2003 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG

Highlights

Recently had an A service, including a new fuel pump and A/C re-gas
Comprehensive service history with 9 service stamps
Recent MOT with no advisories, valid until 29th April 2025
Low mileage for its age, averaging just 2,384 miles per year

The Appeal

Before you purchase one of those newfangled EVs, be sure not to underestimate the severity of internal combustion withdrawal symptoms...

After living with a succession of AMG-engined Mercedes-Benz, our vendor embraced modernity and bought a Tesla Model X. His smooth, quiet, O-Zone-friendly electric car proved great for daily driving, but when it came to weekend fun, the snarl of a hand-built V8 was sorely missed.

Enter the EV antidote - this 2003 SL55 AMG.

A weekend jaunt in this 475 bhp M113K AMG supercharged V8-engine monster is enough to satisfy those high-octane cravings, and this particular example stands out for its liftetime of meticulous maintenance and low mileage.

This SL55 AMG has been very well cared for, with a comprehensive service history including recent major services and it boasts no current MOT advisories. The car has also been stored indoors during winter months, preserving its enviable original condition. The vendor informs us that the SL drives brilliantly and does not feel like the 20-year-old car it now is. How time flies!

History and Paperwork

UK market RHD example
Owned by the current owner since July 2022
Offered on behalf of the vendor's father who is only selling due to ill health
Car bought right after getting a Tesla Model X; missed the roar of an AMG V8
Originally cost nearly £96,000 in 2003
Recently had an A service, including a new fuel pump and A/C re-gas
The vendor notes that the car will have missed a few service intervals due to being off the road on several occasions
Previous owner travelled minimal miles between September 2015 to April 2022 (only 85 miles); car was dry stored
Car likely not SORN during this time
Big cost items include rear ABC shocks have been attended to - in this case by the previous owner
All services (including ours) carried out by Mercedes dealer or specialists
No current MOT advisories
No concerns raised during the last service visit
All work carried out by Gary Warburton, Mercedes-Benz specialist in Fleetwood, Lancashire
Car bought because it was completely standard, had good service history, and low mileage
Good service history with 9 service stamps (mix of main dealer/specialist)
Stamped at 9,940, 18,413, 28,659, 31,020, 40,387, 43,386, 48,152, 49,856, 50,051 miles
Lots of invoices to be found in the accompanying history file
Previous owner had the car in dry storage for several years due to house renovation work
Recent MOT with no advisories and A service including new fuel pump
V5 shows 8 keepers but the last two are the same family but changed the V5 for insurance purposes
Currently in storage in a business warehouse; also stored indoors during the winter months

Service History:

03/03/05: 9,940 miles - A service (Oil, brake fluid, coolant, plugs, filter, V belt)
21/02/06: 18,413 miles - B service (Oil, plugs, brake fluid, V belt)
20/06/06: 21,070 miles - MOT
12/06/07: 26,609 miles - MOT
02/05/08: 28,659 miles - B service (Oil, fuel filter, plugs, filters, brake fluid, V belt); MOT
29/04/09: 30,598 miles - MOT
09/03/10: 31,020 miles - B service (Oil)
09/06/10: 31,237 miles - MOT
15/03/11: 31,522 miles - MOT
21/06/11: 35,379 miles - MOT
26/03/12: 40,387 miles - Transmission fluid service (including filters); A service (Oil, fuel filter, plugs, filters, brake fluid, V belt)
03/04/12: 40,418 miles - MOT
07/08/12: 42,174 miles - Secondary air pump relay
11/10/12: 42,667 miles - Rear discs and pads
25/04/13: 43,386 miles - A service (Oil); MOT
28/05/13: 43,812 miles - New parking light switch
19/08/14: 46,482 miles - MOT
17/09/15: 47,811 miles - MOT
23/09/16: 47,818 miles - New starter battery; MOT
28/05/19: 47,823 miles - MOT
08/2019: Rear ABC struts
21/12/20: MOT failure (Incorrect and missing reg plates); off road until 22/12/20 - New consumer battery
30/04/22: 47,896 miles - MOT
03/05/22: New starter battery
05/07/22: Purchased the car
19/07/22: 48,152 miles - A service (Oil, gearbox service)
21/04/23: 49,313 miles - MOT
25/07/23: 49,856 miles - A service (Oil); New consumer battery; Oil service; A/C re-gas; A/C sensor; Side repeater
15/04/24: 50,040 miles - MOT
24/05/24: 50,051 miles - A service (Oil); Fuel pump

The Condition

Very smart throughout - signifying a lifetime of careful ownership
The (brilliant) hard top still works well as does the wind deflector and retractable roll hoop
No glass roof fitted to this example which helps to prevent leather ageing and less likely to leak
Boot roof separator switch was recently replaced
Straight bodywork with well-fitting doors and bright paintwork
No obvious dents or big scratches
The vendor notes a few age-related stone chip marks (no rust in the stone chips)
Signs of rust starting on the passenger side rear arch near the bumper shut line (only minor)
OEM wheels in original condition with no repairs or refurbishment - some signs of lacquer failing but no kerb marks visible
Recent Michelin PS rear tyres; front Continentals with decent tread levels
All leather is in great condition with no notable sagging, any obvious tears, or heavily worn areas
New mats; all carpets in very good condition
Keyless central locking and keyless start
Satnav works (although with dated maps); the screen reportedly has no loss of pixels
CD changer behind the passenger seat

The Mechanics

475bhp M113K AMG supercharged V8
Five-speed automatic gearbox
Accelerates to 60 in just under 4.5 seconds
Steering wheel paddle shift extension added
No issues with ABC pump or roof leaks (common issues)
All brakes reportedly have lots of life left
The differential and gearbox had a fluid (with gearbox filter) service in July 2022
Car is ready to go to a new home and we're informed that it wants for nothing

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