The Budget McLaren SLR? 2006 Mercedes SL55 AMG Review 

My best friend had a 2002 for a couple of years. I owned a 2004 for a year. My older brother owns a 2003 for 10+ years now. We all have a huge soft spot for this car. It’s the ultimate daily driver. And, knock on wood, we never had any serious problems except a gearbox replacement (yes the 5-speeder do go wrong sometimes) and that was of course quite costly. The feeling when you sit down in the driver seat, press the engine start button on the gear lever and hear the deep roar when the engine starts is worth the money. You can drive in 200+ km/h on the Autobahn and it feelds like 100 in other cars. Incredible.

That SL55 is a cracking car and bloody quick 👍

These did 4.6 to 60 mph and 0-100 in the mid 9s, so it's still a fast car as long as running properly. Maybe there was an issue with this one.

I just watched this and enjoyed it, but I would wager anything that the intercooler pump on this example was knackered, as you mentioning the lack of low-end torque (which is what this engine is famous for, and this is completely the opposite of how it should feel) and the fact that overtaking wasn't as quick as you'd expect and that you weren't travelling as fast as you'd be expecting to all suggest that the supercharger wasn't actually engaging at all or intermittently at best. A shame as these are still such nice cars and it seems like you didn't get the proper SL55 experience with this one. I was reading an account from someone who went from a W211 E55 (I appreciate the 'lightest' and quickest of the 55 cars) to a 997 Turbo and he said the 911 didn't feel any quicker than the E55 in a straight line, so even at two tonnes an SL55 in fully working order should still feel like a very fast car, even by modern standards - 500hp is still a chunk even today and 0-60 in 4.5 is still quick :)

These were awesome back in the day, I had one for a year or so back in the mid '00s. Absolutely phenomenal sound!

The rear facing hood/bonnet shots with the clouds and trees reflecting look gorgeous!

My dad's boss used to drive this. Gave me a ride once as a kid. Best day of my life. haha.

It's a GT, not a sports car. With that weight you get out at the end of your journey not tired. Effortless, fast motoring.

I just sold my Z3M roadster & replaced it with a low mileage R231 SL500 in hyacinth red with cream leather. Not the Sl55 in this vid of course. And not the AMG SL63 admittedly. But not much less power or performance. It's more than enough. In fact I'm in awe of it. The fact it takes an extra 200 or 300 milliseconds to reach the legal speed limit compared to the AMG is immaterial. 0 - 60 in 4.5 is fine with me.I'm loving it to bits. I considered an SLK55. But they're almost as expensive. A great little V8 roadster, but less car for the money. SLK55 £55k new. SL500 £85k new but only £3 or £4k more second hand for the SL. And it's an almost all aluminium engineering masterpiece. When I test drove the Slk55 the engine felt special. When I drive my SL500 the whole car feels special

That sl is extremely fast no matter the age! Put the transmission in learning mode and drive it the way you want it to shift and see the difference.

So much research goes into your reviews...great work thanks

This thing is a damn beast (not you James, sorry). I saw one of these drag race a 911 (996) Turbo out of a roundabout in the UK years ago and they went side by side down a mile long road. They used both lanes (nothing oncoming thank god) and that SL55 sounded like a spitfire and stayed neck and neck with the 911 all the way. Outstanding.

My parents have the SL600, with the 5.5 liter Bi-turbo v12 and its fast, but not violent. The power comes on smoothly in a linear fashion. Even though the car has 590 foot pounds of torque, it weighs 4,500 pounds, so it isn't very intense. It also heat soaks really badly and is very difficult to work on because you cant even fit your hand around the engine.

These incredible machines are totally understated. have had 2 and my 2005 is the only car I am loathed to part with. Keep the miles down and budget £5k per year to own and run but that includes any depreciation. The V8 is incredible and the noise when you accelerate puts a big smile on your face every time.

I've grown to like these, now that they are nearly 15 years old!

I own the 2008 model, the final year of production. Very rare in the USA, only 464 imported. The M113K engine is considered to be one of the very best engines ever designed. And the transmission is bulletproof, capable of easily handling 800 HP. When the SL55 was first introduced in late 2001 it was the fastest production car in the world with an automatic transmission. A delimited one was tested against the fastest cars in the world (Porsche 911 GT2, Aston Martin Vanquish, Ferrari 550 Maranello and Lambo Murcielago), at Nardo Test Track in Southern Italy in December 2001. The SL was the fastest car to reach 186MPH and second fastest overall (to the Lambo). And it cost $100k less than all of them! Top speed achieved was 202 MPH, MB estimates a potential top end for the higher HP 07 and 08 model years at 208MPH. Quickness wise, how does 0-62 mph in 4.3 seconds sound (Fastlaps.com testing). As someone else mentioned, for $2k you can change the SC pulley and get a custom tune, adding 100 HP and 60LB Ft of additional torque. These minor modifications enable the car to pretty much run with any car available today above at or above a 30mph. And none of them will provide the high quality ride and comfort of this MB. Truly a unique car and happy to have one in my collection.

two tons? and than to think SL actually stands for Sports Lightweight!

The SL 55 AMG, the SLR McLaren and the CLK DTM AMG all had a 5.4L supercharged V8 but varied wildly in power output and price.

It's my kind of car. That's why I love Mercedes

Speaking as a Scottish guy, you are the perfect English Doug Demuro equivelent for those of us who happen to live in the UK which is way different to the USA. Doug is great and he has his style which i watch and really enjoy watching but you are what we here need as someone who lives here and not stateside :)

Always loved SLs. Thank you for doing another.

Excellent. You crammed a lot of impression and specs into these 13.55 minutes. The only major tech you forgot to mention were the drive-by-wire brakes [SBC], the worlds first in -any- production car. There's no mechanical connection between the pedal and the brakes except during emergency backup. Together with the hydraulic suspension [ABC], they give the car an uncompromising luxurious feel with maximum control. SBC even starts braking each wheel independently before you touch the brake pedal for astounding force and balance.

Was it in limp mode? Did the owner ask you not to go over 1.5k revs?

Love the SL. Pretty much agree with everything. Not sure the 55 AMG is the best SL option though, considering, as you said, even with the supercharger it's more of a cruiser than a sports car or even a straight-line dragster. Pre-2006, there was also a 3.7L 242hp six (350), a 5.0L 302hp n/a V8 (500), a 5.5L 493hp twin-turbo V12 (600), and a 6.0L 604hp twin-turbo V12 (65 AMG), so the six and the n/a eight were relatively slow. In 2006, there was a new 3.5L six with 268hp, and a new 5.5L n/a V8 was introduced with 383hp -- although both of these had early problems until some time in 2007. Both got the new 7-speed auto. And sport models got paddles. The 55 AMG kept the old engine, albeit with 10hp more. And the 600 also got 10hp more. I think the 383hp n/a V8 suits the car pretty well. In 2008, the car was more heavily facelifted at the front end with a totally new headlight design. Paddle-shift also became standard. At this time, the six was uprated to 307hp and significantly revised and improved, although still not as much torque as the old 5.0L V8. There was also a lower-powered six, which I think should simply be avoided. At the same time, the 55 AMG was replaced with the 6.2L 518hp 63 AMG model with new 7-speed multi-clutch auto. This has the first engine actually designed by AMG. The 65 AMG model was also considerably uprated. All the eights and twelves came standard with the ABC system, while it was a rarely selected option on the sixes. I think the uprated SL 350 2008-12 is arguably the way to go. No ABC worries. Decent power and fuel economy. Still a good cruiser. And arguably sportier as it revs to 7200rpm, more than any of the other engines. Of course, all the revised eights and twelves also suit the SL very well, each with its own character.

One of my favourite cars owned

I remember when I used to subcontract to a Ferrari dealership in Devon they were selling one of these that had been traded in for a Ferrari. They asked me to get it fueled up so as I drove it on to the main road outside the dealership I floored it and before the traction control kicked in the back swung right out and I nearly hit the curb with the alloy. The look on the dealer principles face face was priceless an although I nearly shat my self he gave me the if looks could kill stare lol I didn't work there much longer after that.

Also selfish question -any plans to review an E60 M5 anytime soon?...the V10 engine is on my list of cars to own and im waiting to find the courage to take the plunge with all that I hear on the internet!

In fact, I read a report/review that it is quicker (just) to 120mph than a 911 Turbo of the same vintage

Great video thank you, but... I purchased my 2005 SL55 from new (which i've still got) and i've been lucky enough to own and drive many different types of premium 'sports and muscle' cars over the years. When the SL55 was first introduced it was billed as being the worlds' fastest accelerating automatic. Shame therefore that this attribute was not suitably demonstrated in the video. Forget about whether or not you're in comfort or sport mode, simply kick down the accelerator to the floor; it's a 'ruddy rocket ship!' Maybe the car being reviewed had a technical problem or the reviewer had lost his bottle? ;-) ;-)

Love your reviews, but I mean, come one, how can you review an SL without showing the roof in action, especially since it's one of the few convertibles that looks great with the top down or up. But agree 100% with all your comments.

Had my 55 for 3 years now (just 37k miles) and cured a few gremlins for next to nothing compared to what the dealer quoted. There's got to have been something seriously wrong with that example. I'd even go so far as to say the supercharger wasn't even kicking in just going by the sound track it sounded to be accelerating way too gradually !!! There is OODLES of low down torque in these and top end grunt to boot. Just read many of the other similar comments to mine too I strongly suggest you go out and search for another example to test drive and report back asap :)

The CLS55AMG is about 100kg lighter with same engine, gbox and airmatic instead of ABC hydraulic setup!!!

This guy need to mash that peddle and feel that torque! Of course he's not going to feel shit when he's barley pressing the peddle 🙄😪

Thug is the right word, this thing is brutally quick when given the beans

My SL is super fast, out against a Ferrari 599 and Audi R8 V10 and Ferrari Wes way back and Audi could not shake me off and we were shifting, it handles really well too, so I am happy up against anything in mine!!!

Still amazed by your reviews! All those points, good and bad, while driving and sitting next to (I presume) the owner. Well done, most enjoyable reviews on youtube in my opinion!

I was lucky enough to drive a 6 month old SL 55 back in the day ,thought all hell had broke loose lol .

A great example of what it is but I'd far have the S2000 from the previous video this week.

I really like these but it's the sound it makes that sets it apart. Lovely, bassy creamy V8.

2016 June: a fully, recently maintained 2005 SL55 like this showed up at a high-end new car dealer with 1/2 the miles vs the 1999 base 911 Carerra manual convertible I was about to buy from its dligent 2nd owner. I thought dealer friend of 30 yrs would surely approve my getting the SL55 instead, but no, “It’s still NOT a 911,” he replied remorselessly. Flabbergasted, I stayed the course and bought the base 911. Having just sold my Jaguar XKR coupe (gen1), I quickly found the 996 manual was indeed far more entertaining than the XKR or the SL55. Drives in the city (non-rush hour, always variable) and canyon drives the norm while touring was not so it predictably made sense. In my case, the back seats were immediately useable for my kids.

I enjoyed 95% of the time owning a 2002 SL55. The 5% that hurt was the repair cost. Definitely buy a more expensive one that has been serviced!!

I had an E55 with this engine in before my current E60 M5. The E55 had 522bhp and over 620lb ft of torque. It was very quick in a straight line, but an open diff, that gearbox and it's boat like handling soon got boring. This was despite the TCU being mapped for quicker shifts. It could over power the open diff, but it wasn't much fun apart from straight line speed. The exhaust note was pleasant though. The ride? It didn't matter what you did the with suspension, it was never anything but hard. The only car I have ever cracked an alloy on. Prefer my M5, but would like the torque from the E55. Great review as always.

Fantastic car. And I am not surprised that you didn't find it quick in comfort mode, that is effectively for winter driving. They use C and W designation for winter mode, and S is for normal driving.

I owned an 03 SL55 for 14 years.Bought it with 24k miles.Great car and an absolute blast to drive.BUT they are extremely expensive to repair and maintain.ABC is nothing but problems after 10 or so years,same with the vacuum locks and top hydraulics.

Only have a 350SL but I bet he didn’t press far enough down to get kick down, the gearboxes aren’t that sporty but he should have been a lot quicker, mine is pretty quick if driven hard

Nice, just watching now. I hope you cover the bad reliability of these cars! And also one day review the SLK55!

A really good review. Amusing, engaging and very well researched and informed. Your content is getting better and better. Thanks!

As always, informative and entertaining.

The SL65 was also 1000nm of torque

Oooh, now this is a video im looking forward to watrching. Thanks Jay.

The vario roof is hydraulic, not electric although the pump obviously uses a single electric motor. He sure seems disappointed with the power, which cannot be the case if it were running true.

Very good content. I have been hankering after an SLS, yet budget precludes. And so therefore the SL55 might be an budget affordable alternative.

In a class of its own? A competitor to a Jag XKR convertible maybe?

Must be something wrong with your driving or the car. I've had an SL55 for 3 years and there's plenty of low down torque. Yes it is very unwilling to change gear, kick down seems unresponsive, but there's plenty of power all across the range which means you don't need the kick down as much.

Great car, I own a CL55, everyone is on about expensive to keep not really true. If you know where to get the parts from it's pretty cheap to maintain, even certain parts from Mercedes isn't bad. If you do decide to get one with s 55k engine 'm113k' get a TCU and ECU tune and probably a 80mm supercharger pulley, really changes the dynamic of the car. Love mine which runs around 700 bhp!!

James, another great video. Im getting scared that you may somehow have a list of all the attainable cars im trying to buy, im currently trying to sell my lovely R129 SL500, and have been looking at these as a replacement!

Great video as usual, I had a merc from that era from new, never again. I'm sure they are better now but honestly, NEVER again

Lovely car and great review. I would just fix the suspension as coil overs won’t justify themselves. Gotta treat the suspension as a consumable in these cars. The suspension breaks approx once every 10 years or so.

The Lexus voice control on my 06 ES330 and 08 LS460 works surprisingly well lol

SL best everyday driver

Why have you not driven a SLK? You really should start with the 230 Kompressor (R170) and move through the 171 and 172! You are missing something ! I know they ate a dime a dozen and many are purchased fir thst reason then not maintained, but a well maintained R170, just might open your eyes! Do try one James....and greetings from Ontario, 🇨🇦

nice video! I drive my r230 in sport.not abs sport! It's very important that you set the transmission it's quite simple procedure once every three months! 90% of these SL Porsche owners Maserati owners Tesla owners drive below the speed limit, it drives me nuts! the suspension is out of this world still you don't feel the speed you're going I advise you to get a radar detector! one good thing about these sls if there taking care of they look like new on the inside and outside it's just amazing! at this age although very quality components go into them breakage can occur. Especially in the ABC suspension, I still get looks and they cannot believe what I tell him the year! I suggest you set aside $2000! rainy day fund! the good news is that these cars have begun going up in value! I love mine even though it pulls a zero the 60 in 5.8 seconds!

Never thought of it that way. Only 40 year old + to retired folk buy them. They’re imposs to sell to if you have an SL to sell !!!!

i think the secondary air pump is defect with that car - a common issue. then the kompressor doesnt work correctly and the car has significant less power (sounds like as you accelerate - it sounds rather sluggish)

Great car and great video!

Do the maserati 4200 review!

A brute in a suit! Cool car.

7:51 I love that shot.

This is a nice car however I’m not really a Merc fan, I recon my 2007 BMW 650i will actually kick its arse, it’s an incredibly powerful engine and it’s much lighter.

Nice.. fast, & classy... Has issues though:- 1. Fuel tank baffles break as they only spot welded them. And when the fuel sloshes around in the tank, it breaks and you end up with an extremely annoying banging in every corner. From the loose baffles. 2. Brake replacements are stupid expensive 3. Headliners fall off 4. Electric roof mechanisms fail 5. Fuel pumps fail 6. Electrical gremlins 7. Battery goes flat if not side in just 1 week 8. Suspension pumps fail The maintenance is £££££££ But it's just a damn lovely thing. Proper car.

I own a 2003 one of these. There must be something wrong with your example as mine goes like a rocket - its acceleration is one of its main strengths.

This is basically the platform that allowed what’s his name to beat Alex Roy’s cannonball run record in the US

Is the 7 speed a true 7 or is it a 6 w an OD gear? Since seemingly the skipped a 6 speed, maybe it really was a 6 tho? I’m not read up on mercs too much so I have no idea.

That supercharger clutch probably isn't engaging. My stock 55 is lightening fast from ZERO to 155 Shouldn't have reviewed a faulty car 🤬

Can't believe they ever thought it was OK to sell the SLR with that gearbox. The people at McLaren must have wept. I'm not a fan of a roaring V8 and I don't like the whine of superchargers. But for some reason I like the two in combination. Looks much better than their offerings since and such a bargain... and yet if the stories are even 20% true it's all going to go horribly, horribly wrong.

These were considered somewhat dream cars in 2002

Awesome review, awesome car! I'd go with the SL65. I've actually have plans to get one just to complete the circle with the S65 I have.

4:00 SL320 was in the R129 generation..... disappointment? It's not a sports car it's a GT car to waft in style!

Sooner have an e55. But nice to have a convertible and a hard top. £15000 would buy u a nice one.

Comfort mode? yes on the smaller engine models but my SL55 has Sport or Winter so you are driving it restricted…

Did l hear you right? You have never driven an SLK ? A 230 Kompressor?? Oh my...you are doing yourself a disservice! I own one, and l must say, it does give you a feeling of comfort, sportiness, a capable little light touring car, with adequate power, try one! I would love to hear your opinion, its not a Baxter, or a Z3 or 4, its in a class of its own....

The ultimate GT? Possibly

I was tempted by the facelifted Sl63 which although uglier has the 6.2 and is quite a bit more sporting...

It's nothing to do with weight, it's to do with the tall gearing, third gear is the equivalent of most cars fifth

It's a proper wafter!

Without the Limiter the SL55 will hit over 180mph comfortably hence the 2 tonnes weight ✅

Legendary. I'd purchase one and slap some coilovers on it.

bruh my 2005 sl55 amg does 3,9 seconds 0-100 its a sports car it trows you back in the seat idk what was wrong with this one you drove

I know the E55 (which has the same engine)has an electronic intercooler pump. When these fail, the power drops quite a bit. Is it working on that SL? As I can't believe that it isn't that quick. The torque of them is usually incredible.

Τhe SL, even the AMG, is not a boxster or 911 rival. It is a grand tourer, and as such its weight is an advantage. Vwery few owners take their SL to the track. I know some women whose favorite car is the SL, in fact much earier, cruder and less powerful versions than this one. I would prefer to get the next gen, but I prefer the V12 to any 8, even the AMG. WOmen like the SL because its weight makes them feel safe (which they would NOT in another convertible like the Miata or even the Boxster), while at the same time it is much smaller than the S class or even the CL or even the E class.

Is that the owner driving in those moving car shots? Didn't get the memo to floor it ?😂

I own a 07 SL 55 AMG with the P030 performance option. No way can anyone claim this car is a slug. When driven like a race car there is a 510 hp supercharged engine under the hood and it WILL thrill. If you stand on the gas peddle it becomes a beast, one that requires both hands on the wheel while you rocket away. Rather have my car for my sports car than any other. It is destined to be a collectible and the prices have bottomed out, in fact they are on the way up. Check out bringatrailer.com for current prices.

*This bloke is way off. There was no SL320 r230, they started with a SL350 3.7 r230*

Jag XKR?

Clarkson owned one

I'd only swap my CLK for this....but then where to put the kids....??

From memory this AMG harks back from a time when AMG was independent and did not belong 100% to Mercedes. Aside the 2nd gen Z4, to my eyes its the only car that looks as good with the top down as a convertible as it does with the top up as a coupe.

I have the same engine in my G wagon. It's a brute but laggish as the supercharger requires a lot of power to wind up.

Discontinued in 2011? The very last year of that style SL was 2007.

My brother has one of these, 3 grand to fix the suspension AAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA Don't be fooled by the price, this is a rich mans car!!