Old Benz questions, if u consider 03 old, SL5x

Looking at a GT type convertible for the summer. I found 2 '03 SL's both with about 60k on the odometer, and maintenance records. 1 is a sl55 AMG, other is a plan sl500. I know about the air suspension and hydraulic roof issues, anything else to look out for?

ThE AMG is about 4 k more, but it's got 470hp compared to the 300 hp of the plan SL. Is it worth it in a Cruiser? Does the kompressor add any durability issues or other concerns?

is there a  Benz specific forum worth visiting? I can't find one but if anybody knows it's this group.

i would prefer to spend the summer driving it instead of fixing it.

The amg version may have more running costs in parts and such but it might not be by much, will handle better and it will have almost enough brakes. That last bit is important. The 500 will... not have anywhere near enough brakes. If at all possible, testdrive em both. If the wonderfulness of how the loud pedal works on the kompressed car is compelling enough, spend the dough.

Oh yeah benzworld.org and if you get the 55 then amg private lounge is the definitive fount of info.

Make sure the top works and works well!

It's not air suspension on the AMG, it's hydraulic.  It works well when it works perfectly, but the parts are insanely expensive and don't last very long.  Like $10k every 50k miles is not an unreasonable estimate if you paid a shop to keep one functioning.  The brakes on the AMG will be more expensive too, but a welcome improvement in my experience with other Mercedes.

Tk8398 said:

It's not air suspension on the AMG, it's hydraulic.  It works well when it works perfectly, but the parts are insanely expensive and don't last very long.  Like $10k every 50k miles is not an unreasonable estimate if you paid a shop to keep one functioning.  The brakes on the AMG will be more expensive too, but a welcome improvement in my experience with other Mercedes.

Active body control is hell when it goes. 7k+ You can do a coilover conversion for not too bad.

fatallightning said:

Tk8398 said:

It's not air suspension on the AMG, it's hydraulic.  It works well when it works perfectly, but the parts are insanely expensive and don't last very long.  Like $10k every 50k miles is not an unreasonable estimate if you paid a shop to keep one functioning.  The brakes on the AMG will be more expensive too, but a welcome improvement in my experience with other Mercedes.

Active body control is hell when it goes. 7k+ You can do a coilover conversion for not too bad.

Looks to be 1000 - 1500 for 4 corners of traditional struts. So if going that route I don't need to worry about ABC or hydraulic corner units?  Will it need sway bars?
 

going to look at both cars tomorrow. 

ABC, when it's working, is *fantastic*. Just sayin'...

In reply to Jay_W :

When it's working yes, absolutely.  Once everything starts falling apart I am not sure its worth trying to revive on anything but maybe one of the AMG biturbo V12 cars though.

Get the one with glass roof!