SL/R230: 2004 vs 2005 SLs - Need Advice
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From: Space Coast, FL
'14 E350, '03 H-D FXDL
2004 vs 2005 SLs - Need Advice
In the interest of upholding my integrity with the members of this forum, I declare up front that I asked this same question several days ago at another site, but have not received any responses thus far. At that time I was not aware of mbworld's SL forum, which I regard as excellent. I should also mention that I have faithfully read every post to date on this SL forum.
I've been on another SLK site for a few years.
I'm now interested in buying a used, low mileage 2004 or 2005 SL500.
What are the main differences/improvements between these model years?
Usually newer = better, but sometimes that's not the case.
- If the price difference between model years averages $7500, is it generally worth it to buy the 2005 over a 2004, assuming both cars are in superb condition and the mileage difference is about 4000 less on the 2005 model?
- I'm also struggling with the relative value of the "free" maintenance on a 2004 compared to the longer warranty period I would inherit on a 2005.
- Along this line, do any of you have a good 3rd party extended warranty that covers the full COMMAND system as well as the vario-roof, among other important systems?
Any information or advice from you SL veterans would be most appreciated.
Thanks,
Sgooter
I've been on another SLK site for a few years.
I'm now interested in buying a used, low mileage 2004 or 2005 SL500.
What are the main differences/improvements between these model years?
Usually newer = better, but sometimes that's not the case.
- If the price difference between model years averages $7500, is it generally worth it to buy the 2005 over a 2004, assuming both cars are in superb condition and the mileage difference is about 4000 less on the 2005 model?
- I'm also struggling with the relative value of the "free" maintenance on a 2004 compared to the longer warranty period I would inherit on a 2005.
- Along this line, do any of you have a good 3rd party extended warranty that covers the full COMMAND system as well as the vario-roof, among other important systems?
Any information or advice from you SL veterans would be most appreciated.
Thanks,
Sgooter
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From: Bethesda,Md.
Bentley Arnage Red Label
I think the biggest difference is the command going from cd rom to dvd in 05. Makes a huge difference to me being a gadget junkie just for the ability to burn days worth of music on one dvd with total track access on the dash and through the steering wheel controls. Also, the actual navigation is light years ahead of the 04.(I have that system in my Gwagen and it is a POS) As far as a warranty to cover the command, don't bother, they can be bought for less than 1k on ebay all day long. For the difference in price between the two is it worth it? In my opinion I would buy an 04 SL55 before an 05 500 if money was a real issue but if no issue and a 55 isn't an option I would take the time to search out a highly discounted 05.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Space Coast, FL
'14 E350, '03 H-D FXDL
Jeff,
I haven't looked into an SL55, but you make some good points worth serious consideration. Using eBay as a potential source for a COMMAND system replacement is also a fine idea. Thanks for the great advice and quick response.
Sgooter
I haven't looked into an SL55, but you make some good points worth serious consideration. Using eBay as a potential source for a COMMAND system replacement is also a fine idea. Thanks for the great advice and quick response.
Sgooter
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From: Wichita
2005 SL600, 2011 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite
In addition to the nav change (the biggest change), the '05 has the steering wheel shift buttons as part of the sport package. Also, MB removed the glove compartment AUX audio port in the '05.
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Space Coast, FL
'14 E350, '03 H-D FXDL
Thanks for the sage advice folks.
With the longer warranty period inherent with a 2005 vs 2004 SL, plus the larger COMMAND screen, DVD Nav + MP3, and better paint, I'm now focusing on a 2005 SL500. Just can't afford an SL600 or 55 yet, unless it's a real steal.
BTW, the interaction on this forum is superb. I posted this same 2004 vs 2005 question on the other site almost a week ago. As of today, it's been viewed 74 times with no replies -- pretty weak.
Being a newbie here, I really appreciate your support.
With the longer warranty period inherent with a 2005 vs 2004 SL, plus the larger COMMAND screen, DVD Nav + MP3, and better paint, I'm now focusing on a 2005 SL500. Just can't afford an SL600 or 55 yet, unless it's a real steal.
BTW, the interaction on this forum is superb. I posted this same 2004 vs 2005 question on the other site almost a week ago. As of today, it's been viewed 74 times with no replies -- pretty weak.
Being a newbie here, I really appreciate your support.
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 433
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From: Phoenix, AZ
2007 CL600
Originally Posted by Sgooter
Thanks for the sage advice folks.
With the longer warranty period inherent with a 2005 vs 2004 SL, plus the larger COMMAND screen, DVD Nav + MP3, and better paint, I'm now focusing on a 2005 SL500. Just can't afford an SL600 or 55 yet, unless it's a real steal.
BTW, the interaction on this forum is superb. I posted this same 2004 vs 2005 question on the other site almost a week ago. As of today, it's been viewed 74 times with no replies -- pretty weak.
Being a newbie here, I really appreciate your support.
With the longer warranty period inherent with a 2005 vs 2004 SL, plus the larger COMMAND screen, DVD Nav + MP3, and better paint, I'm now focusing on a 2005 SL500. Just can't afford an SL600 or 55 yet, unless it's a real steal.
BTW, the interaction on this forum is superb. I posted this same 2004 vs 2005 question on the other site almost a week ago. As of today, it's been viewed 74 times with no replies -- pretty weak.
Being a newbie here, I really appreciate your support.
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Joined: Dec 2005
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From: MARYLAND
98 BMW 750iL
Sgooter,
I hope you don't mind, but I'm actually looking myself. Maybe some others can answer this question for me. Does the SL600 come with pretty much every option? I'm going back-n-forth w/ 04 sl600 and a 03 sl55. Most of all I want performance out of this car, but there's also options (wood grain steering wheel, parktronic, keyless go, pano-roof, ventilated seats, and that gorgeous quad exhaust) that I want to. This will be my toy and do plan on keeping it for a long time, but I want the best of both worlds...performance and options. I'm seeing very few sl55's with the options and in the color I want...maybe I just answered my own question.
I hope you don't mind, but I'm actually looking myself. Maybe some others can answer this question for me. Does the SL600 come with pretty much every option? I'm going back-n-forth w/ 04 sl600 and a 03 sl55. Most of all I want performance out of this car, but there's also options (wood grain steering wheel, parktronic, keyless go, pano-roof, ventilated seats, and that gorgeous quad exhaust) that I want to. This will be my toy and do plan on keeping it for a long time, but I want the best of both worlds...performance and options. I'm seeing very few sl55's with the options and in the color I want...maybe I just answered my own question.
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Sl600 come with every optin? good luck 
i priced a base "SL65" to give you an example.. I added $30,000 in options in a matter of 1 minute online... add some sales tax, luxury tax, gas guzzler tax, registration.. $250,000 mercedes here we come! :>
i priced a base "SL65" to give you an example.. I added $30,000 in options in a matter of 1 minute online... add some sales tax, luxury tax, gas guzzler tax, registration.. $250,000 mercedes here we come! :>
Originally Posted by MD750
Sgooter,
I hope you don't mind, but I'm actually looking myself. Maybe some others can answer this question for me. Does the SL600 come with pretty much every option? I'm going back-n-forth w/ 04 sl600 and a 03 sl55. Most of all I want performance out of this car, but there's also options (wood grain steering wheel, parktronic, keyless go, pano-roof, ventilated seats, and that gorgeous quad exhaust) that I want to. This will be my toy and do plan on keeping it for a long time, but I want the best of both worlds...performance and options. I'm seeing very few sl55's with the options and in the color I want...maybe I just answered my own question.
I hope you don't mind, but I'm actually looking myself. Maybe some others can answer this question for me. Does the SL600 come with pretty much every option? I'm going back-n-forth w/ 04 sl600 and a 03 sl55. Most of all I want performance out of this car, but there's also options (wood grain steering wheel, parktronic, keyless go, pano-roof, ventilated seats, and that gorgeous quad exhaust) that I want to. This will be my toy and do plan on keeping it for a long time, but I want the best of both worlds...performance and options. I'm seeing very few sl55's with the options and in the color I want...maybe I just answered my own question.
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Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Bethesda,Md.
Bentley Arnage Red Label
Originally Posted by MD750
Sgooter,
I hope you don't mind, but I'm actually looking myself. Maybe some others can answer this question for me. Does the SL600 come with pretty much every option? I'm going back-n-forth w/ 04 sl600 and a 03 sl55. Most of all I want performance out of this car, but there's also options (wood grain steering wheel, parktronic, keyless go, pano-roof, ventilated seats, and that gorgeous quad exhaust) that I want to. This will be my toy and do plan on keeping it for a long time, but I want the best of both worlds...performance and options. I'm seeing very few sl55's with the options and in the color I want...maybe I just answered my own question.
I hope you don't mind, but I'm actually looking myself. Maybe some others can answer this question for me. Does the SL600 come with pretty much every option? I'm going back-n-forth w/ 04 sl600 and a 03 sl55. Most of all I want performance out of this car, but there's also options (wood grain steering wheel, parktronic, keyless go, pano-roof, ventilated seats, and that gorgeous quad exhaust) that I want to. This will be my toy and do plan on keeping it for a long time, but I want the best of both worlds...performance and options. I'm seeing very few sl55's with the options and in the color I want...maybe I just answered my own question.
You will have a few problems with your wants I see right off the bat like the fact that the 55 comes standard with the quad exhaust and it isn't even an option in the 600. Likewise, the wood wheel comes in the 600 but is not an option in the 55. Sounds like your best bet would be a 600 with the sport package with the options you want. Only thing you would lack would be the quad exhaust. Either way they are both great cars.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 424
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From: Space Coast, FL
'14 E350, '03 H-D FXDL
Originally Posted by MD750
Sgooter,
I hope you don't mind, but I'm actually looking myself. Maybe some others can answer this question for me. Does the SL600 come with pretty much every option? I'm going back-n-forth w/ 04 sl600 and a 03 sl55. Most of all I want performance out of this car, but there's also options (wood grain steering wheel, parktronic, keyless go, pano-roof, ventilated seats, and that gorgeous quad exhaust) that I want to. This will be my toy and do plan on keeping it for a long time, but I want the best of both worlds...performance and options. I'm seeing very few sl55's with the options and in the color I want...maybe I just answered my own question.
I hope you don't mind, but I'm actually looking myself. Maybe some others can answer this question for me. Does the SL600 come with pretty much every option? I'm going back-n-forth w/ 04 sl600 and a 03 sl55. Most of all I want performance out of this car, but there's also options (wood grain steering wheel, parktronic, keyless go, pano-roof, ventilated seats, and that gorgeous quad exhaust) that I want to. This will be my toy and do plan on keeping it for a long time, but I want the best of both worlds...performance and options. I'm seeing very few sl55's with the options and in the color I want...maybe I just answered my own question.
No problem at all in you joining in on this discussion. More participation = more knowledge gained. Good hunting to you!
Regards
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From: MARYLAND
98 BMW 750iL
ok...i made up my mind, i want the SL55. i need that extra torque and quad-exhaust more than the other features. here's one in the EXACT color combo i'm looking for...only missing the parktronic and maybe ventilated seats. question...can the wood grain steering wheel be retrofitted?
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From: Columbia, SC
2007 Porsche 997 GT3
One small advantage of the 2004 over the 2005 is that Mercedes still will pay for the scheduled maintenence on the 2004, but they dropped that program on all 2005's and newer.
That being said, I will also say that the CD based Navigation system found in the 2004 is near worthless.
That being said, I will also say that the CD based Navigation system found in the 2004 is near worthless.
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From: Bethesda,Md.
Bentley Arnage Red Label
Originally Posted by MD750
ok...i made up my mind, i want the SL55. i need that extra torque and quad-exhaust more than the other features. here's one in the EXACT color combo i'm looking for...only missing the parktronic and maybe ventilated seats. question...can the wood grain steering wheel be retrofitted?
Good choice! Personally I wanted the parktronic as well but now that I have it I never use it. As far as the wheel, I am sure you could switch it but the 55 comes with an AMG wheel which in my opinion fits the car way better than a wood wheel. The vent. seats are awesome on a hot day with the top down. Look around, there are plent out there.
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From: MARYLAND
98 BMW 750iL
Originally Posted by Juice it
Good choice! Personally I wanted the parktronic as well but now that I have it I never use it. As far as the wheel, I am sure you could switch it but the 55 comes with an AMG wheel which in my opinion fits the car way better than a wood wheel. The vent. seats are awesome on a hot day with the top down. Look around, there are plent out there.
from what i've read, the pano-roof is VERY nice to have...really opens up the cabin. since i've seen it, it's just something about the wood grain wheel that i REALLY like...and i must have it. it's kinda like the first time i used my heated steering wheel...i can't imagine driving on a cold day w/out it now!
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Should be able to find one here, or here, or here:
http://www.germancarfans.com/photos.cfm
http://www.seriouswheels.com/
http://www.automobilemag.com/photo_gallery/
awwwww Chris - you beat me on the post -- thanks, I guess
Still good car phot coverage sites ^^^^ , folks.
http://www.germancarfans.com/photos.cfm
http://www.seriouswheels.com/
http://www.automobilemag.com/photo_gallery/
awwwww Chris - you beat me on the post -- thanks, I guess
Still good car phot coverage sites ^^^^ , folks.
Last edited by ClayJ; Jan 23, 2006 at 07:15 PM.
Newbie
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04 vs. 05 sl
I chose the 04 because I figured the important thing was milage and not year, anyway there is 1 detail I like better in the 04. In the 04 the command unit is smaller and I like the way the wood trim wraps all around it instead of the 05 where the wood comes up to the bottom and stops. I've heard the 05 is a better command system but I will rarely use it but will see the wood trim every time I get inthe car.
Got mine about a month ago and love it! Found one with only 13500 miles and not a scratch on it.
Got mine about a month ago and love it! Found one with only 13500 miles and not a scratch on it.
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