shoes

I keep buying and later selling SL's. I love the look and the retractable hardtop and the size and the active body control. I love the acceleration of the SL55 and SL600 but I wished they weighed a lot less. My biggest issues with the SL has been the SBC brakes which are always noisy and hard to modulate plus I am offended by the trend to decontent the cars- everytime I listened to the sound system on my 2005 SL600, I was reminded how much better my 2004 SL500 sounded.

Anyway, I have been without a GT for a few months and my my dealer called me about a 2006 designo graphite SL500 (my favorite color) and the lease rates have gotten very nice, so I started thinking about an SL again.

I have concluded that now is the wrong time to be buying an SL500- the new engine is around the corner and they announced the elimination of the SBC brakes for 2007.

VinceB

Shoes,

I didn't realize you sold off your black SL600? You do change shoes quite often!

I've been waiting on the sidelines for several months. I also figure why buy now? The new SL with 388hp maybe enough to mitigate the need for the SL 55 and the extra $25~30K+.

If the brake by wire is history, just another reason to wait a few more months. Who knows, maybe they'll even integrate the iPod by the 07 model year.

Cheers-

Can Drive 55

It seem like I read just the other day that the SBC brakes would continue on the SL until the next major body change. The E class is the only one that will get the hydraulic only system. Can anyone confirm this?

josh12

I have concluded that now is the wrong time to be buying an SL500- the new engine is around the corner and they announced the elimination of the SBC brakes for 2007.[/QUOTE]

I don't think it is a good idea to buy a first-year model or the first year of a change, particularly the sl series. Think of the 2003 Launch Edition or the 7 speed tranny in the 2004. The future engine is currently in the new S series, which may give some data, but not longevity information.

StephenK

It's only money, buy one now and if you like the changes when they actually happen, buy one then too.

shoes

I agree it is only money, but the depreciation on these cars is getting to be a drag. I am wondering when some group of SL65 owners is going to file a class action suit because their cars are worth $50K less when they drive out the door.

On the flip side, maybe buying a low mileage 2004 SL600 for $85K wouldn't be such a bad thing.

StephenK

I can't believe people are so concerned about depreciation with these cars. Buying a car is not an investment with very few exceptions. Buy it because you like it, if you don't like the price someone is willing to pay you for it when you sell or trade don't sell or trade.

SLcharger

I totaly agree with StephenK. Bye the car because you love it and you want it. It is mutch the same as waiting for the newest computer, you never get one.

Use your money while you can, enjoy life, and dont deny your self something.

And remember, the last shirt has no pockets.

LovinMercedes

For those of you that are loaded with cash, consider yourself very fortunate.

Not everyone is in your position and to suggest that there should never be a concern for cash is unrealistic and quite ridiculous if you ask me, of course IMHO.

An answer that does not contain the concept of "let's just burn some money" might be more appropriate.

Auraraptor

LovinSL600, your response is justified however there is nothing stopping one from getting a slightly used SL55 or 600 (arguably more much more car) for less then a new 06 or later 07 SL500.

seattlecarfreak

my favorite quote..

"don't worry about what is the right thing to do... sleep and spend as much as you want!"

although i don't think this was said by confucious or any of his famous greek ancestors, i like it..

LovinMercedes

I agree.

Paddy

Hi Shoes
I note your dilemma. Take my advice and put off buying your MB for the present. The company has serious customer relations difficulties and are not able to deal with customers on a satisfactory level. Top Gear (an automobile programme in the UK) has slated MB for its poor standards and on a pole taken the MB cars failed dismally. Remember this was a pole taken of customers and of the list of 150 cars the MB featured in the bottom half and indeed some were very far down the list. I have had a bad experience as well and I am having to sue them. Even my dealer says that all SL`s are giving varying degrees of difficulties and then coupled with their refusal to fix the problems leaves customers in a very difficult position. be careful therefore and the best of luck to you in making your decision. Regards, Paddy