Gmiller_09

Now I just have to figure out which one

Hi All,

I am new to the forum and have enjoyed the last couple of days searching through all the great info on this site. I have decide to replace my Audi and originally had my choices narrowed to the Audi S7, the BMW 6 series Gran Coupe or the CLS550. As for as exterior styling, I beeline the CLS is the clear winner. However I found out the only way to get a console shifter is to move up to the AMG version. I think the car looks too plain on the inside with out the column shifter. The more I look, the more I keep going back to my first love - the SL and unless someone on hear steers me away, I plan on getting an SL.

So my question is should I go for a 2011 SL550 or a 2009 SL63 AMG (both seem to be in round the same price range however a CPO 2011 will have a longer warranty and probably less miles. This car will be my daily driver and I don't really want an obnoxiously loud car but I keep reading about the engine sound on the SL63 and I'm intrigued. I guess I could also add leasing a new 2014 SL550 to the mix although I tend to like the older style a little better and have never leased before.

I appreciate any advice that you are willing to provide.

Thanks

GM

BlownV8

Get the newer one with a warranty. You will need it.

lvpete

I just traded in my 08 CLS550 for an 09 SL550. Both were CPO from MBZ and included warranty for first year and I just paid the few grand extra to get that extended which you should absolutely do!!! I learned the hard way when I was faced with $14k worth of items needing repair on my SL55 w/o a warranty so I had to dump that car obviously.

I am a big guy and I wear a suit daily to work and the SL isn't as comfortable to get in and out of or to relax in as my CLS was. I just wanted to get into a two door since I don't need the additional space. I like the SL550 but wish I would have just paid a bit more and got an 09 SL63 and the extra boost and also bragging right of having a 63 is worth it... Just my two cents. But my recommendation would be unless you get a 2012 CLS550 newer body style would be just to stay with a SL63.

In about a year or so I will likely upgrade to a 2012 CLS63 because I love the sleek line of that car and it is a 4 door monster with comfort all in one.

Tough choice so I know your struggle...

Gmiller_09

Well I did it. I entered the world of Mercedes Benz owners and purchase a CPO 2011 SL550 Diamond White with red interior. I'll post pics soon.

Sky Pilot

Congrats! I've had my '11 SL550 for 3 months. CPO car with 12K miles. It's our 3rd MB and my wife presently drives a diamond white 2012 E550 Cabriolet. The SL has warranty through 2016 so hopefully no problems. It also has a clean history. Enjoy your new ride!

lvpete

Great color choice!!! Looking forward to seeing the pictures.

Gmiller_09

Here are the first pics!

lvpete

Very sharp!

Tyztoy

Very Nice!!! Luv the color combo

la22bay

Beautiful choice drive and enjoy with care

Philip317

I wish you well GMILLER but remember that you have to be careful as you have now possibly taken on a serious liability. Just read through the various threads and watch out for the known problems and if they do get rid of the car. Remember one in every three of these cars have serious problems
VRAA , a subscriber to this web site has listed all the known problems with the actual TSBS that relate to and identify these well known problems. Just be very careful.