SL/R231: 2013 vs 2015 SL63
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2015 SL63 AMG
2013 vs 2015 SL63
I am looking at a 2013 SL63 AMG and a 2015 SL63 AMG. The 2013 has all the bells and whistles but it doesn't have P30. Obviously the 2015 has the HP and torque. My question is will I be missing a ton of power in the 2013 without P30 vs the 2015? Obviously I want all the power possible, but is the '13 without P30 missing that much different than the 2015?
Joined: Nov 2016
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From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
I assume the 2015 has the P30 package. What's the HP difference? 27 hp? 5%? How are you going to be driving the car?
If the 2013 is well-equipped but has 27 hp less, has the same (approximately) maintenance history, is in equal shape and condition, and the same mileage, get the 2013. The big thing is to look for comfort and safety items. How much faster is the P30 package?
If the 2013 is well-equipped but has 27 hp less, has the same (approximately) maintenance history, is in equal shape and condition, and the same mileage, get the 2013. The big thing is to look for comfort and safety items. How much faster is the P30 package?
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Joined: May 2009
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From: Ferndown, Dorset, UK
SL63 PP (231), KIA EV6 GTlineS
I wouldn't worry about the power difference, you're unlikely to ever notice it in normal driving.
If you really must have more power then this engine can be remapped to 650hp easily and safely.
The biggest benefit of the P30 is that it includes a limited slip diff so you can get the power down
If the spec and condition of the 2015 is to your liking, then that is the one I would go for.
You could also get an LSD (Wavetrac?) fitted to the '13 car but I guess that would be expensive.
If you really must have more power then this engine can be remapped to 650hp easily and safely.
The biggest benefit of the P30 is that it includes a limited slip diff so you can get the power down
If the spec and condition of the 2015 is to your liking, then that is the one I would go for.
You could also get an LSD (Wavetrac?) fitted to the '13 car but I guess that would be expensive.
Joined: Nov 2016
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From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Do you have all the maintenance records? Did you get a Vehicle Service Contract (extended warranty)? (check with @Highline-Autos.com ) These cars are great, and I believe 2015 is a good year, but the car is approaching 10 years old. Seemingly minor stuff can be very expensive to repair or replace.
Some services require action based on both mileage AND time, and some on just time. In addition to frequent oil changes (~5000 mile intervals), the transmission needs to be serviced every 77,500 miles or 5 years; brake fluid changed every 2 years; fuel filter changed every 124,000 miles or 10 years; etc. I have attached the Maintenance Booklet. Because of the low mileage, some services may not have been done yet, such as the transmission fluid and filter change which has a one-time change at 31,000 miles or 3 years. Really hoping that anyone who purchased such a nice car would have had it properly maintained.
Some services require action based on both mileage AND time, and some on just time. In addition to frequent oil changes (~5000 mile intervals), the transmission needs to be serviced every 77,500 miles or 5 years; brake fluid changed every 2 years; fuel filter changed every 124,000 miles or 10 years; etc. I have attached the Maintenance Booklet. Because of the low mileage, some services may not have been done yet, such as the transmission fluid and filter change which has a one-time change at 31,000 miles or 3 years. Really hoping that anyone who purchased such a nice car would have had it properly maintained.
Last edited by JettaRed; Oct 27, 2024 at 07:59 AM.
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2015 SL63 AMG
Thanks JettaRed. I did purchase a 3yr/36,000 bumper to bumper from the dealer. Appreciate you sending over the maintenance brief. That’s exactly what I was trying to find online. A lot of PM has been done on this vehicle over the years, but I’m doing to have my local MB dealer or Indy ensure all items are current.
Joined: Nov 2016
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From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
The extended warranty is a good idea. I had a hydraulic line that operated the trunk spring a leak and the total bill was about $1000 to fix. I paid the $100 copay. Then I had the passenger seat stop working. There is a plastic piece under the seat that holds the seat motor in place that broke. That was a $4000 fix. I paid $100.
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Thread Starter
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2015 SL63 AMG
The extended warranty is a good idea. I had a hydraulic line that operated the trunk spring a leak and the total bill was about $1000 to fix. I paid the $100 copay. Then I had the passenger seat stop working. There is a plastic piece under the seat that holds the seat motor in place that broke. That was a $4000 fix. I paid $100.
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Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
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From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
That seems to be a good price for the warranty. Be sure to read the whole thing carefully and make note of any exclusions. I believe in most states there are laws that require a cancellation clause that allows you to get most, if not all of your money back, minus any payouts. So, if you find something you don't like, be sure to ask for clarification in writing. Look especially close at any clauses that exclude a convertible top. While most convertible tops are fabric, you want to make sure the top on your SL is not excluded.
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Joined: Nov 2023
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From: Virginia Beach
R231 SL 63
There is a strong difference between a P30 car and one of equipped. Do not let the HP fool you - it’s the torque and torque is what makes it fun!
There is a half-second difference on 0-60 times on a 2013-2014 cars when comparing the option (3.5 with the P30, 4.0 without). A half second difference is one you can definitely feel.
There is a half-second difference on 0-60 times on a 2013-2014 cars when comparing the option (3.5 with the P30, 4.0 without). A half second difference is one you can definitely feel.
