SL/R230: SL55 Trade yes or no?
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 918
Likes: 1
none
SL55 Trade yes or no?
I can trade my 2005 Sl500 with 2k miles for a 2005 Sl55 with 4K for a $30k difference. What do you guys think? The 55 has keylessgo, tire pressure, bixenon, and ventilated seats. Same color combo as mine, Silver/Ash...
My other option is to Kleemanize my car with a SC and add the SL65 bumper with quad exhaust.. going this route Ill spend about 18-20k.
My other concern is the motor is changing in the 55 to naturally aspirated one, a cost cutting move from what I have been told... not suprising since MB seems so be in a decontenting mode.
My other option is to Kleemanize my car with a SC and add the SL65 bumper with quad exhaust.. going this route Ill spend about 18-20k.
My other concern is the motor is changing in the 55 to naturally aspirated one, a cost cutting move from what I have been told... not suprising since MB seems so be in a decontenting mode.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 911
Likes: 1
From: Wichita
2005 SL600, 2011 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite
I had read somewhere that the successor to the 55's current supercharged engine will be a 500-hp normally aspirated 6.3-liter V8. I don't consider this a cost-cutting or de-contenting move, but rather a likely improvement in technology.
The current engine is a modified version of M-B's 5.0 liter engine, which will also be replaced next year. Can't stop progress.
The current engine is a modified version of M-B's 5.0 liter engine, which will also be replaced next year. Can't stop progress.
Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area, CA
'08 E63 - P 30, 66GT 350 (sold)
My Two Cents....
While the Kleeman maybe the cheaper way to go, especially when considering sales tax... the motor in your ride is not as beefy as the 55. I think the 55 has a forge crank, etc. In any case it's designed to handle the extra stress of the super charger where your 500 isn't
Long term the 55 probably will hold it's value better. I would think most people spending the type of money for these cars value stock over highly modified.
Regarding the conversion to a non-aspirated motor. I was told by an AMG employee, yes it will happen but not for cost savings. Something to do with the EU pedistrian protection law coming into effect. Having a large heavy blower on top doesn't allow much hood deflection if a pedistrian gets thrown up onto the hood. Who really knows the straight story on this one? My guess is it's coming in '07 which people on the forum predict a mid- model year shift in the Winter/Spring of '06.
I'm torn, in one sense a 55 non-aspirated seems like it would be more reliable and might even sound cooler. Loud, agressive with a lumpity lump cam without the blower whine. Then again, if it's another de-contenting move... by then it will be too late to order an SL 55 with the blower. I think I need to order one since I want a unique color combo - probably Aegean Blue or Diamond Silver with the black X11 interior. Don't see too many of those on the used market.
Keep us posted on which way you decide to go
Long term the 55 probably will hold it's value better. I would think most people spending the type of money for these cars value stock over highly modified.
Regarding the conversion to a non-aspirated motor. I was told by an AMG employee, yes it will happen but not for cost savings. Something to do with the EU pedistrian protection law coming into effect. Having a large heavy blower on top doesn't allow much hood deflection if a pedistrian gets thrown up onto the hood. Who really knows the straight story on this one? My guess is it's coming in '07 which people on the forum predict a mid- model year shift in the Winter/Spring of '06.
I'm torn, in one sense a 55 non-aspirated seems like it would be more reliable and might even sound cooler. Loud, agressive with a lumpity lump cam without the blower whine. Then again, if it's another de-contenting move... by then it will be too late to order an SL 55 with the blower. I think I need to order one since I want a unique color combo - probably Aegean Blue or Diamond Silver with the black X11 interior. Don't see too many of those on the used market.
Keep us posted on which way you decide to go
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 918
Likes: 1
none
Its a cost cutting move trust me on that.. A motor with forged internals built to handle the stress of a SC costs much more than a NA one. Plus the warranty costs of a SC motor are far greater than a non supercharged motor.
MB is cutting corners everywhere... they have too..
The new motor will be nice but I doubt it will have the torque of the current SC one, nor will it be easy to add an extra 50-75HP with a simple pulley change.
MB is cutting corners everywhere... they have too..
The new motor will be nice but I doubt it will have the torque of the current SC one, nor will it be easy to add an extra 50-75HP with a simple pulley change.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 637
Likes: 0
SL55, ML500, GT3 RS, 997C2S
The rumor that I heard was that a normally aspirated motor would have an easier time controlling emissions, and better throttle response to boot. I can’t wait to see what Kleeman and others do with a 6.3 liter block.
Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area, CA
'08 E63 - P 30, 66GT 350 (sold)
Not enough scoot?
Lorinserbenz,
So if memory serves me you went through several cars at the dealer because of problems an only recently got this one?
Are you unhappy with the HP and torque output of the SL500?
I was thinking when they come out with the new motor that maybe an SL550 or whatever it's call maybe a good compromise @ ~400HP since it should be cheaper than the SL55.
302HP doesn't seem like enough but 400 might be? Your thoughts after having the SL500? While the 493HP would be nice especially with upgraded suspension and brakes, they do get a big premium.
So if memory serves me you went through several cars at the dealer because of problems an only recently got this one?
Are you unhappy with the HP and torque output of the SL500?
I was thinking when they come out with the new motor that maybe an SL550 or whatever it's call maybe a good compromise @ ~400HP since it should be cheaper than the SL55.
302HP doesn't seem like enough but 400 might be? Your thoughts after having the SL500? While the 493HP would be nice especially with upgraded suspension and brakes, they do get a big premium.
Trending Topics
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 419
Likes: 1
From: Sunny Naples, FL
2018 GLS63 AMG
The SL55 will be under warranty for another ~4 years so I think it will be a good upgrade to the SL55. Just make sure you put those wheels from your SL500 on the SL55 (as long as they clear the rotors) !! 
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 918
Likes: 1
none
Originally Posted by VinceB
Lorinserbenz,
So if memory serves me you went through several cars at the dealer because of problems an only recently got this one?
Are you unhappy with the HP and torque output of the SL500?
I was thinking when they come out with the new motor that maybe an SL550 or whatever it's call maybe a good compromise @ ~400HP since it should be cheaper than the SL55.
302HP doesn't seem like enough but 400 might be? Your thoughts after having the SL500? While the 493HP would be nice especially with upgraded suspension and brakes, they do get a big premium.
So if memory serves me you went through several cars at the dealer because of problems an only recently got this one?
Are you unhappy with the HP and torque output of the SL500?
I was thinking when they come out with the new motor that maybe an SL550 or whatever it's call maybe a good compromise @ ~400HP since it should be cheaper than the SL55.
302HP doesn't seem like enough but 400 might be? Your thoughts after having the SL500? While the 493HP would be nice especially with upgraded suspension and brakes, they do get a big premium.
I have two friends that have driven the crap out of their 55's and they have had zero problems.
I agree the new motor is a good compromise but Id prefer to avoid the first year of it.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,130
Likes: 36
From: Carefree az usa
2020 S560,14 ml350, 03 sl55, silver, pano, slr cams, evo headers, lsd, 2019 s63 cab.
i got a sl500 r230 when they first came out. drove the car until the sl55 came in in june 2003. you cannot believe the difference. kept the sl500 for a while, but my wife and I wouldn't even drive the sl500 after the sl55 experience. make the change you will not regret it.
Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 154
Likes: 2
From: Ohio
2003 Black SL500
Yes, the 55 is quite a gem. Sounds better than any other car in the series (except maybe the SLR?) 
. you will have to look at the Mercedes logo on your wheel frequently just to remind you your not driving a old school muscle car :p. But as the saying goes, you do get what you pay for. Now however, in my opinion I would stay with the SL500 and just "make it yours" & unique with some upgrades. You will get a 'satisfaction' out of knowing nobody has what you have. (okay they might :p lol, but most certainly not as common as the SL55 in comparrison)
. you will have to look at the Mercedes logo on your wheel frequently just to remind you your not driving a old school muscle car :p. But as the saying goes, you do get what you pay for. Now however, in my opinion I would stay with the SL500 and just "make it yours" & unique with some upgrades. You will get a 'satisfaction' out of knowing nobody has what you have. (okay they might :p lol, but most certainly not as common as the SL55 in comparrison)
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 761
Likes: 0
From: Lausanne, Switzerland
SLK 55 AMG
The SL55 would be a better option in my opinion as well. Probably more reliable in the long term, and if you really want to get more hp out of it, a simple and cheap pulley upgrade will net you even more power.
Kleemann would be nice, but... I'd go stock due to the warranty.
Kleemann would be nice, but... I'd go stock due to the warranty.
