leloz

I am about to purchase a slightly used 2005 SL600 with Designo package. It has every option except Panorama roof and has 8900 miles on it. I also drove a SL55 but found the ride of the SL600 far more pleasing and just as capable. The SL600 felt just as powerful as the SL55 but what bugged me what the lack of styling cues on the SL600 to distinguish it from its Normally Aspirated V-8 SL500 counterpart. Anyone own a R230 SL600 and want to comment on their experiences? The dealership wants a tad over $105K for it. That is about $47K less than what the MSRP was. Thanks for your time and advice

JackStraw

Wow, I can't believe my 2005 SL600 has depreciated that much in less than a year. If that is what he is selling it for, I imagine he paid $5,000 to $10,000 less for it.

As far as the styling goes, I am happy with my plain, unadulterated stock SL600. I like the wheels more than the ones that were available as part of the sport package. I do prefer the smoked tail lights that come with the AMG package, but it wasn't worth it to me to swap for them.

I must admit to liking the panoramic roof option more than I thought I would.

Enjoy, it is a great car.

Stockinv

That's an unbelieveable amount of depreciation for 8900 miles. I'd check that car out as best I could.

lorinserbenz

Id believe it.. There was a fully loaded Sl600 (Park,Dist,sport etc..)on Ebay that sold for 107K.

My dealer said the 600 is a tough sell, he said most want the Sl55 after driving the 600..

leloz

Thanks for the responses. This one has the 19 inch wheels and is in great shape cosmetically and mechanically. I had the service advisor who works on my S600 print out the records and the car was serviced for issues with the phone and keyless-go system. I am going to try to talk them down a bit.
Thanks again! I will be sure to post if I buy it tomorrow

WIldcat465

My car is fully loaded and I paid about $143k. I love the styling and it doesn't bother me that it's may be hard to distinguish from the SL500 or the 55. You could always paint a big "12" on the door and put light behind the V12 emblems.

Personally I like the subtle V12 cues: ruffled door panels, small V12 emblems, and the headrest detail. What more do you need?

leloz

I went through a similar predicament when I bought our S600 in 1998. The car looked just like a S320 LWB but with subtle differences that only the enthusiast would pick up. Some of my colleages did not believe it was a 12 cylinder until I opened the hood. You are right though, with 500hp and a world of comfort features, what else do I need

tiggerfink

Get Sirius with the hidden antenna and the car will be perfect.

lorinserbenz

Let us know what you get it for...

RadSteve

I ordered the Sirus with my 06 SL600 (to arrive late June) so i sure hope it comes with the invisible antenna! Will let you know as soon as I see it. The dealership is aware that there are to be no mice on the trunk lid.

LovinMercedes

In 2005 when you got the SIRIUS, they dealer installed the unit in the back of the trunk. Are you saying that in 2006 Mercedes is installing the SIRIUS module?

My guess is that it would be installed at the VPC if it was going to be factory?

I'd double and triple check. If the factory did it, why would they not install the antenna and as you already know, the trunk one would be a disaster.

leloz

The deal did not go through with the SL600.

However: I did buy a 2004 Porsche 911 Twin Turbo AWD. It has the full leather, carbon fiber package, Bose, Tiptronic, and more. I bought it for a good deal, $93,000 delivered. I am picking it up on Saturday Thanks again for all the respsonses.

lorinserbenz

what was the bottom line on the SL?

leloz

They came down to $105K delivered (taxes, tags, title). Supposedly they had another buyer for that price, so I walked away and wished them the best.

LovinMercedes

The only way to do it. Congratulations and good luck with your new car.

lorinserbenz

Man that was cheap for a 2005 600.. I would have jumped on that one..
Congrats on the Porsche...

leloz

Sorry, I failed to mention that the '05 SL600 was a MB "buy-back." It was bought back because the issues with the keyless-go and phone. The dealership promised me that all the issues were taken care of and that the full warranty was intact. I wanted to bring them down closer to $100K because the carfax was now branded.

lorinserbenz

I kinda figured that it was a buy-back..

I bought a 95 Corvette with 1000 miles for $11 less than a new one in 95. It was bought back for a paint flaw. I never found where the flaw was, and the title wasnt branded a buy back. Nowadays with Car-fax you have to be careful or you will end up with a car you cant get rid of..
BTW, what color was the SL? Even at 105k and being a buy back its still a good deal..

leloz

It was Black Opal.

BTW, I love the wheels on your SL! Did you put the smoked AMG tails?

lorinserbenz

Thanks!.. Yep added the Sl55 tail lights.. Probably will be standard next year knowing my luck <lol>..
Wheels are Iforged Daytonas, 20x9 and 20X11 with a 305/25/20 Contis in the rear. They are the best riding set of 20's I have ever had, NO difference in ride from the stock 18's.

SL600TOM

If You Want Hidden Attenna You Have To Order Car With Sirius Radio Wired But Dealer Installed. Otherwise You Will Get It On The Trunk Lid. Thats The Way I Ordered My Car. At The Factory They Drill A Hole In Trunk Lid For The Attenna. I Would Not Like That. Tom

leloz

Well, I was supposed to pick up my Porsche tomorrow but I received a call with bad news today from the dealership. Basically all we had was a verbal agreement on the deal and another salesman sold it yesterday for more that what I was going to pay. Oh well, this saves me a weekend of driving and now I can look for another SL

LovinMercedes

Not a very professional dealer. Better you found out now.

RadSteve

That just bites. Would definitely shop elsewhere.