R230_Nicke

Buy a SL55 or do a Kleemann upgrade?

What do You guys think.
I’m thinking of trading my SL500 -02 in for something faster.
Either I buy a used SL55 and pay something like $45,000 trade in or I keep my 500 and do a Kleemann upgrade with compressor (stage 1, 455 hp), AMG (030) or Kleemann body kit, AMG or Brembo brakes for $33,000.

With the AMG55 I get a reliable car but with the Kleemann I get a unique car (at least here in Sweden). I see SL55 daily.

On my 500 I already have quad sport exhaust, Brabus wheels, 2007 AMG sport steering wheel and I have lowered it.

I know I will not get the money back if I do A Kleemann upgrade when I sell the car, but I think I will lose almost the same money in depression on a 55.

So, what would be You choise? Pro and cons?

markdm3

I would trade up to the SL55 in a heartbeat. Three words..Complete factory warranty

jmf003

What are the import regulations like in Sweden? If you could import a car from the US or Canada you might save quite a bit of money. The Euro is very strong to the dollar right now and SL55 resale prices are a bit soft over here.

Stockholm is a great city, BTW. I used to travel there for business and always enjoyed it.

R230_Nicke

Warranty is not an issue. The cars I'm looking at at out of it.
Looking for a 2003-2004. (My price range..)

Another factor about this question is that if I go with the 55 I have more option to upgrade the car even more in the future.
(I intend to keep it stock, but You know us petrol-heads, when we drive a fast car we dont think: wow this is a fast car. No we think: how can i get it to go faster..)
I I do the Kleemann upgrade I cant take if further.

R230_Nicke

Yes, imports are one way to go. But I think I will lose the few bucks I save in the loong run.
My current car is a import from Germany but it have a few drawbacks.
Insurence is more expensive then domestic cars for some reason.
The dealer will not fix problems under goodwill. They told me up front that if my car would have been a domestic car they wouild have fixed some of the problems I had under goodwill but not when its an imported one.

Glad You enjoyed "my" town
I would not live anywear else!

v8plus4

If you're thinking of future upgrades, have you considered the SL600? Initial depreciation on the v12's are brutal, and over here they can be bought for less than SL55's.

allminesl550

Hallo, hard decision. Try first option B (sl55) and see how you like a car.

If you find one that has everything you want and also checks out good with mechanic give her a test drive. If you very happy try to find out what is lowest price. Then go home work out the figures again (you never know) and sleep on it. Next day share again maybe you have your answer!

Is possible to buy insurance on used 55? I say v important since no way to know if drivetrain's been worked hard.
Good luck.

(life is tough over there, huh? such painful choices!)

Murtaza

Do the 55. Why?

50 more hp over the blown 500 plus you can get even more with mods (pulley, ecu, ect)

IngenereAMG

I think that the SL55 is the better choice. It is engineered as a performance car from the ground up. With some simple mods, we get to 580+hp. They are great cars......fast, handle great.....and looks to die for!