

Looking forward to watching this after dinner

[@roadhouseguy]

Omg. Love this car so much. Great video. Keep us updated in future about this car.

[@robpage4598]

Matt you need a Bluetooth transmitter gizmo off Amazon. Fits in the cigarette lighter, pairs with your phone and transmits to an FM channel on the radio. Best £12 I’ve spent for ages - gives me bluetooth music in my 2006 MX-5 and 2012 RR

[@GRfourfun]

The merch plug at the end cracked me up! But it’s also added to my Christmas list so it worked! 😂😂😂

[@IbrahimKhan.502]

One of the best sounds by any car of any era!!! Love it

[@HighPeakAutos]

I agree

[@charlieroads3921]

Matt have a look for an bluetooth FM transmitter - they cost around £15 and go into the power socket. You then bluetooth your music to the transmitter and it plays your music or calls through an empty FM station on your stereo!

[@DingKong]

I've always liked these cars. They're understated and remain stylish, even in 2021. I like the infotainment system. retro-tech and me go together like hand in glove :-) Great vid as ever mate.

[@dominicwood3750]

Got to the end of the video, upgraded my head to a modern Pioneer carplay system with Audison speakers with a grill from Germany, sounds much better and apps from Phone, looks stock until you switch it on.

[@Blue-moon12]

I must admit I don't miss the annual MOTs haha. Glad and happy to hear its been reliable. Probably best used as a weekend car rather than an everyday driver.

[@vitoriaaparecidavifuucucuc6650]

Vjieviweiiiwbsiosossebjosbdjeebjowsjowesiiwwuowndoensownsiwkwowjwoowwhsoebiebjeuisndjixenxjxjdjnjejejeoejdidjoekjfuevsjisjshfishdishpasjsisoeguishrr3uuwjeuuwsjsjsjeieoejeuiej8ejsiewhidwjis9egudiejws

[@monticella]

There is a small 'grub screw' located on the front of the super-charger. Open the hood, looking down off to the right of center 'possibly left of center on your car's SC casing is the screw. Access to SC bearing oil. Mobil Jet Oil. Oil should be changed and probably has been there for 20 years. A syringe plus neoprene tubing allows one to draw oil out. Measure and replenish w/clean oil ~ 14 oz. Might be a YT video.

[@IceMan-il7dx]

Oh goodness I miss my cars back in Blighty; however rust free and well specced our Aussie delivered motors are, I do miss the old disposable back in the Kingdom of PCP😩!! Thanks Matt, nice update of the old SL👌

[@benfel9403]

Happy days Matt. There is a module from a company called Grom that allows you to connect iPod and phones through standard head unit. I have one fitted to my P38 Range Rover. Keeps everything stock and yet have mobile phone and ipod connection. Even works in conjunction with the steering wheel controls. Just a thought.

[@terryurquhart2413]

Matt , you can hook your phone up to play music using a double male headphone cable and set to “aux” on the settings menu ….just be aware that the volume levels are different so you have to wind the head unit volume back off before you change source …

[@stoft4590]

Still love this car… the roar of the engine… the touch of love in the red leather interior… sooooo beautiful ❤️

[@Leerocklol]

Try one of those FM radio transmitter, only cost a tenner, it turns your phone bluetooth signal into FM radio so your car can receive it

[@markcovington4761]

Great video awesome job you've done with the car it looks great

[@stephenlane9168]

Great video Matt. You had a one hell of a day buying that Bentley & AMG SL55 👌👏

[@HighPeakAutos]

I definitely did. One to remember

[@ricbrook7059]

Matt, what you need to have is a Pure Highway 600 fitted, it'll give you DAB, BT connection and the ability to answer your phone all from a pretty descreet controller. There's an Alpine badged version too. Fitted one into the last 2 cars I've owned and they work brilliantly but sound better via an aux input rather than through the FM transmitter but beggars can't be choosers if FM is your ownly option. Note the 400 lacks phone call connection you need the 600 for that but other than that they are identical.

[@ian7520]

Great car, good update and no ads in the middle, win win

[@HighPeakAutos]

I’ll try and wind those down I think. Nobody likes them even if they’re relevant

[@lanigaca]

Nice one, congrats. Can’t believe it’s been a year already. Wish I could say my CLS 500 has been as reliable. Airmatic compressor and two shocks currently away to be refurbed last week 😟

[@HighPeakAutos]

Oh dear. Still worth it

[@Tential1]

You should have an auxiliary cable in the glove compartment. Connect that to a radsone dac/amp Bluetooth receiver and you can send ldac quality or lossless through apple airplay to your car.

[@mohussain5473]

hi mate, keep up the good work. would love to see you do a review on the Maserati Ghibli!

[@richardallsop5039]

Hello again, Totally, Totally agree, buy a car, spend money at the start on service, brakes, oils, filters, fuel filters new MOT etc, this should find any problems. Happy Motoring. Regards, RichardA.

[@cheshirered9204]

They're superb. I want one so badly but currently there's no chance of that. Prices rising gently, too, especially for proper low mileage examples. Definitely a classic.

[@julesviolin]

My SL55 had a few issues So far on mine with just 37k miles and garaged, SERVICED TO THE HILT but still needed the following which I've done WITHOUT dealer help: Airbag seat plugs cleaned (10p and 10 mins) Secondary air pump cost £120 (recon) Soft close boot release causing vacuum leaks (repaired with soft glue 10p) 3rd brake lamp repaired (they crack causing leaks into the boot (50p and my labour time) Front lamp exiter (previous owner paid 😃) Gear shift ESM fault causing no crank start (Got a used one reprogrammed for 200 instead of 1200 at dealers ) Thoroughly cleaned all roof and boot seal drains to prevent leakage. 20p Check no water has been in the cabin and got under the carpet (this would be the death of these as most of the CANBUS connectors are under here🤔 There's about 20 odd drains in the R230 you need to keep clear especially if car stored outside in a leafy area ! So far my ABC is perfect. Fluid changed every year Great car but like you say maintenance is paramount Awesome car and has gone up in value.

[@stuwilsonrallying]

I do still have and use CDs which is why I've kept the original multi changer in my 21 year old 986 Boxster, as the new replacement system you mentioned that Porsche do can not run the 6 disc changer. Shame really as it does look good and sure is a fair bit less than £2k now

[@juan-luissuarez859]

Stunning Merc, future classic. Great video!

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks!

[@Atombender]

Nice to see that not only owners aren't afraid of repair costs to drive their exotics but those exotics actually turn out to be really usable and reliable.

[@davidmoynahan9585]

Besides the full service last year etc, a warm dry "garage" also contributed to the well being of the SL55. Minimal moisture getting into all thing electrical and exposed metal like disc rotors and brake parts. Bird poo, tree sap and general grime on the paint ages cars quickly too. Good fun car for many years yet.

[@briansmith1271]

Try a Bluetooth transmitter - links your phone and transmits an FM signal to the old fashioned radio. I have one on my old Porsche and can make calls and play music.

[@DermotCarroll]

What a great car! Really enjoyed the video, as always! Did you know that you can get a Bluetooth dongle? This is in the shape of the nokia 6310 phone, and just slots into the cradle, which then allows you to pair just about any smartphone for calls. I had this on a 2004 e240, and it worked really well. The contacts synced, and the steering wheel controls worked just fine too! ... Couldn't play music, but then can't have everything!! :D ... the unit is called a viseeo 3000 (which is the one I had - I think it costs about £175 ) I got mine through eBay, and the vendor was really helpful when it came to choosing the correct version!

[@philmaundrill]

Matt, there’s a Bluetooth phone adaptor by Mercedes which works on the buttons! It replaces the old Nokia adapter you have. I have a spare one if you’re interested... iPhone connects perfectly. The audio needs a different solution.

[@cannonball9478]

Nice 👍 update thanks. Great car

[@CarsofGlasgow]

Great car, lovely SL55 you have there. Definitely worth keeping.

[@asadmalik9939]

Classic is that motor keep getting different one, you know your motors keep it up

[@wooxstar]

you could put a 'Viseeo MBU 1000 Bluetooth adapter' in place of the Nokia. your phone connects to it and It should allow you to use the car Mic/Speakers for calls etc..

[@danielsloboda1998]

Hi, I just can recommend to use a good FM transmitter to play music and it usually has bluetooth as well. Maybe you could consider to try one:)

[@jasons2290]

I love that car Matt & always enjoy your updates.Thanks for uploading the vlog.On a side note I remember your subs of 2k now look…132k + You will be on mainstream tv before you know it.Regards J

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks! Hopefully one day 😉

[@JohnAdams-kc8wx]

Love the colour of the seats Matt.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Me too

[@ah-hl6fr]

Great video as always . Wow what a machine . That interior👌

[@HighPeakAutos]

I love it too

[@ug45cwb]

Love this car. About as good as it gets for this sort of money imo. Also I agree about the infotainment issues. I have a 2013 cls and OK, I can make calls and stream bluetooth audio, but I'm still grabbing for the handset every time I want to change album and the sat nav is unusably bad.

[@tsoupakis]

about your radio : here are two options available for you. 1) android units exist that fit almost exactly and cost from £250-£600 depends the seller.. they replicate the mercedes look so, they do actually look as factory as it gets. 2) a small clever bluetooth / aux / usb device exist that can connect on your cd changer exit. (you will have to remove the cd changer though. your factory unit is reading it when you select cd changer from the unit. this device is a bluetooth receiver that emulates the exit to the cd changer port. i had bought it for a friend with a mk2 clk couple of years ago for £30-£40 if i remember correct. the one we had was saying track when the bluetooth was connected but i think newer versions exist with aux usb support and the opportunity to read track names on the screen. i think anyway. but for easy connection to listen from the phone i know i does exist and works ;) cheers 🥂

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thank you! I’ll have to look into that

[@rhyscrofton4630]

I loved this and can't wait for more videos

[@matthedrummer1474]

I have a 2005 SL350. For £500 you can have a Dension system installed to replace the CD Changer box in the rear storage locker. This adds Bluetooth and an aux in to the Command System and keeps everything looking stock and the steering wheel controls still working etc.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks! Where did you get that done?

[@kofib3]

I definitely prefer this shape to the newest 2022 version. That new one looks too similar the AMG GT. Anyway cheers for the info on the true running costs of this 55..

[@theprofessional8966]

That’s a beautiful SL, that would look so good next to my SL500, like a set.

[@simonculmer6624]

Check in the glovebox in case you have a small jack socket on the centre console side. My 2002 has this option and you can connect easily if it is fitted. Good luck

[@Quattro_Joe]

I’m more impressed that it’s got no lights on after not driving it. Random electronic gremlins can really pop up when these sit. That looks like a good one 👍

[@Edgar-friendly.]

There is a company called seicane that make updated head units in OEM style. Tavarish installed one in he's SL55.

[@Superallie]

Love this channel. I like the old cheap second hand cars

[@jonosmith4919]

Love this channel dude I'll be ringing you soon 👍

[@jonosmith4919]

Hopefully that v 70 lol I need wheel's 8 pice DB PEARL Drums and paiste rude cymbals 👍

[@chappy2121]

Sounds like my Crown VX. 20yo 83k. Done 6k miles this year. Had a run down to Cornwall about 400miles then across to Skeg, again 400miles and home another 100. Didn't miss a beat.

[@georgemalyn3653]

i had a 2003 sl500 it had a jack point inside the glovebox for an aux cable so i could play my music and i bought a mercedes bluetooth phone adapter which clips into the armrest

[@reinmansmith]

Have to agree with you 100%… Where else can you get to drive such a gorgeous car for so little money… it’s a keeper and will always bring a smile to your face 😊

[@reinmansmith]

PS… as a fellow owner my Independant Merc specialist who looks after my 2003 SL500 says there is no problem with following the ‘on board’ servicing instructions which will count down the mileage to its next service and says servicing every two years when doing low mileage is no problem 👍

[@namegoeshere6638]

She's a keeper!!!! Like Peter Cech. 💯 Matt this was a great buy.

[@aaron___6014]

2:15 finally someone saying it how it is! It's annoying to hear people with these "bonus" supercars mentioning the cost of fuel when they're rarely driven. (loose use of supercar, I know).

[@amglover4361]

I have an ABC equipped S55 and I would recommend you drive the car regularly as the system benefits from regular exercise

[@HighPeakAutos]

I agree

[@Wirralgundogs]

Love it!!! My mum has a SL 500 with 17k on the clock, owned from new, went to the factory to pick it up in 02!!!!

[@HighPeakAutos]

Very nice!

[@TLGElectro]

I still have CDs... My 2008 CLK has a cd player and an out of date FM radio. No DAB, no bluetooth, no phone connectivity.. I don't mind though, because its beautiful, much like your Merc. 👍🏻

[@kamrulalom8610]

You can borrow my Kenny G and Biggie cds! Sums up what I drive..... Fantastic ride --- absolutely lovely in that trim and colour

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks!

[@1982craigyboy]

Hi Matt, I worked for Mercedes’ back when these were new and what a machine. That engine doesn’t half get under your skin! Anyway, 20 years later and my old man is looking for convertible modern classic and has it down to 2 choices either a Jaguar XK8/XKR last of the old shape before the XK model or an SL. He’s a Merc man having loads but at his age the he’s leaning towards the Jag demographic. Do you have any thoughts on the comparison between these two choices as a weekend toy and as an investment too as both seem to be holding stable with prices and possibly increasing now in the current climate. Would appreciate any insight, genuinely enjoy your videos. Probably the most honest and genuine opinion I have seen on KZbin! Cheers. Craig

[@barnabyvenskunas2309]

I'm sure there is an upgraded info system in the USA. There are a few vids on youtube from American owners that have upgraded, it usually along with a supercharger pulley upgrade!

[@daviddenley3512]

Nice care, Yes, I'd like one too!

[@jjefferyworboys8138]

When you look after your car properly, it will usually look after you. The values of really nice SL55's are only going to go one way. Few things provide such pleasure for a whole year for so little money.

[@wearestageone]

I've had one of the last ones a 2008 one for over 6 years. I never had a problem with it. It's a great car. Very understated.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Pleased to hear it

[@kondjanegongo796]

U can upgrade the radio with a simple Bluetooth dongle nd GPS antenna from aliexpress.. It works great on my comand unit

[@HighPeakAutos]

Cheers

[@m60kaf]

Maximum servicing interval by day (If you do so little miles) is 750 days. It will day countdown apropriately

[@scalecrawlnl]

Great fun video and a good laugh, with a happy owner behind the wheel of his AMG powerhouse, perhaps with this car, you can visit the Continent in 2022. Thank you very much :-)

[@HighPeakAutos]

Hope so

[@Andy-From-England]

Good evening Matt hope your well That car hooo that car I love the red interior contrast I be honest I rather have a CD player then Bluetooth How does it cope with this silly E10 fuel?? And tour right people run them on a shoe string I have mine done at a Volvo dealer in York ok bit more expensive but parts seem to last longer like brake pads

[@ravitaheem4272]

Was that with you beeny hat Matt, keep them coming 😀

[@HighPeakAutos]

Yes it was. Shameless plug 😂

[@ravitaheem4272]

@@HighPeakAutos happens to the best of us Matt 😂

[@andrewbeesley183]

Matt in the glove box you will find an aux get a blue tooth adapter from Amazon and you are sorted I’ve done it works great

[@J0cher90]

I don't know if I can paste here the link but there are aftermarket android headunits that keep 95% of the original look of the headunit you have. Another option is to buy a original POST 2007 headunit which I think that have bluetooth for phone and music.

[@pas7272]

You so can upgrade that stereo for car play !! Will find you the link.

[@AustinRides7264]

That's a gorgeous car. I'll eventually buy a joy ride for myself and maybe I'll try to get one of these! That design is timeless. You don't need to buy a brand new car to still look good ❤️

[@bainies3272]

You can get Android head units that follow the styling of the Merc one you have, plenty on Ebay

[@terryurquhart8724]

Goes like lightning .. sounds like Thunder… classic … i shall have to use that one …

[@stevie007]

Hi Matt, great stuff as per mate.👌👌

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks!

[@crapilanofridge7745]

Here's my take. I've had my 2007 SL500 (The 5.4 380 bhp Lump) for five years. I bought it with 40K on it. Its now at 65k. I've given it everything it needs when required. Ignoring petrol or road tax On average with wear and tear I'd say it's eaten 2750 quid a year on servicing, repairs consumables. Having said that, I don't begrudge a penny. One of the most beautiful cars ever made in my opinion, and still plenty fast enough to scare me. I rarely use 'sport mode' i's too violent. btw....prior to my purchase some one has had an Alpine head unit fitted. Goes in the same place as the old one and isn't something you notice unless pointed out. Blue tooth the lot. Mind you it was a 4.5 k install for the previous owner. I love mine and thoroughly recommend them. Just don't be surprised if it ends up costing the same to run as mine.

[@robinjones6999]

Nice one Matt

[@ug45cwb]

You can get devices that are the same form factor as the Nokia phone the car takes and gives it plug and play Bluetooth capabilities. One such device is the Viseeo MBU-3000

[@5ebra1]

No need for an updated music system in a car that sounds that good. Great car well bought. 👍

[@dlisle20]

Nice one. Can you do a video where we review your entire collection?

[@Salubrious101]

Beautiful car, there are aftermarket head units that are identical to the factory MB unit on looks but have android auto and or Applecar play, Tavarish fitted one to his SL.

[@ItsDanLatham]

You could probably get an OEM looking head unit with a larger screen that runs android, a lot of the chinese companies do them. Of course they are never the most reliable things in the world but they keep the factory look and give you that smartphone functionality. Either that or do what I did in my saab and just have a phone holder and a bluetooth FM module. Well worth it for the raw analogue experience of that engine. I have a 2008 C220 as my second car and I really like the noughties merc interiors.