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.

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.

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.

The SL55 is an amazing vehicle. I'd say the 07-08 55 would have to be one of my favorite AMG vehicles ever. But I'm big on vehicle features so that definitely pushed me over to the facelifted 09. I do like the 63s as well, but I've heard issues with the MCT as well as the other issues Rodney mentioned.

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

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

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.