sjacksonauto

Hello, This is my first post.
Long story short. I want a new toy. I would like to buy, either a 2005 sl55 or 97 Acura nsx. I know the nsx will be an easy car to live with and own. Both of these cars are quite special and totally different from each other. I have been researching problems with these cars. So far from what I have seen the sl is not a bad choice, other than the fact that it wont retain its value very well. From what I have seen the only things I really need to be concerned with are the intercooler pump, some seal kit for the suspension, and that's it. I was worried about doing brakes on the car, but it seems to be doable by simply disconnecting the rear battery. Does anyone here have anything to say to sway me one way or the other? Also if anyone wants to share with me what problems they have had, feel free.

Thanks,
Steve

Thomas668

May i ask how old are you???

if i am 2X-3X not over 40 i will pick NSX

if i over 40 i will take SL

if you like convertable car and you want to enjoy the sunshine

SL no doubt is a nice car and can give you more power than the NSX

kamilclk430

Get the SL55 car is all there. The 2005 would also be a nice car to get because of the upgraded center console unit. I love my 55 and would never give it up for an NSX. Car has more power than you will ever need plus you will be driving one of the best looking Benzes on the road.

grane

Agreed with one caveat.

If you are going to get an NSX consider the series 2 post 02 or so. It is a more refined, powerful, and comfortable car than the series 1. I know, i owned a series 2 for several years and never had an issue with it. the NSX series is a true drivers sports car that is comfortable and livable. You shift yourself and everything falls to hand. One can have a conversation with a passenger unlike many Italian jobs. Brits might call it a "crumpet catcher", as is the SL. Btw they just doubled the dealer labor rate on the NSX because only the long timers know how to work on the series1.

Finding a pristine series1 is a nightmare and car magazine review readers think they can find one. Good luck. Most have been worked over like a detective in a grade b movie by boy racers.

sjacksonauto

Ok thanks for the replies guys. Here's a little info about myself. I'm 25 and was an ASE master tech but have now switched into the field of robotics. The nsx for me would be easiest to own because I actually worked for acura and whenever the nsx came in I would huddle up with the old timer that worked on them and lend a hand. Its a very basic car. I'm wanting a 97 because I'm looking for a car that I can afford without having to make payments, and that was the first year of the 3.2. If I find one that was supped up with power adders, that's fine with me. I wouldn't buy one with ugly cosmetic upgrades. The sl at this point is cheaper than a 97 nsx, however I'm worried that it will be a nightmare for me to repair. I'm not a mercedes specialist. I'm sure if I get one I will learn though. Also, there's a bunch of money in north jersey where I live. I can see 10 sls in any given mile of road, but only know of 3 nsxs in my area. On that note I will be moving to PA in the coming months and will probably be the only ******* with a supercar whichever I choose.

Thanks,
Steve

Zaddick

Quite different cars, but based on the little information you have given, I would recommend the NSX. You know how to fix them and know others who can help you. It is a manual which is more engaging. It will hold its value better so when you get tired of it you can get more of your money back. It has enough power for real driving and it is a lot rarer than an SL.

Now, I looked at both and picked the SL. While I am still thankfully in the 3X age range, I realized that I wanted a sh*tload of torque and a convertible hard top. So as lovely as the NSX is, it was not for me. I realize the SL will be a constant parade of little issues, but I love the car on the freeway with the top down on a summer evening.

Good luck in your choice. I think either one is an amazing car for a 25 year old. I was rolling around in a Ford Exploder back then. Dark times...

Best,

Z

sjacksonauto

I love torque as well, don't get me wrong. I've owned 2 camaros with various engines during their life with me. Also a nova as well. My car now isn't spectacular, but its a really awesome daily driver. Over time I have become, in my opinion, a pretty keen driver. The supercharged v8 is a huge turn on, but so is a mid engine setup. It wouldn't be so hard to decide if they weren't so different. I wouldn't say a sl handles poorly, but I'm worried that driver aids will insult me. I have never driven one with traction control off, but I bet its like trying to control a psychopath. I'm also worried that an nsx which I have never actually driven, will be too slow to make me smile. I should probably have a try at it.

cal1

First off, welcome to the forum. It is the best forum I have ever been apart of. Most are true enthusiasts that love their cars and are willing to help out with good info.

There are some that will say it isn't being able to buy an SL55, but instead being able to keep it on the road. I guess I fall into this camp somewhat. You have one big thing going for you. With your mechanical ability and the help of this forum, I suspect you can do most all of the repairs that will ever be needed.

Let me add to your list of fairly frequent maladies known to our beloved beast. ABC pump failure, SC clutch trouble, loose fuel baffle, retractable roof issues, SRS harness failure and crank positioning sensor failure. You can search all these issues on the forum if interested.

I have been unfortunate enough to have delt with all the above. In addition, the R230 seems to have more than its share of front suspension related issues like ball joints, lower control arms, etc. You might think this is just normal wear type stuff. The thing is many have issues at 30k or 40k miles.

I don't mean to scare you off, because in spite of all of the issues I have had with my SL, I could not be more in love with my car. After all of these years of owning it, I still get excited when I push the start button. I have even been known to sit in my SL while it is in the garage just because I love it so much (wifey caught me once). There is nothing like having some "fast" car pull up next to you acting like he will lay waste to your a$$ and when the smoke clears, he is wondering what the hell just kicked his butt. I am slightly modded, but even the stocker is just so torquey. If you are into mods, there are tons of nice bolt ons to really wake up the monster.

The R230 is one of the most gorgeous cars ever made in my opinion and coupled with the incredible torque of the 55k it makes for one sweet machine.

Thomas668

Agree!!!!

event you do not mods your car

It still drive nicely

such a nice car

if you still looking for a SL
before your purchase

Find someone fully check the car with those issues mentioned
than is good to go

Best wish you can find one in really nice condition

grane

You make many good points. If you want to go the AMG route perhaps you should consider an 05 era SLK55. These tend to be rarer than the SL and have a simpler operating system.
As far as NSXs being rarer than SLs you are spot on. When I would park my debadged CL55 next to my friends SLK it got all the looks ESP when the top was down. But my NSX evened out the field. Most people thought it was a Lambo. Most folks had never seen an NSX or an SLK for tat matter. I find this all amusing.
There is no doubt the NSX was designed to be maintenance friendly. For example, the engine sits in a cradle that allows the tech to easily drop the engine and work on it just like a F1 car. I never found the NSX to be underpowered on the highway or track but the modern automatics are more suited for standing start drags. The thing handled like a rapier once set up right.
My first car at 25 was a used ford falcon "woody" station wagon with a 289v8. Went like stink, handled not!

sjacksonauto

Well the verdict is in. Last night my friend's wife's jetta failed her, so I gave her a ride. On the way we stopped off at 7/11. When we got there a sl500 pulled up, so I asked her "should I get that?" her response reminded me of the first reply to my post. She said "You can't get that car, it's a midlife crisis car." Then I looked at who was in it. Some 50ish year old dude was driving, and he had an orange spray tanned wife with sagging curves. Needless to say, I wasn't impressed. When I got her home, I popped their laptop open and pulled up a picture of the nsx. Her husbands first response to it "That's a Ferrari" I was like "NO it's a honda". We also decided that I need to get a black one.

Anyway, this is my last post here for now. I may be back whenever I can upgrade my daily driver. If you are the 50+ guy that I saw last night, sorry for insulting your wife's curves.
This looks like an awesome forum, full of awesome people and brimming with facts. Keep it up, and thanks for the advice.


-Steve

cal1

Good luck to you my friend. Just one parting photo for you. If you don't notice that there is a car in the photo, trust me. It is an SL55

55slamg

go with the 55sl, i just traded up from a 2000 500sl to a 2005 55s amg, what a difference, love the ride and power, no regrets.
only problem so far is that i have a small leak in the ABC and have to add fluid occasionally, i'm trying to locate it prior to taking it in to the dealer.
if anyone else can assist me in regards to where to find the problem, i sure would appreciate the help. I see no evidence of oil anywhere on my garage floor, was thinking of removing one wheel at a time for inspection.

cal1

There is a good chance it is a strut. Try the search function for ABC issues. You will find tons of stuff. Our SLs are notorious for this. I have replaced a hyd pump, but no struts yet.

Welcome to the forum.

55slamg

thanks cal1, will look into it