Was by the local dealer this evening, and saw a 2006 SL 55 with the Performance Package option at a cost of $14,000. Front bumpler like the 65, new wheels, N-ring calibrated suspension, 186 mplh speed limiter, etc., etc. Looked nice, and a MSRP of $142,000.

"186 mph speed limiter"??

As a driver of a delimited 2003 SL55 I am very curious as to what changes were made that let Mercedes feel comfortable in raising the limit. As far as I know one of the original reasons for the limit is that tires were not available when the car originally started shipping in early 03 that could handle the speed and weight.

Any details on this anyone?

The original reason for the 155Mph speed limit is the unwritten rule that german car makers obey. All except Porsche limit their cars to 155. This is done so they don't get such a limit imposed by the german (european?) government (self regulation effort).

My MY '03 (BY '02) SL55 was delivered with tires rated for doing 186, eventhough the car itself is also limited to 155.

The performance package is just an exclusive extra with some performance enhancing features (extra oil cooler, firmer suspension, 19" wheels). But just raising the speed limit to 186 is something that AMG will also do on a stock SL55 without these features at customer request.

Something sounds funny..... Did they build this car themselves? I thought it was September before this option was ready for US spec cars. This car would have been built a while ago to be in their hands now?

From what I've heard, the SL65's prices are going down pretty significantly. At that price you could hardball a dealer that has a surplus of 65's close to that price...

I was surprised to see it myself, but there it was. Performance Package was listed on the sticker just like any other factory option you would see listed. This was not a add on by the dealership.

Are you in Europe? I inquired with USA dealers about "raising the limit" and received nothing but confused looks. You could not order a car here with a raised limit (at least no Northern Cal dealer knew how).

That's because AMG does it. AMG doesn't have a factory here in NA.

Yes. I drove to AMG headquarters to lower my car, where they explained how the speed limiter thing works. They'll only do it there. Costs a bundle as well (2400 euro's or something). Apparently they reprogram the whole car (ABS, ESP, ETC...) while raising the speed limit.

There are ways however to reprogram your cars limiter and increase power safely in the States without going AMG's route.

There are a multitude of companies that can alter your ECU that many folks use. I know off the top of my head, I can get Brabus and RENNtech ECU's easily if anyone is so interested.

Which dealers for example?

The discussion I read were threads pertaining to the CL65...I think MarcusBenz's dealership (Chicago?) had several CL65's with significant discounts off MSRP. Whether that can be extrapolated to SL65's prices I am not sure.

CL65's for sale

your best bet on sl65's, is lightly used. i have seen them advertised as low as 155,000 with low miles. remember this is advertised. that means it is a negotiating position to go lower. if you have a lttle patience, after the 06's come out, i think the prices will fall like a rock. the sl600's have already taken that type of hit. just do your due diligence. by definition, people drive these cars hard try to find someone with a birth defect. like a shriveled right foot. someone who finds it difficult to puy any weight in that area.

Maybe you could grind 'em for a 65...but the SL55 is a better driver's car. It weighs about 400 pounds less than the 65. For me I'll give up a little muscle for a better balanced car.

The SL 55 has an option in Europe of the 'Performance Package'

From the AMG website you can download the list of AMG options, and one can buy the Package as an optional extra on a new car. Alternatively, if you wish to take you car to Alfalterbach, you can have part or all of the package fitted to a standard 55.

When I bought my 55 for delivery in February 04 , the dealer did not have a clue about the package, but eventually it was accepted as an order. I wanted to collect the car, and this caused MB a problem, as they had not done a 55 with performance pack for collection before. The car was built in Sindlefingen, transported to Alfalterbach, then transported to Bremmen where I collected it from the 'Centre of Excellence', which is the area where one can order a Maybach.

I have not tested the 186 mph yet, but it certainly goes over 155, as I found this out on the Autobahn in Germany last year.

Here is a photo of the car on 'Transit Plates' just before I collected it.



Here is another outside of the Customer Centre which is in Bremmen.