SL/R129: Should I buy SL500 or 600?
09-20-2002, 09:21 AM
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Should I buy SL500 or 600?
I thinking about purchasing an SL. I'd like to spend under $50k. Any thoughts since I know nothing about the cars. The one thing I definitely do want is the AMG body kit. I believe that came out in 96? I drive an older BMW M3 now. I do like speed. How much difference in performance between the 2? Is one more reliable than the other? etc... Thanks guys.
09-20-2002, 09:36 AM
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2007 S
The SL600 is a bit more powerful since it has the V12. However, since the car is so heavy, a lot of that powerful isn't in the 0-30 area, but in the 30-120 area. For most, I think the SL500 is enough. If you really want the cachet and the V12, then go for the 600. I would definitely get one that is under warranty/starmarked though. I had a SL600 which I just traded in a month ago that was just out of warrantty. The repairs on a V12 out of warranty is not for the faint of heart - think of it as 2 V6's. . .
Ed
Ed
09-20-2002, 02:58 PM
#3
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I've had both the SL500 and the SL600 which I'm keeping as my daily driver even though I have an SL55 arriving this week.
The SL600 is greatly under-rated. It has about 30% more power and much more torque which leads to stunning performance, effortless mid-range acceleration. When you power away from a stop light, watching the cars behind you disappear into the distance is great fun. By comparison, I always found the SL500 sluggish.
A well looked-after example is a must and providing the car has received regular maintenance, it should be fine. Mine has done 63000 miles, nearly 7 years old, uses no oil, none. A great and rare car.
The SL600 is greatly under-rated. It has about 30% more power and much more torque which leads to stunning performance, effortless mid-range acceleration. When you power away from a stop light, watching the cars behind you disappear into the distance is great fun. By comparison, I always found the SL500 sluggish.
A well looked-after example is a must and providing the car has received regular maintenance, it should be fine. Mine has done 63000 miles, nearly 7 years old, uses no oil, none. A great and rare car.
09-21-2002, 10:26 PM
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forget the sl 600
the v12 is very expensive to repair, just try fixing an oil leak on the 120 engine. the sl600 also has a hydraulic suspension which tends to leak and cost money. parts are expensive because the car is exclusive. it kills me to look at a $890 hydraulic valve, but you have to think, "could i build this part cheaper" of course not. if you get a 129/120 be prepared to spend big money when it is repair time, also prepare to go really fast on the highway. the 500 is just as fun in town, but 600 is much, much faster on the highway
