SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: is it worth buying the SL65?
10-12-2005, 06:10 PM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 343
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
AMG
is it worth buying the SL65?
Hello guys ... my bro and I are wondering if we could sell the SL55 , add some cash and exchange it for an SL 65 any thoughts?
I have heard that there will be a face lift is it true? it might look like the SLR and SLK?!?! the formula one nose
I have heard that there will be a face lift is it true? it might look like the SLR and SLK?!?! the formula one nose
10-12-2005, 06:15 PM
#2
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 343
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
AMG
obsidean black SLK 55 and Diamond Silver SL 55 with performance package
I have posted the pictures on the SLK 55 forum couple of days ago , couldn't post them here again..
https://mbworld.org/forums/slk55-r171/122885-slk55-no-chicks-car.html
I have posted the pictures on the SLK 55 forum couple of days ago , couldn't post them here again..
https://mbworld.org/forums/slk55-r171/122885-slk55-no-chicks-car.html
Last edited by AMG&AMG; 10-12-2005 at 06:19 PM.
10-12-2005, 09:54 PM
#3
The SL is due for a minor revamp in 2007.. The changes are to the bumpers albeit minor... The SL55 and Sl500 will see the most significant changes, both get new motors and bumpers.
Id get a 65 if I could afford it, but only a used one. The depriciation hit for the 65 is way to much to swallow..
I think the best value is to get a SL600 and do the ECU and tranny mod... with those mods it will beat both the 55 and 65.
Id get a 65 if I could afford it, but only a used one. The depriciation hit for the 65 is way to much to swallow..
I think the best value is to get a SL600 and do the ECU and tranny mod... with those mods it will beat both the 55 and 65.
10-13-2005, 09:53 AM
#5
MBWorld Fanatic!
AMG&AMG:
I like a number of other things the 65's have to offer. With the added horsepower you need added braking power. The 65's have larger brakes and better suspension set-up. Above all...they have those gorgeous 19" wheels. The SL65 in particular has a more distinctive front with those vents. As bad as the 65's resale values have been, a modified SL600 will surely not hold its value proportionately as well. Say you get a used 2005 SL600 with low mileage for about $105K. Let's add up the performance upgrades to get you in SL65 territory.Renntech has a 640hp package for about $32K. The upgraded brakes cost about $8. The SL65 is the only MB with a limited slip differential (LSD), cost to install would be about $5(?). The AMG 65 wheels cost about $6. You have now spent $151K. There is an SL65 (beautiful, black/charcoal with 300 miles) on ebay for $165K buy now price. In my book, the $14K premium you pay is worth it. The $151K you spent on the modified SL600 is worth $120K at most if you turned around and sold the car immediately after upgrading. Although a company like Renntech warranties their products, very few people want to take the risk in buying a modified car like that. There is always an assumption that someone abused the car. My advice...get the SL65...it is a very special car.
I like a number of other things the 65's have to offer. With the added horsepower you need added braking power. The 65's have larger brakes and better suspension set-up. Above all...they have those gorgeous 19" wheels. The SL65 in particular has a more distinctive front with those vents. As bad as the 65's resale values have been, a modified SL600 will surely not hold its value proportionately as well. Say you get a used 2005 SL600 with low mileage for about $105K. Let's add up the performance upgrades to get you in SL65 territory.Renntech has a 640hp package for about $32K. The upgraded brakes cost about $8. The SL65 is the only MB with a limited slip differential (LSD), cost to install would be about $5(?). The AMG 65 wheels cost about $6. You have now spent $151K. There is an SL65 (beautiful, black/charcoal with 300 miles) on ebay for $165K buy now price. In my book, the $14K premium you pay is worth it. The $151K you spent on the modified SL600 is worth $120K at most if you turned around and sold the car immediately after upgrading. Although a company like Renntech warranties their products, very few people want to take the risk in buying a modified car like that. There is always an assumption that someone abused the car. My advice...get the SL65...it is a very special car.
10-13-2005, 12:02 PM
#6
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Wichita
Posts: 911
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
2005 SL600, 2011 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite
True, if you were going to do all of those mods, the SL65 would be the way to go. But if you were only interested in performance, the $6,400 ECU and TCU modification from Renntech can get you most of the way there.
10-13-2005, 02:18 PM
#7
MBWorld Fanatic!
Originally Posted by lorinserbenz
The SL is due for a minor revamp in 2007.. The changes are to the bumpers albeit minor... The SL55 and Sl500 will see the most significant changes, both get new motors and bumpers.
Trending Topics
10-13-2005, 02:30 PM
#8
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Wichita
Posts: 911
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
2005 SL600, 2011 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite
Originally Posted by sprins
The SL500 does get a new n/a 5.5l motor. But I thought the SL55 would stay the same. What will be the difference?
10-13-2005, 02:37 PM
#9
Member
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: US
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
04 sl55amg, 04 H2, 02 corvette Z06, 01 bmw 530i(Sold), E60 M5 (507hp)
I think we all know by now that our hobbies are rarely "money saving" behaviors. No matter what you may buy, at this current time, you will take a hit in 2-4 years after purchase. Particularly the 65s. If you just want to have fun with a car with all kinds of hps, lease the 65. Drive the crap out of it and trade it in for whatever is the newest and hottest thing at the end of your lease. Down side of leasing is the fact that you can't do any permanent mods to it. Upside to lease is that you get a new toy every 2 years. If you have the disposable income and want the latest and the badest, least the beast. Depending on the total production numbers, the 65 may very well be a collectible in 3 to 4 decades. Thats if the production numbers are low. If not, you just sunk 200k (total cost) on a car that you'll get tired of and trade in 3 years for 50% of the original cost.
10-13-2005, 03:37 PM
#11
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 637
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
SL55, ML500, GT3 RS, 997C2S
Originally Posted by pinoyamg
Any ideas on when they're going to add forced air?
10-13-2005, 06:02 PM
#12
Member
Please elaborate on the Rob Allen comments. The rumor over a TT63 and the plans for the upgraded 65 are of particular interest.
10-13-2005, 06:16 PM
#13
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 637
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
SL55, ML500, GT3 RS, 997C2S
The twin turbo news was in the press a few months ago. I asked Rob about it at Lime Rock and he said it was not ready yet. Last Sat I think he said that the V12 will be the big dog for a while longer (I don't know how long a while)
10-15-2005, 04:02 AM
#18
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: El Paso, TX
Posts: 1,764
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
2 Posts
'03 G500, '13 G63, '17 GLS63,
Originally Posted by TMC M5
AMG&AMG:
I like a number of other things the 65's have to offer. With the added horsepower you need added braking power. The 65's have larger brakes and better suspension set-up. Above all...they have those gorgeous 19" wheels. The SL65 in particular has a more distinctive front with those vents. As bad as the 65's resale values have been, a modified SL600 will surely not hold its value proportionately as well. Say you get a used 2005 SL600 with low mileage for about $105K. Let's add up the performance upgrades to get you in SL65 territory.Renntech has a 640hp package for about $32K. The upgraded brakes cost about $8. The SL65 is the only MB with a limited slip differential (LSD), cost to install would be about $5(?). The AMG 65 wheels cost about $6. You have now spent $151K. There is an SL65 (beautiful, black/charcoal with 300 miles) on ebay for $165K buy now price. In my book, the $14K premium you pay is worth it. The $151K you spent on the modified SL600 is worth $120K at most if you turned around and sold the car immediately after upgrading. Although a company like Renntech warranties their products, very few people want to take the risk in buying a modified car like that. There is always an assumption that someone abused the car. My advice...get the SL65...it is a very special car.
I like a number of other things the 65's have to offer. With the added horsepower you need added braking power. The 65's have larger brakes and better suspension set-up. Above all...they have those gorgeous 19" wheels. The SL65 in particular has a more distinctive front with those vents. As bad as the 65's resale values have been, a modified SL600 will surely not hold its value proportionately as well. Say you get a used 2005 SL600 with low mileage for about $105K. Let's add up the performance upgrades to get you in SL65 territory.Renntech has a 640hp package for about $32K. The upgraded brakes cost about $8. The SL65 is the only MB with a limited slip differential (LSD), cost to install would be about $5(?). The AMG 65 wheels cost about $6. You have now spent $151K. There is an SL65 (beautiful, black/charcoal with 300 miles) on ebay for $165K buy now price. In my book, the $14K premium you pay is worth it. The $151K you spent on the modified SL600 is worth $120K at most if you turned around and sold the car immediately after upgrading. Although a company like Renntech warranties their products, very few people want to take the risk in buying a modified car like that. There is always an assumption that someone abused the car. My advice...get the SL65...it is a very special car.
Bottom line, the SL600 is a better performance value than the SL65.
Let me break it down:
The Renntech 625hp 745ft lbft/tq package is only $6400
http://renntechmercedes.com/pdf/R230.pdf
This will actually put you above and beyond a stock SL65.
There is no 640hp package listed for the SL600.
The SL600 brakes are plenty adequate for most people and most would not bother with the expense of an upgrade.
As for LSD, I dont know what options there are, as I have a W211 E55 and am not familiar with the R230 series cars. I know Kleemann has an LSD upgrade for the E55 for $2300+install, and I think the SL600 has the same diff.
As for wheels, you dont have to limit yourself to the SL65 wheels and there are many options available for less money than AMG wheels, or just keep the stockers and not spend more money.
As for the risk of buying a modified car, I have found that Renntech mods actually tend to increase value on M-B's. I cannot say the same for other tuners, but Renntech, in the US, is practically as respected as AMG itself.
And you dont have to get an '05:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Merce...QQcmdZViewItem
Personally, I'd much prefer the SL65. But if money is a (all relative, of course) concern, you can't argue with a Renntech ECU'ed SL600.
10-15-2005, 05:03 AM
#19
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 343
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
AMG
Originally Posted by medici78
Some of your numbers are pretty far off.
Bottom line, the SL600 is a better performance value than the SL65.
Let me break it down:
The Renntech 625hp 745ft lbft/tq package is only $6400
http://renntechmercedes.com/pdf/R230.pdf
This will actually put you above and beyond a stock SL65.
There is no 640hp package listed for the SL600.
The SL600 brakes are plenty adequate for most people and most would not bother with the expense of an upgrade.
As for LSD, I dont know what options there are, as I have a W211 E55 and am not familiar with the R230 series cars. I know Kleemann has an LSD upgrade for the E55 for $2300+install, and I think the SL600 has the same diff.
As for wheels, you dont have to limit yourself to the SL65 wheels and there are many options available for less money than AMG wheels, or just keep the stockers and not spend more money.
As for the risk of buying a modified car, I have found that Renntech mods actually tend to increase value on M-B's. I cannot say the same for other tuners, but Renntech, in the US, is practically as respected as AMG itself.
And you dont have to get an '05:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Merce...QQcmdZViewItem
Personally, I'd much prefer the SL65. But if money is a (all relative, of course) concern, you can't argue with a Renntech ECU'ed SL600.
Bottom line, the SL600 is a better performance value than the SL65.
Let me break it down:
The Renntech 625hp 745ft lbft/tq package is only $6400
http://renntechmercedes.com/pdf/R230.pdf
This will actually put you above and beyond a stock SL65.
There is no 640hp package listed for the SL600.
The SL600 brakes are plenty adequate for most people and most would not bother with the expense of an upgrade.
As for LSD, I dont know what options there are, as I have a W211 E55 and am not familiar with the R230 series cars. I know Kleemann has an LSD upgrade for the E55 for $2300+install, and I think the SL600 has the same diff.
As for wheels, you dont have to limit yourself to the SL65 wheels and there are many options available for less money than AMG wheels, or just keep the stockers and not spend more money.
As for the risk of buying a modified car, I have found that Renntech mods actually tend to increase value on M-B's. I cannot say the same for other tuners, but Renntech, in the US, is practically as respected as AMG itself.
And you dont have to get an '05:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Merce...QQcmdZViewItem
Personally, I'd much prefer the SL65. But if money is a (all relative, of course) concern, you can't argue with a Renntech ECU'ed SL600.
10-15-2005, 06:53 AM
#20
Almost a Member!
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Palm Beach County, FL
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
SL65 AMG
It's not always about "value". A modded SL will never be an AMG. Can it have similar/better performance? Sure! But it is still not an AMG, it is a modded SL.
If it's only about the money, buy a Z06.
If it's only about the money, buy a Z06.
10-15-2005, 02:37 PM
#21
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: El Paso, TX
Posts: 1,764
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
2 Posts
'03 G500, '13 G63, '17 GLS63,
Originally Posted by AMG&AMG
everything you said was correct and more than correct , but it isn't an AMG ... its like modifying E500 to beat E55 in performance figures....
Upgrading the SL600 makes a lot more sense as the Renntech ECU mods are a pittance compared to the difference in price between SL600 and SL65.
But you guys are correct, it will NEVER be an AMG. This is one reason why I, personally, would lean towards the SL55 over the SL600.
10-16-2005, 12:25 PM
#22
Member
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Whatever I feel like
Rennteched SL600 might not be an AMG, but it's by far the best performance for the money out of the SL55, SL600, and SL65. As for it not being stock, so what? It's a software computer upgrade, you can barely even call it a modified car.
10-16-2005, 04:36 PM
#23
Almost a Member!
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Call, Too. . .
Originally Posted by lorinserbenz
The SL is due for a minor revamp in 2007.. The changes are to the bumpers albeit minor... The SL55 and Sl500 will see the most significant changes, both get new motors and bumpers.
Id get a 65 if I could afford it, but only a used one. The depriciation hit for the 65 is way to much to swallow..
I think the best value is to get a SL600 and do the ECU and tranny mod... with those mods it will beat both the 55 and 65.
Id get a 65 if I could afford it, but only a used one. The depriciation hit for the 65 is way to much to swallow..
I think the best value is to get a SL600 and do the ECU and tranny mod... with those mods it will beat both the 55 and 65.
I'll post pictures of mine when it's done - hopefully next week (waiting on chromed Monolites).
10-16-2005, 06:38 PM
#24
MBWorld Fanatic!
Medici:
I stand corrected. The $33K was actually the whole Renntech package including brakes ($8K), ECU and transmission upgrades (15K) wheels ($9K) and suspension ($2). These figures are from Car & Driver November 2004'd supercar shootout. I quickly mis-read the statement "the performance upgrades came at a staggering $33,536" to include just the engine work. Sorry about that. With that said. Money no object, I still would prefer the SL65.
I have to admit, online I saw a 2003 CL600 with Renntech upgrades for ECU, transmission, front brake upgrade and 20" HRE's. They are asking $79K with 29K miles. That is a huge price difference compared to a CL65. Then again that is a decent amount of mileage and it is 2+ years old. Cl65's haven't been around that long to make a direct comparison. But the 625hp/750lb-ft of torque on the CL600 is quite tempting.
Tom
I stand corrected. The $33K was actually the whole Renntech package including brakes ($8K), ECU and transmission upgrades (15K) wheels ($9K) and suspension ($2). These figures are from Car & Driver November 2004'd supercar shootout. I quickly mis-read the statement "the performance upgrades came at a staggering $33,536" to include just the engine work. Sorry about that. With that said. Money no object, I still would prefer the SL65.
I have to admit, online I saw a 2003 CL600 with Renntech upgrades for ECU, transmission, front brake upgrade and 20" HRE's. They are asking $79K with 29K miles. That is a huge price difference compared to a CL65. Then again that is a decent amount of mileage and it is 2+ years old. Cl65's haven't been around that long to make a direct comparison. But the 625hp/750lb-ft of torque on the CL600 is quite tempting.
Tom
