james2k

I'm considering a new SL and I can't decide between a 2005 SL55 and a 2005 SL500. My father has an SL55 and I adore it. The sound, the acceleration, the looks. However, I've moved to Honolulu and there is no place here to really let the car stretch its legs. The 500 is more than powerful enough considering where I can drive it. Also, the SL500 comes in many more colors and I prefer the interior wood package in the 500 as well. I've had a hard time finding any 55s that aren't black or silver. I was leaning towards the 500 especially since I can pick a low mileage example for 38k vs 48k for the 55. However, when I look at the depreciation rates, a 55 isn't going to lose significantly more value than the 500 (please correct me if you think I'm wrong.) I may need to put in an extra 10k at the start but I'm going to get back 8k more at the end. I'm not putting a lot of miles on this car and 2-4k over two years or so seems to be a small price to pay for a 55 over a 500. Other than depreciation, how else does the cost of ownership compare between the two vehicles? I checked my car insurance and there's not much difference between the two. I know the gas mileage is a little worse in the 55 but I'm not going to be driving it much. What do you all think?

carcommander

I have owned both those cars. I have also seen SL55's in Pewter and white.
The Sl500 has a softer edge to it and is a very nice car. AMG brakes on the SL55 are a little more expensive to replace. The SL500 is a nice well balanced fun car. When I first traded for an SL55 I thought I would miss the greater comfort of the SL500. My SL55 depreciated enough in one year to buy a SL500. I like performance so I now have an SL65. I would drive both and see which one you like the best. I would probably rather own an SL500 out of warranty but I don't have anything to back that up. I you don't think you would miss the performance of an SL55 I would get the 500 or reach up and get an 07 SL550.

Broker

Not speaking from experience, but personally I'd definitely go with the SL55 over an SL500, although like carcommander said SL550 might be your best bet if you prefer the standard SL.

LOVEMYBS

Look for an SL550 with 382 HP, you'll get the best of both worlds.

jmf003

My $0.02...provided you get either car with a CPO warranty the difference in TCO will come down to the consumables (gasoline, tires, etc.) and depreciation. Even though the percentage loss on depreciation will be about the same, the dollar loss will be higher on an SL55 because it's more expensive in the first place. Since gasoline will also be cheaper for the SL500 there's no doubt that the SL500 would have a lower TCO.

The main virtue in owning an SL55--the engine--also doesn't apply in your case since you are confident the SL500 would be powerful enough for your driving conditions.

Good luck with the decision and the car!

W211 BEAST

He can probably get a used 55 for the same price ifnot cheaper (probably cheaper) than a 550.

CharlestonN

Right now should be the perfect time to buy a few year old AMG roadster, the prices are comparable with their "lesser" models, you can get a decent example with under 50k on the odo for less than half of the original retail price and other than expendable like brake pads, gas and tires unless you are going from a V8 to a 12 banger you should not see much difference in maintanance cost and the exhaust note alone is worth the extra cost on those items imo

IngenereAMG

I have had my SL55 since new and the cost of ownership has been minimal.

If you want a performance car, get the 55.

Azncookie76

Hi everyone,

I am in the market to buy a SL500, but then I saw the SL55 so my question is which one will be suitable for me in the long-run? I mean I use to like the black, but now I am starting to noticed the Iridium Silver and also I saw a Charcoal Grey(which is very rare) so I do like both of those colors. I want to start off with a used one, like 2003 and up, then if this is what I want, I will then upgrade it to a new one.

Can anyone please tell me or let me know what their thoughts on this is?? I need someone to mentor me through this!

Thanks a bunch!

Trista

Garyzworld

I've owned both and the 500 motor is pitiful. The 55 is worth the crappy gas mileage.

sl65_rockford

Get the AMG! And you will never look back!


You will look back occasionally ...only when the other guy is waaaaaaaay behind you!

fxrs1955

Having owned both a 500 and a 55 I would go with the 55. Two completely different cars in my opinion.

kbob999

Drive both cars. The decision will be obvious to you...there are very different.
However, if I were on the 'Islands' and had no place to exceed 55 mph, I would go with the 500. Otherwise you will constantly be spinning tires and going nowhere.