wizee

Earlier this year, I traded my AMG GT S and CL63 for a new Porsche, and now I miss having a grand tourer. Don’t want to spend too much money, and was considering the R230 SL as a happy medium between the two. I don’t like the styling of the 2009+ models with the L-shaped headlights and hood bulges. I also expect a 2003-2006 SL500 would feel too slow given what I’m coming from.

Thus, my options are:

1. 2003-2006 SL55 AMG
2. 2007-2008 SL550
3. 2007-2008 SL55 AMG

I’ve read that the 2007+ models have an improved ABC suspension, faster operating convertible top, and somewhat improved reliability compared to the earlier ones. I also like the front bumper styling of the 2007-2008 models better than 2003-2006 models. Having owned what I’ve owned, ABC suspension and typical maintenance expenses for such cars don’t scare me, and I’m aware of M273 idler sprocket issues on early MY2007 engines.

Of the options I listed above, the 2007-2008 SL55 is probably the best, but they’re rather rare and at the high end of my budget. The 2007-2008 SL550 sounds interesting, with its lighter weight, better weight distribution, and seven speed transmission instead of five speed. From what I’ve read, the 2007-2008 SL550 is still a fairly quick car by modern standards, though of course nothing like my twin turbo CL63 was. I don’t really need huge power, and the Porsche is my main fast car now, but I enjoy having some healthy highway merging and passing power in a cruiser.

What are your impressions of the SL550 vs SL55? Does the SL550 feel much slower than the SL55? How does the 7-speed transmission compare to the 5-speed, in terms of smoothness, responsiveness, and shift speed? Does the steering and chassis feel substantially different on the SL55 compared to the SL550?

Also, what would you pay (indicate USD or CAD) for a clean, well sorted example of each? Assume 100k km (~60k miles) on each.

MikeJ65

Just my personal opinion, but I don't think that weight, reliability, a couple seconds faster roof, or the transmission are much of a factor between these choices. Price wise, you are looking in the $20k range for the '07-'08 550, $30k for the SL55 in the same year range, and around $22k for the earlier SL55. Obviously, there is a pretty broad range in price for any of them, but these are pretty good starting points. Given what you have described that you want, I think the early SL55 makes the most sense, it is in the 500hp range and nearing the bottom of its depreciation curve.

HLG600

ABC 2 over ABC 1 is a huge factor. It's not just the reliability, but the improved accessibility of lines.

The 722.9 is smoother than its predecessor, the 722.6, but I wouldn't call the latter a rough transmission by any gauge. Some people are even getting creative with software tunes to improve it.

Of your list, I'd personally pay the premium for a 07-08 SL55. There have been a few immaculate ones on BaT in recent months.

wizee

Thanks, the 07-08 SL55 is what I really want, though with the improved power of the SL550 compared to SL500, more transmission gears, lower price, and greater availability, I’ve also been considering them. We’re coming to winter, so I may as well wait a while, save some more money, and be patient in my search.

I have the 722.6 5-speed in my W140, and it’s really smooth though a bit slow to downshift when flooring it. Is the 7-speed in the SL550 any quicker shifting than the 5-speed in the SL55?

Also, does the steering in the SL55 feel substantially different from the SL550? I know in the C216 CL class, my CL63 had great steering weight and road feedback, whereas a CL550 I tried had rather loose soft steering without much feedback, much like my W140.

MBCO

Wizee, About 3 years ago, I was in your boat, wanting a roadster convertible for summertime fun. I do not have a Porsche, but wanted speed and handling with comfort. The R230 checks all the boxes. I test drove SL500, SL550, SL55, SL600 models, about 20 in all. For the limited amount of time (6 months per year) available to use the car, I eliminated the SL55 and SL600 due to higher parts costs, complexity and higher insurance costs. The 2007 SL550 is "fast enough for me", and it has upgraded ABC, and 7 speed transmission giving better fuel economy.. Plenty of power, acceleration, cornering, and appearance qualities for my reasonable budget. The good thing for you is there are plenty of cars out there (at least in U.S.). Good luck with the search.

wizee

Yeah, I’m increasingly leaning towards the SL550. Decided to broaden my search to 2007-2012 SL550, since while I like rounder pre-facelift exterior styling better, the post-facelift steering wheel ans infotainment are better. Just need to try some out.

My new Porsche 718 Spyder (that replaced the AMG GT S and CL63) is awesome, though I miss having something with cushy but supportive seats, low road noise, and pillarless coupe-like styling, while still being more sporty and fun to drive than my two old S classes.

MikeJ65

If you are interested, there is a 2007 SL55 for sale not too far from me. It is higher mileage than you are looking for, but looks very clean and appears to be priced fairly (98k miles, $18k). It is pearl white with tan interior, parktronic, pano roof, keyless go, multicontour seats, new tires.

Mike

MBCO

Wizee, I'm with you on the favorable styling of pre-facelift R230s (2009 was face lift model in U.S.) Too me the 2009+ front end styling resembled Asian cars and SUVs, not Benz. Just a personal taste. Yes, COMMAND upgrades are nice, but for the limited 2-3k miles a year I drive the SL, it wasn't worth it for me.

FxFormat

The interior of the facelifted SLs are very nice, the neck air scarf is a game changer, the car rides completely smoother and the COMMAND unit is better. I used to prefer the bubble headlights too in my old 2005 SL, but after getting a facelifted one with the right mods, it looks a lot more modern now.