Proof, that you sir, definitely know your onions ! You absolutely knew this was a proper car when you purchased it along with the Bentley Continental from the same fastidious owner. No surprise then, that it’s behaved impeccably ever since ! Breathtaking value for money ! Keeper keeper keeper without question “We’ll Gel” but bloody good luck to you mate 👍 These little wins definitely soften the pain ! 👏👏👏
Great car. I have a 2003 in Jasper Blue with Pano roof. You can get a Bluetooth module that fits the Nokia holder, I have one in my car. I also fitted an auto roof module to raise and lower the roof from the remote. I have no boot leaks, good ABC pressure and the original batteries. When you get a good one they are epic. The best mpg I ever got was 24 mpg on a steady run down to the tunnel.
679 miles! I used to do that in a week in mine . Three years of ownership and 120k miles and mine did not let me down once . Always serviced on time and when things needed to be done, they were done. Most Mercedes sat navs and ICE are dated at launch !
Your video from one year ago may or may have not influenced my decision to pick up a pristine '04 SL500 in the same color from a similarly meticulous previous owner in San Francisco, California. It's one of the best automotive purchases I've ever made in my life and I've put about 1,000 miles on it since April. Cheers, Matt!
Matt you need a Bluetooth transmitter gizmo off Amazon. Fits in the cigarette lighter, pairs with your phone and transmits to an FM channel on the radio. Best £12 I’ve spent for ages - gives me bluetooth music in my 2006 MX-5 and 2012 RR
Matt, you didn’t mention how much it’s gone up in value which I’m sure would put your price per mile well into minus figures. A lovely car and a keeper as it’s not always about value. Enjoy it 👍
its always hard to leave an SL in general especially when you made yours a great example by investing in enjoying future miles in it. well done its always a special place to sit in regardless what engine or model you own the R230 is still a head turner today !
I must admit I don't miss the annual MOTs haha. Glad and happy to hear its been reliable. Probably best used as a weekend car rather than an everyday driver.
My SL55 had a few issues So far on mine with just 37k miles and garaged, SERVICED TO THE HILT but still needed the following which I've done WITHOUT dealer help: Airbag seat plugs cleaned (10p and 10 mins) Secondary air pump cost £120 (recon) Soft close boot release causing vacuum leaks (repaired with soft glue 10p) 3rd brake lamp repaired (they crack causing leaks into the boot (50p and my labour time) Front lamp exiter (previous owner paid 😃) Gear shift ESM fault causing no crank start (Got a used one reprogrammed for 200 instead of 1200 at dealers ) Thoroughly cleaned all roof and boot seal drains to prevent leakage. 20p Check no water has been in the cabin and got under the carpet (this would be the death of these as most of the CANBUS connectors are under here🤔 There's about 20 odd drains in the R230 you need to keep clear especially if car stored outside in a leafy area ! So far my ABC is perfect. Fluid changed every year Great car but like you say maintenance is paramount Awesome car and has gone up in value.
There is a small 'grub screw' located on the front of the super-charger. Open the hood, looking down off to the right of center 'possibly left of center on your car's SC casing is the screw. Access to SC bearing oil. Mobil Jet Oil. Oil should be changed and probably has been there for 20 years. A syringe plus neoprene tubing allows one to draw oil out. Measure and replenish w/clean oil ~ 14 oz. Might be a YT video.
about your radio : here are two options available for you. 1) android units exist that fit almost exactly and cost from £250-£600 depends the seller.. they replicate the mercedes look so, they do actually look as factory as it gets. 2) a small clever bluetooth / aux / usb device exist that can connect on your cd changer exit. (you will have to remove the cd changer though. your factory unit is reading it when you select cd changer from the unit. this device is a bluetooth receiver that emulates the exit to the cd changer port. i had bought it for a friend with a mk2 clk couple of years ago for £30-£40 if i remember correct. the one we had was saying track when the bluetooth was connected but i think newer versions exist with aux usb support and the opportunity to read track names on the screen. i think anyway. but for easy connection to listen from the phone i know i does exist and works ;) cheers 🥂
My lad and myself went to Mercedes museum in Stuttgart ( and Porsche museum ) for a long weekend , should have made it a week or two …. But the SL 55 was epic on the autobahn apart from the VWT5 van pushing to get past me at 120 mph !!! We got out of the SL after an 11 hour stint back home and it felt like I had just got out of my easy chair ….not much else could have done that in the way we did it! Keep up the good work , great channel ….. !
Matt have a look for an bluetooth FM transmitter - they cost around £15 and go into the power socket. You then bluetooth your music to the transmitter and it plays your music or calls through an empty FM station on your stereo!
Matt, this is a great video. I own a 2003 SL55 AMG (Brabus K8), I have owned it for the past 14 years! It has been very good to me. Regularly serviced.
Got to the end of the video, upgraded my head to a modern Pioneer carplay system with Audison speakers with a grill from Germany, sounds much better and apps from Phone, looks stock until you switch it on.
When you look after your car properly, it will usually look after you. The values of really nice SL55's are only going to go one way. Few things provide such pleasure for a whole year for so little money.
The SL 65 is the SL you want ! 12 cylinder MONSTER TWIN TURBO going way up in value since Mercedes isnt making 12 cylinder engines no more car is going to go through the roof in value especially the early ones 2005 2006 .So if you can find one get it !!!!!
I actually bought one in silver in pristine condition as a replacement to my F430 with 50k miles in Greece three years ago. What a different kind of animal! I use it as everyday car and I drive it real hard.I've put an extra 30k miles on it. The car feels like new, it handles and corners well, it is extremely fast, it sounds like nothing else and in my opinion it looks totally great. Running costs? Well, if you use it like me and want to keep it in top condition, they are high! Spare part prices are Ferrari-like. But if you can afford the maintenance costs, it is really a bargain at those prices! Too much car for little money. And a fabulous looking too...
They're superb. I want one so badly but currently there's no chance of that. Prices rising gently, too, especially for proper low mileage examples. Definitely a classic.
Here's my take. I've had my 2007 SL500 (The 5.4 380 bhp Lump) for five years. I bought it with 40K on it. Its now at 65k. I've given it everything it needs when required. Ignoring petrol or road tax On average with wear and tear I'd say it's eaten 2750 quid a year on servicing, repairs consumables. Having said that, I don't begrudge a penny. One of the most beautiful cars ever made in my opinion, and still plenty fast enough to scare me. I rarely use 'sport mode' i's too violent. btw....prior to my purchase some one has had an Alpine head unit fitted. Goes in the same place as the old one and isn't something you notice unless pointed out. Blue tooth the lot. Mind you it was a 4.5 k install for the previous owner. I love mine and thoroughly recommend them. Just don't be surprised if it ends up costing the same to run as mine.
Happy days Matt. There is a module from a company called Grom that allows you to connect iPod and phones through standard head unit. I have one fitted to my P38 Range Rover. Keeps everything stock and yet have mobile phone and ipod connection. Even works in conjunction with the steering wheel controls. Just a thought.
Love the SL. I tend to fix things when they are broke, but I do drive a Toyota so fairly rare even at 17 years old! But I didn’t know you can do a gearbox service or a suspension service. What about a video telling us how we should be looking after out cars, and when. Just a thought Matt
It’s called your service book or owner’s manual. Every car I’ve ever owned comes with a table of what maintenance needs doing and at what time/mileage. Look it up!
Nice to see that not only owners aren't afraid of repair costs to drive their exotics but those exotics actually turn out to be really usable and reliable.
I still have CDs... My 2008 CLK has a cd player and an out of date FM radio. No DAB, no bluetooth, no phone connectivity.. I don't mind though, because its beautiful, much like your Merc. 👍🏻
Besides the full service last year etc, a warm dry "garage" also contributed to the well being of the SL55. Minimal moisture getting into all thing electrical and exposed metal like disc rotors and brake parts. Bird poo, tree sap and general grime on the paint ages cars quickly too. Good fun car for many years yet.
Matt, what you need to have is a Pure Highway 600 fitted, it'll give you DAB, BT connection and the ability to answer your phone all from a pretty descreet controller. There's an Alpine badged version too. Fitted one into the last 2 cars I've owned and they work brilliantly but sound better via an aux input rather than through the FM transmitter but beggars can't be choosers if FM is your ownly option. Note the 400 lacks phone call connection you need the 600 for that but other than that they are identical.
2:15 finally someone saying it how it is! It's annoying to hear people with these "bonus" supercars mentioning the cost of fuel when they're rarely driven. (loose use of supercar, I know).
Hello again, Totally, Totally agree, buy a car, spend money at the start on service, brakes, oils, filters, fuel filters new MOT etc, this should find any problems. Happy Motoring. Regards, RichardA.
I definitely prefer this shape to the newest 2022 version. That new one looks too similar the AMG GT. Anyway cheers for the info on the true running costs of this 55..
Try a Bluetooth transmitter - links your phone and transmits an FM signal to the old fashioned radio. I have one on my old Porsche and can make calls and play music.
I've always liked these cars. They're understated and remain stylish, even in 2021. I like the infotainment system. retro-tech and me go together like hand in glove :-) Great vid as ever mate.
Nice one, congrats. Can’t believe it’s been a year already. Wish I could say my CLS 500 has been as reliable. Airmatic compressor and two shocks currently away to be refurbed last week 😟
I have a 2005 SL350. For £500 you can have a Dension system installed to replace the CD Changer box in the rear storage locker. This adds Bluetooth and an aux in to the Command System and keeps everything looking stock and the steering wheel controls still working etc.
Matt , you can hook your phone up to play music using a double male headphone cable and set to “aux” on the settings menu ….just be aware that the volume levels are different so you have to wind the head unit volume back off before you change source …
Matt, shocking you’ve let yourself down.. it totally reliable and just £1 a mile, how did you let that happen??? Only a Micra will be cheaper... well done!
I do still have and use CDs which is why I've kept the original multi changer in my 21 year old 986 Boxster, as the new replacement system you mentioned that Porsche do can not run the 6 disc changer. Shame really as it does look good and sure is a fair bit less than £2k now
I have a 2004 SL55 and had the same experience. Other than registration fees in the US, gas to pay for about 1500 miles, and a tune up when I got it, I've had no issues and no problems. It also hasn't seen rain :)
I’m more impressed that it’s got no lights on after not driving it. Random electronic gremlins can really pop up when these sit. That looks like a good one 👍
My mom had one of these in Red. I always thought it was perfect for a “mom”. Till i drove it. Unreal vehicle and frankly the one to buy NOW. Because in a decade they will be worth a fortune.
Sounds like my Crown VX. 20yo 83k. Done 6k miles this year. Had a run down to Cornwall about 400miles then across to Skeg, again 400miles and home another 100. Didn't miss a beat.
Great video. And I love this car. I have an SL 350 a 2004 it's in silver too and I love it. One day I hope to upgrade to the SL55. Classic and timeless looks and a really great car for touring. I have had mine 5 years and apart from the MOT, service and petrol costs, it's been very reasonable.
Oh goodness I miss my cars back in Blighty; however rust free and well specced our Aussie delivered motors are, I do miss the old disposable back in the Kingdom of PCP😩!! Thanks Matt, nice update of the old SL👌
I’ll never own this car and personally don’t care either away anything about it…. But watched it all because I simply enjoy hearing you speak about any vehicle. 😆
Lovely car. £1 a mile would put an awful lot of people off, but then they don't get the smiles per miles factor! Love a convertible, any excuse to get the roof down as long as it's not raining. Mines down all the time in my XK8. Glad you kept your head warm!
You should have an auxiliary cable in the glove compartment. Connect that to a radsone dac/amp Bluetooth receiver and you can send ldac quality or lossless through apple airplay to your car.
That's a gorgeous car. I'll eventually buy a joy ride for myself and maybe I'll try to get one of these! That design is timeless. You don't need to buy a brand new car to still look good ❤️
04:39 ”If you look after them and service them on time…” Very true pal, my 2008 Audi A5 Quattro Sport 3.0 V6TDi now approaching 290,000 miles. 👍 Like you with this Merc I absolutely love my car.
There are plenty of aftermarket companies offering headunits for the 2000s Mercedes in OEM Style. While I would definitely avoid these cheap eBay Android Headunits (I had one in my W211, it was terrible at the features that mattered), I bought a new one from a company called Dynavin. It is Windows CE based, does FM and DAB Radio, Bluetooth Hands Free and even Apple CarPlay (also wireless if you pay extra). I have it fitted since last November and it is perfect. It cost me 700€ but for the car I use daily to drive around 80 miles a day in, it was definitely worth it
Matt, there’s a Bluetooth phone adaptor by Mercedes which works on the buttons! It replaces the old Nokia adapter you have. I have a spare one if you’re interested... iPhone connects perfectly. The audio needs a different solution.
Have to agree with you 100%… Where else can you get to drive such a gorgeous car for so little money… it’s a keeper and will always bring a smile to your face 😊
PS… as a fellow owner my Independant Merc specialist who looks after my 2003 SL500 says there is no problem with following the ‘on board’ servicing instructions which will count down the mileage to its next service and says servicing every two years when doing low mileage is no problem 👍
I bought one for my wife brand new in 2005,,,,,, I always used it whenever I could,,rather than my Ferrari 360 Modina,, PS,,much preferred the AMG folks,👌👌👌🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧
Ha you haven’t really used it… in my experience these types of cars are better driven especially with electrical issues. Did 700 miles in my SL55 last weekend and found out the heater doesn’t really work. These cars have definitely appreciated during 2021 so we’ve made money not forgetting the smiles…
you could put a 'Viseeo MBU 1000 Bluetooth adapter' in place of the Nokia. your phone connects to it and It should allow you to use the car Mic/Speakers for calls etc..
I love that car Matt & always enjoy your updates.Thanks for uploading the vlog.On a side note I remember your subs of 2k now look…132k + You will be on mainstream tv before you know it.Regards J
What a stunning car matt. Please do not vulgarize it with tacky after market head unit! Keep it stock. Do more content like this, your range rover, sl55 etc! What happened to your ls430 is everything ok with it? Please do a video on it if you've still got it. 📹
Totally agree on the headunit part, Mercedes should come up with a new one that looks like the old one but is modern, just like Porsche. In the meantime, have you heard about Bluetooth UKW transmitters? Their sound quality isn't perfect and some of them look gastly, but they are easily installed and removed, and with them you can at least listen to your own music while driving.
What a great car! Really enjoyed the video, as always! Did you know that you can get a Bluetooth dongle? This is in the shape of the nokia 6310 phone, and just slots into the cradle, which then allows you to pair just about any smartphone for calls. I had this on a 2004 e240, and it worked really well. The contacts synced, and the steering wheel controls worked just fine too! ... Couldn't play music, but then can't have everything!! :D ... the unit is called a viseeo 3000 (which is the one I had - I think it costs about £175 ) I got mine through eBay, and the vendor was really helpful when it came to choosing the correct version!
You could probably get an OEM looking head unit with a larger screen that runs android, a lot of the chinese companies do them. Of course they are never the most reliable things in the world but they keep the factory look and give you that smartphone functionality. Either that or do what I did in my saab and just have a phone holder and a bluetooth FM module. Well worth it for the raw analogue experience of that engine. I have a 2008 C220 as my second car and I really like the noughties merc interiors.
Proof, that you sir, definitely know your onions ! You absolutely knew this was a proper car when you purchased it along with the Bentley Continental from the same fastidious owner. No surprise then, that it’s behaved impeccably ever since ! Breathtaking value for money ! Keeper keeper keeper without question “We’ll Gel” but bloody good luck to you mate 👍 These little wins definitely soften the pain ! 👏👏👏
Haha that’s right - they make it worthwhile. Cheers
"The cost of owning a 2002 MB SL55 for 700 miles" seems a more appropriate title. Regardless it is an awesome example.
TBF, when you buy a secondhand car, especially a performance one it's the first few hundred miles/weeks when most problems appear.
Great car. I have a 2003 in Jasper Blue with Pano roof. You can get a Bluetooth module that fits the Nokia holder, I have one in my car. I also fitted an auto roof module to raise and lower the roof from the remote. I have no boot leaks, good ABC pressure and the original batteries. When you get a good one they are epic. The best mpg I ever got was 24 mpg on a steady run down to the tunnel.
They look great in Jasper Blue
Hi - can you tell me what type of roof module did you fitted and where you got it from? Mike
679 miles! I used to do that in a week in mine . Three years of ownership and 120k miles and mine did not let me down once . Always serviced on time and when things needed to be done, they were done. Most Mercedes sat navs and ICE are dated at launch !
Nice way to end a stressful day listening to the SL, thanks Matt..
Your video from one year ago may or may have not influenced my decision to pick up a pristine '04 SL500 in the same color from a similarly meticulous previous owner in San Francisco, California. It's one of the best automotive purchases I've ever made in my life and I've put about 1,000 miles on it since April. Cheers, Matt!
Very nice! Glad it helped. Enjoy it 😉
Matt you need a Bluetooth transmitter gizmo off Amazon. Fits in the cigarette lighter, pairs with your phone and transmits to an FM channel on the radio. Best £12 I’ve spent for ages - gives me bluetooth music in my 2006 MX-5 and 2012 RR
Matt, you didn’t mention how much it’s gone up in value which I’m sure would put your price per mile well into minus figures. A lovely car and a keeper as it’s not always about value. Enjoy it 👍
That’s a good point actually
Maybe do a short update in your next video! 👍
One of the best sounds by any car of any era!!!
Love it
I agree
its always hard to leave an SL in general especially when you made yours a great example by investing in enjoying future miles in it. well done its always a special place to sit in regardless what engine or model you own the R230 is still a head turner today !
Looking forward to watching this after dinner
Nice one Matt.
Very good video as usual
Thanks for all-out videos they are 100% spot on
Kevin
Thanks for watching
I must admit I don't miss the annual MOTs haha. Glad and happy to hear its been reliable. Probably best used as a weekend car rather than an everyday driver.
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same storey with my E500 2014 . zero issues after a thorough service 3 years ago!
Loving the sound on that SL. "As reliable as gravity." My physics teacher would love that.
My SL55 had a few issues
So far on mine with just 37k miles and garaged,
SERVICED TO THE HILT but still needed the following which I've done WITHOUT dealer help:
Airbag seat plugs cleaned (10p and 10 mins)
Secondary air pump cost £120 (recon)
Soft close boot release causing vacuum leaks (repaired with soft glue 10p)
3rd brake lamp repaired (they crack causing leaks into the boot (50p and my labour time)
Front lamp exiter (previous owner paid 😃)
Gear shift ESM fault causing no crank start (Got a used one reprogrammed for 200 instead of 1200 at dealers )
Thoroughly cleaned all roof and boot seal drains to prevent leakage. 20p
Check no water has been in the cabin and got under the carpet (this would be the death of these as most of the CANBUS connectors are under here🤔
There's about 20 odd drains in the R230 you need to keep clear especially if car stored outside in a leafy area !
So far my ABC is perfect.
Fluid changed every year
Great car but like you say maintenance is paramount
Awesome car and has gone up in value.
There is a small 'grub screw' located on the front of the super-charger. Open the hood, looking down off to the right of center 'possibly left of center on your car's SC casing is the screw. Access to SC bearing oil. Mobil Jet Oil. Oil should be changed and probably has been there for 20 years. A syringe plus neoprene tubing allows one to draw oil out. Measure and replenish w/clean oil ~ 14 oz. Might be a YT video.
about your radio :
here are two options available for you.
1) android units exist that fit almost exactly and cost from £250-£600 depends the seller.. they replicate the mercedes look so, they do actually look as factory as it gets.
2) a small clever bluetooth / aux / usb device exist that can connect on your cd changer exit. (you will have to remove the cd changer though.
your factory unit is reading it when you select cd changer from the unit.
this device is a bluetooth receiver that emulates the exit to the cd changer port.
i had bought it for a friend with a mk2 clk couple of years ago for £30-£40 if i remember correct. the one we had was saying track when the bluetooth was connected but i think newer versions exist with aux usb support and the opportunity to read track names on the screen. i think anyway.
but for easy connection to listen from the phone i know i does exist and works ;)
cheers 🥂
Thank you! I’ll have to look into that
Love the colour of the seats Matt.
Me too
My lad and myself went to Mercedes museum in Stuttgart ( and Porsche museum ) for a long weekend , should have made it a week or two …. But the SL 55 was epic on the autobahn apart from the VWT5 van pushing to get past me at 120 mph !!!
We got out of the SL after an 11 hour stint back home and it felt like I had just got out of my easy chair ….not much else could have done that in the way we did it!
Keep up the good work , great channel …..
!
Matt have a look for an bluetooth FM transmitter - they cost around £15 and go into the power socket. You then bluetooth your music to the transmitter and it plays your music or calls through an empty FM station on your stereo!
Still love this car… the roar of the engine… the touch of love in the red leather interior… sooooo beautiful ❤️
Matt, this is a great video. I own a 2003 SL55 AMG (Brabus K8), I have owned it for the past 14 years! It has been very good to me. Regularly serviced.
Got to the end of the video, upgraded my head to a modern Pioneer carplay system with Audison speakers with a grill from Germany, sounds much better and apps from Phone, looks stock until you switch it on.
The merch plug at the end cracked me up!
But it’s also added to my Christmas list so it worked! 😂😂😂
I have an ABC equipped S55 and I would recommend you drive the car regularly as the system benefits from regular exercise
I agree
Stunning Merc, future classic. Great video!
Thanks!
I never watch UA-cam videos all the way through but yours always seem to grab me... Well done.
No need for an updated music system in a car that sounds that good. Great car well bought. 👍
When you look after your car properly, it will usually look after you. The values of really nice SL55's are only going to go one way.
Few things provide such pleasure for a whole year for so little money.
The SL 65 is the SL you want ! 12 cylinder MONSTER TWIN TURBO going way up in value since Mercedes isnt making 12 cylinder engines no more car is going to go through the roof in value especially the early ones 2005 2006 .So if you can find one get it !!!!!
I actually bought one in silver in pristine condition as a replacement to my F430 with 50k miles in Greece three years ago. What a different kind of animal! I use it as everyday car and I drive it real hard.I've put an extra 30k miles on it. The car feels like new, it handles and corners well, it is extremely fast, it sounds like nothing else and in my opinion it looks totally great. Running costs? Well, if you use it like me and want to keep it in top condition, they are high! Spare part prices are Ferrari-like. But if you can afford the maintenance costs, it is really a bargain at those prices! Too much car for little money. And a fabulous looking too...
They're superb. I want one so badly but currently there's no chance of that. Prices rising gently, too, especially for proper low mileage examples. Definitely a classic.
Here's my take. I've had my 2007 SL500 (The 5.4 380 bhp Lump) for five years. I bought it with 40K on it. Its now at 65k. I've given it everything it needs when required. Ignoring petrol or road tax On average with wear and tear I'd say it's eaten 2750 quid a year on servicing, repairs consumables. Having said that, I don't begrudge a penny. One of the most beautiful cars ever made in my opinion, and still plenty fast enough to scare me. I rarely use 'sport mode' i's too violent. btw....prior to my purchase some one has had an Alpine head unit fitted. Goes in the same place as the old one and isn't something you notice unless pointed out. Blue tooth the lot. Mind you it was a 4.5 k install for the previous owner. I love mine and thoroughly recommend them. Just don't be surprised if it ends up costing the same to run as mine.
Happy days Matt. There is a module from a company called Grom that allows you to connect iPod and phones through standard head unit. I have one fitted to my P38 Range Rover. Keeps everything stock and yet have mobile phone and ipod connection. Even works in conjunction with the steering wheel controls. Just a thought.
Love the SL. I tend to fix things when they are broke, but I do drive a Toyota so fairly rare even at 17 years old! But I didn’t know you can do a gearbox service or a suspension service. What about a video telling us how we should be looking after out cars, and when. Just a thought Matt
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Definitely make a great video 👍
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It’s called your service book or owner’s manual. Every car I’ve ever owned comes with a table of what maintenance needs doing and at what time/mileage. Look it up!
Nice to see that not only owners aren't afraid of repair costs to drive their exotics but those exotics actually turn out to be really usable and reliable.
I still have CDs... My 2008 CLK has a cd player and an out of date FM radio. No DAB, no bluetooth, no phone connectivity.. I don't mind though, because its beautiful, much like your Merc. 👍🏻
Besides the full service last year etc, a warm dry "garage" also contributed to the well being of the SL55. Minimal moisture getting into all thing electrical and exposed metal like disc rotors and brake parts. Bird poo, tree sap and general grime on the paint ages cars quickly too. Good fun car for many years yet.
Omg. Love this car so much. Great video. Keep us updated in future about this car.
Matt, what you need to have is a Pure Highway 600 fitted, it'll give you DAB, BT connection and the ability to answer your phone all from a pretty descreet controller. There's an Alpine badged version too. Fitted one into the last 2 cars I've owned and they work brilliantly but sound better via an aux input rather than through the FM transmitter but beggars can't be choosers if FM is your ownly option. Note the 400 lacks phone call connection you need the 600 for that but other than that they are identical.
2:15 finally someone saying it how it is! It's annoying to hear people with these "bonus" supercars mentioning the cost of fuel when they're rarely driven. (loose use of supercar, I know).
Hello again, Totally, Totally agree, buy a car, spend money at the start on service, brakes, oils, filters, fuel filters new MOT etc, this should find any problems. Happy Motoring. Regards, RichardA.
Love the hat plug at the end, was very funny with the roof down in middle of winter....good shout!
Great car, good update and no ads in the middle, win win
I’ll try and wind those down I think. Nobody likes them even if they’re relevant
Love it!!! My mum has a SL 500 with 17k on the clock, owned from new, went to the factory to pick it up in 02!!!!
Very nice!
She's a keeper!!!! Like Peter Cech. 💯 Matt this was a great buy.
Classic is that motor keep getting different one, you know your motors keep it up
I love CD's; just saying!
I definitely prefer this shape to the newest 2022 version. That new one looks too similar the AMG GT. Anyway cheers for the info on the true running costs of this 55..
Try a Bluetooth transmitter - links your phone and transmits an FM signal to the old fashioned radio. I have one on my old Porsche and can make calls and play music.
I've always liked these cars. They're understated and remain stylish, even in 2021.
I like the infotainment system. retro-tech and me go together like hand in glove :-)
Great vid as ever mate.
Nice one, congrats. Can’t believe it’s been a year already. Wish I could say my CLS 500 has been as reliable. Airmatic compressor and two shocks currently away to be refurbed last week 😟
Oh dear. Still worth it
I absolutely love this, but then I also love the CL55 AMG as it’s bigger
I have a 2005 SL350. For £500 you can have a Dension system installed to replace the CD Changer box in the rear storage locker. This adds Bluetooth and an aux in to the Command System and keeps everything looking stock and the steering wheel controls still working etc.
Thanks! Where did you get that done?
Matt , you can hook your phone up to play music using a double male headphone cable and set to “aux” on the settings menu ….just be aware that the volume levels are different so you have to wind the head unit volume back off before you change source …
Great car, lovely SL55 you have there. Definitely worth keeping.
Matt, shocking you’ve let yourself down.. it totally reliable and just £1 a mile, how did you let that happen??? Only a Micra will be cheaper... well done!
I do still have and use CDs which is why I've kept the original multi changer in my 21 year old 986 Boxster, as the new replacement system you mentioned that Porsche do can not run the 6 disc changer. Shame really as it does look good and sure is a fair bit less than £2k now
I have a 2004 SL55 and had the same experience. Other than registration fees in the US, gas to pay for about 1500 miles, and a tune up when I got it, I've had no issues and no problems. It also hasn't seen rain :)
They’re great cars
I’m more impressed that it’s got no lights on after not driving it. Random electronic gremlins can really pop up when these sit. That looks like a good one 👍
My mom had one of these in Red. I always thought it was perfect for a “mom”. Till i drove it. Unreal vehicle and frankly the one to buy NOW. Because in a decade they will be worth a fortune.
I agree with you. They look much more tame than they actually are
These are already an $85,000 car in Australia :(
@@aleks0001 WOW! Currently they are trading for about $26,000 (high mileage) to $40,000 (low mileage, mint) in America.
nope, the sl55 amg SUCKS because it's AMG, the engine repairs are stupid, get a 550, almost as fast anyway.
Sounds like my Crown VX. 20yo 83k. Done 6k miles this year. Had a run down to Cornwall about 400miles then across to Skeg, again 400miles and home another 100. Didn't miss a beat.
I loved this and can't wait for more videos
Great video. And I love this car. I have an SL 350 a 2004 it's in silver too and I love it. One day I hope to upgrade to the SL55. Classic and timeless looks and a really great car for touring. I have had mine 5 years and apart from the MOT, service and petrol costs, it's been very reasonable.
Oh goodness I miss my cars back in Blighty; however rust free and well specced our Aussie delivered motors are, I do miss the old disposable back in the Kingdom of PCP😩!! Thanks Matt, nice update of the old SL👌
Try one of those FM radio transmitter, only cost a tenner, it turns your phone bluetooth signal into FM radio so your car can receive it
I've had one of the last ones a 2008 one for over 6 years. I never had a problem with it. It's a great car. Very understated.
Pleased to hear it
That’s a beautiful SL, that would look so good next to my SL500, like a set.
I’ll never own this car and personally don’t care either away anything about it…. But watched it all because I simply enjoy hearing you speak about any vehicle. 😆
There is a company called seicane that make updated head units in OEM style. Tavarish installed one in he's SL55.
Awesome car, couldn’t live with that interior colour.
Lovely car. £1 a mile would put an awful lot of people off, but then they don't get the smiles per miles factor! Love a convertible, any excuse to get the roof down as long as it's not raining. Mines down all the time in my XK8. Glad you kept your head warm!
Great choice
Great video Matt. You had a one hell of a day buying that Bentley & AMG SL55 👌👏
I definitely did. One to remember
You should have an auxiliary cable in the glove compartment. Connect that to a radsone dac/amp Bluetooth receiver and you can send ldac quality or lossless through apple airplay to your car.
That's a gorgeous car. I'll eventually buy a joy ride for myself and maybe I'll try to get one of these! That design is timeless. You don't need to buy a brand new car to still look good ❤️
04:39 ”If you look after them and service them on time…”
Very true pal, my 2008 Audi A5 Quattro Sport 3.0 V6TDi now approaching 290,000 miles. 👍
Like you with this Merc I absolutely love my car.
Thats impressive. Original timing chain?
Love this channel. I like the old cheap second hand cars
Nice 👍 update thanks. Great car
There are plenty of aftermarket companies offering headunits for the 2000s Mercedes in OEM Style. While I would definitely avoid these cheap eBay Android Headunits (I had one in my W211, it was terrible at the features that mattered), I bought a new one from a company called Dynavin. It is Windows CE based, does FM and DAB Radio, Bluetooth Hands Free and even Apple CarPlay (also wireless if you pay extra). I have it fitted since last November and it is perfect. It cost me 700€ but for the car I use daily to drive around 80 miles a day in, it was definitely worth it
Good tip. Thanks
Matt, there’s a Bluetooth phone adaptor by Mercedes which works on the buttons! It replaces the old Nokia adapter you have. I have a spare one if you’re interested... iPhone connects perfectly. The audio needs a different solution.
This is his first SL Mercedes for sure !!!
Love this channel dude I'll be ringing you soon 👍
Hopefully that v 70 lol I need wheel's 8 pice DB PEARL Drums and paiste rude cymbals 👍
Have to agree with you 100%… Where else can you get to drive such a gorgeous car for so little money… it’s a keeper and will always bring a smile to your face 😊
PS… as a fellow owner my Independant Merc specialist who looks after my 2003 SL500 says there is no problem with following the ‘on board’ servicing instructions which will count down the mileage to its next service and says servicing every two years when doing low mileage is no problem 👍
Infotainment? That's actually located under your right foot Matt - a glorious V8 soundtrack
HHa true
I heard that when this model SL55 was released in 2002 , they were the fastest Automatic car in the world 🌎 “I always loved the look”
I bought one for my wife brand new in 2005,,,,,, I always used it whenever I could,,rather than my Ferrari 360 Modina,,
PS,,much preferred the AMG folks,👌👌👌🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧
Ha you haven’t really used it… in my experience these types of cars are better driven especially with electrical issues. Did 700 miles in my SL55 last weekend and found out the heater doesn’t really work. These cars have definitely appreciated during 2021 so we’ve made money not forgetting the smiles…
600 miles in a year , no wonder its been fault free lmao :) Cracking looking car.
Great video as always . Wow what a machine . That interior👌
I love it too
Nice care, Yes, I'd like one too!
You can borrow my Kenny G and Biggie cds! Sums up what I drive.....
Fantastic ride --- absolutely lovely in that trim and colour
Thanks!
you could put a 'Viseeo MBU 1000 Bluetooth adapter' in place of the Nokia. your phone connects to it and It should allow you to use the car Mic/Speakers for calls etc..
Ooo the note of that V8 😍 a used but much loved time piece . And the thermal properties of the high peaks hat impressed me 😂😂
Haha thanks for watching!
@@HighPeakAutos Thank you for taking the time to make great videos for us car loving folk 😁👍
I love that car Matt & always enjoy your updates.Thanks for uploading the vlog.On a side note I remember your subs of 2k now look…132k + You will be on mainstream tv before you know it.Regards J
Thanks! Hopefully one day 😉
What a stunning car matt. Please do not vulgarize it with tacky after market head unit! Keep it stock. Do more content like this, your range rover, sl55 etc! What happened to your ls430 is everything ok with it? Please do a video on it if you've still got it. 📹
That’s the thing, I want to keep it looking original
Totally agree on the headunit part, Mercedes should come up with a new one that looks like the old one but is modern, just like Porsche. In the meantime, have you heard about Bluetooth UKW transmitters? Their sound quality isn't perfect and some of them look gastly, but they are easily installed and removed, and with them you can at least listen to your own music while driving.
That might be might best option
What a great car! Really enjoyed the video, as always! Did you know that you can get a Bluetooth dongle? This is in the shape of the nokia 6310 phone, and just slots into the cradle, which then allows you to pair just about any smartphone for calls. I had this on a 2004 e240, and it worked really well. The contacts synced, and the steering wheel controls worked just fine too! ... Couldn't play music, but then can't have everything!! :D ... the unit is called a viseeo 3000 (which is the one I had - I think it costs about £175 ) I got mine through eBay, and the vendor was really helpful when it came to choosing the correct version!
I love the last bit: hardtop off, softtop on.
😂👍🏻
You could probably get an OEM looking head unit with a larger screen that runs android, a lot of the chinese companies do them. Of course they are never the most reliable things in the world but they keep the factory look and give you that smartphone functionality. Either that or do what I did in my saab and just have a phone holder and a bluetooth FM module. Well worth it for the raw analogue experience of that engine. I have a 2008 C220 as my second car and I really like the noughties merc interiors.