SL/R230: How Quite is the ride No Rattles?
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
How Quite is the ride No Rattles?
I am looking to trade in my 06 Vette convertible for a 2007 or 2008 SL550. I am tired of all the squeaks and rattles in the Vette and looking to upgrade. I test drove a 07 SL55 last weekend that only had 6000 miles and the roof had some slight creak noises when I test drove it. Not sure if the stiffer suspension in the 55 makes it worse or there was just a problem with that car. I love the convertible but want a quite ride. I found a 08 550 that I am going to look at and test drive this week and it has 6500 miles on it. Just curious for you guys that have 15,000 plus miles on your cars on how quite they still are.
#2
A properly maintained SL should have almost ZERO cockpit noise.
Mine at 80 MPH is just the sound of the SuperCharger sucking air.
Compared to a Vette the SL will put you to sleep its so quiet.
Completly different build quality compared to your Chevy.
May I suggest spending the extra cash and driving an AMG before you make your choice of cars. You will find the SL55 to have all the power
you wanted from your Vette. The SuperCharger that you will enjoy
and the build quality you seem to demand.
Enjoy.
Mine at 80 MPH is just the sound of the SuperCharger sucking air.
Compared to a Vette the SL will put you to sleep its so quiet.
Completly different build quality compared to your Chevy.
May I suggest spending the extra cash and driving an AMG before you make your choice of cars. You will find the SL55 to have all the power
you wanted from your Vette. The SuperCharger that you will enjoy
and the build quality you seem to demand.
Enjoy.
#3
Senior Member
Thread Starter
I did test drive the 55 and the ride was pretty stiff like my Vette. I am looking for a little more comfort. It is my every day car. If it was a weekend cruiser I would put up with the little stiffer ride for the power. I think the 550 should still have enough kick for what I need.
#4
I have a CL for during the week so I know what you mean about the SL55 Ride. SL550 is less stiff for sure. I have a friend that has a 2007
and her car is very smooth and more quiet than my AMG will ever be.
Her car is low miles and has ZERO squeaks or rattles. Thats why these cars cost so much. Your paying for that build quality. So shop around and find one that is in good shape and has been well maintained. Try to get a Starmarked or Extended warranty as well. Its nice to go on a drive and enjoy the car and not put up with all the squeaks and rattles like a Vette does after its got a few miles. Too much Plastic is the problem with the Vette. Not so with the Merc. Just find one that does not have any serious issues in its past.
and her car is very smooth and more quiet than my AMG will ever be.
Her car is low miles and has ZERO squeaks or rattles. Thats why these cars cost so much. Your paying for that build quality. So shop around and find one that is in good shape and has been well maintained. Try to get a Starmarked or Extended warranty as well. Its nice to go on a drive and enjoy the car and not put up with all the squeaks and rattles like a Vette does after its got a few miles. Too much Plastic is the problem with the Vette. Not so with the Merc. Just find one that does not have any serious issues in its past.
#6
Senior Member
Thread Starter
I am heading up to the dealer tonight to test drive the SL550. The SL is a 2008 that has just under 5,000 miles on it. It is loaded with all of the extras. Asking price for the SL is 69,900 which I thought is a great price. List was over 105. I have been pricing 07's for this price range. If the test drive goes as expected I will be driving her home tonight and trading the Vette in. Steel Grey with Ash interior. Pano room and the split spoke wheels.
#7
A properly maintained SL should have almost ZERO cockpit noise.
Mine at 80 MPH is just the sound of the SuperCharger sucking air.
Compared to a Vette the SL will put you to sleep its so quiet.
Completly different build quality compared to your Chevy.
May I suggest spending the extra cash and driving an AMG before you make your choice of cars. You will find the SL55 to have all the power
you wanted from your Vette. The SuperCharger that you will enjoy
and the build quality you seem to demand.
Enjoy.
Mine at 80 MPH is just the sound of the SuperCharger sucking air.
Compared to a Vette the SL will put you to sleep its so quiet.
Completly different build quality compared to your Chevy.
May I suggest spending the extra cash and driving an AMG before you make your choice of cars. You will find the SL55 to have all the power
you wanted from your Vette. The SuperCharger that you will enjoy
and the build quality you seem to demand.
Enjoy.
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#8
#9
well the reason I ask is I've owned some convertibles, though admittedly none as high end and well-built as a mercedes SL, but I definitely noticed a severe deterioration in ride and chasis quality as the miles piled on. Not to mention leaks and rattles in the roof
#10
good luck.
#11
A properly maintained SL should have almost ZERO cockpit noise.
Mine at 80 MPH is just the sound of the SuperCharger sucking air.
Compared to a Vette the SL will put you to sleep its so quiet.
Completly different build quality compared to your Chevy.
May I suggest spending the extra cash and driving an AMG before you make your choice of cars. You will find the SL55 to have all the power
you wanted from your Vette. The SuperCharger that you will enjoy
and the build quality you seem to demand.
Enjoy.
Mine at 80 MPH is just the sound of the SuperCharger sucking air.
Compared to a Vette the SL will put you to sleep its so quiet.
Completly different build quality compared to your Chevy.
May I suggest spending the extra cash and driving an AMG before you make your choice of cars. You will find the SL55 to have all the power
you wanted from your Vette. The SuperCharger that you will enjoy
and the build quality you seem to demand.
Enjoy.
#13
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Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Southcoast England
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CL500 216
As too the remarks about rattles and trunk leaks, these were sorted a long time ago.
A bad rattle with the roof up means that 2 bolts need to be replaced, and an easy fix.
There have been 3 changes to the trunk seals.. when you buy new seals now $2k for the set plus fitting they are self adhesive. plenty of mods for fixing the early cars, and just a matter of sticking down what you have got.
Re the original post,, my early car is silent,35k now coming up. Do bare in mind that a folding top car can never be as quite as a fixed top, due to that the trunk is not sealed off, the CL is quieter, but that is double glazed
A bad rattle with the roof up means that 2 bolts need to be replaced, and an easy fix.
There have been 3 changes to the trunk seals.. when you buy new seals now $2k for the set plus fitting they are self adhesive. plenty of mods for fixing the early cars, and just a matter of sticking down what you have got.
Re the original post,, my early car is silent,35k now coming up. Do bare in mind that a folding top car can never be as quite as a fixed top, due to that the trunk is not sealed off, the CL is quieter, but that is double glazed
#14
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2005 SL500
Do you have any further information about that? My '05 SL500 rattles over bumps and potholes with the roof up (that could be any street in San Francisco) and isn't totally rattle-free on the highway.
#15
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'08 SL55
I am looking to trade in my 06 Vette convertible for a 2007 or 2008 SL550. I am tired of all the squeaks and rattles in the Vette and looking to upgrade. I test drove a 07 SL55 last weekend that only had 6000 miles and the roof had some slight creak noises when I test drove it. Not sure if the stiffer suspension in the 55 makes it worse or there was just a problem with that car. I love the convertible but want a quite ride. I found a 08 550 that I am going to look at and test drive this week and it has 6500 miles on it. Just curious for you guys that have 15,000 plus miles on your cars on how quite they still are.
#18
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