Telemekhos

Hi,
I have always loved the MB SL class and am finally thinking of plunging in. However, I really need some advice on which model is the best "Value". The SL500 is very nice, but not fast enough, so really I am asking why does someone get the SL600, SL55 or SL65? There are 4 different models with this class and i was looking for some advice as to why people choose one over the other. I realize that the SL65 is far more money than the other models, but what justifies that price? Is it just the engine or are there other reasons? Please advise.
thanks,
-T-

vraa

SL65 is (if I remember right, I'm not sure how it relates versus the Bugatti) the most powerful engine in the world in a production car.

It's a V12 worked over by AMG. IMO, it's almost too much power to handle (wheeeeeelspin!) but it's a great thrill at higher speeds.

The SL600 is a V12 monster with the RENNtech chip, this one is my favorite of all the R230's. With a simle 5800$ chip you're looking at 600hp+ easily!

SL55 is the 'hotrod' of the family, but that's not saying much considering the SL600 does 0-60 in less than 4sec on a prepped track..! I like the SL55, but for a similair amount of cash, the SL600 can be had, and for a little more you can mod the SL600 with the RENNtech chip from EuroteckMotorsports (www.euroteckmotorsports.com) to unleash the beast.

SL500 is what I have. You've already stated that it's not fast enough, so look at the 600 or 55. 65 is just insane, but if you have the money, go for it!

idontknow

Here in Europe we also have a SL350 which doesnt exist in the usa. Well i think it will be very difficult to find a justification for the sl65 price... because there is none. well its a great car with a motor that blows everything away, but u pay the more of about 70.000 euros (dont know the $ price) for more exclusiveness and the knowledge of having a brutal beast sitting in your hood.
But u wont really have less fun with a SL55

blazinginder

if money is not a huge concern but still a factor...a 2005 used SL65 is the way to go

CY

My vote as well...

seattlecarfreak

the sl65 exists for the same reason a $300,000 watch exists when a $30,000 rolex will do just fine... no practical reason.. just because.. some people can..

bltserv

Which SL to buy ?

You know that is one wonderful problem to have.

If you got the cash. SL65. It is the best.
The ESP will keep you from lighting them up everytime.

The SL600 is a bit smoother than the SL55.
But will not hold resale as well when that time comes.
And it seems a little more nose heavy.

So I did the SL55. Love the SC kicking in when you ask.
And you get the AMG goodies too. Nice balanced car.
Just a dream to drive.

So jump in to the SL world. You will love it.

PS.
Now is a great time to get a 2005 off lease or even a 2006.

CY

But that $30k Rolex is a joke as well since the insides are as basic as an ETA or china movement and the mark-up is insane even if it is solid platinum or gold.

A $300k VC or Patek is for those who have migrated towards a different level of taste and who choose to buy something that to most looks similar to the lesser priced model but is actually incredibly unique at absolutely unattainable to the masses.

The SL55 is great, but a SL65 is the superior vehicle and would be my choice if money wasn't an issue.

seattlecarfreak

that's not the point.. for some a $30k watch is ridiculous... (as well is spending $90k+ on a car..) while spending $300k on a watch is even beyond ridiculous.. (and is spending an extra $100k for the same car with a bigger engine.. aka sl65..)

basically.. it's all relative.. and an sl65.. is for those that can... the performance increase really just doesn't justify the increase in price, with addition of taxes and all that.. unfortunately the car just can't put all that power down to the ground for most all circumstances...

i think most people buy an sl65 over an sl55... not necessarilly because there is any logical reason behind it... but because they can.. and they demand the absolute top of the line.. it's really hard to argue that the sl65 is worth the extra premium ontop of the sl55.. other than exclusivity...

many people prefer the sl55 because it's easier to handle.. and in time testing.. the sl65 is sometimes almost exactly comparable to the sl55 due to the power that it can't put to the ground..

many prefer the sl65... because.. well.. they can afford it.. is what i meant..

of course every circumstance is different.. and i'm open to anyone else's opinion on this.. personaly i'd actually prefer an sl55... i don't think i'd honestly want an sl65 with seattle rain and hills... as nice as esp is.. i could see myself getting in trouble.. :>

elbowyeish

SL55 AMG Black on Berry Red is THE way to go!

sprins

I think the balance is what I like the most. I haven't driven any 12cyl ones, so I don't know how that is, but when I drive my SL55 everything balances out quite nicely. It is, for me still, the perfect car. Even after driving Astons, Porsches and Bimmers.

IanSL55

I agree! If I could do it all over again I'd have gotten your sled!

~ Ian

france2112

Hi,
I have a 2005 SL600 Sport with the Renntech ECU. I got rid of a 2003 CL55 for the SL and I am very familiar with the 55 engine. I did love my CL but the V12 biturbo is definitely the way to go. I did test drive the SL55 prior to my purchase and IMHO the SL600 handles almost as good. I have smoked every SL55 I've raced on the street. Maybe at a track it would be different but if all you do is day to day driving I think the 600 is more than adequate for handling. My only complaint is the very soft exhaust note. The 55's all sound so nice during hard acceleration. Don't get me wrong, the SL55 is amazing and will out handle and out accelerate > 90% of the cars on the road. You can get a great deal on 2005 SL600's. I would suggest to get the AMG sport package is you do get one. The paddle shifters are a must IMO. Get the Renntech chip and you will not be dissatisfied. Let me know if you have any other questions about my experience with the SL600

jmf003

The V12s are faster while the V8s are better balanced. My preference is the SL55.

My recommendation, however, would be to drive all four at length, enjoy the shopping experience, and buy whatever suits your interests best.

Enjoy!

IngenereAMG

The original poster did not say what he likes to do with a car. He should probably drive them all and then make a decision. The way SL65s are depreciating...it could be a great buy. Traditionally, the V12 Mercs just don't hold their value. Its really quite a shame.

Telemekhos

Hi,
thank you all for the great advice. The car would mostly be for weekends, as I live in Michigan so it would definately not be a daily driver. Sounds like the SL55 would be a great balance between speed, luxury and price. Also, I would probably lease the car for a couple years as I like to switch often. I currenly have an XLR and am really not impressed with it. The car is very slow and the top takes about a week to open and close. I will try to test drive as many of the SL's as possible.

Does anyone know when MB plans on changing the body style of the SL? If there is anything that I hate its driving an old bodystyle... Please advise.
thanks,
-T-

whoover

It's probably going to be a while. The R230 has been in production since 2001. The R129 that it replaced was in production from 1989.

Scruffyone

The bodystyle change is many years away. The SL55 is the way to go for handeling and better balence, 600 or 65 for stump pulling power. You can also do the Kleeman K2 to your 55 if you find later on that you want more power and sound. If you plan on tracking your car then the 55 is def a better way to go. I'll be tracking my 55 in November at Lime Rock, I hope.

BrabusCLS

I wish to add one thing to the discussion:

In my opinion nothing beats the sound of V12 engine which is nothing else but a MONSTER. V12 has DEEEEEP sound from a deep throat. Maybe SL55 is louder but SL600 and SL65 have in my opinion uncomparably much much greater sound. V12 is a REAL BEAST!

vraa

No it doesn't.
The exhaust from the V12 is very muffled from the turbos.
Perhaps you are thinking of the old V12's.

CY

The SL600 is much toned down engine tone wise than the SL55 from my personal experience.

The new SL will hit EU first and I would bet is around 2-3 years away. No one knows for sure, but MB will likely do what makes them the most money. If they feel it is in their best interest to change it sooner then later, they will. The R129 12 year run is a thing of the past and I am suprised that the R230 wasn't changed more for the 07 update, due to the headlight style being fazed out on other models.

Vader55

SL55, and if your super-loaded ? the SL65.

IanSL55

You need to get your hearing checked. The SL55 has the deepest, rawest, roughest exhaust note of any MB. The V12's have a extremely smooth, mid-band, neutral tone.

~ Ian

BrabusCLS

Please be kind.

V8 engine of SL55 is maybe louder and sounds more agressive, BUT has shallow tone comparing to V12 which has veery DEEP sound despide being "muffed" like you say.

Don't you agree with me? Just listen to the V12... ?

bltserv

Driven all of them and own a 55.
The SL600 has a smoother softer tone.
The SL55 when hammered down is just way
louder and agressive sounding. IMHO.
Very much like a super car of the late 60`s
Big Block Chevy w/blower.

I hammered a SL65 at the AMG Challenge. It is
another world all together. It is deep and mean.
Softer than the 55 but you can here more depth
in the tone.