SL55 AMG, SL63 AMG, SL65 AMG (R230) 2002 - 2011 (2003 US for SL55 and 2004 for the SL65)

SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: SL65 enhancements for 2007 model

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Old Apr 11, 2006 | 03:11 PM
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SL65 enhancements for 2007 model

Does anyone know if the 2007 SL65 will have any of the enhancements to be seen on the 2007 SL55 (i.e. improved steering response, high-performance brake option - if new/different-, AMG-revised ABC, etc.), or will it be largely unchanged except for cosmetics (rounded tailights, revised air dam, etc.)? Kindly share whatever you know will be offered for the 2007 SL65 over the 2006 model. This is all to assess whether the price of a new 2007 is justified over 2005-2006 models (yes, perhaps, if there are several system changes or new options available). Many thanks for the feedback.

Last edited by JMStandish; Apr 11, 2006 at 04:05 PM.
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Old Apr 11, 2006 | 06:02 PM
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Bentley Arnage Red Label
I don't know exactly what the changes are but the engine and HP are the same from what I have read and I can't imagine anything would be worth paying the 45+k for a new 07 when you can get a near new 05 or 06 for less than 150k. My brakes work great and haven't had an ABC issue ever. The rumored trunk closer would be nice but I wouldn't pay a penny over 5k for that!
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Old Apr 11, 2006 | 11:02 PM
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At least per the article re: '07 SL65/55 on GermanCarFans.com, sounds as if '07 65 gets some important changes for driving-focused guys: new brakes, 2nd-gen ABC, 10% tighter steering ratio and paddle-shifters. Obviously, MB marketing struggles w/not overly irritating the some ?400-500 guys in US who bought prior iterations of fast-depreciating SL65 (same game F/P play w/subtle software debugs/upgrades and "more robust" late-model cycle motors) by overly emphasizing the upgrades, esp given the low-vol of 65 sales.....

Personally, getting 997TT as a daily commuting and wkend twisties car, but tempted to also get 599 or '07 SL/S65 as an interestingly complementary high-torque straight-line, dry weather car w/paddle-shifters and a far more interesting exhaust note than P offers......
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Old Apr 12, 2006 | 12:15 AM
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'05 SL 55 Black/Black w/mods from Eurocharged/Kleemann/BuckheadImports
Cool You'd be happy with either

The new upcoming 997tt is very nice but you might be better off waiting for the convertible version, and by then there will probably be a Turbo-S version also.

Other interesting alternatives would be to wait and get the all-new CL coming out, like maybe a CL 65 or even the rumored 69 model, which would be called the CL 69. The reason for getting the all-new CL is obvious, because you'll get the most high-tech car in the world, unbelievable speed, incredible comfort and luxury, and more practicality because it will actually have a very usable rear seat.

Getting a 2007 model SL 65 is not a bad idea either, that way you get all the new upgrades, and you can easily modify any of the 65 models to have up over 730 horsepower ..... a chipped SL or CL 65 will smoke a Ferrari 599 or Porsche 997 twin-turbo or Aston Vanquish S no problem.

Odds are the all-new CL coming out for 2008 will be one of the most amazing cars ever made ..... especially for those that have the patience to wait to get the AMG versions
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Old Apr 12, 2006 | 12:51 AM
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Off topic

A bit off topic, but since you mentioned the AM Vanquish S... I've had eyes on a 2006 model (it's last year made), an absolutely stunning black/tan. So, actually my reasoning for the 2007 SL65 is partially because even though the AM dealer purports the Vanquish S can be used as a daily driver, and several of his regular clients do, something about using it as such raises internal red flags. It's a special car to be sure, but a chipped SL65 for ~80K less could run performance circles with no negative drama (Vanquish shifting, etc.) and is a well-sorted convertible to boot. For the saved funds one could make the 65 more special with tasteful Brabus interior, etc. ... and a 2005-2006 model can be had for even less as such a Project's donor car. Just venting here, off topic to be sure... I keep coming back to the SL65 as the sensible choice. (Included a few Brabus pics as I love what they've done).
Attached Thumbnails SL65 enhancements for 2007 model-brabusinterior1-medium-.jpg   SL65 enhancements for 2007 model-brabusinterior5-medium-.jpg   SL65 enhancements for 2007 model-brabusinterior2-medium-.jpg   SL65 enhancements for 2007 model-brabusinterior6-medium-.jpg  

Last edited by JMStandish; Apr 12, 2006 at 01:06 AM.
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Old Apr 12, 2006 | 04:03 AM
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Originally Posted by JMStandish
Does anyone know if the 2007 SL65 will have any of the enhancements to be seen on the 2007 SL55 (i.e. improved steering response, high-performance brake option - if new/different-, AMG-revised ABC, etc.), or will it be largely unchanged except for cosmetics (rounded tailights, revised air dam, etc.)? Kindly share whatever you know will be offered for the 2007 SL65 over the 2006 model. This is all to assess whether the price of a new 2007 is justified over 2005-2006 models (yes, perhaps, if there are several system changes or new options available). Many thanks for the feedback.

The 2007 SL65 gets all the chassis/interior changes as the SL55 model. It should handle a bit better for 2007, but the SL55 reportedly is faster around a track than a BMW M5 (Germancarzone). The SL65 will still be better in a straight line than it will be in the corners. Awesome cars though. It is really interesting to read about a Mercedes being compared to such a legendary/storied/exclusive brand like Aston-Martin.

M
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