Mercedes AMG SL second generation - review and problems of a prestigious sports car

Some drivers are forced to drive simple and inexpensive cars. But when a financial opportunity arises, they change to cars of a higher class, or a year newer. There is nothing unusual in this, a person always strives for the best.


But every driver dreams deep down of a sports coupe or premium sedan. Some live with it, but some buy exactly this model used – at the price of a new budget car. car or more expensive.

Today is a review of the second generation Mercedes AMG SL, produced from 2002 to 2011. The cost of cars in the secondary market is high - from 2 rubles for the earliest copies. For this money, you can take a new Renault Duster or Arcana. But not everyone chooses a simple means of transportation, I want to look back at my beautiful car.

Brief history of the model

The serial production of the stylish SL Class coupe from Mercedes-Benz in the new generation began in 2002. Development started in 1996, but the car debuted only in 2001 at the Frankfurt Motor Show.



SL Class traditionally produced for 9 years in each generation. The body of the R230 survived two restylings, changing many engines. However, the AMG SL version was produced with only two engines, which added power after each update. In 2011, a new generation appeared in the back of the R231; these cars have been mass-produced since 2012.

Design

Externally, the Mercedes AMG SL evokes emotions and attention from others. The front end with the usual "pop-eyed" headlights was present until the second restyling, then the optics were replaced.

The car was produced exclusively in the body of a roadster; this type differs from the classic coupe by the presence of a hard folding roof.
The first restyling of 2006 did not affect the appearance of the Mercedes AMG SL, new engines and gearboxes appeared.

In 2008, the car changed externally, having received:

• ? New headlights
  
• ? Hood shape
  
• ? Bumpers
  
• ? rear optics
  

As for the interior, the restyling did not affect it, only the details changed. But the SL trim was luxurious.
By the way, the car is double, but the space for the driver and passenger inspires respect.

Technical features

If the second generation Mercedes SL had 3 variants of the power unit under the hood, and after the third restyling as many as 5, in the AMG modification there were 2 and 3 of them, respectively. Engines for AMG have always been the most dynamic and fast.

The trend in the development of motors is standard - after the update, they became more powerful.

Pre-facelift engines were offered:

• ? M113 AMG for the SL 55 version - a working volume of 5439 cm3 with a power of 476 liters. With.
  
• ? M275 AMG for SL 65 - volume 5980 cm3, developing 612 liters. With.
  

After the first update, the weak engine added up to 612 hp. With. The second engine remained unchanged.

The next restyling removed the M113 AMG engine, instead, the M156.984 appeared with a displacement of 6208 and a power of 525 hp. With. in version SL 63.
The M275 AMG engine remained unchanged for the SL 65 AMG, the Black Series limited edition received the same power unit, boosted to 670 hp. With.



Suspension front with two levers, rear multi-link, there is hydraulics in the base.



The level of energy equipment of the Mercedes AMG SL is amazing - it's easier to name what is not here.

Advantages and disadvantages

The owner must be prepared for the fact that a used premium car requires serious investments, even for maintenance. Having a large number of options becomes a problem, especially when systems one by one or groups begin to fail. Often, a car can switch to emergency mode due to a trifle, the electronics have to be repaired or turned off.

Advantages of the Mercedes AMG SL - the car is stylish, beautiful, luxurious inside and out, attracts increased attention.
But maintaining such equipment is expensive, not everyone can afford it. The average Russian driver is only able to operate the Mercedes AMG SL under one condition - if he repairs it himself.



The M113 engine is reliable, but sometimes suffers from increased oil consumption with an aggressive driving style, it can smoke a lot if you press the gas pedal all the way.



By owning a car, you will learn what a tandem pump is. This is a fuel and vacuum unit in one housing. The cost of this part is around 75 rubles, and you will have to wait until they bring it. Putting a used spare part is not an option - it’s a consumable, and it’s unlikely that you will be able to find one on the market.
The compressor clutch will also cost about the same amount, but if you know the nuances, you can simply replace the bearing. It is unlikely that someone will do this at the service station, especially the officials.

Hydraulic suspension is more reliable than pneumatic, but on used cars, system hoses begin to flow after 100 km of run, if you do not pay attention to this, expensive repairs are guaranteed. The original hydraulics will cost a pretty penny, on average 000 rubles apiece, some 15, and there are about 000 in total.

The suspension can fail not only because of the hoses, there are enough of their own characteristics. Inspection of the car and its suspension is best done regularly and preferably in the morning - after a night of inactivity.

In 70% of cases, you can see how the Mercedes AMG SL falls on one wheel or sags. This suggests that it is time to change the struts or valves, and it will cost 150 rubles for 000 shock absorber. You can try to sort and rinse, but it is unlikely that will help.
Generator replacement - about 30 rubles for a non-original one.



Headlight glasses become cloudy over time, polishing will help 2-3 times, then you have to look for original headlights.



A hardtop is not only cool, but also a problem when it rains. On old cars, it often flows, they frankly do not know how to make adjustments in our services, you have to “collective farm” something on your own. If the Mercedes AMG SL was beaten in the back, then no amount of adjustment will help - you'll be lucky if the roof is fully closed.

As in any old car, something periodically breaks down, but only consumables are available, spare parts have to be obtained on order, original and expensive.

For older drivers, such a car is not suitable for its geometry - it is low, it is difficult to get out of it, especially if you have back problems.
You need to fill in a roadster from Mercedes with 98 gasoline, and the consumption in dense traffic is about 25 liters per 100 kilometers. The crankcase ventilation is periodically clogged, it is necessary to clean it.



As for versions with a more powerful M275 engine, the cost of repair and maintenance of this engine can be safely multiplied by 2.
When buying a Mercedes AMG SL, you need to be aware that the maintenance of this comfortable sports car will cost about 150 rubles a year. If something frivolous breaks down, then about the same amount will have to be spent once on spare parts. Well, the consumption of 000 liters of 25 gasoline also needs to be taken into account.



Although, if the Mercedes AMG SL is a dream car, the nuances of the content are known, can any difficulties stop you? Sitting behind the wheel of a Mercedes AMG SL and driving the first kilometers, you will immediately understand - and it's worth it!