Looking at a 2008 SL 65 with 30k miles. Yep, twin turbo 6.5 liter V12 motor. Everything works and it looks great.

Any input about known issues will be appreciated. TIA!

My boss leased one in about that time frame. I don't remember any problems with it at all. It did need servicing, which I had to drive him when he wanted to retrieve it. Seemed like a bunch of service calls, but all just scheduled. When the lease was up, he replaced it with a V8. Looked a lot like the same model, just a smaller engine. He didn't use the power he had. It sure attracted a bunch of attention from others.

There was one up along the river where we often ate lunch. It doesn't park there any more. Never talked to the guy, but I liked the car.

After having a few hardtop convertibles I will tell you that if the top goes bad out of warranty you are screwed. Like $15k screwed.

Have you gotten a quote from your insurance company yet?

My neighbor bought a 2008 SL63 AMG about a month ago. Black on black with ~60k miles. He let me take it out on the highway and boy does that car have some power. Overall I was very impressed with the car.

My understanding is there was an issue with head gaskets but I don't recall what year was impacted by the problem.

I would definitely recommend having a trusted mechanic go over the car before you buy, because like others have said, repairs can be quite expensive.

I believe the head issues were on the N/A V8s & it can be resolved with new head bolts, he's looking at a twin turbo V12

No knowledge on them (my only Mercedes were early '80s diesels), other than the traction control can struggle to put all that torque down from a stop if you really lay into it.

Yeah, the insurance quote was right at $460 every 6 months. In comparision my 2014 Tundra truck is about $280 every 6 months. So it is more but not crazy money. Of course I live in AL and that helps.

I’ve done the AMG driving academy twice on someone else’s dime. AMG does crazy things with engines.

Be honest with yourself about maintenance costs. I say go for it.

quote:

Originally posted by Bluecobra:
Yeah, the insurance quote was right at $460 every 6 months. In comparision my 2014 Tundra truck is about $280 every 6 months. So it is more but not crazy money. Of course I live in AL and that helps.

I’m jealous. Can’t imagine insurance that cheap for an AMG. I would have to pay that amount EVERY month. Buy it and have fun.

I've had my AMG C63 for almost 5 years now, not a single issue has come up. Mind you, I'm only at 30,000 miles, but many in our M-B group have 50-100000, no issues. Yes, maintenance is expensive, expecially if you go to a stealership. My advice is to avoid stealerships and find a reputable European mechanic (many AMG techs seem to gravitate away from the dealership after a few years anyway) This can save you nearly 50% for any work on the car.

The head bolt issue was for the M156 engines in 2008-2009, not an issue for the V12 (which has been around for a long time...it is reliable).

AMG parts are BIG money.
Buddy has a different model AMG and needed new transmission cooler hoses $750 for the AMG model’s to $250 for the non-AMG model. No they were not interchangeable.