ABSOLUTELY STUNNING Mercedes Benz SL55 AMG Kompressor retractable hardtop roadster.
- 3 year extended warranty on engine and powertrain.
- AMG and Kompressor badging to signify hand-crafted assembly.
- Eye-catching Aegean blue color.
- Low actual mileage of 84,187.
- Original in every way except new OEM floor mats.
- Precisely engineered retractable hardtop.
- Your ticket to the many benefits of membership in the Mercedes-Benz Club of America
We purchased this Mercedes-Benz SL55 used 05/30/2017. It was previously owned by a now-deceased Hattiesburg Doctor and offers major-league performance and luxury. It's one of the most beautiful cars that we have ever owned. Slide into the cockpit, belt up, press the button on the console, and 16 seconds later the power-retractable roof switches the SL from the quiet comfort of a luxury coupe to the open-air fun of a roadster. The seats are comfortable and the interior is luxurious.
This car originally debuted as the 2003 SL500, powered by a 5.0-liter V8 engine. The magnificent twin-turbo, twelve-cylinder SL600 followed in 2004, along with the high-performance supercharged V8 SL55 AMG like ours.
In addition to power, every SL came packed with leading-edge technology to keep it safe and controllable. It also has traction control, electronic stability control, electronic brake distribution and brake assist. The electronically controlled ABC active suspension greatly reduces the roll and pitch for improved grip. We've driven various SL models at Hockenheim (a race track in Germany), at Road America (a road racing circuit in Wisconson), at Milan Dragway in Michigan, and for hundreds of road miles, and we are continually amazed at this car's graceful high-speed behavior and race-level performance.
Our SL55 AMG ( original MSRP $121,500) features a 5.4-liter supercharged V8 and five-speed automatic. Brakes are upgraded and the suspension re-programmed. Check out these photosl
Walkaround
The Mercedes-Benz SL is surely one of the most beautiful cars ever produced. From the jutting chin of its front bumper to its four-eyed headlamps; from its racy front fender air intakes to the sexy shoulders over its rear tires, the SL is not only the style leader for Mercedes-Benz but for the entire high-performance roadster segment.
Since 1957, when the iconic Gullwing Coupe was replaced by a new 300SL Roadster, the flagship two-seater Mercedes has been completely re-engineered only four times. The company says that the current SL pays homage to its 50-year history while offering a new interpretation of roadster excitement. The air inlets in the front fenders are inspired by the original 300SL of 1954, with narrow, wing-like chrome gills echoed in the hood. The four-eye headlamp pattern has the two lamps on each side melding into one another. They represent the latest in lighting technology with a circular Fresnel lens that concentrates the light emitted by the standard xenon low beams.
From the side, the rising beltline contributes to the car's rake and continues the wedge theme established by the 350SL in 1972. At the rear, the triangular taillights use 27 LED bulbs designed to illuminate more quickly.
Interior
The interior design of the SL is unique even in the world of Mercedes-Benz, differing significantly from the company's famous sedans and even its stylish, ultra-luxury CL coupes. Two large round pods carry the primary instruments, using smart, colorful purple graphics shared by no other Mercedes. The instrument panel and center console are well organized and feature the Mercedes COMAND screen that operates the sound system, navigation, and telephone, with redundant controls on the steering wheel. Below center, just ahead of the shifter, are the ventilation controls, similar in style to the twin round controls used in the M-Class SUVs.
The leather-covered seats are supportive and superbly comfortable. They're larger and more sumptuous than those in previous-generation SLs, and Mercedes says they'll adjust for the 95th percentile body type. Dynamic multi-contour seats are available that give a continuous massage. It seemed more comfortable than a Cadillac XLR or Corvette, however, because you don't feel like you're sitting on the ground. Visibility is better from the SL as well. Everything is trimmed in sumptuous leather and rich wood. Even the headliner is nicely trimmed in a suede-like material.
Whether the top is up or down, there isn't much trunk space, but we found the trunk system works well with a few small bags that maximize the space, offering plenty of luggage room for a long weekend. Also, the compartments behind the bucket seats will hold a good amount of stuff and are lockable. The SL offers 10.2 cubic feet of trunk space with the top up, 7.3 cubic feet with the top down.
Keyless Go uses an electronically coded card to replace the normal fob-and-key arrangement. As long as you have Keyless Go in your pocket or purse, you simply walk up to the car and touch the door handle, which automatically unlocks; then, once seated, you touch the knob on top of the shifter to start (or stop) the engine. Pretty handy when you've got a double armload of groceries or dry cleaning. No need to struggle to get that key out.
Passive safety features include frontal and side-impact head-and-thorax airbags as well as knee airbags. A rollover protection bar automatically snaps up if its controlling computer senses that the car is tipping over.
Driving Impression
To drive the Mercedes SL is to experience a level of performance and technical sophistication found in few other cars at any price. Best of all, this sophistication can be enjoyed without having to consult the owner's manual. Just put it in Drive and let the systems work their magic.
The SL55 AMG's supercharged V8 is extremely strong, but it's also smooth and quiet. This car's acceleration is breathtaking, with 493 horsepower motivating just 4200 pounds. The SL55 AMG is capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in about 4.5 seconds. Peak torque of 516 pound-feet is available from 2750 rpm. The V12-powered SL65 AMG will scream from 0 to 60 in 4.2 seconds.
The SpeedShift five-speed automatic transmission is superb, with nearly imperceptible shifts up or down. Pulling the selector toward the left causes the transmission to shift down to the next gear. Or the driver can use shifter buttons on the steering wheel: right for up, left for down.
ABC (for Automatic Body Control) active suspension lets the SL corner with authority, even though its tires are smaller than those on a 911, Corvette, or Viper. The computer-controlled system uses a hydraulic piston above each spring to add stiffness as needed, reducing body roll by 68 percent. A Sports switch lets the driver limit body roll even further, eliminating 95 percent of it, while still delivering a silky smooth, quiet ride.
The SL roadster is packed with electronic wizardry that works amazingly well: electronic throttle control, antilock braking (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), electronic traction control and electronic stability control.
Summary
Simply put, we felt that our 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL was a superb high-performance sports car and a technological masterpiece. When brand new this car had little competition in its price class other than the Jaguar XKR roadster and Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet. It delivers a superior driving experience and great curb appeal. Other than the small trunk, the SL is an outstanding car. It's beautiful to behold and a joy to drive.
Sadly, we eventually sold it. Sigh