SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: F430 May Cause Divorce From Sl65
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From: UK
SL55 AMG
I'm surprised the fit of the leather along the top of the passenger door and around the driver's seat controls isn't better - I don't think this is unique to Ron's car, I've seen the same in pictures of other F430's...
Out Of Control!!
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Originally Posted by blueSL
I'm surprised the fit of the leather along the top of the passenger door and around the driver's seat controls isn't better - I don't think this is unique to Ron's car, I've seen the same in pictures of other F430's...
You're right though, it seems as if they didn't mean to fit it precisely for the F430.
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From: Orlando, FL
g
And that is not the way its suppose to look from what I have noticed on other 430s with the same option. Its suppose to be a perfectly pulled tight. You might want to see if your dealer will do anything about it.
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From: UK
SL55 AMG
Evo Magazine August has a 3 way comparative between the F430, the Porsche Carrera GT and the Zonda F and there's a similar stretching of the leather on the seat. Looks like the frame on the seat adjustment switch is pulling the leather too tight. The F430 comes "last" in this review, but so it should as it costs much less than half the other two. Still a hugely desirable car in my book.
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From: So Cal
'04 E500
wow..
You've got great taste in cars. You musta been on the list for the F430, cause they're quite a long waiting list (so i've heard). Those seats in the 430 looks so comfy. 
Originally Posted by RonG
On Saturday morning I took delivery of a new F430 (no need to ask the color). I haven't wanted to extract myself from the car for a nanosecond. If the Daytona seats had a porta-potty feature I'd consider living in this damn machine. What a trip. It's unreal!!
The SL65 is a very fast car, no doubt about it, but the F430 is it's equal. The sound is magical. You just want to keep downshifting so you can wind it up to 8500 rpm again and again. It's vault-like solid. The seats are more comfortable than the Merc's and more adjustable. The detailing of the interior and the quality of the leather is superb. Yes- it is more roomy inside and unbelievably...just as comfortable when driving on the freeway. The steering is perfect and balanced. You feel in total control and confident. It grips and never gets edgy when you pour it on around a curve. It just overshadows the SL65 in every way. I never thought I'd be saying but......
Bottom line....I have a Designo Graphite loaded SL65 which had an original MSRP that was north of $200K on the block. A deal of a lifetime if you want a 65. Private message me for details if you are serious and capable.
The SL65 is a very fast car, no doubt about it, but the F430 is it's equal. The sound is magical. You just want to keep downshifting so you can wind it up to 8500 rpm again and again. It's vault-like solid. The seats are more comfortable than the Merc's and more adjustable. The detailing of the interior and the quality of the leather is superb. Yes- it is more roomy inside and unbelievably...just as comfortable when driving on the freeway. The steering is perfect and balanced. You feel in total control and confident. It grips and never gets edgy when you pour it on around a curve. It just overshadows the SL65 in every way. I never thought I'd be saying but......
Bottom line....I have a Designo Graphite loaded SL65 which had an original MSRP that was north of $200K on the block. A deal of a lifetime if you want a 65. Private message me for details if you are serious and capable.
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Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Perth,Australia
Wow good work Ron, thanks for sharing those great photos.
The quality of the materials in the car is superb, although the leather on the door is a bit stretched, but in the pic of the rear vent where you can see behind the seats and the b billar, the leather has been very well put together there and looks great. I hear the exhaust is quite loud on these cars, but would you want it any other way, im sure it sounds fantastic. Just curious, is it possible to stick your arm through one of the front bumper vents through to the side exiting vent on the bumper? It appears like there would be huge tunnel between the two, however I would have thought much of the air would need to be directed to the radiators
The quality of the materials in the car is superb, although the leather on the door is a bit stretched, but in the pic of the rear vent where you can see behind the seats and the b billar, the leather has been very well put together there and looks great. I hear the exhaust is quite loud on these cars, but would you want it any other way, im sure it sounds fantastic. Just curious, is it possible to stick your arm through one of the front bumper vents through to the side exiting vent on the bumper? It appears like there would be huge tunnel between the two, however I would have thought much of the air would need to be directed to the radiators
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 24
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From: Gladwyne, PA
04 575, 04 Cayenne Turbo, just bught SL55
Very nice. I had both a 360 coupe and spider before I decided to get a 575. I had both the F1 and a gear shift in the 360, never liked the way the F1 worked in the 360, but I'm sure the added power of the 430 will make it perfect. I would a gree that they are very different cars, but if you have to choose, I'd pick the 430. Lots of luck.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 67
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From: San Diego
SL65, 05' & Ford GT, 06'
Well here is the update on the F430:
I know it is difficult to believe that a Ferrari could be more comfortable than a Merc but I kid you not, it is. The ride quality is superb. The seats are a phenominal fit for me (5'9" and 165 lbs.) and the driving position is ideal. Not one rattle yet. No body flex either.
I read the Car and Driver report about the Merc being faster but the their comment about the Ferrari "feeling like a perfecly fitted glove" and "it goes where you want it to go" sums it up perfectly. I don't know how it could get any better than this.
I am still driving the SL65 daily and probably will for a long time, based on what they appear to be selling for. Too bad about the resale on Mercedes. Sure glad it's such a sweet car though, I mean if you have to be "buried" in a car, it isn't a bad one to be in, especially in San Diego these past few days...what a hot spell!
With regards to the Ferrari leather, I guess it just smells so damn good that I am ethered out and don't notice the small flaws. Mrs. Montezemolo must have had a bad sewing machine day.
Mrs. Schrempp had an equally bad day when she fitted and sound checked the folding top on my 65
Later boys and girls........
I know it is difficult to believe that a Ferrari could be more comfortable than a Merc but I kid you not, it is. The ride quality is superb. The seats are a phenominal fit for me (5'9" and 165 lbs.) and the driving position is ideal. Not one rattle yet. No body flex either.
I read the Car and Driver report about the Merc being faster but the their comment about the Ferrari "feeling like a perfecly fitted glove" and "it goes where you want it to go" sums it up perfectly. I don't know how it could get any better than this.
I am still driving the SL65 daily and probably will for a long time, based on what they appear to be selling for. Too bad about the resale on Mercedes. Sure glad it's such a sweet car though, I mean if you have to be "buried" in a car, it isn't a bad one to be in, especially in San Diego these past few days...what a hot spell!
With regards to the Ferrari leather, I guess it just smells so damn good that I am ethered out and don't notice the small flaws. Mrs. Montezemolo must have had a bad sewing machine day.
Mrs. Schrempp had an equally bad day when she fitted and sound checked the folding top on my 65
Later boys and girls........
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From: NYC
CL500
Originally Posted by blueSL
Evo Magazine August has a 3 way comparative between the F430, the Porsche Carrera GT and the Zonda F and there's a similar stretching of the leather on the seat. Looks like the frame on the seat adjustment switch is pulling the leather too tight. The F430 comes "last" in this review, but so it should as it costs much less than half the other two. Still a hugely desirable car in my book.
http://supercarfreak.net/gallery/album1385
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Joined: May 2004
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From: Pasadena/Moorpark
2008 CL63 AMG
Originally Posted by RonG
I paid MSRP. Never pay more... but get to know people in high places.
Every dealer that has one I've seen wants at least 50k over!
I just want one at sticker!!
