jpcdmd

I would like to make my first Mercedes SL purchase this summer after the 2009's are on the road to take advantage of heavy discounts. I will also be purchasing used. I am torn between an SL55 05-06 or possibly 07, or an 07-up SL550. I have the serious itch to buy now but want to wait till the prices come down a little more into my price range.

The other day at the dealer I drove a 2007 SL55. It was the first time I have driven the SL. All I can say is WOW! Loved everything about it, especially the power and the sound. I have not driven the SL550.

I really like the look and sound of the SL55 rear end with the quad tips. I'm confused about the exact changes from the 05-06 to the 07 SL55, and also how each of these compares to the SL550? Do the 05-06 SL55 have the same 7-speed trans as the 07 I drove? If not, is there much difference?

What are some of the other changes? All I can pick out is the taillights and the front bumper/grille. For all you guys with the SL550 and SL500 going with the quad tips, are you just buying a SL55 bumper from the dealer to match the tip outlets? What are my options for upgrading the SL550 exhaust?

I will try to get behind the wheel of an SL550 one of these days but I'm curious what everybody else's thoughts are. Whatever model I choose, I definitely want to end up with the updated tails, quad tips, and possibly some 20" rims. Also considering updating the front bumper if I go with the 05-06, I like the chrome foglamp bezels and look of the 07-up.

CY

05+ SL55 is a good choice due to the newer Nav system.

lkirchner

THE sl55'S all have the 5 speed transmission including the 07's. The 7 speed transmission cannot handle the torque of the 55 motors. As far as differences between the 55's and the non AMG's it is much more than what meets the eye. The brakes are much larger on the AMG's. the exhaust is different (not just the 4 tips), the suspension is modified by AMG, etc. While they may look somewhat similar they are different animals. Simply put AMG goes over the entire car and turns the SL into somewhat of a beast.

mjr24

Get the SL55 no doubt. No offense, but I wouldn't take a SL550 for $50k off cost at this point.

glennbaz

I was just reading and article in I believe Consumer Reports that listed both cars at the top of different catagories of all manufacutures.

The SL55 as the most expensive to maintain and the SL550 as having the most depreciation in value.

A tough choice in how to get beat up.....


Glenn

bltserv

Your going to get in the SL550 after being in the SL55 and go. WTF.
Now you did it to yourself by driving that SL55. Your dooomed.

Get an 05 or later. I was always worried an SL was a bit "Girly".
Aint nothing girly about an SL55.

Addicted2Speed

If I were you, I would also test drive the SL600. It is a much faster and smoother car than SL55. I would also argue that the V12 bi-turbo engine is more reliable, more consistent, and less prone to heat soak.

P.S. And as far as tunability, you can purchase an ECU upgrade that will add over 100hp to SL600, making it a low 11 second car in the 1/4 mile. SL55 would need very serious modifications to even break the 12 second barrier.

SL2003driver

How do you drive? Which one is an individual taste thing. The SL is a beautiful sexy car. The SL550 has improved ABC over earlier years and the most advanced engine. The SL55 is older technology SOHC engine but it is a real super car and very much a performance car. Different animals. The SL550 does 0-60 in 4.9 sec's per the car mag's. The SL55 does it in 4.5 sec's. Drive the SL550 and the SL500 and the SL600 and get the one that fits.

jpcdmd

I'm really not a horsepower monger, but then again I've never owned a sports car. I'm currently driving an 01 LS430. I've gotten enough speeding tickets in my 18 year driving history to learn my lesson - I'm not getting where I need to go any faster.
But the sound from that SC engine was awesome, and I did get on it a few times and it was a blast to drive. I would say that what is most drawing me to the SL55 is the minor cosmetic differences, mainly the rear, and the way the car felt when I drove it. Guess I just really need to drive the 550.

derrick_lui

how about the SL600

JackStraw

The SL600 is an old man's car, it's too nose-heavy, it has a sloppy suspension and it doesn't have a good exhaust note. Haven't you been reading the posts on this forum?

Havoc

Hey jpcdmd, this summer, don't get cought in a non AMG SL. Since you are going for a used SL, you should be able to find great deals on both AMG models, the SL55 AMG and the SL65 AMG. Why would one ever get a sportscar that can't deliver on performance? The way I look at it, either get an AMG SL model or don't get an SL at all.

RJC

The 07 SL's have a revised supercharger and throttle body...

Havoc

Revised Supercharger? What's different on the 07 blower?

jpcdmd

thanks for all your responses, I think I'm really leaning toward the SL55. I think I really did screw myself by driving it first.

The 600 never interested me for the following reasons: no need for 12 cylinders, just higher maintenance costs, SL55 is fast enough for my driving needs, liked the light feel of the car I drove, wouldn't want it any heavier, especially in the nose, and most importantly, gotta love that exhaust!

SL2003driver

Just make sure whatever SL you buy you have a good warranty on it for the entire ownership experience

bltserv

Dont feel so bad. The same thing happened to me before I bought my SL55.
I was "Dumb" enough to go to the AMG Challenge in 2006. Drove a few AMG`s and listened to them at full throttle on the track. The SL55 hands down was the best car that day in performance, handling and then there was that exhaust note. Within 6 weeks I owned one.

Enjoy !

amgme

yeah, warranty is important especially for a 55. one of the main reason i didn't go w/ a 55 is because of the many problems i encountered in my previous amg kompressor. if the sl55 wasn't blown, i would have gotten that. the sl550 had plenty of tq for me. i have about 400lbs of tq at the crank.

you blew it when you drove the 55 first.

IngenereAMG

The SL55 is the choice. I have had mine for 5 years and have loved every one of them. The car is brilliant.