SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: SL55 v CLS55
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 7
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From: London
SL55
SL55 v CLS55
Hi Guys,
I run a 2003 SL55 in London and my lease is up in a month or so. Have test driven lots of alternatives and recently tried the CLS55. Although the CLS offered more seats, sharper brakes and allows instant manual over-ride of gears (rather than hitting the manual button) I much prefer my SL.
I appreciate the SL is 50% more expensive but it seems a much better resolved car and still shocks me on a daily basis when I floor it from rest. The exhaust note is much cooler too. Clarkson on Top Gear said the CLS55 sounds like a Bulldog eating a bee.. perhaps, but my SL55 sounds lie a Tiger eating a Bulldog.
I am not sure which car to buy. MB haven't helped with all the talk of the 63 engine. I can't just go buy a new SL55 as I reckon the SL55 will be replaced by an SL63 turbo within 6 months. The SL65 is just too expensive. For that money, I'd could buy a nearly new Murcielago. I'm not an Aston lover, something not just right about the whole appearance - new GT3 is cool - but everyman and his dog has a Porker in London.
I don't need four seats, don't mind four seats. Has to be very quick and cool. Thoughts on alternatives?
I run a 2003 SL55 in London and my lease is up in a month or so. Have test driven lots of alternatives and recently tried the CLS55. Although the CLS offered more seats, sharper brakes and allows instant manual over-ride of gears (rather than hitting the manual button) I much prefer my SL.
I appreciate the SL is 50% more expensive but it seems a much better resolved car and still shocks me on a daily basis when I floor it from rest. The exhaust note is much cooler too. Clarkson on Top Gear said the CLS55 sounds like a Bulldog eating a bee.. perhaps, but my SL55 sounds lie a Tiger eating a Bulldog.
I am not sure which car to buy. MB haven't helped with all the talk of the 63 engine. I can't just go buy a new SL55 as I reckon the SL55 will be replaced by an SL63 turbo within 6 months. The SL65 is just too expensive. For that money, I'd could buy a nearly new Murcielago. I'm not an Aston lover, something not just right about the whole appearance - new GT3 is cool - but everyman and his dog has a Porker in London.
I don't need four seats, don't mind four seats. Has to be very quick and cool. Thoughts on alternatives?
Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 207
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From: SoCal
SL55 AMG Black on Berry Red
i agree. being a SL55 owner myself, i can't imagine going to a CLS55. once you drive a SL55, you can only "upgrade" and can't "downgrade" to a CLS55. if i were you, i'd buy the SL55 and mod it up with the extra cash you'll save if you don't buy a SL65 or 63. you can get 600+ hp easily with just the kleeman mods. the price difference between a SL55 and SL65 here in USA is about $50,000. can you imagine what mods you can do with $50,000?!!! it would be sick! 
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Joined: Jun 2005
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AlabasterWhiteSL ObsidianBlackML
On the other hand in the US(not sure about UK)...you can get a 2005 SL65 with under 10k miles for around 130k, which is the same if not just less than the cost of a new 2006 or 2007 SL55.
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Joined: May 2002
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From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
I don't believe that you'll get a used SL65 in the UK for that price anyway and the warranty is not as good as in the US either. This can be a very costly car.
I'll take an SL over the CLS anyday as it is a much more versatile car. I am also not too crazy about the Airmatic suspension; much better than the 1st. gen., but not anywhere close to the ABC of the SL.
We were planning on getting the CLS55 to replace our S-class, but for a 4 door it was simply too cramped and small (and too much like an E-class). Waiting for a new AMG S-class is a much better choice if you need a sedan.
My 2 cents...
Wolfman
I'll take an SL over the CLS anyday as it is a much more versatile car. I am also not too crazy about the Airmatic suspension; much better than the 1st. gen., but not anywhere close to the ABC of the SL.
We were planning on getting the CLS55 to replace our S-class, but for a 4 door it was simply too cramped and small (and too much like an E-class). Waiting for a new AMG S-class is a much better choice if you need a sedan.
My 2 cents...
Wolfman
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 388
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From: Austria
Mercedes
Originally Posted by ricky.agrawal
Are you sure you wanted a 'used' SL though?
I would hate to own the car without warranty.
I would hate to own the car without warranty.
I once did a testdrive with an SL65 and I do not understand how anyone feels the urge to own one. The car simply doesn't get the power to the road... even at dry road conditions. Should have given the 65 a 4WD IMO.
