Description

Model History

The R230 Mercedes Benz SL was introduced to the world in 2001 at both the Frankfurt and Bologna Motor Shows. It was the successor to one of the most beautiful designs ever by Bruno Sacco, the R129 SL. To this day, the R230 SL design continues to gain appreciators and supporters of it as one of the most beautiful designs in Mercedes Benz’s range of the early 2000s.

The SL 55 AMG served as one of two top of the line, high-performance-oriented versions of the R230 SL Coupe – the SL 55 AMG being powered by a 5.5L supercharged M113K V8, producing 493 hp, and good for 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds. At its time, it was the fastest automatic production car in the world, before the release of the Mercedes SLR McLaren.

History File

This is a 2003 Mercedes Benz R230 SL 55 AMG, finished in Obsidian Black with a Berry Red interior. This car was originally imported and sold as a Zung Fu (Mercedes Hong Kong) car. The current keeper is a Mercedes enthusiast who acquired this SL 55 AMG three years ago (when this car accumulated around 85,000km – 88,000km of mileage) to add to their current collection of Mercedes models. With the benefit of the two previous owners being friends of the current keeper, over 8 years of service records have been kept with this car, with regular service and maintenance performed by a garage in To Kwa Wan. Under the current keeper, the rear left air suspension unit was replaced two years ago and the last service was completed in July 2022 – consisting of a routine engine oil change and MOT examination. Inside, an upgraded in-car sound system with a subwoofer (HKD 45,000 worth) has been installed, as well as an aftermarket Android-based head unit that replaces the original COMAND infotainment system. Aside from touch-up paint that has been applied on the driver’s door by the current keeper, this car has kept all of its original Obsidian Black paint finish. One minor issue the current keeper would like to highlight is with the interior volume knob on the infotainment system – at times, the volume knob controls are temperamental (at times minimising the volume increases the volume), but states this is a common issue that affects R230 generation SLs; the volume controls on the steering wheel operate normally. This SL 55 AMG has 3 previous owners,  a current mileage of 93,950 km and the current road licence is valid until 25th May, 2023.

Exterior

The Obsidian Black body is in excellent condition on all of the body panels and sections – with no scratches, imperfections, or blemishes to note of. The AMG front and rear bumpers are fully intact on all of their portions. The front grille, vents on the bonnet as well on both lower front side fenders are also fully intact. All of the primary lights – the front headlights, tail lights and side markers illuminate normally. Both side doors, the front bonnet and rear trunk lid open and close normally. All of the exterior badges – from the Mercedes logos to the AMG emblems are present with none missing any trim pieces. All four AMG alloy wheels are in excellent condition with no kerb rash. The SL’s signature feature, the electric folding hardtop roof works as it should, seamlessly transitioning this SL 55 AMG from both a hardtop coupe to open top convertible.

Interior and Trim

Step inside and an R230-generation SL interior greets both occupants – with several subtle features to denote this car’s AMG status. Both leather sports seats in Berry Red upholstery are free of any surface damage, remaining firm and supportive of both occupants. The leather steering wheel and gear shifter are in excellent condition. The aftermarket touchscreen head unit and all of its functions operate normally – while the current keeper reports the issue affecting the volume knob, the rest of the interior buttons and switchgear operate normally and none show any surface wear. Both side door panels and door sills are free of any surface scratches. The addition of the upgraded audio speakers with subwoofer delivers a more pronounced in-car audio experience. The PARKTRONIC visual parking aid, as well as the LCD instument cluster displays work normally with no missing pixels.

Engine and Running Gear

The 5.5L supercharged M113K V8 switches on with no faults, via the turn of the key in the ignition, or the press of the Engine Start/Stop button on the gear shifter. The engine itself is in excellent working condition and delivers as expected of a unit tuned by the AMG division – with plenty of pulling power and torque across the rev range, delivered in a linear and smooth fashion as this sports coupe easily picks up speed. The ride was a perfect balance of sport and grand tourer, absorbing any imperfections in the road in a composed manner – while enabling the driver to experience a true sports car experience at full throttle. The ABC (Active Body Control) system is in perfect working order, ensuring this car is perfectly centred with minimal body roll through any degree of corners at speed. The 5-Speed Automatic Transmission delivers smooth and responsive gear changes. All of the brakes are very powerful to use to bring this car to a halt. The R230 SL 55 AMG is the perfect combination of luxury and high-speed performance thanks to Affalterbach’s engineers. Ready to take on long distance drives in comfort and at Autobahn speeds, this SL 55 AMG is the perfect choice – now available at the Car Farm.

Buyer’s Premium:

5% of Winning Bid

(Minimum – HKD8,000.00)

(Maximum – HKD50,000.00)