Faults:

The battery breaks down in less time than expected (before 10,000 km).

Electronic faults in the computer sometimes cause the car to start and function correctly.

I didn't expect it, but the power windows soon started making a strange noise and I had to replace them (obviously it cost a fortune).

The brakes tended to squeal quite a bit with use, so I had to replace them completely before 100,000 km.

I didn't have any other problems with the car, but the few parts I had to replace, as well as the necessary maintenance, are really expensive. Something common with a car of this type.

General Comments:

The Mercedes SL is a combination of power and technology, without neglecting comfort, where this car is also an example.

It included driver and passenger airbags, leather upholstery, electrically adjustable seats with three memory settings, heated seats, and power controls for the mirrors, seatbelts, steering column, door locks, and convertible top.

Instrument panel combines good taste and efficiency, with leather trim and walnut accents that extend to the door panels. The speedometer, tachometer, oil pressure gauge, fuel gauge, water temperature gauge, and clock are all analog.

Mine came with light brown leather seats and matching corduroy upholstery. The wood trim on the dashboard looks spectacular.

The car boasts safety features that would be the envy of even modern vehicles. The seatbelts are attached to the seats, which have an internal structure made of cast magnesium, further enhancing safety in side impacts.

Also noteworthy is a well-concealed roll bar, manually or automatically operated, which deploys with either a hardtop or soft top when the car is tilted 22 degrees off the ground. This roll bar is controlled by a hydraulic mechanism that receives signals from a sensor located on the rear axle.

The handling and driving experience are by far the best aspects of this car. Despite its 1,770 kg weight, it has the agility of any coupé, thanks to its powerful engine. Above 122 km/h, the suspension lowers by 1.5 mm, improving grip.

The steering is very light and the brakes are perfect. If you floor the accelerator, the response is immediate, as evidenced by the 0-100 km/h time of 7.43 seconds.

Soundproofing is also enviable; at speeds above 160 km/h, you can barely hear the engine and there are no significant vibrations, despite it being a coupe.

Biggest drawback is fuel consumption; well, you can't expect a 5.0 V8 to be economical. But that's nothing compared to the immense satisfaction I got from driving this car.

Faults:

ABC valve blocks.

Accumulator.

Roof.

IC pump.

Otherwise normal wear and tear.

General Comments:

If you want to own a 55, you've got to do your homework well. Choose the best car on the market that has been well looked after. A neglected AMG car is big money to fix. The main culprits are the ABC system and roof system. Once these are properly sorted, there's nothing much else to go wrong. Just keep checking oils, coolant, etc... all the time. I do it before every drive.

On the plus side, there's still nothing like it on the road. It's hard to believe this car is almost 16 years old. Even the old Bose still sounds good. Take the TC off and enjoy 500+ hp. I removed the cats and dropped in a pair of K&Ns... The sound alone is pure AMG/NASCAR... I wait for tunnels to drop down to second gear.

Will I keep it? I think so, since MB is stopping the SL range (so I heard). As long as I can keep it on the road, it will stay. For the money, there's nothing you can buy that has this exclusivity.