RJR

I have a 2008 SL550 with only 17,000 miles but now it is out of warranty and that gives me an excuse to look at something new. My car prior to the SL was a 06 Convertible Vette. I liked the performance of the Vette and loved the top down but I got tired of all the squeaks and rattles after it was only one year old. The SL after 4 years is still rock solid. I looked at the C63 back in 2008 and just could not get into the 4 doors. Now they offer the coupe which is definitely sportier looking. Question is will I miss the convertible? My dream car would be the new SL63 but not at $140,000. Has anyone gone from the SL to the C63? Has there been any rumor to a convertible C63?

SLS Qatar

I don't think there will be a convertible C63

RJR

I see you have a SL63 and C63. Would you give up the convertible for the coupe?

justthebest

A new SL550 with a tune / maybe some exhaust work would probably be able to keep with with a C63.

RJR

Problem is a new SL550 is well over 100 grand. What to do Wait a year for a 1 year old SL or jump into something new.

justthebest

So what are the answers to these questions?

1. Upper spending limit:
2. Main functional requirements:

There are others, but it seems like defining these may help you / us to come to more informed conclusion, particularly because you're proposing a move from MB's flagship convertible to the entry-level sedan.

RJR

Money is definitely a factor. When the new SLK55 came out I took one out for a test drive and it was a POS compared to my SL. It sounded rattly and squeaky. Just overall it was not on par with the SL. When I bought my SL it was exactly 1 year old and had less than 5,000 miles and I picked it up for $70,000. I would never spend more than 100 on a car when it will loss a ton the following year. Maybe I should wait a year and look for a mint used SL. Just not sure I would be happy with the C. I did consider a E63 used but I think it is to big for what I am looking for. I look at all the threads on this forum and everyone loves their C63.

justthebest

That's definitely helpful information - based on what you talk about, I'd definitely say you need to sit in / test drive a C63 (coupe or sedan), because the materials and fitment are all - to be honest - C Class level. My six-figure Black Series has plastic bits everywhere. I think waiting for a low-mileage SL (new version) might be worth it.

RJR

I think you are right. I will go test drive one but not jump into it without thinking it over real good.

otakki

Remember the SL(even the AMG version) is a GT, whereas C63 is mostly a sports car. As a result, the C63 handles much better and is more fun to drive. Thus the main aim is really different. Just look at Subie STI, which gets better time around the Nurburgring than many AMG's.