Used 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL55 AMG Consumer Reviews
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Please, stay away!
Chris, 12/04/2015
2003 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL55 AMG 2dr Convertible (5.5L 8cyl S/C 5A)
157 of 164 people found this review helpful
Seeing the price of these cars on the used market is a tempting purchase. When everything is working it is overall a fantastic car, fast, good looking, comfortable, etc. HOWEVER: REGARDLESS of what anyone tells you, I doubt there is a more complicated and unreliable car on the market. In under one year, I have spent over $8,000 on unplanned repairs. This is not because the car wasn't maintained, they are just chronically unreliable. Suspension issues, getting stuck in park, trunk leaks, rattles, motor/transmission mounts, supercharger intercooler pump, alarm siren, trunk struts, this is a partial list of the problems that I've had. Most of the reviews on here are overwhelmingly positive, but you need to see the dates - many 10+ years ago when the car was newer. Most recent reviews will attest to my warning: DO NOT LET THE LOOK/DRIVE OF THE CAR TEMPT YOU. The car moved from a "love/hate" relationship to a "mostly hate" relationship after being in the shop at least once a month. Oh, and as a daily driver over 14k miles it has averaged 13.5mpg in the suburbs, but you should know that going in - it costs to go fast. In summary, there is no such thing as a cheap MB SL, you're paying in depreciation or you're paying in maintenance, pick your poison.
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Electrical Gremlins Abound
Nero, 02/03/2010
2003 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL55 AMG 2dr Convertible (5.5L 8cyl S/C 5A)
86 of 90 people found this review helpful
Car has left me stranded and in need of towing 5 times now in 3 years. It has so many electrical problems that no one can figure out, the last time I took it to the dealer for the same thing and spent $3,000 with no real fix. Looks good, is very fast but too heavy to be a real sports car, it drinks gas, and is very unreliable and expensive to own. Another thumbs down for Mercedes' recent product offerings, do you research and you'll find many reports of their shoddy quality in their modern cars.
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It's Been a Great Car to Own
Vincenzo, 11/02/2017
2003 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL55 AMG 2dr Convertible (5.5L 8cyl S/C 5A)
54 of 56 people found this review helpful
I have owned this car for almost a year now, and I was expecting it to cost 3-5k a year to maintain. I had an emergency fund in place fully funded and so far it's been in the shop for some ball joints in the suspension, an intercooler pump (which is upgraded so it shouldn't break for a while) and couple of new rims because the 2 left got bent. I've replaced the alternator, crank shaft position sensor, engine and cabin air filters, a few pulleys and a valve cover gasket. It's going to need trunk struts, accumulator spheres, engine/transmission mounts and a few cosmetic touch ups (but overall my car is in really good shape). This car has costed me $2,000 in the first year to get caught up on maintenance which is cheap for a car like this at 14 years old. The engine was shutting off on it when it got warmed up not too long ago. I was able to diagnose the problem in less then 15 minutes at a cost of less then $28. It was the CPS and it was a breeze to install once I got it (took 10 minutes) and every local auto part shop had it in stock. I replaced the alternator myself on it as well and once you know the procedure it's easy to replace. You need to remove the fan shroud and it will make it easier but it was a breeze as well. This is a very easy car to work on. The hood opens 90 degrees and theres a lot of room to work almost like an old muscle car. The struts and brakes cost a lot retail but you can find them so cheap to nothing if you shop around so the parts are usually very cheap and sometimes free in my experience if you send the old ones in. The engine parts are almost all metal and you don't have to worry about anything breaking unless you over tighten stuff. The car gets terrible overall fuel economy but it's very fast and the acceleration is brutal in a way. There are a few quality problems but they're very small and the average person wouldn't be able to find them. The quality of materials and build quality is overall extremely high for this vehicle especially when you consider it's from the DaimlerChrysler era. It's got a tank like Mercedes-Benz build quality to it. It feels very solid and heavy and the doors are very heavy. The transmissions in these vehicles shift very slow and are a bit cumbersome but are basically the same as you'd find in a Sprinter van or almost any other Mercedes in this time period and is found in almost every V12 Mercedes until 2014 or so. You can also find it in many Chrysler vehicles like V8 Grand Cherokees, 300's, Chargers, Challengers, Durangos, you name it. It's even in some Jaguars and 911's. It's a very heavy duty unit and can run for 100's of thousands of miles. When you need to replace it just make sure it has the correct torque converter and you're golden. The unit should be pretty cheap. This is a very intuitive car. I am not a technician or expert and I can easily diagnose anything in this car in 15 minutes or less. Make sure the hydraulic fluid has been getting changed though before you buy one because the car rides on a fully active hydraulic suspension and one pump runs the suspension and steering. If the fluid is not changed before 50k miles at least, the pump will fail, the lines will get clogged and it can ruin your struts. It can total out your car if someone is careless about this and should be done every 30k along with the transmission fluid or even 20k if you can. This is the only thing you have to worry about. The engine mounts go out early because they're filled with fluid and are soft to make the car ride and settle better so that's normal. Supercharger oil should be done every 20-30k as well and make sure you lubricate the seals and the top. Overall if you listen to what Mercedes tells you to do and do more than what is expected and are good to your car you will be rewarded with one of the most reliable vehicles on the market. 1,000,000 miles on one of these is not uncommon and can go possibly 2,000,000 miles between rebuilds. It's a very solid and simple single overhead cam engine. It's not hard to maintain. Make sure you have an emergency fund in place though. You should have one anyways and it should have at least $12,000 in it.
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SL55 just OK
Phil's View SL55 , 07/31/2005
2003 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL55 AMG 2dr Convertible (5.5L 8cyl S/C 5A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I have had this car since Nov 2002, but don't drive it much. The car is fast ,but drive by wire needs work [touchy brakes and lack of trottle response at times is dangerous. I had a defective digital display which was replaced but not improved. The dealer refused to let me speak to factory rep. After a year, I finally got the dealer to compare to another SL and they finally fixed it. Stereo amp blew out and had to be replaced. Sound system is average at best. Why do you have to push a button to use the steering wheel shift controls? Command center is way too complex. Nav system is very difficult and inaccurate. A stunning car, but I prefer to drive my 1998 Corvette Convertible.
Repair and Maint. Costs Take the Fun Away
Paul, 03/30/2019
2003 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL55 AMG 2dr Convertible (5.5L 8cyl S/C 5A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Its first generation technology and expensive to repair maintain.
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Amazing to drive & horrific to own
Richard Hill, 01/12/2010
2003 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL55 AMG 2dr Convertible (5.5L 8cyl S/C 5A)
22 of 29 people found this review helpful
I have owned over twenty Mercedes and this has been the most exciting to drive and yet the worst for reliability. The quality of the cabin components are cheap and tacky and a disgrace to the badge and the electronics are a complete nightmare. I cannot trust any of the onboard warning systems and my repair bills to try and get them sorted is like paying off the national debt. The depreciation on this vehicle has been alarming and I am so disappointed that this will probably be the last Mercedes Benz I will purchase.
2003 Certified Used SL55
miles of smiles, 02/03/2007
2003 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL55 AMG 2dr Convertible (5.5L 8cyl S/C 5A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I purchased a 2003 certified Diamond Silver SL55 avoiding the $50K depreciation. What a car. Incredible looks and power, and a great sounding rumble. The car is truely amazing, yet the navigation is dated years compared to Lexus. I have no regrets in the first 2,000 miles. I have heard both positive and negative reviews for the car so I purchased the extended warranty to 100K miles. It appears to be hit or miss with some of the cars with the research I've done.
Perfection in 2 doors
jshoes, 09/19/2003
2003 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL55 AMG 2dr Convertible (5.5L 8cyl S/C 5A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
This is it as far as high performance convertibles go. I visited the AMG factory in September, 2001, when they were first testing these cars. After I heard it drive past me, I knew I wanted one. The sounds is amazing. I love the look on people's faces when I drive down the street and floor the car. Call me juvenile? Sure but I have a really big smile on my face everytime. On top of all this, it is gorgeous, comfortable, luxurious, exclusive and did I mention fast?
Milage makes no difference - starts breaking day 1
For ONCE in my life., 09/07/2023
2003 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL55 AMG 2dr Convertible (5.5L 8cyl S/C 5A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
If they got rid of the "untils" it would be all of what you could hope for in an automobile of this class. You will get that feeling each time you pull out of the dealers shop after sipping the most expensive "free" cup of coffee on the planet (about three times a month). Great ride - until the shocks fail suddenly when you hit a bump. Great top - until it gets stuck half way up. Great looks - until you pay for a $10,000 body scratch. Great mileage - until you drive it in the city. Comfortable ride - until you put 5000 miles on a new set of $3000 tires. Nice auto trunk opener - until the gas lift assist fails (monthly). Great open road drive - but you'll never know because the car is in the shop for the third time this month. Great road service - until you call the number and find out it's "no longer in service". Great 2 battery system - until you find out they fail without warning and must be replaced every year at $600 for the pair. Great way to attract a woman - until you find out that she wants to get married and take out a life insurance policy on you on the same day. I put 40k miles on the car - all under warrantee and the car was in the shop over 20 times. I now drive a Camry - 40k miles as of today, not a SINGLE problem. None! Zero! Zip! Nada! - and no troublesome women. Guess I'm just not as attractive as I once was.
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Never Had Better....BUT
AL, 07/20/2009
2003 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL55 AMG 2dr Convertible (5.5L 8cyl S/C 5A)
6 of 8 people found this review helpful
I have had many cars but this car has to be the best all around car ever.It is the ultimate GT car,sports,coupe convertible,luxury and hot rod.I don't believe there is a car in the world that works better in a combined package.I can't wait to get my four year old 2009 SL65 at a $100,000.00 + discount. I'm pretty sure I got mine for about the cost of a new loaded mini van...
Hot stuff
anna jo julian, 09/19/2002
2003 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL55 AMG 2dr Convertible (5.5L 8cyl S/C 5A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
i really like this car a lot.It runs very well and it has great features.
SL55 AMG
Angus Tone, 08/21/2003
2003 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL55 AMG 2dr Convertible (5.5L 8cyl S/C 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This car is a dream to drive its performance is unmatched in its class. It does a faster 0-60 than the ferrari modeno and spyder. This car exudes class and power if you have the funds i deffinetly advise picking one up
I love my mercedes benz
Kerry , 08/26/2003
2003 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL55 AMG 2dr Convertible (5.5L 8cyl S/C 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
My first car was a 1998 Mercedes SL450. I didnt like it too much so i decided to get something smaller. My AMG is the greatest car i've ever owned. The milage is a +. I would definetly recommend this vehicle to anybody.
mine
palbertr, 09/25/2003
2003 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL55 AMG 2dr Convertible (5.5L 8cyl S/C 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Great car,but lots of annoying problems. rear computer failure,noise from gas tank (many cars affected) required 2 week replacement.tire pressure system,sqeeaking brakes,noise from under car while turning,squeeks from top.
Whiplash
kgb, 05/05/2005
2003 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL55 AMG 2dr Convertible (5.5L 8cyl S/C 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Fastest car I've ever had the pleasure to drive. The "Car" is well built, but don't trust Germans with electronics, that's best left the the Japanese.
hands down best car
MICHAEL ZARABI, 08/27/2003
2003 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL55 AMG 2dr Convertible (5.5L 8cyl S/C 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
a gtr car without the price tag. this is one of the fastest and most luxurious cars on the market. I wouldnt trade it for any other car.
Better than a Porsche C4 S
Charles Day, 09/02/2003
2003 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL55 AMG 2dr Convertible (5.5L 8cyl S/C 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
After owning and driving C4 Porsches, this SL55 AMG is the best. It has the torque of the Porsche Turbo and the fun of a convertible without the inconveniences of removing the hard top. While the Porsche intimidated my wife, the SL 55 AMG is wife friendly. The stability management system was comparable to the Porsche. The parking assist, navigation system, and high performance sound system was superior.
good
Lindsay, 09/10/2003
2003 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL55 AMG 2dr Convertible (5.5L 8cyl S/C 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
good quality in all. Runs nicely and will suggest this car to others.
One Out Of Sight Mean Machine
Lew Keller, 09/11/2003
2003 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL55 AMG 2dr Convertible (5.5L 8cyl S/C 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is one awsome automobile. The driving and performance is like no other automobile I have ever owned.The handling in general is magnificent, the way it runs is......well there are no words that I could put here that would do it justice.
SL55 STILL ALIVE!
gteg berlin, 09/26/2018
2003 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL55 AMG 2dr Convertible (5.5L 8cyl S/C 5A)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
IT,S FANTASTIC!
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The SL55 Rocks!
RickSL55 , 11/22/2002
2003 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL55 AMG 2dr Convertible (5.5L 8cyl S/C 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is truly awesome! The combination of power and luxury is unmatched by anything else on the road. I sold my Lexus LS400, Honda S2000 and Mercedes SLK32. Don't need them anymore!
Wickedly powerful
claudio, 08/06/2003
2003 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL55 AMG 2dr Convertible (5.5L 8cyl S/C 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car replaced my already superb clk 55 and it shares the garage space with my Boxster S. It is unbelievebly fast and handles even better than the incredible Boxster. There are no words to describe this car it has to be driven. My car is black with red interior and AMG multi-spoke (turbine wheels). It has all the options and it is really a dream car!
Perfect Fun
coltrain, 08/20/2003
2003 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL55 AMG 2dr Convertible (5.5L 8cyl S/C 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is raw power, neatly packaged in a fun, classy vehicle. The silver and ash combination creates a bright, classic look great for the summer heat. But under this attractive skin is pure power. I don't believe I've come close to unleashing the complete power of the vehicle. Acceleration, handling passing, etc. are as good as it gets.
SL500
wind beneath wings, 09/09/2003
2003 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL55 AMG 2dr Convertible (5.5L 8cyl S/C 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It is the best car and the road. It is fun to drive. Great speed. We love the new look of the SL500 too.
great
dean1111111, 09/13/2003
2003 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL55 AMG 2dr Convertible (5.5L 8cyl S/C 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i really loved the car its the best investment i have ever fentured
GREAT CAR 55
Lewis Clean, 09/13/2003
2003 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL55 AMG 2dr Convertible (5.5L 8cyl S/C 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
CAR IS GREAT! HOT CAR!!!
My new car
lks, 07/20/2003
2003 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL55 AMG 2dr Convertible (5.5L 8cyl S/C 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the most amazing car I have ever owned!
Nice, but should've bought a 911 Turbo
fievel, 08/21/2003
2003 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL55 AMG 2dr Convertible (5.5L 8cyl S/C 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The car is great, except that I really wish the car had 6sp manual transmission. The auto tranny doesn't do the engine justice at all. The car runs surprisingly slow compared with all the 'hype' I had read. I guess my expectations were too high.
WOW!
skyking4hire, 10/10/2003
2003 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL55 AMG 2dr Convertible (5.5L 8cyl S/C 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had it for a month and have never owned a car that got so much attention, and to my surprise it is well deserved. I have never enjoyed driving this much, and the power is awesome-and I race cars competitively. . .
Fast but Unreliable
Bummed Out, 07/07/2005
2003 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL55 AMG 2dr Convertible (5.5L 8cyl S/C 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Yes, fast, beautiful and fun to drive but that's where it ends. The car has been back to the dealer three times in 7000 miles for mostly electronic related problems, twice on a flat bed. The latest is a bad alternator causing the computer to flash a red stop sign at me with an alarm blaring and a warning that the brakes were about to fail. Have to wait a week for the part because not one is available in the US. The navigation system is useless and the sound system inferior to say that of a Lexus 340SC. Scared to drive this thing any distance now and looking to trade her in sadly.
Its true, its true
buckspine, 12/10/2003
2003 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL55 AMG 2dr Convertible (5.5L 8cyl S/C 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The most exciting aspect of this car is the sound. Most sports cars are smooth and kittenlike with a turbo whine. This dog barks, like something out of a gutter. And the best thing is that is approximately 500 horsepower and a convertible.
AMG 2003 SL55
Bill Dritz, 03/11/2004
2003 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL55 AMG 2dr Convertible (5.5L 8cyl S/C 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
An absolute riot to drive, but with all of the solidness we have all come to know in every Mercedes Benz car.
Best value of any exotic
henry42, 05/10/2003
2003 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL55 AMG 2dr Convertible (5.5L 8cyl S/C 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Nothing but fun to drive and own, and best of all,looks like free to own also with resale values still bringing premiums.
awsome
molson, 08/27/2003
2003 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL55 AMG 2dr Convertible (5.5L 8cyl S/C 5A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
The sl 55 is the best car I had ever had.I have 10 cars.I like the sl 55 the best.The have a thing you can push (sos) if there is ever a emergency witch will call mb care.If you want a good nice car get the sl 55