Hello all, I currently own a 17 Camaro SS and am looking at trading it in for an SL. I've found a few 2016 sl550s that are around my price range. However, today I found a 13 sl63 for around the same price and mileage.

I'm just wanting to know if there were many changes between the 2 besides the engine. I'm also wondering about the reliability of both the SLs as they are gonna be my new daily. Any thoughts would be great, thanks.

 

Mileage of both cars?

If both cars are similar mileage and same $$$$, then the SL63 is a no brainer from resale value alone. Depending on where you live, using the SL63 to it’s full potential may be a rare occurrence. The SL550 will be a softer ride and more behaved in bumper to bumper traffic. But if you’re driving an SS you’ll probably want the AMG version of the R231

Different suspension / tune, different transmission and limited slip differential (P30 option in ‘13). Also brakes are larger to handle the extra power.
Arguably, it’s almost a different car…

Good Luck

 

Good to know, the 15 sl550 has abc, which I know comes standard on the 13 sl63, but I didn't know there were that many differences. Thanks

 

The AMG is always the better car.

 

No doubt about that, was more interested in the reliability of a 13 amg vs 15 550

 

No difference in reliability but any service/repair will be pricier with the AMG. The AMG is the better looking car to be sure (more balanced front end) and had more interesting options. Likely will have forged wheels vs cast, larger multi-piece rotors with 6 piston calipers (front) and if the calipers are gold, the car would feature Carbon Ceramic brakes. That alone would be the deciding factor. The ABC suspension is firmer vs the SL550 (which also has it in your example - a rare option), better exhaust. I also like the center console shifter better.
The biggest complaint for some would be the transmission (multi clutch vs slushbox). Some harshness, laggy paddle shifts. Nothing major. Just don't use the paddles and go Sport+ and you are good The AMG would be the better deal but it's worth driving both. Post pics/specs for more details

 

To the OP: Unless you are a torque junky, do yourself a favor and test drive an SL400 or 450. I’ve had 8 SL’s and never, ever thought I’d favor the V6 over the V8, until I drove the SL450. With 369hp, it’s got way more “oomph” than I’ll ever want or need. That said, going for a car with ABC is a grand slam home run and I highly recommend it.

 

Having owned both an R231 SL400 and SL63, I can say the AMG is definitely a different experience. I loved my SL400. As mentioned, it has plenty of power. The way my SL63 transmission and suspension feel, though, put it on a different level. It feels like a track weapon or a cruiser, depending on which mode the car is in. But even in its softer form, you can feel it has some serious power under the hood.

 

So @HMounce99 , have you made a decision yet?
I was like you when I first started looking, and decided to go with a '17 SL450 due to reading that certain things were improved starting in '17
I was really worried about the top hydraulics, as they are expensive to repair when they stop working correctly and the '17's were supposedly improved over previous years.
And I am not sorry that I coughed up the extra money and went with a 17 over a 13.
And the Bi-Turbo V6 and 9 speed trans is AMAZING!!!!!
I love it!!

 

Difficult to imagine that anyone looking for a SL550 or SL63 would consider a SL450, just from a power expectation.

For reference, we owned 3 SL550's and drove SL400/450 pre/post facelift models for about 4000 miles+ throughout Europe, so apart from my personal preference at least I feel to be able to speak from experience of how these cars perform in most common situations. To be sure, all SL's are great cars and there is no loser or winner, just better fits for personal preferences.

I recently have been thinking about the 400/450 vs 550 discussions we have had in the past on this forum.
The SL450 is a wonderful car whose most significant benefit was based on a much higher price/value proposition when purchased as new. Even better when leased due to MF subsidies. Now that these cars are no longer the current model, the significant price differential of $20k+ when similarly equipped have now shrunk to much smaller amounts in the used car market. Thus one of the main benefits is not as relevant anymore...

Perhaps it's a question of how the car drives. It's often cited that the SL400/450 feels less front heavy, lighter on its feet and more agile. This is true to some extend as this is a front engine car but less significant than quoted. The weight difference is only around130 lbs. and more recognizable when the 550 is equipped with springs.
With ABC that feeling disappears to a large extend; in fact after driving both cars for extended periods I couldn't tell.

The other 2 differences are the performance (0-60 mph and 60-130 mph) and while the V6 is a great engine, (to me) it lacks the torque and more importantly the ease in which the car passes at speed. There is no benefit I could see selecting a v6 over a V8. The second difference is sound and this goes more for the facelift models as both variants were designed with a louder exhaust (including speaker induced startup sound). Here the 450 definitely sounds louder and sportier. I found that to be a bit of a nuisance and clearly prefer the quieter V8. It also backs up the noise with performance.

Everyone has different expectations and for most the 450 is definitely quick enough but now that all cars are used cars I find that the SL550's may be the better deals. Many are well equipped and previously pricey options are now just pennies on the Dollar.

 

Cue Streamliner....


(Just kidding Stream, I love your passion for Mighty Mouse!

 

I posted this to add some balance to the conversation especially for newer members thinking about getting the SL and currently looking at the available inventory. What would supersede my preference? I am a long proponent of ABC in the R231 and this option is more important than the engine choice if I were to search for one. . It's that good.

Streamliners SL is definitely a unicorn. No car like his anywhere in the US and beyond, but he also did what (nearly) nobody would do. Get a new car configured to his liking, then spend another 20-25% of the new car value to add new brakes and wheels. The result? A perfect fit for him and worth every penny. Happy he decided to keep the car!

 

You rang?

When I was a young man, of course I lusted after powerful sports cars, as the alternative was reasonably under powered cars. However, these days, most every pedestrian econocar has plenty of get-up-and-go to spare. So, the manufacturers have taken the “way too much power is not enough” approach and are building obscenely powerful vehicles for street use. Unfortunately, the vast majority of these monster vehicles end up in the hands of those who have no idea how to drive that much horsepower and think it is best used to show off, disturb the peace and to rev up their macho image. In far too many instances, these crazies end up wrapping themselves & innocent bystanders around telephone poles.

My SL450 has 369hp. It is very quick & way faster than I will ever want or need to drive. The ONLY legitimate reason to have such a car with more power, is if the car will be tracked. All other uses, on public roads & highways in the USA are illegal.

In addition to being powerful enough & extremely smooth, the lighter weight V6 model—especially when mated with ABC & reasonably sized wheels—offers ride comfort & handling that I did not know the R231’s were capable of, until I drove one. In my opinion, the SL450 should have been the ONLY R231 variant, at least in the USA.

Of course, this is all my opinion and I know many of you will disagree. That’s what makes the world go round!

 

Aw, you’ve got me blushing!

 

Just Curious @Wolfman , how would you describe the merits of the last R231 SL65 to us Peasants? That V12 has to smell better than Napalm on a Sunday Morning...

 

I had the chance to drive a couple of them over the years. Both were facelift models.
In terms of spec, the 65's feature the nicest specs which makes sense given its $200k+ price tag. AMG trim, yet very bling with a lot of chrome. Somehow this works through; it's the best looking of the SL's IMO. Same for the interior. The only SL with a full stitched leather headliner and the most luxurious cabin with diamond stitched nappa leather on the AMG seat trim and door panels. A lovely place to be in.
In terms on engine, the engine didn't feel much different than our older SL600TT but has been revised to be much more maintenance friendly and the old 5 speed slush box has been replaced with a 7 speed version. They are better suited for the massive torque as compared to the MCT from the 63. A much better shifting transmission. The car isn't particularly quick and slower than than the 63 but it goes about it like a locomotive. Endless torque that smoothly pushes you back in the seat at any speed. Very different than the harder kicks of the 63. This is the most smile inducing SL as the grand tourer convertible. It is such an enjoyable car to drive.
It does feel front heavy because it is, but ABC hides most of it. Definitely not a canyon carver though

The ABC AMG suspension is firmer than the 450/550 when optioned but a touch smoother than the SL63. Firm enough for Streamliner to hate it

This is a gorgeous car that could be had for cheap as a used car until MB decided to stop making it. In virtually no time, all inventory was bought up and now they are all but impossible to find and if, they are big money.

 

Yes, my dear friend Wolfman saved me from making a huge mistake! I absolutely fell in love with a 2017 SL65AMG (pictured) that was for sale, back east somewhere. I believe this was while my SL450 was still on order. I asked Wolf’s advice and he strongly recommended that I find a local one to drive. I found one in San Diego and made the trip down to drive it. In less than two blocks, I knew it wasn’t for me, as the ride was just too harsh. Unfortunately, at the time, I was not aware of the more performance oriented suspension option available on the SL65AMG and did not ask if the car I drove had that. The ride was so harsh, I’m thinking it probably did. But even if the car with the standard suspension rode somewhat better, I still know it never would have made me as happy as I am with my SL450. Thanks again Wolf!