benzworshiper

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Hi, new here
read a bit, you seem like a good bunch of fellows!
If you're like me picking a MercBenz is like a kid in a candy shop-- which one???
I like the new clk63amg, but the sl550 would do the trick just fine too!
know what i mean?
see no reason to spend $182,000 on one of those 600 hp hot rots, 100 to 140k ought to satify...
Any thoughts, people?

(pls dont say "depends on your taste, etc", we all know that, what i dont know is what i want to know, how do these cars differ, practically speaking, we all know how they differ on paper, I can read!!!
but i have not had the good fortune to put 5,000 miles on these two models, I hope someone here has!
in what way are either of these cars lacking in important ways, iyo's?
if at all!
sure one is hard and one is soft, but if thats not a biggy, then what is?
the clk63 seems to have better choices for interior, and more options
does it drive almost as well as the sl?
if so then i dont count that as an important determining factor
In what way are they VERY different, for good and for bad?
help me decide folks, help me pick my car so i can order and then finally drive (and kiss!) my Mercedes Benz!
seriously, Im getting one soon, just having a very difficult time choosing,
colors as well, damitt!
Options is easy, it will be just about loaded, then i wont fret and regret!
help me guys,ok, slk55amg? sl550? sl55amg? clk63amg?
what did i miss.......

lorinserbenz

If those are your choices then its a no-brainer... Sl55

Murtaza

SL55 =
SLK55 =

HLG600

CPO SL65 would be the way to go.

NVR_L8

New= SL55
Used= SL65

AdamG@NorCal

Slr

blazinginder

ALL OF THE ABOVE ...definately stick with the SL over the CLK ...with deciding which SL you want...its just a question of how much you want ot spend....if you want to buy new/used and want power/crazy power

Honestly for 100k you could get a used 2005-2006 SL600, chip it and you have 65 power

OR

buy a used 2005-2006 SL55

OR

spend the extra $$$ and for 120k range get your self a 2005-2006 SL65...the baddest of them all

AdamG@NorCal

One of the forum member is selling a SL 65. Maybe you should check how much he would let go for.

CY

First choice: SL65
Second choice: SL55 or SL600
Third choice:SL550

I would get a 6 series over the CLK....hell even a CLS....but its all based on what you like.

Musikmann

I would get an SL55 or SL63 AMG, new, or as someone suggested a CPO. I bought CPO and I might have made a mistake, but think a warranty is a good insurance policy on any expensive vehicle.

CY

I dont think we will see a SL63 until the new body style or at least not until 2008.

Musikmann

Is there not a 2007 out? I didn't realize that when I replied

CY

Yeah its strange that the SL (which is apparently a flagship vehicle) doesnt have a "63" or some sort of updated badge. This is a company that calls a S class a S550 in the states to help sales (since we Americans apparently are dumb enough to think a 550 badge is much more desirable then a 500 badge???), but they retain the classic S500 name everywhere else....its hard to believe they are letting the pricey roadster have a smaller model number (even though the updated 55 engine is apparently better for this car) while less expensive cars have the new 63 name. Makes me think the SL will change in a year or two...or they may bring out the updated 63 engine and screw everyone who bought the regular other model 63's and 07 SL55's....kind of like what happened in 03 on the S55 and CL55 when they supercharged the engines....I still think the SL63 will come with a body style change but we'll have to wait and see.

Musikmann

Thanks for the info cy0811 - I didn't know that about the 2003 S and CL situation either.

mjr24

I wouldn't bet on a new SL until 2010....at the earliest.

CY

But it will probably come out in Europe a year or so earlier than in the USA which means 2011? In EU the SL is 6 model years old at this point. I also think the E/CLK will change around the same time as the SL since they were introduced around the same time....which means the CLS will be a year or so behind since its based on the E.

Murtaza

Hmm

Isn't it 3 years old?

CY

came out in 2002 in EU.....current model is a 2007

Murtaza

Oh right, my bad

dogma

I would avoid my car, the 03-06 SL500. I find them underpowered and I am already looking to change after 4 months.

tee_tz

Hey, the good news is none of those are bad options. And seeing how the SL65 wasn’t in the list then I’ll stick to your choices – my opinion:

1. SL55
2. SL550
3. SLK55
4. CLK63

Also, I think you should start by removing either the SL55 or SL550 from your list because they are closer to the same car. Guys correct me if I'm wrong but the SL55 would give you a more aggressive and sporty ride, whereas the SL550 is more luxurious and comfort (I know, I know the SL55 is better and more expensive, but some prefer the styling and ‘luxury/comfort’ of the SL550).

So that'll bring your choices from 4 to 3: (1) SL55/550, (2) SLK55, (3) CLK63.

2nd question is do you need the rear seats (constantly driving with people in your car, or to carry extra luggage, or throw something back there)? If so, you've got your car (CLK63), if not, then you could remove the CLK63 from the equation, narrowing your options to 2 (SL or SLK).

3rd question is do you like soft-top's? And will you drive during winter? If you don't like soft tops and/or you'll be driving your car during winter then you can narrow your options down to 2 ... (1) SL55/550 and (2) SLK55 as they both have hard-tops.


In the end you'll find the car that's just for you! Good luck.


Tee_Tz.

CY

The 05 and 06 sl500 with the 7 speed trans feel much faster off the line....I drove both before I bought mine in 05. If I could go back though I would buy a SL55.

benzworshiper

Thanks all.
here are my "buts"..
but the sl55 is old technology, 3 valves not four per cylinder, the clk63amg is an incredible engine, best power from a NA out there
it can do like 4.4 0-60, very fast, nicer interior, no?
extra space, and the suspension is now like, they say like a sports car!
any one here drive one?" doubt it, very new, the write-ups have been favorable, the clk63amg that is...
So, its about as sporty, about as quick, about as expensive, etc
but extra seats, you know
thats why hard for me to write it off
its NA, no supercharger, yet goes like hell, its also reinforced, so it probly can be added a scharger, no?

dogma

This is just me, but I always looked at the clk as a mom car from a styling stand point.

Murtaza

Not a fan of the stylings either. I'd rather go for an E or CLS 63 over the CLK.