vkapoormd

This was also posted in the AMG section.
I am new member, and am planning to order a new SL. This will be my daily car, which i plan to lease for 4 years. While the attraction of the SL55's power is there, I am concerned about issues relating to supercharger chirps and brake noise that seems to have been a problem for some owners, and also the general reliability of such a performance car. Money of course is another concern (although I can swing it), and I wonder if i really will use all that power, driving around Los Angeles traffic. Finally , there is some talk about the 2006 models having more power (w a 4valve engine) and re-styled nose. Are those rumors fairly accurate and if so, when would one expect the 2006 SL500 to become available. As it stands, i wasn't planning to take possession of the car till July 2005, so maybe waiting a couple of extra months (assuming the 2006's become available in Sept-Oct) isn't a bad idea. Thanks.

LovinMercedes

They are talking about a new engine although I am not sure it is for 2006. Maybe someone can shed some light on that.

The new nose is just a rumor and most believe it is not coming anytime soon.

If you order your 2006 now, they will put in your order when Netstar allows and it is possible you will have your car in July. Mercedes has moved up their release dates on some models. Actual production of 2005 SL's started late May 2004. These cars hit USA soil by July 2004 and were released immediately when they hit the VPC's.

Within 2 weeks after that they had a recall on the braking system so releases were held up for about a 3-4 weeks but then started again. It was a clitch in the software in one of the computer modules in the car. It was a worldwide recall and effected over 500,000 cars worldwide over various models.

Don't worry, this doesn't happen that often.

Hope this helps.

tiggerfink

I only herd rumors in here about the new engine. Have not seen it in my Motor Trend or Car & Driver. It depends if they take out more stuff or add more stuff in the 2006.

Chris 45971

Advantages of the 55 are as follows (in my opinion):

- increase in speed and performance
- awsome exaust note
- exclusivity compared to the 500
- I really like the aluminum trim option and the quad exhaust that the 55 has

If your not taking delivery until July. I like Lovin's suggestion of waiting (or not waiting) for the 06 model. Bottom line, chances are really good that things will be improved one way or another ~ unless something similar happens like what happened with this year's command?

LovinMercedes

I agree with Chris however I would also add that the interior of the SL55 is far superior to that of the SL500. The SL55 has the Alcantara while the SL500 does not. This is a huge difference in terms of the feel of the plushnes of the interior.

WIldcat465

Get a 600. Nothing is better than the smoothness of the V12. It's a little more money, but worth every dollar; however, the 55 will hold value better, so you should have a better residual. That wasn't important to me, and 600 is even more exclusive than the loudmouth SL55.

The SL500 is a pleasant daily driver that's relatively fuel efficient, but it's not in the same category as the 55 or the 600.

VinceB

I'm facing a similar dilemma. After driving an SL 55, I was enamored by the power but, up here in the bay area, not sure how much I'd make use of it...

Regarding the new engine, I first read about it in Automobile (pics from Autobild - awfully sweet looking ) that the new CL will have a 4v ~400hp and the CL 55 will be a normally aspirated V8 pushing 500hp. Is this a cost savings or reliability issue? I plan to buy my SL and hold for 5~6 years. Hate to think of what a new blower or motor rebuild would cost?...

What I don't know is when the intro of the new CL will be? With a new S-class slated for next year will they intro the CL as an '06 or hold over till '07? 400 hp in a std SL maybe enough, if you can ever have enough HP! Plus maybe the iPod will be integrated. Unbelievable that it's available in the SLK but not the SL... another story and thread...

With the new 4v V6's coming in the next few months, maybe they will overall the V8 lineup for next year. At this point I'm thinking it's certainly worth a couple of months to see what leaks out...just my two cents.

Cheers,

Mmmm

Got an SL500, tested SL55, own an S55k driven V12 in a CL600

SL500 is quite quick 0-60mph 5.8secs 0-100mph 13.5secs , smooth engine sounds pretty good, 7spd gearbox is really smooth and responsive, very good ride. Very easy to drive can be very clumsy and get away with it even in the wet. Almost as grippy as the SL55.
Does Nuremburg ring in 8 mins 38 secs

SL55 is much quicker 0-60 4.5secs 0-100mph 9.8secs, makes a very good noise, it's ride is a bit stiffer, more stuff as standard. Even with traction control on you can get it out of shape if your clumsy particularly in the wet.
Does Nuremburg ring in 8 mins 13 secs


V12 very smooth, very quiet, even slightly more performance than V8 kompressor mid to top range but in practice uses quite a bit more fuel than the V8's.

All fantastic cars

SL500, comfy, practical day to day, best value for money.

Sporting choice is the SL55, stunning performance, most thrilling drive :v , not as comfortable ride as SL500 or SL600 (but still amazing comfort for a car with this performance).

SL600, comfy, loads of kit , thirsty, expense, very fast, not quite as sporty as SL55.

I bought the SL500, partly because wanted the extra comfort but mainly couldn’t justify the extra money for a SL55 , the resale is also better on the SL500 (in UK).

carlosfernandez

I agree with you the SL 500 is more a daily car and the sporty look is easy to fit (THE QUADRA EXHAUST AND OTHER...)

Messerchmidt

some of the 2006s are going to have the new engine, twin-cams with variable valve timming,etc. All the toys - and IT IS ABOUT TIME! I know the new v6s will have this, I am not sure about the v8s or v12s. The 2006s will also have a 7-speed automatic.

I would personally buy a 1 year old SL600/500, its under half the price of a new one. Just make sure you buy an extended warrenty. the v12 is a disaster to have repaired if something ever goes wrong. It is a lot cheaper and easier to get the 500 or 550AMG engines fixed. If it is your daily driver, after 4-5 years (or sooner) many things will begin to go wrong. Keep that in mind and put money aside to either fix it or buy another one.

I would go for the SL55 AMG personally (or well the S55 AMG - I am a sedan guy).

mand

i dont got much to say, just go for the 2006 its worth it, it starts off with 0 miles so u can keep it longer, its got all the new toys, and engine specs, its worth the wait, and just dont get an sl500, its not considered much of a sports car

jasab

Agree with you, SL500 makes more sense for me. Hard to justify the SL55 price especially on resale in the UK.
I had an 55 for a week and found it a different experience. More sporty.
The SL500 is slower but smoother.
For interest I think the SL600 requires high octane unleaded in the UK, its not available at all garages.

What is the plastic sheet for?

tiggerfink

Mercedes did change the Command, Telaid, and the fiber optic system. So any changes is possible.