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The irony of posting that video is that Alex is a fan of the M156 and goes into detail why. Let's not allow an obvious click-bait title to distract from that.
Originally Posted by BlownV8
Now, take the M156, update all the weaknesses, add twin snails or Weistec blower, and you will have a beast. As for the failure rate of the M156, I'm hearing more and more of the bolt failures across the classes as mileage and time increase. Not sure I would say single digits since it seems to be coming more prevalent and from decades of MB ownership I've realized that MB is extremely consistent. When one breaks, they usually all suffer from the same issues. MB was sued early on due to the M156 engine issues so it's not like they were not aware and had already started the process to phase it out and quickly. There is no way that I would own an M156 without updating all the weaknesses and if you are not a DIY'r it will be very expensive.
The failure rates, relative to how many are in the impacted range, are low. Researched this extensively before taking my perfectly healthy engine by any metric and addressing anything that could fail soup to nuts as a preventive measure.
Dealers were scratching their heads when asked about it. Many MB-specialist independents advise to act only if there is an issue. They just don't see these failures frequently in their day-to-day work.
But let's be clear on two things:
1. MB-AMG screwed up here. They should have been held accountable and that lawsuit getting tossed was BS.
2. This should be addressed as PM, which is something most agree with.
Our saving grace is that we can head off these failures before they occur at a reasonable cost and effort. If anyone doesn't comprehend this or is squeamish about the issue despite all the info out there, then by all means choose something else.
The video is a good one. There were pros and cons. It's good to be transparent when answering someones questions about the M156. The failure rates are increasing as the engines age. What may have been a rare occurrence is becoming much more prevalent. As stated before, MB and their suppliers are very consistent. That's what is great about the vehicles and these forums. When one breaks, they typically all break in the same way. I've seen it as a 25+ year MB owner across multiple chassis and for close to 17 years on this forum. If there are issues, most of them can be DIY'd from forums like these. Now, with that said, some MB engines can't be helped and should be avoided. The M156 can be repaired but, as seen from the OP, it is very expensive to pay someone to do the repairs and potential owners should know.
I feel the same about the ABC suspension as I've had ABC issues across a couple of platforms over the last 10+ years. Given my experiences, going forward I only own ABC equipped vehicles when under a warranty that specifically covers the suspension.
Thank you all for the help. I looked into the SL55 with the P30 & I believe the P1 option. Looks like with a 70-72 MM pulley, larger cooler and air intake modifications it is a strong runner..
If I chose a M156 it will have to have had all the updates done
Well, I am thinking the sl65. I found a 09 sl65 but it has a deal pending. I think I prefer to stay with 07-11 no matter which I purchase. It seems 07 up have some better updates (better quality) as far as the ABC. I really like the 09 facia change and that is what tilts me towards the SL63. Seems like the 09 SL65 is a little thin on inventory and are still fairly costly. Now if I run across a highly modified 05-06 it might be hard to turn down
So to really answer your question it all depends on how I relate to the car, deal, looks, updates, modifications and color.
Thanks again . .
I'll post based on my personal experience only. I have driven a 2003 SL55, 2005 SL65, and 2009 SL63, which I bought. My primary background is Porsche, I was looking for something that could be a GT daily driver but still scratch my sports car itch.
My least favorite was the SL55, it's a great car but definitely felt like a German muscle car. Lots of torque down low but not very rev-happy, somewhat slow automatic gearbox, relatively sluggish turn-in, though it cornered well once it took a set. Great car but not for me.
The SL65, despite this particular car being pretty rough, blew me away. Torque everywhere, effortlessly and overwhelmingly fast, incredibly smooth, and the V12 sounds amazing (but too quiet). Incredible torque down low but liked to rev unlike the SL55. Turn in again isn't super sharp but the LSD and overwhelming power help it rotate, and the torque of the V12 helps mask the shortcomings of the 5-speed. Also hard to describe, but there's something about a V12 that just feels special.
Obviously I liked the SL63 since I bought it, of the three I'd say this is the closest to being a sports car rather than a GT. Despite being a little clunky from a stop the MCT Speedshift transmission is very very good, you get torque converter automatic comfort with the ability to bang out shifts like an F1 gearbox. I am a huge M156 fan, it has great torque down low but still rips to redline like few V8s that I've experienced. Overall responsiveness is better than the other two cars due to it being naturally aspirated. The updates made to the facelift cars were much about improving their cornering performance and it definitely makes a difference, the suspension turns in better, takes a set quicker, and has better steering feel than the other two cars. You also get the reliability advantage of improvements made to the SBC and ABC systems, which I believe were implemented in 2008. Downside is this car really needs an LSD, it turns in well but doesn't corner well under power, adding a Wavetrack or similar is on my short to-do list. If your budget permits, try to find a P030 Performance Package SL63 to get the factory LSD and sport suspension.
I didn't really touch on styling because that's totally subjective, I find the early R230 to be a prettier car but the later models to look more modern and aggressive. All of them have their own unique maintenance nuances, so do your homework in that department, to me as DIY mechanic I found that to be a wash. For me it mostly came down to budget and availability, I managed to find an excellent condition SL63 for a reasonable price that was within 4 hours of my house, getting a similar condition and mileage SL65 would have likely been another $8-$10k and required a more extensive search. Throw out that practical consideration and my favorite was the SL65. Most importantly try to drive them all, then buy what you love.
Good post, agree with you, i have what you miss, 2009 Sl63 AMG IWC Special edition with the p30 package, an can say you very right on that issue, diffbrake, huge 390 mm brakes that has shocking stopping ability, and the Nurburgring program for the ABC system ,is amazing , was supriced myself how handling was in heavy turns on way up montains, And the gearbox ,just amazing lightning changes in sport plus,and manual .
setting . i also have widebody Sl55 that also handle very well
I believe in 2007 they started changing the ABC line to be much easier to replace than the previous ones. I think i read that, but for sure my 2009, they moved that awful main line that goes from the pump to the valve block. My 2005, that line snakes under the trans tunnel, is impossible to do without removing a ton of stuff and it's over 10 hour job. That one likes to burst as it's subjected to a lot of heat, in the updated model, that line is 1/3 the length and is a straight shot from the pump without snaking around. Replacing that would be a hell of a lot easier. That would help out a great deal when it comes time to service the ABC system.
ABC system was in production upgrade from March 2006 on SL55 and is big changes , on the 65 i am not shure if was before.
Good post, agree with you, i have what you miss, 2009 Sl63 AMG IWC Special edition with the p30 package, an can say you very right on that issue, diffbrake, huge 390 mm brakes that has shocking stopping ability, and the Nurburgring program for the ABC system ,is amazing , was supriced myself how handling was in heavy turns on way up montains, And the gearbox ,just amazing lightning changes in sport plus,and manual .
setting . i also have widebody Sl55 that also handle very well
I'm jealous! It's easy enough for me to install an LSD in my SL63, but going to the ABC sport suspension is a much bigger task. I'm really impressed by the SL63 ABC system but would be happy if it were a little stiffer.
I'm jealous! It's easy enough for me to install an LSD in my SL63, but going to the ABC sport suspension is a much bigger task. I'm really impressed by the SL63 ABC system but would be happy if it were a little stiffer.
to be honest, i dont know if is any extras in this program, or if it can be programmed in aftermarked, maybe it can. But P30 is gold for real AMG people.
It's easy enough for me to install an LSD in my SL63, but going to the ABC sport suspension is a much bigger task. I'm really impressed by the SL63 ABC system but would be happy if it were a little stiffer.
From what I gathered, it's different struts/shocks for the 030. Curious about the software aspect though...I'll poke around Xentry when I service the ABC system in the coming weeks to see if there is any indication of a variance.
Other than that, in terms of hardware:
Front Rotors: Direct Upgrade | Easily Available Wheels: Direct Upgrade | Easily Available (Just $$$) Steering Wheel: Direct Upgrade | PITA To Locate
There are also better LSDs out there than what comes in the 030 spec.
The face lift R230 is the best looking SL ever, mine gets thumbs up everywhere i go, at gas stations people would always compliment how clean and beautiful it looks. Do it bro, you only live once.
From what I gathered, it's different struts/shocks for the 030. Curious about the software aspect though...I'll poke around Xentry when I service the ABC system in the coming weeks to see if there is any indication of a variance.
Other than that, in terms of hardware:
Front Rotors: Direct Upgrade | Easily Available Wheels: Direct Upgrade | Easily Available (Just $$$) Steering Wheel: Direct Upgrade | PITA To Locate
There are also better LSDs out there than what comes in the 030 spec.
From my pre-purchase research when I was also considering a P030 SL55, there are both different struts and software for the ABC on P030 cars.
The face lift R230 is the best looking SL ever, mine gets thumbs up everywhere i go, at gas stations people would always compliment how clean and beautiful it looks. Do it bro, you only live once.
Agreed, the only one that looks better is the SL65 Black.
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