SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: Why in the world would anyone get an SL55 over an SL600?
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From: chicago burbs
fast cars and faster motorcycles ..
DID anyone answer my question.??
my question is: does the SL600 have the same transmission and paddle shifters, sport shift program etc. as the SL55..?...? the last 600 i drove did not.. and if it still doesn't, i would much rather have a car that i can downshift really quickly to move thru traffic or pass cars... the SL55 transmission really reminds me of my Porsche Turbo tiptronic. fabulous transmission street or track.. .. by the way, i wouldn't hesitate to give up a touch of quarter mile time (600) for a really quick shifting transmission (SL55) that suits my instant gratification driving style... i spend alot more time with my cars and motorcycles on the street that at the dragstrip or racetrack.. which brings up a point, if you really want to run fast 1/4 mile times, buy a stock Suzuki motorcycle, Hayabusa or 1000 and run high nines and low tens.. stock.... that ought to satisfy you... plus, .. they are creampuffs on the street. .. anyway, back to my point, all the HP in the world doesn't mean much unless you have the right transmission to go with it. and the SL55 and Porsche turbo do!.. it's ALL about drivability and finding a car that suits YOUR driving style.. and even tho i am in the market for a used SL55, i can't say that i like the exhaust note... sounds cheap... first thing that i would have to change. ..
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From: chicago burbs
fast cars and faster motorcycles ..
P.s........... !
aren't we lucky that we live in a time where all of these fantastic, high horsepower cars (and motorcycles) are available to purchase.. ?? now we need a place to drive them.. and unfortunately, i am worried about the future of all of them..
Thread Starter
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From: back in Jersey
360 Spider
Originally Posted by JR.
my question is: does the SL600 have the same transmission and paddle shifters, sport shift program etc. as the SL55..?...all the HP in the world doesn't mean much unless you have the right transmission to go with it. and the SL55 and Porsche turbo do!.
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From: Irvine, California
'10 MB E63, '08 ML550 ('05 E55, '05 SL55, '08 E63 GONE)
Originally Posted by ///CLKfiftyfive
AMG has unfortunately become nothing more than great marketing these days. I had an AMG and it was nothing special. Yes it wast fast and handled well but not exclusive at all. RENNTech, now that is something special. The Hammer and C36 were limited production beauties but these days AMG has been whored out just like BMW ///M. I only have a little respect left for Audi's R division. my $0.02
MB intended the SL600 to be the smooth riding high speed GT v. the SL55's sporty high speed GT. Sure you can turn the SL600 into a monster, but you can do that to a SL500 as well. If you're going to ask a question, expect people to answer it as it's asked.
~ Ian
Last edited by IanSL55; Dec 7, 2005 at 02:24 AM.
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From: Irvine, California
'10 MB E63, '08 ML550 ('05 E55, '05 SL55, '08 E63 GONE)
Originally Posted by ///CLKfiftyfive
If you get the RENNTech ECU upgrade you get the ///AMG Speedshift transmission. If you get the Sport Package you get the steering wheel buttons which IMHO do nothing for the car. I never used them on my CLK55, only the shifter (L<->R).
Now with the money you save on the SL55 you can Kleemann Stage 2 the car (with Kleemann's warranty) and get 580HP/780 lb-ft and blow by any 'chipped' SL600 out there.
~ Ian
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From: Northern VA
CL600 2003
Originally Posted by IanSL55
And by doing to you just added $10K to the car and voided the warranty.
Now with the money you save on the SL55 you can Kleemann Stage 2 the car (with Kleemann's warranty) and get 580HP/780 lb-ft and blow by any 'chipped' SL600 out there.
~ Ian
Now with the money you save on the SL55 you can Kleemann Stage 2 the car (with Kleemann's warranty) and get 580HP/780 lb-ft and blow by any 'chipped' SL600 out there.
~ Ian
Further, unless you run nitro all the E55’s with the Kleemann upgrades that have the same engine as the SL55 but weight 400lbs less still do not achieve the same ¼ mile times and traps. It’s hard to beat the torque of the V12. RenntTech only measures the hp and ft-lbs in 3rd gear which is a conservative way to determine the actual numbers. For example, RennTech quoted on their test a torque of 810ft-lbs on one SL600. Tested by another shop they got a figure of 910ft-lbs. In either case you can’t go wrong.
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From: Irvine, California
'10 MB E63, '08 ML550 ('05 E55, '05 SL55, '08 E63 GONE)
Originally Posted by jt20194
I usually don’t dispute my fellow members but I have to disagree with your last statement. The RennTech upgrade does not blow away the warranty, I researched that before upgrading my car with the dealer and from a legal perspective.
Further, unless you run nitro all the E55’s with the Kleemann upgrades that have the same engine as the SL55 but weight 400lbs less still do not achieve the same ¼ mile times and traps. It’s hard to beat the torque of the V12. RenntTech only measures the hp and ft-lbs in 3rd gear which is a conservative way to determine the actual numbers. For example, RennTech quoted on their test a torque of 810ft-lbs on one SL600. Tested by another shop they got a figure of 910ft-lbs. In either case you can’t go wrong.
Further, unless you run nitro all the E55’s with the Kleemann upgrades that have the same engine as the SL55 but weight 400lbs less still do not achieve the same ¼ mile times and traps. It’s hard to beat the torque of the V12. RenntTech only measures the hp and ft-lbs in 3rd gear which is a conservative way to determine the actual numbers. For example, RennTech quoted on their test a torque of 810ft-lbs on one SL600. Tested by another shop they got a figure of 910ft-lbs. In either case you can’t go wrong.
I'd also guess that w/out LSD all that extra HP and torque will be wasted. And in street driving (what 99.9% of drivers do 99.9% of the time), drag times are meaningless.
But I disgress. My point really isn't what car is going to be faster... The question basically is why would anyone choose the AMG over the V12. Not a chipped SL600... a stock one.
~ Ian
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From: Northern VA
CL600 2003
Originally Posted by IanSL55
But I disgress. My point really isn't what car is going to be faster... The question basically is why would anyone choose the AMG over the V12. Not a chipped SL600... a stock one.
~ Ian
~ Ian
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Out Of Control!!
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From: Texas
2005 E55
I think the answer would be "For the AMG" badge. He asked why the 55 over the 600. Allow me to take a stab at this dilimma. How about for the $5,900 savings? I know it is a small amount, but it could influence some people.
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SL55AMG, ML420CDI, E320TCDI
By choosing a car you send a signal to your surroundings.
Group 1
The SL AMG signals to people that you have choosen the sporty version, ( AMG trim, the sound from the exhaust, etc. ) and therfore are the sporty type, that you are the executive type, and that you live in the fast lane.
Group 2
The ordinary SL signals to people that you are on top of things, you are in charge, but that you are the more carm type.
Both cars SCREEAMS : WEEEEEALTHY
AMG is MB´s sport dept. They can´t be compared with aftermarked tuners like RennTech or Kleemann. RennTech and Kleemann, they appel to a limited mumber of MB owners, who want the extreme, and are willing to pay for it, so that they can live their dream on the strip, or elsewhere where they can show off their power.
Owners who choose modification done by aftermarked tuners, do belong into group 1, just that they are more extreme, and that they, dont want the ordinary power off the schelf, that the ordinary sporty type drives.
So when you choose a car, it is a matter of signals, nothing else. Who do want to be ? How do you want people to see you ?
How many percent of MB´s in the USA do you people think are in someway modified ? I doubt it is more than 10%
Group 1
The SL AMG signals to people that you have choosen the sporty version, ( AMG trim, the sound from the exhaust, etc. ) and therfore are the sporty type, that you are the executive type, and that you live in the fast lane.
Group 2
The ordinary SL signals to people that you are on top of things, you are in charge, but that you are the more carm type.
Both cars SCREEAMS : WEEEEEALTHY
AMG is MB´s sport dept. They can´t be compared with aftermarked tuners like RennTech or Kleemann. RennTech and Kleemann, they appel to a limited mumber of MB owners, who want the extreme, and are willing to pay for it, so that they can live their dream on the strip, or elsewhere where they can show off their power.
Owners who choose modification done by aftermarked tuners, do belong into group 1, just that they are more extreme, and that they, dont want the ordinary power off the schelf, that the ordinary sporty type drives.
So when you choose a car, it is a matter of signals, nothing else. Who do want to be ? How do you want people to see you ?
How many percent of MB´s in the USA do you people think are in someway modified ? I doubt it is more than 10%
Last edited by SLcharger; Dec 7, 2005 at 03:50 PM.
Out Of Control!!
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From: Texas
2005 E55
SL, are you a psychologist? You sound like one of my professors. Well thought out comment, though. I chose the AMG in the E class mostly for the power. I did not give a thought to how other people perceive me. I prefer to spend my money on things that I like, not things for other people to look at.
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1989 Toyota Tercel EZ - dyno'd @ 70whp/77wtq
Originally Posted by jt20194
For the V12 badge...
the V12 badge on the side would be blurry and meaningless 
What counts is the badge on the trunk. And SL55 has that little "AMG" badge 
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From: Irvine, California
'10 MB E63, '08 ML550 ('05 E55, '05 SL55, '08 E63 GONE)
Originally Posted by can drive 55
SL, are you a psychologist? You sound like one of my professors. Well thought out comment, though. I chose the AMG in the E class mostly for the power. I did not give a thought to how other people perceive me. I prefer to spend my money on things that I like, not things for other people to look at.
Actually I did consider the SL600, but it wasn't sporty enough for me at this stage of my life (late 30's)... and that extra 6 dimes in savings went right into new rims. That said, I could see myself behind the wheel of one in 10 or 15 years for sure.
RE SLcharger's evaluation. I agree again. I don't doubt the pedigree of the V12 version of the SL, however to me it's like a solid gold Rolex v. the same model in stainless steel. They both tell time, but they really are statements to where you are in your life.
Generally speaking, if I see a young guy in a 600, my first thought is it's probably his fathers.
~ Ian
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From: Texas
2005 E55
Originally Posted by IanSL55
Generally speaking, if I see a young guy in a 600, my first thought is it's probably his fathers.
~ Ian
~ Ian
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'05 SL 55 Black/Black w/mods from Eurocharged/Kleemann/BuckheadImports
Zoink, do u know any stats/info on all-new 997 TT ?
To Zoink,
I see you want to get the all-new 997 twin-turbo when it comes out, that's awesome
Do you know any stats/info on it? How much power? Any other interesting info on it, and why do you think it will be a much better car than your E55?
What do you think are some of the decisive elements of the new 997 TT that would make a Benz person choose it over an SL or CL 55 or 600? Or for that matter over an E or CLS 55, or the upcoming twin-turbo CL/SL/E/CLS 63?
I see you want to get the all-new 997 twin-turbo when it comes out, that's awesome
Do you know any stats/info on it? How much power? Any other interesting info on it, and why do you think it will be a much better car than your E55?
What do you think are some of the decisive elements of the new 997 TT that would make a Benz person choose it over an SL or CL 55 or 600? Or for that matter over an E or CLS 55, or the upcoming twin-turbo CL/SL/E/CLS 63?
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SL55AMG, ML420CDI, E320TCDI
can drive 55
It is called life expirience, if you look into my profile you will see that I am 50, and I think I have seen and heard my share in life.
Although I am 50 I drive an AMG, because I still feel young, and I am not ready to "carm down" yet.
IanSL55
Your point is well thought, my watch happens to be a Rolex Daytona, Stainless Steel, White dail, no gold.
It is called life expirience, if you look into my profile you will see that I am 50, and I think I have seen and heard my share in life.
Although I am 50 I drive an AMG, because I still feel young, and I am not ready to "carm down" yet.
IanSL55
Your point is well thought, my watch happens to be a Rolex Daytona, Stainless Steel, White dail, no gold.
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From: Irvine, California
'10 MB E63, '08 ML550 ('05 E55, '05 SL55, '08 E63 GONE)
Originally Posted by SLcharger
Can Drive 55. Nice to know one is not alone out here.
~ Ian
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From: North Scottsdale, AZ
2008 Bentley GTC, Porsche GT2/EVOMS GT700, 1968 Dodge Charger Hemi
Great thread BTW!!!!
There are definetly advantages to both.
The 55 with the blown V8 has a torque band that kicks in much sooner than the 600.
The 600 has more high end grunt (turbos).
It seems that when dynoed both make more power than rated.
My 600 made 533hp at the flywheel bone stock
An SL55 dynoed by my tuners made 519hp bone stock.
The differences are more pronounced when to comes to torque due to the differences in simple math 8 vs 12 There's no replacement for displacement!
To the average driver who does an occasional stop light drag race, both have more than enough power to get the job done.
I agree that the AMG body kit is the only way to go, it makes a night and day difference. I also agree with the quad exhaust thing too, I handled that my own way:
as well as the badges:
I already had the 996TT, so the super-sporty thirst was already quenched, I wanted luxury, but also knew about RennTech and knew that a modded 600 is one of the fastest cars on the road.
In the end I think it's all just a matter of preference.
What a great choice to have to make!!!
There are definetly advantages to both.
The 55 with the blown V8 has a torque band that kicks in much sooner than the 600.
The 600 has more high end grunt (turbos).
It seems that when dynoed both make more power than rated.
My 600 made 533hp at the flywheel bone stock
An SL55 dynoed by my tuners made 519hp bone stock.
The differences are more pronounced when to comes to torque due to the differences in simple math 8 vs 12 There's no replacement for displacement!
To the average driver who does an occasional stop light drag race, both have more than enough power to get the job done.
I agree that the AMG body kit is the only way to go, it makes a night and day difference. I also agree with the quad exhaust thing too, I handled that my own way:
as well as the badges:
I already had the 996TT, so the super-sporty thirst was already quenched, I wanted luxury, but also knew about RennTech and knew that a modded 600 is one of the fastest cars on the road.
In the end I think it's all just a matter of preference.
What a great choice to have to make!!!
Out Of Control!!
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From: Texas
2005 E55
Another variable that recently entered into the equation is the 030 Performance Package. There has been a delivery of a CLS with the package and a first impression write up in the CLS forum. It includes improved suspension, brakes, 19" wheels, alcantera steering wheel (which BTW he liked very well), and 186 mph limiter. It certainly makes the 55 or the upcoming 63 worth thinking about. More decisions.
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From: Ann Arbor
'03 SL55
Faced with this very decision, I went the other direction and purchased an SL55 AMG. For me, the SL55's superior handling (less mass over the front wheels) was more important than the SL600's superior straight-line acceleration.
I'm thinking we'll look back on these days as one of those golden ages of motoring, with so many über cars from which to choose!
I'm thinking we'll look back on these days as one of those golden ages of motoring, with so many über cars from which to choose!
Out Of Control!!
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From: Texas
2005 E55
Originally Posted by jmf003
Faced with this very decision, I went the other direction and purchased an SL55 AMG. For me, the SL55's superior handling (less mass over the front wheels) was more important than the SL600's superior straight-line acceleration.
I'm thinking we'll look back on these days as one of those golden ages of motoring, with so many über cars from which to choose!
I'm thinking we'll look back on these days as one of those golden ages of motoring, with so many über cars from which to choose!
Right you are about the golden age. I thought it existed in the 60's, but that was nothing to compare to this era. It won't last forever, though. The government will step in and mess it up in due time. Enjoy it while it lasts.
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SL55AMG, ML420CDI, E320TCDI
Can Drive 55
I also like the 55 for everything but the straight-line acceleration advantage of the 600. I am leaning toward the AMG (white with berry leather and every option) with the 030 package and then maybe K3 mods. I don't think there will be a straight-line acceleration issue then.
I also like the 55 for everything but the straight-line acceleration advantage of the 600. I am leaning toward the AMG (white with berry leather and every option) with the 030 package and then maybe K3 mods. I don't think there will be a straight-line acceleration issue then.
I am seriously condidering to have mine done a K3. I have some problems everytime i try to toast the 911 turboes. It is alwayes nice with some extra power, it does give you some confidence. I can´t await to see the looks in the Porsche drivers face, when they start wondering what hit them.
