2009 MERCEDES-BENZ SL-Class

2009 SL 550-Was in love until I wasn't!

Performance: 0 Comfort: 0 Fuel Economy: 0 Fun To Drive: 0 Interior Design: 0 Exterior Design: 0 Build Quality: 0 Reliability: 0 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 1 Safety Rating: 3 Technology Rating: 4 Value Rating: 1

Beautiful car with great engine and sex appeal-no doubt. I can say nothing bad about the outside appearance. My biggest problem is that it was a maintenance nightmare. I had the car for 7 months and had it in the shop about 9 times. For every payment I made, I paid 20% more in maintenance that month. The car only had 48,000 miles at purchase. Within a day of having it, the hydraulic hose/system burst costing $5K. Apparently a common and recurring issue. Within a day of having that repaired, the undercarriage fell out as the factory bolts were installed incorrectly $200 Within a month, front tires had to be replaced---one might think that's expected with a used car but all tires were replaced a day before buying the car. Within 2 months, the rear tires went out. Total of $1,800 to replace (front and back) So additional repairs include two batteries having to be replaced, an alternator, computer module, window washing pump (total of another $1,000), these last numbers exclude labor as I had a deal with the mechanic on these repairs Mainly a size thing but feels a little clostophobic with the top closed. I'm 6'0.

sl550

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 4

Love the car but have less then 10K miles and have changed front tires (bulging), and two wheel rims.

Not worth the money...

Performance: 4 Comfort: 2 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 2 Reliability: 2 Comfort Rating: 2 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 2

I was a big fan of Mercedes prior to owning my 2009 SL-63. After having it in the shop for now the 4th time in 5 months, they still can't fix the transmission and excessive oil burn. The new transmission slips like you've lost gears until the car is completely warmed up. Try pulling out into traffic, stepping on the gas and the engine revs, but the car goes nowhere. Then out of no-where, 3-5 sec later the car catapults you into traffic. I was finally told that this is a race- car. You can't expect it to drive like a luxury car. How about that? In addition to having to add a quart of oil every 100 miles Mercedes has some work to do before I would ever recommend this car. Spend elsewhere!

Buy a Corvette or Porsche

Performance: 3 Comfort: 3 Fuel Economy: 2 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 2 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 2 Reliability Rating: 1

Although I love the looks of the car both inside and out, it lacks many things. The handling and horsepower to weight ratio are disappointing. My Corvette Z06 will run circles around this car. Many of the controls are hard to use and antiquated. A true sport car should have full instrumentation, not idiot lights. It also has very high maintenance costs and small petty things that make it a regular at the service department. You would think Mercedes could afford to include maintenance costs for what you pay. They also lose half their value in just a few years, so that is another thing for some to consider. It is a pleasant enough Sunday cruiser but for the money it is very disappointing.

Best and Sexy Convertible

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 2 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 4

Comparing to 06'911S, it's slower but more modern interior features. Command System in 09'SL is so old to same year in LS460. Exterior and interior of this SL550 are so sexy in Red/Tan. I'm really loving this 09'SL better than 05'SL,560SL,380SL and 280SL I had before!

Dream Car for Drivers

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Factory delivery August '08. 2K miles over 3 weeks in Europe with spouse and plenty of luggage. Now have 8.5K miles. Beautiful (projects stronger image than predecessor),fast, handles flat, 27 MPG hwy, 18 city, rock solid, super brakes, zero defects, great seats, new COMMAND system w/ iPod connection, satellite radio excellent, totally stable at 110 MPH (autobahn, not California!) and in rain,seamless transmission with paddles, perfect descendant of original 300SL. Get one before they take your keys away.