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 new SLR Stirling Moss is also characterised by the most sophisticated technology and a breathtaking design which reinterprets the SLR legend. With 478 kW/650 hp the SLR Stirling Moss accelerates its V8 supercharged engine from standstill to 100 km/h in less than 3.5 seconds, and has a top speed of 350 km/h – no other series-production car is at the same time so open and so fast. This extreme concept makes the new high-performance sports car a legitimate bearer of the name of the British motor racing legend and Mille Miglia record-holder Stirling Moss, who drove the legendary Mercedes-Benz SLR racing cars from victory to victory in 1955. The exclusive SLR Stirling Moss rounds off the current SLR family and is limited to 75 units. It is priced at 750,000 euros. The SLR Roadster will cease to be manufactured at the end of May 2009 as planned, and production of the SLR Stirling Moss will commence in June 2009.

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Three letters are all it takes to make car fans’ hearts beat faster: SLR. In the 1950s the Mercedes-Benz SLR 300 celebrated victory after victory. It won the Mille Miglia, the Eifel race, the Targa Florio as well as the Tourist Trophy. It was driven by the stars of the time: Juan Manuel Fangio and Karl Kling – and, first and foremost, by the British racing driver Stirling Moss. At ten hours, seven minutes and 48 seconds he still holds the Mille Miglia record. This is why the modern-day version of the legendary SLR carries the additional words “Stirling Moss” in its name. As the new SLR Stirling Moss unites the character of the current SLR models with the fascination of the SLR of 1955. The core values of both the historical and the present-day SLR models include an exciting new design, innovative technology, high-class materials displaying perfect craftsmanship, and, above all: a unique driving experience for all the senses.

Highly puristic concept without a roof or a windscreen

Remaining totally true to the specifications of the 300 SLR, the new Silver Arrow’s equipment is extremely sophisticated and yet at the same time decidedly puristic, doing without both a roof and side windows. There are just two wind deflectors a couple of centimetres in height to protect the driver and passenger from the airflow. Two air scoops integrated into the bodywork serve as roll-over bars. With this extreme concept the new SLR Stirling Moss is visually very different from all the other vehicles which belong to the elite sports car class.

Just like the legendary racing vehicles of yesteryear, the SLR Stirling Moss dazzles with its superlative performance. Accelerating from zero to 100 km/h in less than 3.5 seconds and with a top speed of 350 km/h this puristic high-performance sports car denotes completely new dimensions in open-top driving. And not just because of the impressive performance figures; every time drivers take to the wheel of the SLR Stirling Moss their senses are addressed with a previously unheard of intensity, conveying a driving experience in its purest and most sensual form. This automotive thoroughbred thus facilitates the kind of open-air feeling that is utterly unique for a road-going vehicle.

Exciting design reminiscent of the SLR racing cars

The SLR Stirling Moss, its entire bodywork made of lightweight carbon fibre, represents a stand-alone design concept. Whilst the Mercedes-Benz designers were working on the body of the new SLR Stirling Moss, they were fully aware every single moment that they were creating a vehicle with a top speed of 350 km/h. At the same time this supreme athlete is highly reminiscent of the
SLR racing cars from the 1950s, whose design idiom still never fails to impress
to this day.

The SLR Stirling Moss sports an exciting, pronounced arrow-shaped form and is characterised by an elongated bonnet and a compact, muscular rear. As there is no windscreen, the exterior and interior flow smoothly into one. The bonnet also stretches from its striking tip right down into the interior, giving the vehicle body a distinctly sleek air. Even when standing still, the sports car radiates such dynamism that the observer immediately falls under its spell.

Further eye-catching features include two air scoops behind the driver and passenger. They carry additional roll-over bars, also uniting the traditional and the modern. The wings are powerfully contoured. Black-painted ventilation “gills” sitting facet-like on the sides and on the bonnet also cite the legend. A thrilling interplay of light and shadow ensues through the expressive lines, underlining the dynamic overall impression. Exactly as they were on the shining historical example, the side skirts on the new SLR Stirling Moss are also very high. This prompted the designers’ decision in favour of folding swing-wing doors which open forwards.

The vehicle can be closed by two tonneau covers which are carried in the boot. When both tonneau covers and the doors are closed the SLR Stirling Moss resembles a sculpture.

In keeping with the puristic exterior of the vehicle, the interior is also reduced to the bare essentials. Surfaces penetrating each other in the instrument panel and doors make for an exciting atmosphere and resonate perfectionism. A mixture of high-class authentic materials such as carbon fibre, aluminium and fine-quality leather sets the style here. An aluminium plate carries the engraved signature of Stirling Moss and covers the area around the shift lever.

Innovative technology and polished aerodynamic concept

Developers working on the Stirling Moss were able to fall back on a wealth of experience gathered when producing the SLR Coupé and Roadster, in particular where the technical base was concerned, with its extravagant carbon-fibre design, high-performance suspension and throaty V8 engine. The common denominator uniting the Stirling Moss with the other members of the SLR family is the aerodynamic concept with a closed underbody and a diffuser in the rear bumper for maximum possible downforce at the rear axle – with one difference: the diffuser here is considerably larger than that on the coupé and roadster.

Thanks to the high-precision work carried out in the wind tunnel, the SLR Stirling Moss always generates sufficient downforce for extremely safe handling. But the driver can also manually operate the Airbrake in order to increase the contact pressure further, during particularly sporty driving, for example. The Airbrake is also raised during powerful braking at speeds above 120 km/h, so as to stabilise the vehicle even more in such situations, thus facilitating maximum possible deceleration.

Limited to 75 units – the SLR models’ crowning glory

The new SLR Stirling Moss is the kind of high-calibre speedster coveted by the enthusiasts alike. At the same time it marks the pinnacle of an era and, for the foreseeable future, at least, the final curtain for the SLR. In May 2009 production of the SLR models will cease; only a total of 75 units of the Stirling Moss will be manufactured between June and December 2009, bearing chassis numbers from 1 to 75. Not only does this exclusive vehicle represent the conclusion of the current SLR family; it also serves as a very special thank you to the most loyal of SLR customers, for they are the only ones able to acquire a Stirling Moss.

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.

This high-performance two-seater was developed in the AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO by the same experts who were responsible for designing the Official F1™ Safety Car and Official F1™ Medical Car. The SL 65 AMG Black Series is a continuation of the successful Black Series strategy from Mercedes-AMG, the high-performance brand from Mercedes-Benz Cars. As the new AMG top model, the SL 65 AMG Black Series outstrips the other AMG SL models: both the SL 63 AMG with its 518-hp AMG 6.3-l V8 engine and the SL 65 AMG, powered by an AMG 6.0-l V12 biturbo engine, developing 604 hp. 

Wide, solid and low – that is the new Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG Black Series.The dynamic coupé inspires passion even when it is stationary. The distinctive wide wheel arches fenders, extendable spoiler and rear apron with diffuser fins are an unmistakable demonstration of the transfer from the motor sports world that has been part of the company philosophy at Mercedes AMG for over 40 years. In its appearance, the SL 65 AMG Black Series is reminiscent of the successful AMG racing cars, such as the DTM C-Class. 

Large cooling air vents in the front apron and bonnet give a clear indication of the enormous power of the AMG biturbocharged twelve-cylinder engine. From 5,980 cc, the AMG V12 develops a maximum output of 661 hp at 5,400 rpm, and an electronically limited torque of 738 lb-ft between 2,200 and 4,200 rpm. Without limits, the AMG 6.0-l V12 biturbo engine, handmade at the AMG engine plant in accordance with the traditional philosophy “one man – one engine”, would develop a maximum torque of 885 lb-ft. 

Compared with the basic power train of the SL 65 AMG, which develops 604 hp, the turbochargers on the twelve-cylinder engine of the SL 65 AMG Black Series have been redesigned. The spiral cross-section of the turbocharger, which is twelve percent larger, together with the optimised wastegate ducts enable a higher airflow rate and even more impressive power development in all speed ranges. The modified intake air duct produces an even more spontaneous vehicle response. Redesigned mufflers in the AMG sports exhaust system reduce exhaust back pressure and help boost performance. And there is an acoustic side effect: a typically evocative AMG harmony is created by the distinctive twelve-cylinder sound that escapes from the two trapezoidal exhaust pipe ends. 

The low-temperature charge air coolers are about 30 percent more effective, enabling not only a maximum power output under highly dynamic driving conditions, but also the greatest possible stability in high external temperatures. This is also assisted by the optimised water cooling system with a repositioned radiator, high-performance aspirator and large vents in the bonnet. 

Attractive power/weight ratio delivers superb performance 

The extraordinary engine specifications which make the SL 65 AMG Black Series the most powerful AMG model so far enable it to deliver superb performance values. It can reach a speed of 60 mph from a standing start in just 3.6 seconds.  The top speed is 199 mph (electronically limited).  

Also responsible for the high dynamic performance is the attractive power/weight ratio – a result of the comparably low curb weight of 4,345 lbs, which complies with the EU standard. This makes the SL 65 AMG Black Series 210 lbs lighter than the SL 65 AMG – a significant weight reduction derived from specific lightweight design measures. A large number of bodywork components are made from high-strength and especially lightweight carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP), a technology which has proved its value in motor sports. The front wheel arches, which are .5 inch wider, the front apron with the visible carbon fibre front splitter, the hood and the trunk lid are all made from CFRP. The “V12 biturbo” lettering on the front wheel arches give an indication of the engine’s potency. 

New CFRP roof with integrated roll bar 

The roof cladding, made completely from CFRP, is presented in an all-new design. Not only does it feature an integrated roll bar, but by foregoing the convertible roof typical for SL-Class vehicles, the roofline has been made considerably flatter. This is obvious from the rear window, which is at a flatter angle to the trunk lid. The CFRP spoiler incorporated in the trunk lid automatically extends by 4.8 inches from a speed of 75 mph, increasing the rear axle power take-off at 120 mph by 110 lbs. Viewed from behind, the rear apron with its visible carbon fibre diffuser insert is conspicuous: this incorporates the active cooling system for the rear axle limited slip differential. New, optimum-weight AMG forged wheels with a double spoke design –19” at the front, 20” at the back – sit impressively in the wheel housings. With the black paintwork, the high-sheen surfaces and matt finish lend an opulent look to the side profile. 

Power transmission with four drive programmes and rev-matching function

In keeping with its outstanding potential and high dynamic performance, the power development and chassis of the SL 65 AMG Black Series are also presented at their best. Power is transmitted to the rear wheel via an AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS five-speed automatic gearbox. There are four drive programmes to choose from: “C”, “S” and “M1”, as well as “M2”, which has a 20-percent quicker response time than “M1”. Both manual programmes, “M1” and “M2”, allow the driver to benefit from the extreme tractive power of the V12 biturbo engine, since the gears will not automatically change down, even on full throttle; the AMG SPEED-SHIFT PLUS five-speed automatic gearbox stays reliably in the selected gear, even during kick-down shifts. In addition, a power train which is extremely direct in all driving conditions supports the torque converter bypass coupling from first gear onwards. The automatic rev-matching function provides an extra thrill when changing down, as well as reducing the load alteration effects – which has an exceedingly positive effect, especially when braking to corner on the race circuit, and also improves driving safety in wet and icy conditions.

In keeping with this vehicle’s tremendous power and torque, the power train features especially high-performance components: not only the various gearbox components, such as the clutch discs and switching and converter bypass logic, but also the drive shafts, wheel carriers and bearings, and also the spring links on the rear axle, are made to an extremely resilient design.

Completely new design for AMG coil-over sports suspension

When it comes to the chassis, the AMG experts have put their faith in a new design. The AMG sports chassis has been designed with coil-over suspension – this solution, which has been proven in the realm of motor sports, makes it possible to adjust the pressure and flow rates of the shock absorbers and vehicle level, as well as the track and camber. Drivers can configure their own personal suspension setup, especially for use on the race circuit. Both axles feature newly developed spring links and thrust, camber and tension rods, as well as optimum weight aluminium wheel carriers. Compared with the series production SL 65 AMG, the Black Series has 4.5” more track width on the front axle, and 4” more on the rear axle. The new front axle kinematics creates a steering ratio which is eight percent more direct, and the completely revised elasto-kinematics ensures greater steering precision. The result: light-footed, predictable handling.

3-stage ESPÒ provides distinctive driving dynamics

3-stage ESPÒ with sports function is synonymous with the greatest possible driving pleasure and distinctive driving dynamics: the driver can use the ESPÒ button on the center console to switch between “ESP ON”, “ESP SPORT” and “ESP OFF” – the selected mode is displayed on the central screen of the AMG instrument panel. In “ESP ON” mode, in the advent of unstable driving conditions, brakes are automatically applied to one or more wheels, and the engine torque is reduced.

Briefly pressing the ESPÒ button activates the “ESP SPORT” function. In this mode, automatic oversteer and understeer control as well as the accompanying engine torque adjustment allow for more dynamic driving conditions, more or less corresponding to the drift angle – which clearly means a lot more driving enjoyment for SL 65 AMG Black Series drivers. Depressing the brake pedal fully reactivates ESPÒ.

Holding down the ESPÒ button activates the “ESP OFF” function. This means there are no more automatic adjustments to the driving dynamics, and in general the engine torque will no longer be reduced – for even more driving excitement. “ESP OFF” should be used only by experienced drivers on closed-off race circuits. Even in this mode, it is still possible to reactivate all of the ESPÒ functions by depressing the brake pedal. Traction logic is active in all three ESPÒ modes. If a drive wheel starts to spin, specific automatic brake control is used to improve traction. Working together with the multiple-disc limited-slip differential, which has over 40 percent of its barrier effect in deceleration, this ensures that the enormous power of the engine is transferred to the road surface with minimum loss.

Sports tires and compound disc brakes for top performance

The selected wheel/tire combination is responsible for ensuring the best possible performance of the SL 65 AMG Black Series on the race circuit: on the front axle, 265/35 R 19 tires are fitted onto 9.5” AMG light alloy wheels. On the rear axle, the impressive format is AMG 11.5 x 20 light alloy wheels with 325/30 R 20 tyres. The Sport Maxx GT tyres are supplied by DTM Motor Sports partner Dunlop; they provide especially good grip and amazing cornering speeds. Peering through the filigree double spokes on the AMG light alloy wheels will reveal the generously dimensioned AMG high-performance brake system. Vented, perforated disc brakes featuring especially high-performance compound technology are fitted all around. On the front axle, the deceleration load is borne by 6-piston fixed callipers and 15.3 / 1.5 inch brake discs, with 4-piston fixed callipers and 14.2 / 1.0 inch discs on the rear axle.

Functional yet charming interior design

Nappa leather, alcantara and carbon – the interior of the SL 65 AMG Black Series creates the perfect ambience to get sports car enthusiasts’ hearts racing. The all-black interior exudes the functional atmosphere of a genuine racing car, while at the same time captivating with its charming details.

Fifteen mm smaller in diameter and with a perforated lateral grip area, the AMG high-performance steering wheel, with its flattened underside, provides optimum vehicle control. Silver-coloured aluminium switch paddles enable manual gear changing.

More highlights featured on the centre console are the premium quality carbon body trim, the matte-finish start/stop button, the new AMG gear stick with carbon insert and the AMG logo with the words “Black Series” on the ashtray. To match these, the roof lining and A and C columns are in charcoal alcantara. The AMG instrument panel has a completely new design: the black speedometer indicates up to 224 mph and has been completely redesigned, as has the white rev counter with its four integrated LEDs, which indicate to the driver the optimum moment to change gear. When the ignition is switched on, the speedometer and rev counter needles move in synch to the end of their ranges then return simultaneously to their resting positions, giving the driver a clear signal to start the engine.

The AMG main menu displays more than just the selected drive programme. The driver can also view the selected ESPÒ mode, the engine oil temperature and the battery voltage. The integrated “RACETIMER” stores information on the race cicuit lap times.

Further standard equipment for the SL 65 AMG Black Series includes the COMAND system. The new multimedia device with a 6.5”-colour screen combines a car radio with double tuner, CD-/DVD changer, Bluetooth telephone interface, drive for SD memory cards and a hard-drive-based navigation system. The 40-GB hard drive ensures extra fast route calculation. An iPod, USB stick or other external audio devices can be plugged into into the COMAND system via a universal media interface.

Complex development process in all of the Earth’s climate zones

The complex development and testing process for the SL 65 AMG Black Series began in 2006. The AMG engineers and technicians test-drove ten prototypes and development vehicles in all of the Earth’s climate zones. Whether this involved fast laps of the Nürburgring racetrack, high-speed test drives in Nardo, Italy, wind tunnel tests, extensive test drives in the summer heat and arctic cold or real-life crash tests – the new AMG high-performance Coupé had to prove that it was up to series production standard in every regard. In total, the SL 65 AMG Black Series notched up around 18,641 test mies on various circuits – 9,321 mi of which were on the northern loop of the Nürburgring racetrack, acknowledged as the most difficult race circuit in the world.
Just like the SLK 55 AMG Black Series and the CLK 63 AMG Black Series, the SL 65 AMG Black Series was developed in the AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO, opened in 2006.  The first models will be delivered to customers in December 2008.

Additional Resources

The Timesonline (UK) has a nice article on the AMG SL65 Black Series here.

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.