Hello Benz owners!

I’m hoping to obtain input from any of you, because I figure this is probably the best place, to seek advice, in regards to an MB purchase.
Purchase type: Corporate lease
Possible vehicles:

2009 MB SL 550: white exterior – red interior: only down side seems to be the lack of power compared to the 600 and 63 AMG (and when I say power, I’m only interested in the 0-60 sprints).

2009 MB SL600: white exterior – red interior: only down side for me, seems to be the higher price tag, less MPG and I could be wrong but it seems, that the larger engine would have higher maintenance costs down the road, should I end up purchasing the car at the end of the lease and keeping it long term.

2008 BMW M6 Convertible: silver exterior – grey soft top – maroon interior: I’m worried that the SMG, will not be as easy and care free to use, in auto mode as a true automatic? Styling when top is down, is just not all that sexy to me. May have the raw sports car feel, of something like a Dodge Viper, rather than a luxury GT cruiser like the SL’s?

2008 BMW 650i Convertible: silver exterior – grey soft top – maroon interior: Again not so sexy, top down and then back to the power issue like the SL550.

Living here in Malibu Ca, I have a thing for convertibles. I just can’t picture not driving something that can’t open up. Business has been very good, and I’m ready to step up, a few levels (currently: automatic fully loaded Nissan 350Z Roadster, which has been nothing but very good times).

I purchased my 350Z (Daytona blue – blue soft top), just as they came out in early 2004. I fell in love with it right away. What added to my love for the car was the fact that I couldn’t go out, a single day without both women and men, giving the thumbs up, asking questions and even taking pictures back in 2004. Yes I really enjoyed the attention and now that it has long faded, and I’m a bit older (late 20’s) and I’ve moved up in the business world; I think it’s time for a German car. Ha!

Have never owned a MB or BMW for that matter, but I’m sure to own one or the other, in the next few months.

I’m used to having small trunk space in my Z, so I’m sure an SL would be no problem for me. I’m not into racing, although every once in a while, I find myself doing the street light drag race sprint. I wouldn’t mind having enough power to win those little sprints, more often than not, which is the extent of my desire to have more horses.
My main focus now is the image which is necessary in my business, most of all because I have the face of a 19-year old. I’m a serious businessman and the look of success, is necessary and desired. I figure the SL successful image factor, is much greater than that of the BMW 6 series?

I’m not looking for a true sports car, which is why the 911 is off my list. I want a sporty, luxury filled, gadget filled GT with the image factor and it MUST be a convertible. Any input you could share, about any of the above vehicles, would be much appreciated. Spending less than 150k is also part of my decision. Also about the M6, I understand that I cannot get a true automatic. And so I’m trying to figure out if the SMG, in automatic mode could truly give me the ease and comfort of an automatic, which is something I am used to and want very much so (again, not looking for a sports car, but the power of one, to do quick sprints, is desired).

One last thing: Have any of you put down deposits for your MB vehicle purchases? I’ve been told that the 2009 SL550 and 600 will be available in mid-May 2008 and so I’m wondering if I should walk into a dealer and put down a deposit and place an order now, in hopes of obtaining one in May-June? I would have added the SL63 to my list but it looks as if it will not be available until early to mid 2009.

Thanks for your time guys.

 

Have you looked at the pic's of the 2009 SL's? Butt ugly. Get a 2008 SL550, it does 0-60 in 4.9 sec's per Car and Driver Mag. That is fast enough to beat anyone on the street. The difference in street light racing is reflex between a 0-60 car that does 4.0 and 4.9 sec's. Now if you are into serious racing get a used SL65. You might look at a new 2008 CL600 with the AMG package, you should be able to get one for under $150K and they have a big moonroof that you could pretend in a convertable top

 

Ive had 2 SL's...driving one now. 1st choice for me would be any newer Aston Martin, the new Maserati Gran Turismo and maybe the upcoming new Maserati hard top conv sportscar which will be priced the same as a SL. If you cant wait or dont want to get a Aston/Maserati (to me they are INSANELY COOL and a much better choice then the 2003 SL with a 2009 front end), I would get a M6 or wait for the true next SL in a few years.

 

I see the OP also posted this in the AMG R230 section - the Fascism expressed by some members in that thread is beyond sickening.

The truth is that most people, especially those "dim witted L.A. women" (someone else's quote from the AMG thread) don't know the difference between any of the R230 models. To them, it's just "that convertible hard top Mercedes".

It's your money, spend it however you want, but I guarantee you will have as much fun in a base SL550 as you would in an AMG model. Especially if you're driving on the west side where traffic is beyond ridiculous and the true power of the vehicle can't be unleashed.

Also, if you care anything at all about resale, the 500/550 models hold their value better than the 55/600/65 models. For some reason, the 55/600/65 models really tank when it comes to resale. No car is a good investment, but just something to think about.

Whatever you decide, it should really only matter to you and whatever makes *you* happy. If you're buying the car to impress other people or the valet attendants, you're buying the car for the wrong reasons.

 

I drove the SL550 yesterday for the first time. It is a major improvement over my SL500 and there are some incentives on it now as they clear the way for restyled 2009.

I decided to wait for the new model because the 2008 doesn't look that different from the earlier R230's. From what you say you want the latest in design so you wouldn't be happy with the current SL.

Regarding 2009 pricing, I imagine that you'd pay sticker on anything you reserve right now. If you want a better deal, wait until later in the spring and make an offer on a car in the dealer's lot and you might save a few bucks.

The 2009 has an improved navigation and a few more new features. The SL is more comfortable than the BMW, in my opinion, and more solid. Definitely consider a lease so that you will not be hit by a huge depreciation bill upon trade in.

The SL550 will cost less to operate than other models- it will have lower purchase price and depreciate less than SL55 or SL600, and will still be a pleasure to drive. Besides, you are young and should have something to look forward to.

Regarding colors, there may be some new offerings in the next model year which we may know in the next month. Good luck.

 

Im about 6'2 190lbs....I find the SL cabin WAY too small. Not sure how you see it as more comfortable.

 

M-CEO, greetings. I agree, you've got to get into a new (08) Sl550 right away and take it for a spin, prob you'll love it and then its just a matter of whether you can stomach the high-hooded 09 and would pay 30-40,000 $ more to wait for it. They'll only give you a short time in the test ride so punch it asap to see if 382 horsies hits the spot.
Clearly you would not be happy with a 6-series so there's not much else left that meets you criteria,expt the sl.
You got to get behind the wheel,man, k!

 

Oh by the way, if you're willing to consider smaller and 4/5 seaters then more very nice choices open up to you. Clk's, 3-series BMW with folding hard roof twin turbo, etc. And dont forget the CLK Black! Unbelieveable machine.

 

With $150,000 you could buy a 2008 SL550 (used & depreciated) and still have money left over. Or you could buy BOTH a used MB and a used BMW for $150,000. Good Luck.

 

Your best bet is to lease the SL 600. It's sexy yet powerful on the road.