Has anyone else encountered a problem with their battery losing a charge when the car is sitting? Richard asks:

A problem has plagued my SL55 AMG for the last 2 years. I have since brought the MB AMG to service twice for the same problem. This last time the service mechanic replaced my second battery found in the trunk and gave me a battery conditioner that needs to be connected to the battery when the MB AMG is sitting. The manager notified me there is a drain on the battery that they cannot find. Is this a problem all ’03 SL55 AMG’s have and if not does anyone have an idea why there would be a constant drain on the second battery, and is there a fix? – Richard

Leave your comments and we’ll see if we can help him out – thanks!

The following is a recent MBUSA press release for the 2009 SL65 AMG Black Series, an exclusive high-performance coupe for especially discerning customers.

A spectacular look, unique performance data, consistently lightweight design and the highest degree of exclusivity – these attributes sum up the new 65 AMG Black Series from Mercedes-Benz. The high-performance coupé features pure-bred motor sports technology, and introduces sports car fans to a whole new world in terms of dynamic performance. The AMG 6.0-l V12 biturbo engine, developing a maximum output of 661 hp and maximum torque of 738 lb-ft, guarantees the dynamic performance of a super sports car. Continue reading » »

Our friend Roy Spencer over at Our SL discovered a few unique, partially finished Mercedes ready for shipment overseas. He recognized them as the "Argento" Mercedes, which you may have seen advertised in Hemmings earlier this year.

The Hemmings listing featured an artist's rendering of the nose of the car with very little information. Here's an excerpt of Roy's find:

Inspecting the script on the carbon fiber upper engine covers of each car revealed they were commissioned by the Royal Family of Brunei or more specifically, His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah (profile), and for some reason both projects had been abandoned. Perhaps the Sultan forgot he commissioned the cars! You see, he already owned over 4,000 other cars at the  time! He is likely THE most prolific collector of exotic automobiles in the world, with a penchant for commissioning the construction of whatever suits his whimsy. Researching the car buying habits of the Sultan reveals an astounding collection of cars numbering between 4,000 and 5,000! More including photos here at Our SL.