Here's What You Need To Know If You Plan To Get A Mercedes-Benz SLR Mclaren

Collaborations can be of many types and they usually create a massive impact on the public as two or more popular bodies merge to formulate something special. Be it when Linkin Park merged with Jay Z to create the Collision Course or when Mercedes-Benz and McLaren worked together to build the legendary SLR, people just don't seem to stop talking about it ever since the debut. However, things didn't start great for the SLR as it was seen to be an offbeat machine that introduced a lot of new components that were never seen on any other car before. Inspired by the original 300 SLR, Mercedes wanted to create the ultimate grand tourer with a premium build and interior while McLaren wanted to go all out and create a track machine. The result of this left people confused as to what kind of vehicle the SLR is, resulting in a lag in terms of finding traction.

10. Features the first-ever carbon fiber monocoque chassis

While cars before the SLR used carbon fiber components, McLaren decided to step things up and used their expertise from building the iconic MP4/1 race car. The resulting structure was an entire body made of carbon fiber including the front crumple zone, making it the first-ever production car to have a carbon fiber monocoque chassis. While this is cool trivial data to boast around, it is important to be careful while maneuvering as a damaged panel will cost fortunes because McLaren would have to make it from scratch.

9. The car originally came with its flip phone

Apart from cars trying to innovate in terms of engineering and mechanical aspects, they provide a lot of additional features. Some may be quirky while others are downright confusing. If you think that you've seen the coolest feature on a car, wait until you get inside the SLR and open up the center console storage between the driver and passenger seats. Hidden within should be a flip phone from the 2000s that even had a Mercedes logo. Sadly, it is hard to come across an SLR along with the phone as most owners keep it for themselves.

 8. Be the proud owner of the car to feature the first-ever in-house developed AMG engine

Although the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren isn't the first car to house an AMG powerplant, there is something very special about this model. While all the AMG models before the SLR carried a tuned version of the standard engine, folks at AMG had to build a new motor from the ground up for the SLR. The handbuilt 5.5L supercharged V8 engine produced a massive 617 HP and 575 lb-ft of torque but it was mated to a tiny 5-speed automatic transmission, which is considered to be one of the downsides of an SLR.

 7. Know the current market value

Originally selling for just under $300k, the SLR has gone up in value over the years. The current selling range for one of these cars sits between $400,000 - $700,000 with some exceptions that sell for much lower. The reason for such a broad range is that the pricing depends on the vehicle's condition, total miles, and variant. Speaking of variants, the regular SLR sits at the bottom of the range while the SLR 722 with higher power would sell for around $550,000.

Cars with absolutely low miles and special versions like the SLR McLaren Edition sell for around $700,000 or even more. The car also had Roadster variants that were produced in limited numbers and they sell for a premium over their Coupe counterparts. However, things don't stop there as McLaren made the SLR Stirling Moss to pay tribute to the famous racer which was based on the original 300 SLR that Stirling Moss himself had driven. One of these beauties currently sells for anywhere between $1.5 - $2 million.

 6. Learn how to open its clamshell hood

Although it is mandatory to know the ins and outs of a car that you intend to purchase, a set of buyers go in just for the hype that the car has been getting. The SLR features a long clamshell hood made of carbon fiber and unlike a regular clamshell, the hood upon unlatching the locks protrudes forwards, post which it needs to be lifted from near the windshield. Not knowing this could lead to a few people trying to lift it from the nose area and possibly damaging the hood. This being an SLR, a hood replacement will cost you an outrageous $75,000, let that sink in for a while.

5. The door shocks need regular replacement

What is beautiful, has German roots, and is not Heidi Klum? A Mercedes SLR with both its butterfly doors open. While it's possible to make a bold statement by just opening a door on the SLR, the fancy wings are held by a single shock absorber. Getting in and out of the car weakens the shocks and would need a replacement in 2 years. For a car that you would pay well over $400,000, that is a major quality concern.

4. Know what “A Service” and “B Service” is all about

The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is an expensive car to maintain. The car has two kinds of services that alternate with each other every year. The first one is called the A Service, where the car spends 25 hours with the mechanics and has minor consumables replaced for a total of $5,500. In the following year, the car will need something called a B Service that replaces parts and consumables that weren't covered in the A Service but this time, it would cost you $7,500.

Now, some might call this normal considering the kind of car this is but we aren't done yet. The SLR requires its spark plugs to be replaced every 4 years and this will set you back with a bill of $20,000. Technicians will have to pull the entire motor out to access the spark plugs and this whole process takes about 60 hours. The SLR was also the first production car to feature carbon ceramic brakes and in case you feel like there’s no more bite in them, get ready to shell out $43,000 for a full brake job on the car.

 3. The number 722 does not represent the horsepower

For years, people have been thinking that the number “722” on the SLR 722 represented the horsepower that the car produced. Don't be one of those people and here is what you need to tell them. The number “722” was originally found on Stirling Moss’ 300 SLR and this number represented 07:22 AM, which was the start time of the Mille Miglia race back in 1955. In honor of Sir Stirling Moss and the race, McLaren made a more powerful version and named it the SLR 722.

 2. Paddle shifters that do not feature a paddle

Paddle shifters are fun and give a more connected feel like a manual gearbox while shifting gears. We are certain that anyone looking to be an SLR would be used to shifting on a paddle shifter but the one found on the standard SLR is more of a button than a paddle. While this may not be a major issue, it sure needs some time to get used to and it is easy to miss the exact spot of the buttons at times, especially when making quick maneuvers.

1. Option to knock on MSO’s doors

If you manage to buy the SLR and have a lot of money lying around (highly unlikely considering the maintenance cost), you stand a chance to make your SLR a 1-off model by contacting the team at McLaren Special Operations. So far only 25 people have worked with MSO to transform their SLRs to a piece-unique model. A few notable SLRs by MSO include the SLR heritage edition, SLR HDK, and the infamous SLR with a unique shade of green. Opting to let MSO work on your SLR gives you immense flexibility as it is even possible to change the boring 5-speed transmission to something new like an 8 or 9-speed unit.