Hard buying decisions
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 28
Likes: 4
2000 S500 Base
Hard buying decisions
So for the last 3 years i have been looking to buy a new to me benz as i have come to love the brand. Im a benz guy through and through and have spent countless hours (probably 100+) pricing and comparing and i would like some advice. I have a budget around 20k and i could possibly stretch for 25k if the car was worth it. I have kinda had my mind set on a s65 but ive heard so many things about it being heavy and a straight line only type deal so ive looked into things like e55 sl65 slk55 and a bunch more. I am looking for something that is killer on highways as thats the main place i can get away with "spirited" driving in my area but it would be a bonus if it could handle some corners too (4-5 seats not required). Recently ive seen sl55's are pushing good numbers similar to the s65 but the bragging rights of a v12 biturbo just has such a ring to it. Not really a fan of the double headlight e class deal but its manageable and replaceable. the 07 facelift is worth the upsell but luxury things like cooled seats or lane assist, backup cam, hud, sport/comfort modes, manual shifting and or heat and cool rear seats if applicable are all excellent selling points but performance and enjoy ability is the driving factor. Since im in this budget range mid/major services are gonna be done by me with offbrand parts so something thats got a decent aftermarket (like my current 220 s500) is a plus aswell. Thanks for any opinions and any kind of performance comparisons would be much appreciated as thats what i really enjoy about car shopping.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,666
Likes: 4,568
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
It sounds like your buying requirements aren’t focused. What do you want? Will this vehicle be your daily driver?
The V12 could eat you alive in maintenance and repair costs. It might not, as some will say, but it might.
Because of what sounds like budget and cost consciousness in the original post, I advise avoiding the V12.
Is an E63 or C63 in your budget? Consider one of these vehicles and do the head bolt replacement yourself. Performance and sportiness with “reliability”, to the limited extent that word applies to a high performance Mercedes.
The V12 could eat you alive in maintenance and repair costs. It might not, as some will say, but it might.
Because of what sounds like budget and cost consciousness in the original post, I advise avoiding the V12.
Is an E63 or C63 in your budget? Consider one of these vehicles and do the head bolt replacement yourself. Performance and sportiness with “reliability”, to the limited extent that word applies to a high performance Mercedes.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 28
Likes: 4
2000 S500 Base
Thanks for the response, anything that is 55 600 63 65 thats around 20k and around 50-150k miles is what im after. Yes it would be my daily so reliability is a big factor and through my research thats the hardest to find out as i have to search car by car to find out. So for the last 2 days ive had a hard on for the sl55 amg as it puts up good numbers like the s65
sl55 first s65 second
0 - 100 kph 4.3 s 4.4 s
0 - 200 kph 13.7 s 13.1 s
Est. 1/8 mile 8.6 s @ 98.8 mph 8.6 s @ 100.0 mph
Est. 100 - 200 kph 9.4 s 8.7 s
but it isnt as heavy, its more sporty and its not a v12 which has pros and cons but idk if my budget can take the prestige of a v12 biturbo. Anything thats high 3 to low 4 0-60 and since its highway driving i can do in my area the 62 to 120 in the 8-10 second range is what im looking for. The e63 seemed a considerable margin slower but the c63 kept up with the s65/sl55 baseline numbers. I do plan on some modifications and the sl55 has the same engine as the e55 which ive heard lots of people praise for its easily enhanceable platform. Anyone with experience on 55-65 cars which one is more glued to the road, which is more reliable, which is more tossable or fun or anything that would draw a clearer picture for me, your 2 cents is much appreciated.
sl55 first s65 second
0 - 100 kph 4.3 s 4.4 s
0 - 200 kph 13.7 s 13.1 s
Est. 1/8 mile 8.6 s @ 98.8 mph 8.6 s @ 100.0 mph
Est. 100 - 200 kph 9.4 s 8.7 s
but it isnt as heavy, its more sporty and its not a v12 which has pros and cons but idk if my budget can take the prestige of a v12 biturbo. Anything thats high 3 to low 4 0-60 and since its highway driving i can do in my area the 62 to 120 in the 8-10 second range is what im looking for. The e63 seemed a considerable margin slower but the c63 kept up with the s65/sl55 baseline numbers. I do plan on some modifications and the sl55 has the same engine as the e55 which ive heard lots of people praise for its easily enhanceable platform. Anyone with experience on 55-65 cars which one is more glued to the road, which is more reliable, which is more tossable or fun or anything that would draw a clearer picture for me, your 2 cents is much appreciated.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,666
Likes: 4,568
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
Here is some input. Bear in mind this is highly subjective input.
You are seeking a high performance, high mileage Mercedes to be used as a daily driver, on a budget. I recommend against this. Strongly.
However, should you wish to embark on this expensive journey, consider the C63.
Rule out the V12. Too expensive.
Rule out the 55 Kompressor, too expensive and unreliable.
Rule out the SL, too impractical because of its space and seating configuration.
Rule out the E63, because you say it is too slow.
This leaves the C63.
Check cargurus and you will find some for sale with less than 75k miles and less than $25k price. I recommend against looking at higher mileage vehicles for this older, high performance Mercedes that will be your daily driver.
Bear in mind that the V8 engine in the C63 (and E63, SL63 and CL63) of this mileage and year is prone to head bolt failure. New upgraded head bolts are available. You either need to do the work yourself, or pay someone to do it. It is not an inexpensive job. Do you have the tools, garage space, time, skills and desire to replace the head bolts?
You are seeking a high performance, high mileage Mercedes to be used as a daily driver, on a budget. I recommend against this. Strongly.
However, should you wish to embark on this expensive journey, consider the C63.
Rule out the V12. Too expensive.
Rule out the 55 Kompressor, too expensive and unreliable.
Rule out the SL, too impractical because of its space and seating configuration.
Rule out the E63, because you say it is too slow.
This leaves the C63.
Check cargurus and you will find some for sale with less than 75k miles and less than $25k price. I recommend against looking at higher mileage vehicles for this older, high performance Mercedes that will be your daily driver.
Bear in mind that the V8 engine in the C63 (and E63, SL63 and CL63) of this mileage and year is prone to head bolt failure. New upgraded head bolts are available. You either need to do the work yourself, or pay someone to do it. It is not an inexpensive job. Do you have the tools, garage space, time, skills and desire to replace the head bolts?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 8,384
Likes: 800
2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
This "baller on a budget" sort of mindset is not going to end well. That you're talking about the "prestige" of the V12 says all I need to know - you should really consider another brand.
Chassis - first I'm hearing anyone say the M113K engine is unreliable? If anything, that's the engine to get over the M156 - which is the least reliable modern AMG V8.
Chassis - first I'm hearing anyone say the M113K engine is unreliable? If anything, that's the engine to get over the M156 - which is the least reliable modern AMG V8.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 28
Likes: 4
2000 S500 Base
Ive ruled out the v12 just because its heavy and by prestige i mean having a rare less than 300 a year production. I dont think anyone will convince me out of a Mercedes im pretty determined.
If anyone else wants to chime in with more options to consider please do.
So on my list rn ive got the sl55 and the c63 both are gonna have repairs and im totally prepared. Keep in mind i own a w220 with 200k miles so well just say ive got some experience in replacing overly complex ****. Does the c63 have abc suspension or just airmatic?
SL55 AMG
Pros
ABC Suspension
Convertible (as i drive with the windows down 80% of the time anyway)
Sport Styling
M113k engine which people do alot of work to and can easily be enhanced
Cons
ABC Suspension
E class lights
C63 AMG
Pros
Reliable?
Non E class lights
can afford a newer year (2010+)
Cons
Head bolts
If anyone else wants to chime in with more options to consider please do.
So on my list rn ive got the sl55 and the c63 both are gonna have repairs and im totally prepared. Keep in mind i own a w220 with 200k miles so well just say ive got some experience in replacing overly complex ****. Does the c63 have abc suspension or just airmatic?
SL55 AMG
Pros
ABC Suspension
Convertible (as i drive with the windows down 80% of the time anyway)
Sport Styling
M113k engine which people do alot of work to and can easily be enhanced
Cons
ABC Suspension
E class lights
C63 AMG
Pros
Reliable?
Non E class lights
can afford a newer year (2010+)
Cons
Head bolts
