The Curious Case of My MISSING SLS AMG Black Series!?

It's time for the truth... My Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series has vanished in recent months without much of an explanation, so it's time for the truth and a full update on exactly what's up with it. Where did it go, I've heard you ask, well now you know!
I bought my dream SLS Black Series about 2 and a half years ago, immediately driving it many hard miles in the first months of ownership; including a number of Nurburgring laps and countless miles on the Autobahn at 200mph. The downside of this, is that it ran very, very, very hot and as a result started to wear down all sorts of components that have required sourcing and replacing. This has not been an easy task with parts shortage plaguing the entire industry, but Avantgarde have been up to the task and it's nearly time to get it back.
For now, let's head in the latest addition to The Shmeemobiles, my Mercedes-Benz E500 Estate, for a run up to Avantgarde to check out the car and take a complete look around with Steve to go through all of the details of what we're looking at and what's happening next.
It's been gone for too long, but it's nearly time to get the Black Series back home!
Thanks for watching, Tim
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
01:02 My SLS Black Series Story
03:53 E500 Journey
06:41 Arrived at Avantgarde
07:36 Full SLS Update
17:15 Home Time
19:36 Back at The Shmuseum
21:01 Wrap Up
#Mercedes #SLSBlackSeries #Shmeemobile
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[@goodone5590]

Glad that you see the SLS sorting out, it will come out better and stronger, cant wait for you to Drive it! Thanks to Avangarde, to always take care of you, those guys are Great!

[@Shmee150]

They sure are!

[@unknown81360]

@@Shmee150 Shmee don't forget you own the gtr roadster too! Ahaha

[@JeDxDeVu]

So basically Renntech installed a volcano into your car and sent you on your way. sweet deal.

[@richardhammer187]

Was it not also those guys who supplied a new steering wheel for the car, which wouldn't control anything...?

[@JackOEllingham]

Love the SLS, glad we've got an update!

[@Shmee150]

Long overdue

[@michaelsummerell8618]

Respect for Avantgarde down in Clevedon - it's great that an independent specialist is getting some publicity as you obviously appointed them because of their knowledge and I know they're definitely not local to you. Looking forward to seeing (and hearing) when it's back up and running.

[@julianthompson9824]

Fellow SLS (non black series) owner and automotive engineer here. SLS was designed by the AMG guys as a low compromise flag waving supercar. It was designed around that engine and the thermal management was optimised as a complete system. Tricks like increasing the engine power results in the cooling system having to work harder, and a million other unintended consequences. That might be ok if you’re just driving gently but if you want to use the car 100% then you’re effectively using it at 120% (or whatever) of design parameters. I’m not saying it is impossible to sort out, but if you take the helicopter view here even good specialists are making experiments based on experience and if they don’t work you’ll be the one to pick the tab back up. If you think about details such as how to fix those things they’re showing you like the heat blankets and wrap in place - that’s going to need thermally stable fastenings that stand the test of horrific temperature change and vibration. Might be ok for six months but what about after ten years? The shielding on a race car (which is basically what you’re making) is designed to last a race and be checked, and checked again before each outing like everything else on a race car. It’s just not the same. Also, wrapping headers will impact the temperature that the exhaust header gaskets run at and the cylinder head sees, and can even do things to gas velocity. Again, it might just be fine but this is one of those times when you may do this that may impact that. Not so bad on a track day toy that you’re messing about with for fun but on a car like this? (Also you don’t know if the wrap and resulting mad temperatures will work with the Renntec pipes and their welding strategy if they have been designed to run at un-wrapped temperatures.) In the end they’re moving heat around and changing things without true understanding of the consequences (because they’re not computer modelling them with a dev budget) and I think that for the sake of the car you should have a word with yourself and put it back the way AMG intended.

[@CarCrazy12804]

That mystic blue paint is so right for this car and I am glad it will remain in the collection for a long time

[@Shmee150]

It sure will

[@iyanmanzano]

This vid is quite soothing, away from the overly excited - always hyped car vlogger content here on the platform. Just pure, conversation and info. Props to Shmee and Steve as well, got the point across - thanked both side then done, see you!

[@endasthenrik516]

Exactly what I was about to write. Really nice conversation and interesting details, different from other car vloggers.

[@richtaylor2129]

Love the sound of your SLS!! Glad we have an update on it. The supply chain is being a pain in the **** recently. Hopefully it will get better soon. Cannot wait to see the SLS back in the Shmuseum!!

[@Shmee150]

Not long to go now

[@certifiedbidry]

Loving the technical and engineering aspect of your cars in these videos, can't wait to see the sls BS back on the road and going on more trips. Knowing your love of fast mercs, would you consider getting and slr in some variation. Keep up the great work👍

[@Shmee150]

It's one I have considered often but didn't really enjoy driving last time. Feels like I'll need to try it again.

[@certifiedbidry]

@@Shmee150 would that be because of the transmission and brakes, if so would there be upgrades/ modification you could make to better the driving experience

[@joelberdat4515]

clk dtm would be cool too!

[@pasquale78]

Great update! The SLS is certainly my favorite of the bunch. I think it's the gullwing doors, which speak to the boy in me.

[@Shmee150]

I'll never get bored of the doors

[@amauri_dleon7726]

That NA power is quite lovely.

[@qiqeh]

Between all your cars the SLS is by far my favorite. Glad to see you’re looking after it properly to enjoy for many more miles.

[@CarlsModsClass]

Its great to see your getting the SLS black sorted for the future fingers and toes crossed and its great to see what will be a future classic being saved.

[@MegaRetr]

Glad that you see the SLS sorting out

[@jackamo427327]

Did you consider doing ceramic coating the headers exhaust ? Quite common in the U.S. as powder coating .

[@thalexisramirez1701]

They're already ceramic coated from Renntech

[@Tjescoo]

Basically, Renntech made a modification that ruined all reliability? Maybe they should pay for this...

[@80wolfmanrob]

Been missing the SLS so sad to see it apart like that but so happy it's getting fixed.

[@philipguacci6452]

Totally love the SLS. Glad it is a loved member of the Garage. We all await its return. Happy Driving. Cheers.

[@neilstothard]

So happy for you that the issues aren't that major and it's just parts supply that has slowed down getting the SLS Black sorted, hopefully in the future you will be able to get the full Black series set and the SLS will sit front and centre of the collection as the first one you acquired.

[@qvnz]

Been down this road before. The wrap will destroy the headers and they will implode. They need to be remade out of Inconnel 625, ceramic coated and then wrap them with Inconnel wrap is the only way to cure the problem for good. This is a temporary bandaid at best.

[@mcbadass6180]

I really hope one day you achieve your dream to become owner of two iconic cars, i cant wait to see the sls back on the road

[@lloydbellis7360]

That was really technical and interesting, thank you for keeping us updated 👍👍👍👍

[@pablovr6269]

Coolest car in the garage. One to drive whenever you please without the considerations of overexotic rarity. Special yet always ready. 10/10 edited after watching: this kind of video is GREAT! Being able to see the "intimacies" of a car makes it so much more relatable.

[@terrancecollins2696]

The amount of heat management is insane if that doesn’t help nothing will lol also fully catless manifolds retain a lot less heat than catted manifolds … if you got a fully catless exhaust and moved the HFCs further down the exhaust that would help a ton with heat management

[@caz7500]

Excellent update; one of my favorite cars!

[@stephenlane9168]

Really interesting video Tim seeing their planned work. Looks good to me for the long term health of the SLS 👌would love more technical videos like this, very watchable 👌👏

[@dainsmart6237]

Have you got ceramic coating on your exhaust manifolds it will reduce the engine compartment temperature by 33% its not a gimmick it really works 👍🏻🇬🇧

[@williamwalksTO]

Amazing collection! Thank you for sharing this!

[@111usul]

Great stuff to see the heart of the engine, mad respect for engeneers and mechanics!

[@HITHEREFELLOWHUMAN]

Its been 2 and a half years with the sls already?? Thats crazy still remembered seeing the collection video and transformation to blue

[@xero256]

I can relate. I am getting things together to rebuild the RB motor in my R32. Parts are difficult on a good day to get.

[@millennialtrucker6435]

I’ve always loved the SLS. Such a cool car. Did a passenger experience in one at Brooklands. Absolutely awesome. I think it’s going to become one of those special classic cars.

[@Tristanbirdyt]

I absolutely love your SLS I think it’s my favourite colour in your collection I absolutely love your spec the blue with the silver wheels stunning thank you so much for the update and that v8 is glorious

[@Shmee150]

Thank you so much!

[@TaffPlays]

Trip to Avantgarde in the Mercedes E500 Avantgarde estate, gotta love that coincidence, can't wait to hear the M159 roar back to life again and be enjoyed hopefully forever without issues

[@Shmee150]

Gotta love that indeed! Ironically I filmed a clip as we pulled up saying exactly that, but for some reason we had a microphone issue and couldn't use that video clip.

[@jameshill8711]

Really interesting video Tim. Can't wait for the SLS to return.

[@jamesbambury]

If you need help sourcing parts don’t be afraid to reach out. I have a cottage industry sourcing Mercedes-Benz parts for friends back in the UK from the USA where I live now. I also own an SLS and love to see this car and know what I may be in for my self.

[@thierryehrhart4531]

What I can see from your experience is that tuners often advertise a lower weight for some parts like exhaust elements, but they just ignore some important functions like heat shielding and then it can occur that these “optimized” parts cause the destruction of other important motor devices like electronics!

[@itsyaboylou4714]

That mechanic shop is so proper. Cheers

[@ronaldwilliford301]

Good to see SLS again, road trip ready soon Huh!!

[@bling1634]

Awesome upload and it was cool to see the SLS again

[@affuq]

Finally we get to see the SLS again! Cheers from Singapore!

[@Shmee150]

It'll be back and resident at the garage before long

[@benoit9874]

Very interesting to see some mechanical aspects !

[@RustyBonnet]

Im astonished that it needs that level of work after 13000 miles to be fair, even with the mods that have been done.

[@gabb05]

good to see it's in good hands...i would've thought renntech/opus would have known or tested for these externalities from their upgrade...anyways, hope its back soon

[@steveavantgarde133]

So would I….

[@benlecluyse]

Great video like always Shmee !!

[@Shmee150]

Thanks for watching

[@romu9072]

Tim drives with the Mercedes E500 Avantgarde to Avantgarde. Thank you for the update.

[@ryanalley2446]

I hope some consideration to heat removal is also being considered rather than just wrapping it all up.

[@granthaley867]

Refitting the factory system would be a much simpler solution with less headaches .

[@michae8jackson378]

Progress! Can't wait to see it in all it's glory again soon!

[@tomorrow-man]

So your Renntech exhaust melted the engine bay - hmmm

[@HellcatDreaminJosh]

Shmee150 Great Video I'm glad your SLS AMG Black Series is still at Avant garde getting fixed so she can be enjoyed as she should be

[@ronaldwilliford301]

Very!! Cool to see the SLS again with the Beautiful paint color, rims and exhaust.

[@draper15]

Super cars galore, yet driving around in a old Merc! Love it!

[@Shmee150]

The best!

[@khabaaustralia]

The audio upgrade to the SLS Black was such a good idea, that's when I first heard of "The Fat Rat" thanks Tim. :)

[@Kronos0999]

That color looks so good, I'd forgotten

[@markc1793]

With the SLS coming back in a matter of weeks and the 500 on it's way over from the states, it won't be long until we get the possibility of all of the cars being in the schmuseum at the same time! It's a little hard to judge as obviously there's cars Tim's bought that won't be there but i think we have to discount anything he's not "taken ownership" of, so maybe when the Zenovo gets in the garage we might be able to class that as all of his cars in one place for the first(?) time

[@odono3095]

Finally the beast on the way back,,

[@SeanGT83]

I like your commitment to the car and intent to continue using it as you like, at 200kph.

[@CapnT87]

I’ve always wanted to take an exhaust system into work and plasma spray the entire system with jet engine ceramic Thermal Barrier Coating meant to protect hot end jet engine components from thermal fatigue…should work wonders on car parts! Not even that expensive really

[@mrmoss149]

Yes, Tim - that color is stunning.

[@lightman489]

Great car did a lot of hard miles with great success seems minor compared to a gearbox or a crash. The car kept you safe and nothing scary happened

[@Ndw1995]

Be careful with that exhaust heat wrapping Shmee, I'm not sure about titanium, but it has been known to cause stainless steel exhaust systems to crack due to keeping too much heat inside the pipe

[@MEchanicAL_LSTAR]

Couldn’t agree more. Exhaust wrap is old school. We learnt a long time ago it is not a good long term fix. None of the teams when I was in ALMS used exhaust wrap, we just figured out ways to move the heat away from the sensitive stuff.

[@timbonfield3589]

When you start seeing your camshafts on a table you know your in for a big bill.

[@v12agb45]

Put it back to stock the 6.2 in the black series is already a very highly strung engine from factory all the problems appear to be when it’s been fettled with epic videos recently Tim 👍

[@smey02]

My favourite in your collection, its just beautiful

[@mobilearun8746]

Modified Mustangs suffer from heat soak and people employ two approaches to resolving the issues. Wraps an heat shielding and the other is ceramic coatings on the headers. I used ceramic coatings on both my headers and it worked wonderfully,

[@jamesr5741]

Great to see the engine internals were basically ok. I suspected the cams might have worn down. It's a shame AMG didn't invest more in 'motorsportorising' the engine bay considering it was a Black series.

[@Rocky-hh3yg]

I’ve no idea why I’ve never thought about this but surely the SLR is a logical addition to the garage.

[@Shmee150]

As a Mercedes and McLaren guy, it would be a logical step at some point, but they are fiendishly expensive to run

[@Blade1310]

Amazing how much better these 'technical' videos are than the normal output. Thought the Shmuseum channel was meant for this? Either way it was well received by me!

[@Shmee150]

It's a bit of a mix really, the Shmuseum channel videos are more when we're all off as a team for more vlog kind of content, rather than single focus videos which have always been on Shmee. Long term, I'd like all content about the Shmeemobiles to be on the Shmuseum channel, or at least that's the plan.

[@ronaldwilliford301]

Love the SLS AMG GT Black series old school new school Cool 😎 in mystic blue, c’mon let’s get in running Good and Cool, miss it!!!!!!!

[@martmeister]

Fascinating. I would be frightened by the bill for a job like this. However I can see it being a massive investment back into the car.

[@MT-eb2dx]

I can see it as a massiv advert for the company and shmee not paying anything for it. He never marks anything as advertisment, but not because he doesn't advertise...

[@williamrogercummings277]

Nice update on the SLS Black and learning about the protection from excessive heat, which is a killer to horsepower and engine longevity. In addition, I love the E500 Estate. It's a steady, reliable, but quirky and cleverly speced machine. Good job, Tim.

[@breakupgoogle]

i wish you could do a few mods while in there. i know it isnt practical for various reasons but can u imagine a little lope from some larger cams? also getting some cold air intakes? that blue is still gorgeous.

[@thedude6688]

So cool to know that soon the SLS is coming back cheers

[@sakshampaliya]

The SLS Black Series has such a timeless design that never gets old!!!!!

[@Shmee150]

For sure, it'll always be stunning

[@timessix8434]

So, Renntech don’t test their products before selling it… Good to know…

[@reruedamotor7514]

A full check of a supercar like this is very important, because if you don´t make, can cause a lot of problems.

[@peterclifton6312]

I’d hate to think how much that’s all going to cost wow but what a car

[@Adrimo911]

Im glad cambridge audio didnt totally break it.

[@RDG_0001]

Would love to see stories told by you and the shmuseum team on either of your channels like VINVIKI do...

[@Shmee150]

Could be a fun additional run of content on The Shmuseum channel

[@neilstothard]

@@Shmee150 you could certainly give other British and European motoring enthusiasts a chance to tell some of their stories.a

[@geoffhobster5814]

Tim nice to see the SLS again after a long time. Who was on the camera for you

[@matthewwood9596]

You should do an artic circle road trip and take a shmeemobile to the artic circle in Scandinavia

SLS, its been a while🥰 I'm excited to big return to Shmuseum

[@Shmee150]

It's been too long

[@Phil_T86]

I have no doubt about Avangarde for service/diagnosis & repair but in regards to the heat management there are easier/more beneficial ways to do this such as ceramic coating such as Zirotec or Cerakote and custom blankets like Thermo Met.

[@kevinhawthorne5257]

Great Video!

[@ErwinVervaet]

So basically the RENNtech modifications nearly heat-killed your SLS?

[@Bolek989]

Thanks for the update Tim. And on a side note I think the Senna is aging nicely. Any updates with it?

[@SROC276]

All these issues only mean you drove it hard and well while in Germany and the Ring. Heat control additions will help manage it for sure. Ceratec use and more frequent oil changes would be helpful in protecting the components for track use. Great refresh for the SlS Black.

[@garyjefferies693]

Lesson to all really - don’t buy expensive / exotic cars that are precision engineered - and then bolt on after market exhausts & mess with them by tuning them - & which basically ruin them! 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@broganwunderink5286]

Its a common problem with replacing headers.... im surprised the manufacturer doesnt recommend head shielding anyway

[@tylerdurden4006]

Could be a nice weekly update if you had a whiteboard with all your cars on it with info like where it currently is and why (like service or upgrades) and how much it has been driven and stiff like that and you talk about all of them if they going through anything. A weekly update...I always forget what you have and always want updates but you rarely do them.

[@mattmoore1882]

dont underestimate the power of a great sunroof opened up all the way as you drive... wagons are cool , cheers

[@petervanoosten3165]

What I don't understand is that if Renntech engineers upgrades, they do not look at these kind off changes, using a process called management of change, what we use in our company when we make changes on an installation? When you use this process you are obliged to look at all the effects of the change itself at all the different components off the installation. If they would have done this, they would certainly have seen that e.g. temperature under the bonnet would cause a problem and had taken steps to reduce the effects off that heat. Also by insullating the manifold, this part will become more hot, because their is no cooling anymore, what will be the effect off that on the engine and other components?

[@iNegroTv]

I'm at the point I didn't even notice it missing, and it's one of my favorites. You have too many cars 😂

[@dangoertz8030]

Personally I think the SLS is the best car in the fleet. Good to see it hasn't been sold. Looking forward to more content with this car.

[@XxXBattleStarXxX]

Nice that he lets you film. A proper british working man who found his passion.

[@steveavantgarde133]

I’ve always ran a very transparent business with every customer I’ve had. Some are real petrol heads and to others having their car fixed is an inconvenience and they aren’t too interested. Either way we’re always happy to let customers into our workshop and show them what we are doing. Tim, Brad and Tom are great guys and it’s always a natural conversation both on and off cam. Great to spend some time with people that share our passion too.

[@GN1995_3]

loved Steve's vibe

[@e46racer02]

Greetings from Puerto Rico. I think you should put a supercharger to go along the Renntech upgrade.

[@tonywalters5396]

I thought a ceramic coating ok on the manifold would have been a huge help as well.

[@ronaldwilliford301]

Hurry get the SLS AMG black series back

[@carycoplon5681]

I know you are a very competent driver. That being said, I would be concerned for your well-being if you could get the Porche GT. That chassis has Zero Forgiveness built in. And many have been caught out by it and injured.