There are plenty of numbers to marvel at when it comes to previous - gen Mercedes - Benz SL AMGs - most relating to cubes, power and torque. But hows this for starters? A decade after its debut, an SL55 can be yours for ?15,000, which is ?75,000 less than it cost new. Thats 5439cc, 500bhp and 5161b ft of supercharged V8 that reaches 60mph in 4.7sec and broke 200mph in derestricted form at the Nardo est track. All that, combined with what we called "hedonistic levels of comfort and refinement".
Mercedes stands by those early cars, too. "Age is not a problem, and if the condition and history is right, high mileage doesnt worry us, either," says Danny Hills of Mercedes - Benz Colindale in north-west London. GM Steven Glibbery reckons its a healthy market. "Demand for AMG product is monstrous at the moment," he says. We sold more in January than all of 2011."
But before spending sub - A - class cash on an SL55, there are some other, less inticing figures to ponder, such as 19mpg, insurance group 50, ?235 per rear tyre and 340g/km of CO2. Bag one registered before 23 March 2006, though, and you can at least limit the impact of that final stat to ?260 annual VED. Newer SL AMGs add ?200 to the bill.
Subject to a tidy history, however, mechanical failures are rare. Recall fixes and technical upgrades tackled performance issues with the hydraulic Active Body Control adaptive damping system and Sensotronic Brake Control unit, while faulty fuel tank baffles in early cars were fixed under warranty.
There is a danger of unsympathetic ownership from those more enchanted by badge and noise than engineering. That can result in symptoms such as replacement windows that play up after fitting by an untrained hand, and weakening of the rear lower roof seal caused by close - quarters jet - washing.
For the ultimate SL55, a 2006 facelift added TObhp and 151b ft, amassed by engine upgrades including a new supercharger, while both steering and ABC were honed for responsiveness and composite discs were added up front. Aftermarket tweaks were also available, such as Carlssons ?13,000, 580bhp CK55 RS conversion, but Colindales buyer, Paul Fogerty, warns that there is a purists approach to AMG products. "The majority of people simply want standard specification," he says.
Those final SL55s start at around ?35,000, which is just ?5000 short of the cheapest SL65 - the limited - number, 5980cc, 604bhp biturbo V12 monster thats been assaulting asphalt since 2004. While its even easier to get wrapped up in the SL65s stats, away from the autobahn youll struggle to feel the extra pace it offers over the lighter, more controllable and arguably better - sounding SL55. But since the price difference between the two has withered so much from the initial 50 grand chasm, its tempting.
The SL63 from 2008 is the most modern choice, mainly differentiated by simpler natural aspiration, a seven - speed, wet - clutch automatic transmission to the SL55/65s five - speed torque converter, revised ABC and a heavily reworked body aped by the simultaneously updated SL65.
Popular options include a panoramic glass roof, radar - operated cruise control and the Performance Pack on SL55 and SL63s that tightened the suspension and matched the SL65s limited - slip diff.
Labour rates at Mercedes dealerships can be high, but their AMG specialists experience and knowledge - sharing database can significantly reduce diagnosis times, and factory subsidies mean free visual health checks, too. Servicing is condition - based, with SL63 A and В visits costing ?421 and ?662 respectively at Colindale, though occasional renewals like brake fluid and spark plugs are extra.
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