LynnBilodeau

I know this has been hashed over in the past. Seems like the last debate was a couple years ago.

I lived with a CL600 for a couple years. Loved the car, but it was my wife's and she wanted something smaller, so got her an MRoadster.

Aside from the maintanence expense (wasn't really that bad, as I did all the work myself, and never had to pay anyone else to work on it) my only real complaint was the softness of the ride.

Don't get me wrong, it was nice commuting (about 22 miles each way... mostly interstate). Just missed driving my more sporty vintage turbo BMW.

Considering an SL65, 2005 or 2006. Really having a hard time justifying the price differences between the SL65 and SL600. Very similar to the CL debate. Just about double the price on the SL. Almost triple on the CL, which would be even harder to justify. When I find a car I REALLY like, I tend to keep it forever. I have had my e23 tubocharged Bimmer more than two decades. I stil have my 69 Z/28 from 1975. I can see keeping an SL (either the 65 or the 600) til I die. Realistically, I don't know that the ABC will stay on one of my cars forever, assuming VVK finally perfects the front sway bar for the V12. I have no desire to change it right away, and will service the parts the same as I did on the CL for the next few years. I have read that the 65 rides a bit stiffer and handles slightly better. Once the coil overs go on, they would be the same for either model though. A good tune would bring the 600 very close to 65 levels of HP and torque.

So, any of you ever lived with BOTH of these models for an extended period of time? Thoughts? I realize the differences on paper. I live in OK, and will have to travel a long way just to test drive an SL65. SL600's pop up in Dallas from time to time.

Any input is appreciated.

FxFormat

I too was in the same boat as you, could not decide between the SL65 or SL600, in the end, I went with the 600 because tuning potential is right there, with a few mods, it'll run with a 65 all day long. You are absolutely correct, comparable 65 with same year and mileage will cost twice that of the 600. I do not regret my decision one bit, i've been lurking around this forum for half a year stalking and researching. I have big plans for the car, including wrapping it in satin white pearl to match the Land Cruiser i have.

My former car was a 1000hp Supra so will see how far i want to take the 600. First thing i need to address is a leaky high pressure ABC line coming out of the pump. Replacing that whole hose looks like an absolute nightmare, i don't see a way to get it out without dropping the whole subframe and all suspension components. When you shop for one, check the ABC for leaks, i bought mine with a leak and lowballed the hell out of the guy.

LynnBilodeau

Really hard to justify the cost diff. Roughly speaking (as there are extreme examples both high and low) but looks like the minimum for a good 05 06 SL65 is around 28k. Same years of SL600 can be had for under 20k.

FxFormat

Yup, so i just picked up a 600, i plan on modding it pretty heavily so when i'm done it'll hang with a 65. I do wish i had found one with the sport package though, the non-sport 600 front and rear bumper looks too weak. I'm trying to source some used ones online and it's ridiculously priced, a broken bumper is asking $700 lol. Come on.

tandan

Wow! That was quick. I had a '05 600 for 10 years, and I have owned my 65 for about 21/2 years. I prefer the 65. That being said, I loved the 600 and thought I would keep it forever. It is a great car and I think you will be very happy with it.

FxFormat

How did it treat you? How many miles did you have on it before you sold it? I'm trying to see how long these engines will last, though i've seen S600 with 165K on it for sale before so it gives me hope. I have 77K right now.

tandan

My SL600 had 86,000 miles when I traded it for the 65 with 34,000 miles. The 600 was amazingly reliable considering my ex was the main driver. Her idea of care was "when something breaks or the car stops running, then you fix it." She drove it like it was a 20 year old Camry. We were separated, and she would take the car in for scheduled maintenance. With that in mind, in 10 years, I replaced two coils. All other repairs were expected with mileage (brakes, tires etc.) I thought it was a great car and I was going to keep it and maybe have it modified to add horsepower. I know there are a lot of complaints and horror stories about the 12 cylinders, but that was not my experience. Enjoy your new car.

FxFormat

Very nice, that's good to hear. You guys never had ABC problems? I think i have a slow leak, i can see fluid drip down when i park it after a couple of days, today i filled up the res and noticed it was low. Got some Pentosin 11S hydraulic fluid, they were $11 a Liter after i stacked some coupons, MB wanted $50 for a can. Now i gotta ask, when you moved up to the 65, was it a drastic change in performance?

LynnBilodeau

Appreciate you weighing in tandan. I especially wanted to hear from folks who have lived with both the 600 and the 65. Do you notice the 65 suspension being a bit more on the sport side?

tandan

To be honest, which I always am, I was surprised by how different the cars were. I knew the car was heavier, but was surprised at how different the cars felt to drive. It actually felt more solid. This is hard to quantify because there is nothing flimsy about the 600. It just feels different and I needed to adjust. The 600 has a smooth and fast acceleration while the 65 is more of a hot rod with the same luxury feel.Of course the difference in the "feel" of the car is the suspension. I always drive it in the "SPORT" mode.

LynnBilodeau

Heaven help me. I think I am about to pull the trigger on an SL65. Will see how the inspection goes.

DoctorStrange

Absolutely love my SL65 ... was even able to get an extended warranty .... an amazing car!