2004 Mercedes-Benz SL55AMG Brabus K8

• UK-supplied in right-hand drive by Brabus North in Wigan to Mercedes-Benz, Aberdeen. One of only six UK-built cars
• Essentially an SL55AMG re-engineered by Brabus
• 530bhp + and 572ft.lbs from the 5439cc OHC, 3-valve,V8
• Absolutely immaculate in Brilliant Silver Metallic
• Classic R230 cabin in Charcoal leather and Alcantara
• With our vendor for the last four years, two owners prior
• 17,788 miles supported by a full service history from new
• A very rare car (1/6) in sparkling condition at a very sensible guide

Although Mercedes’ iconic W113 SL ‘Pagoda’ was certainly pretty, it’s generally accepted that the fifth generation of the ‘Super Leicht’, the early R230 (2002-2007) was undoubtedly the best looking of all the iterations of the SL. Painstakingly modelled on a state-of-the-art supercomputer which enabled the designers to analyse every curve and line, it looked utterly sensational with an air of barely contained aggression that gave it huge road presence. Even today, stood alongside its successors, it’s the 2004/5 SL500 that’s the most fluent and striking design. With its balletic folding panoramic glass roof, award-winning cockpit, Active Body Control and turbine-smooth V8, it’s no wonder that it was a great success.

However, they were produced in commercial numbers, and there are always enthusiasts who would like something a little more exclusive and that market was catered for by Mercedes’ Performance Division, AMG, who in 2003 introduced their SL55AMG. Seriously powerful and impressively fast, the supercharged 5.4-litre V8 was rated at 493bhp and the AMG was fitted with larger wheels, bigger brakes, uprated electronics and some subtle cosmetic changes. The SL55AMG was expensive, exclusive and rather special but, as always, they were one or two customers for whom it wasn’t special enough and, for those discerning individuals, the Holy Grail was the Brabus K8.

BRABUS GmbH is a German high-performance automotive aftermarket tuning company founded in 1977 in Bottrop. Their ‘K8’ was launched at the Geneva Salon and marketed as a ‘performance kit’ but in truth it’s considerably more than that. The engine modifications require that each Brabus dealer has a dedicated engine builder and similarly the suspension, electronic and cosmetic changes all require experienced specialists, hardly a ‘kit’. The engine modifications were primarily to the supercharger drive with a custom vibration damper and a new pulley for improved belt-drive geometry, high-performance metal catalysts, and an auxiliary circulation pump with opposing radiator. This raised output to a minimum of 530bhp and a tree stump-pulling torque of 572 lbs.ft, however, in this case we understand it might be nearer 550bhp. When he was fully happy, the engine builder signed a small gold plaque and attached it to the top of the engine.

Brabus also tweak the car's aerodynamics to enhance high speed stability with a new front spoiler, while a more prominent diffuser works the air harder at the back to increase downforce. Underneath, the car's active body control suspension was recalibrated using an electronic module for the ABC, lowering ride height by 15mm, and the braking system was uprated by the Brabus engineers. Whilst the additional 40 odd bhp produce a small increase in performance, we understand that it’s the K8’s amazing handling that takes the SL55 to another level.

The redesigned side skirts create an aerodynamic transition between the wheel arches and feature automatic illumination of the ground whenever the door is opened and the new rear apron incorporates a subtly altered diffuser. Externally, these modifications are not immediately noticeable which cannot be said about the striking polished 20” Brabus ‘Monoblock’ wheels

On offer here we have an original UK-supplied, right-hand drive, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG Brabus K8. It was supplied by Brabus North in Wigan to Mercedes-Benz, Aberdeen. Our vendor has spoken with Paul Farrar, Commissioning Manager - Brabus North who confirms that it was the "Most expensive car they did that year (c £165K). Their best engine builder worked on the car and it could well be producing in excess of 550bhp”.

In addition to the car’s remarkable standard specification, the interior options included stainless steel door sills with an illuminated Brabus logo, an ergonomically-shaped sports steering wheel with airbag and genuine carbon trim and Dynamic seats that are cooled/heated, pulse massaging and wrapped in supple Charcoal AMG leather. 

The Brabus has been enjoyed by two previous owners who are both known to our vendor. He has owned the car for four years and the indicated mileage of 17,788 is corroborated by the full service history below.

Services:

23/05/06     4,379 miles
30/04/08       6,067
2/04/12         8,973
13/5/14       10,626
29/4/15       11,579
11/6/18      15,221 

All above by supplying dealer Mercedes Benz Aberdeen (although now Arnold Clark).

09/09/20    17,731 - MB Specialist.
22/5/2017 at 14,980 miles Mobil 1 oil and MB filter change, local garage (receipt in folder, did not want stamp in book). Just as I like oil changed between services!

MOTs in folder:

07.04. 2010           7,028 miles
06.04.2011            8,081 miles
02.04.2012            8,973 miles
03.04.2013             9,646 miles
24.04.2014          10,626 miles
30.04.2015          11,579 miles
19.04.2016         11, 950 miles
03.05.2017          14 575 miles
09.05.2018          15,162 miles
15.07.2019          15,724 miles
09.09.2020          17,730 miles

The current MOT is valid until 8/09/2021 and was issued with No Advisories.

Finished in Brilliant Silver Metallic with a classic Charcoal leather interior, this car is simply immaculate. Regularly valeted and benefiting from a recent leather feed, it is showroom quality, a result of caring ownership, fastidious maintenance and low mileage. Naturally, it’s supplied with the M-B wallet with all its Manuals, V5c, MOTs, service invoices and both sets of keys.

This is a very rare car in astonishing condition and, if ever a car was worth a trip to inspect, then this is and you won’t be disappointed.