SL/R230: Question for people who bought an SL550. Why didn't you buy SL55?
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 271
Likes: 23
From: Kirkland, WA
2003 SL500
It is funny to read old topics, when most posters were original owners of SLs that we drive now. I wish I had a time machine to go back 10 years and post that I bought SL fo $9K and did not need a flat bed to bring it home.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,085
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From: Los Angeles
2009 SL550 Roadster Diamond White, 2008 CLK550 Coupe Obsidian Black
I opted for a 09 SL550 over an 07-08 SL55 due to the updated design look. A few other reasons for the 09 SL550 were updated entertainment features (Comand 2.5, harman/Kardon sound system, better iPod and bluetooth systems), AIRSCARF feature, naturally aspirated engine, 7 speed transmission.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 992
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From: Tucson, AZ
'20 X5 M50i; '17 Ram 3500; Golf Cart; Bikes; Scooters
I opted for a 09 SL550 over an 07-08 SL55 due to the updated design look. A few other reasons for the 09 SL550 were updated entertainment features (Comand 2.5, harman/Kardon sound system, better iPod and bluetooth systems), AIRSCARF feature, naturally aspirated engine, 7 speed transmission.
However, I opted for the '03 SL55 for a few good reasons. Price about $18K; about 500 HP; AMG pedigree. A few tasteful additions, like a windscreen, smaller supercharger pulley, full preventative maintenance DIY, and my own SDS, and I have a sub $20K fairly reliable rocket ship. No reasonable amount of money could get the current ~550 HP from any SL550, and I can live with the low tech creature non-comforts.
My wife has said "you are never selling the SL55"... as she likes high performance. Happy wife, happy life. No complaints.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,085
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From: Los Angeles
2009 SL550 Roadster Diamond White, 2008 CLK550 Coupe Obsidian Black
All very good reasons to buy a later model. I've got the HK Sound and 7 speed in my E350 and it is like butter. Even the NAV is usable, not to mention effortless iPhone integration.
However, I opted for the '03 SL55 for a few good reasons. Price about $18K; about 500 HP; AMG pedigree. A few tasteful additions, like a windscreen, smaller supercharger pulley, full preventative maintenance DIY, and my own SDS, and I have a sub $20K fairly reliable rocket ship. No reasonable amount of money could get the current ~550 HP from any SL550, and I can live with the low tech creature non-comforts.
My wife has said "you are never selling the SL55"... as she likes high performance. Happy wife, happy life. No complaints.
However, I opted for the '03 SL55 for a few good reasons. Price about $18K; about 500 HP; AMG pedigree. A few tasteful additions, like a windscreen, smaller supercharger pulley, full preventative maintenance DIY, and my own SDS, and I have a sub $20K fairly reliable rocket ship. No reasonable amount of money could get the current ~550 HP from any SL550, and I can live with the low tech creature non-comforts.
My wife has said "you are never selling the SL55"... as she likes high performance. Happy wife, happy life. No complaints.
Last edited by gaazmon; Jan 31, 2018 at 04:21 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 8,882
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From: In my garage
E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
The 600 with the right mods should do 0-60 In under 2.5 seconds. Mine has a lot of mods and am running 335 rear tires so it hooks.
Here's one that can do it.
http://www.dragtimes.com/2004-Merced...res-27670.html
Here's one that can do it.
http://www.dragtimes.com/2004-Merced...res-27670.html
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 382
Likes: 27
From: Norway
350 SL, R230 - 300 SL, R129 - 1964 Corvette Sting Ray Sport Coupe - Porsche 911 Twin Turbo (sold)
I am not sure if i should reply here since i bought an SL 350
And the reason that i bought a SL 350 can be summed up in 3 letters and that is: ABC
I thought about buying a new (for me) for qiute some time before i bought an SL 350 with reguløar springs and shock absorbers makes life a lot more easy and that is the only reason i did not buy the SL 500 as it is called in Europe or the SL 55 AMG is because of the ABC suspensions. Anyway any SL with the regullar V8 engine or the V6 engine is not any fast anyways. If i wanted to have a fast SL then i must have had bought the SL 55 AMG
I did not want to my myself a whole lot of problems by going for an ABC SL
And the reason that i bought a SL 350 can be summed up in 3 letters and that is: ABC
I thought about buying a new (for me) for qiute some time before i bought an SL 350 with reguløar springs and shock absorbers makes life a lot more easy and that is the only reason i did not buy the SL 500 as it is called in Europe or the SL 55 AMG is because of the ABC suspensions. Anyway any SL with the regullar V8 engine or the V6 engine is not any fast anyways. If i wanted to have a fast SL then i must have had bought the SL 55 AMG
I did not want to my myself a whole lot of problems by going for an ABC SL
Last edited by TheSaint; Feb 12, 2018 at 12:17 PM.
MBworld Guru
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 10,782
Likes: 1,011
NO LONGER ACTIVE
We do not have that choice here int he USA. All R230's were V8-only, and ABC equipped. ABC is actually one of the reasons I bought the SL. I think the improved handling and comfort it provides is worht the extra maintenance.
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