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

SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: So....Is the SL65 really better then a Continental GT or Gallardo?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old 09-25-2006, 05:08 PM
  #1  
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
Youngmoney87's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
So....Is the SL65 really better then a Continental GT or Gallardo?

Hey guys...

I just gave my range rover back to the dealer today and an in need of a new car. Here's what I want to ask SL65 owners and admirers:

Is this car really better than a gallardo or GT? I know its a pretty bad question but its blant and to the point...

If I would get one i'd go for an 06' and youl spend 130-160K and thats used but like new exotic money...

I mean sure it would blow those cars away in a race but to be honest, I'm more of a young and flashy guy, so for me the look>the performance to a certain extent...

Also, I took a 05' 65 for a test drive today and wanted to ask if its any differnt from the 06-07......forgot to ask the dealer, the ride was too nice

all opinions and welcome and appreciated
Old 09-25-2006, 05:16 PM
  #2  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Vik888's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Irvine, CA
Posts: 1,690
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
2008 E550, 2012 GL450, 2014 GLK350, 2015 S550, 2020 GLC350e
From your email, you prefer exotic to gadgets and toys, so go for the Gallardo.

If you want a luxery car with a lot of features/toys/etc., go for the SL65.
Old 09-25-2006, 05:23 PM
  #3  
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
Youngmoney87's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Yeah thats what gets me off, benz is a combo of luxury/toys like you said and lambo is all looks and inside is real plain unless you get a 20k alpine system

I got an appointment for a gallardo t/d I guess I'll see what drives better....

keep the opinions comming btw ...............
Old 09-25-2006, 05:40 PM
  #4  
Super Member
 
BiTurboAmg's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 975
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
SL65 AMG
Depends on what gets you going. For me I would hate to be in my exotic and have an amg pull up to me and my wife and beat us in a race but thats just me. The sl is sporty,fast and convt when you want it. The drop top still blows people away be it a sl500 or sl65. Its almost two cars in one. The best thing for me is I can drive it and be comfortable too.
Old 09-25-2006, 06:38 PM
  #5  
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
Youngmoney87's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
^Thats like the only reason besides the biTurbo v12 that I love that car...

hardtop convertable

no car got that!

I'm not really the racing type per say, I'm only 19 so if I got into an accident the insurance premiums would be

But the 65 is a BEAST to say the least...just hides its value on the inside as opposed to the gallardo (not a twin turbo and a v10)

65 owners, hows the neck braking?
Old 09-25-2006, 06:57 PM
  #6  
Member
 
nyc123's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 203
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
custom sl55

If you are really looking for the ultimate SL I might be selling my car. It's a 2004 sl55 silver /black with 9000 miles. 1,000 miles ago I added a carlson ecu and pulley kit, brabus body kit and calson lowred mmodule as well as HRE wheels (19 inch). with the mods the car is faster than a sl65 and the brabus body kit makes it much sharper looking. I am only thinking about selling it but if it's something you might be interested in let me know.
Old 09-25-2006, 06:59 PM
  #7  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
dinko's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Orlando
Posts: 1,458
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
CLS55
Originally Posted by Youngmoney87
Yeah thats what gets me off, benz is a combo of luxury/toys like you said and lambo is all looks and inside is real plain unless you get a 20k alpine system

I got an appointment for a gallardo t/d I guess I'll see what drives better....

keep the opinions comming btw ...............
Not plain at all. You can find 05's for 150k+ with Navi.

How old are you?
Old 09-25-2006, 06:59 PM
  #8  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
dinko's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Orlando
Posts: 1,458
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
CLS55
Originally Posted by nyc123
If you are really looking for the ultimate SL I might be selling my car. It's a 2004 sl55 silver /black with 9000 miles. 1,000 miles ago I added a carlson ecu and pulley kit, brabus body kit and calson lowred mmodule as well as HRE wheels (19 inch). with the mods the car is faster than a sl65 and the brabus body kit makes it much sharper looking. I am only thinking about selling it but if it's something you might be interested in let me know.
I think you're taking this a little too far. No way that car is faster than a 65.
Old 09-25-2006, 07:00 PM
  #9  
Banned
 
bltserv's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Irvine, CA.
Posts: 725
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
2005 SL55, 2000 CL500
Lambo or SL65.

The Lambo is more work to drive.
Its loud inside and out most of the time.
Its no way as comfortable on the longer haul.
Got to drive in a 2004 about a year ago.
That pumpkin color was a bit too much for my tastes.

Only thing that has "really killed" me so far in my SL55.
It was a Murcielago with Euro Plates "Mexican"

Have not been in the new Gallardo yet.
The Spider looks like the model to compare to the SL65 for top down roadster.
But for all that cash. Do they even give you a top ? I dont know ?

SL65 has more HP than Gallardo.
Old 09-25-2006, 07:01 PM
  #10  
Out Of Control!!
 
vraa's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Posts: 28,933
Likes: 0
Received 11 Likes on 10 Posts
Originally Posted by dinko
Not plain at all. You can find 05's for 150k+ with Navi.

How old are you?
Probably 12 considering his signature says

Teenage Millionaire.....Richer than my parents
Old 09-25-2006, 07:20 PM
  #11  
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
Youngmoney87's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
^ LOL

I'm 19....

and my parents make like 100k combined after taxes.....so theres a point to my sig....

so anyone with negative comments, go play in traffic........

I never asked what anyone thought of my sig, I asked gallardo vs GT vs sl65

so far more are in favor of the sl65...........but this is a benz forum lol........

Also thats a good point, drop-top gallardo is like 250K.....

I'll be getting another car within 1-2 weeks so I'll be sure to post....

has anyone heard of 05s with problems that benz is famous for? I found one for 109K with 26K miles....

EDIT:

WOW you're a mod too......

pretty pathetic

Last edited by Youngmoney87; 09-25-2006 at 07:23 PM.
Old 09-25-2006, 07:21 PM
  #12  
Senior Member
 
///MB's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: So. Cal
Posts: 469
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
2024 S580 | 2024 Escalade ESV Sport Plat | 2022 X5M Competition
I'm not sure where you live, but around LA, you see tons of SLs. Most are 500s and 55s. SL65s are very rare, but to the average person, it's another SL... nice car, but they don't realize how special it is. The Bentley and Gallardo are in a different league in terms of "bling." The cheapest Bentley and Gallardo new are like $160k+?

If you want to show off and have everyone look at you and your car, I would say get the Gallardo first, then Bentley, then the SL65. Again, that just if you're purely looking to have everyone turn their heads when you drive by.
hehe. If you have the need to smoke practically everyone on the road, then get the SL65. =)
Old 09-25-2006, 07:22 PM
  #13  
Super Member
 
BiTurboAmg's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 975
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
SL65 AMG
Originally Posted by nyc123
If you are really looking for the ultimate SL I might be selling my car. It's a 2004 sl55 silver /black with 9000 miles. 1,000 miles ago I added a carlson ecu and pulley kit, brabus body kit and calson lowred mmodule as well as HRE wheels (19 inch). with the mods the car is faster than a sl65 and the brabus body kit makes it much sharper looking. I am only thinking about selling it but if it's something you might be interested in let me know.
Have you dynoed your car or taken it to the strip? I had an e55 k2 with headers, downpipes, ecu and pulley and the 65 could still walk it. If your car is that fast I am going to call carlson to tune my 65.
Old 09-25-2006, 07:29 PM
  #14  
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
Youngmoney87's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
^^

Yeah I'd have to say I'm in it for the bling...

If I can get a good deal on an 05 or 06 then i'll definatly take the 65, but you can get a used gallardo or bentley for 135-150....

To me its whoever gives me the best lease terms, as in the lowest down and payment.....

I have to ask, how is that S600 treating you? I will need a sedan eventually and I t'd a s550, very nice....

You're on the money saying its an just an sl to normal people, thats what ticks me off.....

I live in Philly and am moving to cherry hill, NJ so theres not that many nice cars....occasional 6 series bmw and I see a gallardo at least daily in jersey..

I like the 4.8 btw, my dad has one, very nice car
Old 09-25-2006, 07:31 PM
  #15  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
SLK55R's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Bay Area
Posts: 1,990
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
'10 Porsche Turbo PDK, 500e, GL450
Lambo

Your 19? Definitely the ****ing lambo.
Old 09-25-2006, 07:38 PM
  #16  
Member
 
nyc123's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 203
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
sl55

I have not had the car on a dyno just yet but had the chance to drive next to a sl65 pulling from 30-110 it was very close. My problem is getting comfortable with the suspension and handling of the car. I mostly had porsches and a few bmws in the past and having a hard time getting accustomed to the mercedes air suspension. It just does not give me the driving confidence I had in the other cars, so thinking of selling for an M6 but it's a painful decision as my sl is a hands down better looking car more exotic car
Old 09-25-2006, 07:45 PM
  #17  
Senior Member
 
///MB's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: So. Cal
Posts: 469
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
2024 S580 | 2024 Escalade ESV Sport Plat | 2022 X5M Competition
The S600 is doing great. It's had a couple of the usual MB electronics glitches, but other than that, I very happy with it. If you like the 65 engines, try and spring for the S65. I'm sure it's nothing short of amazing.

Yeah the 4.6is is my car and so far it's pretty good. I would've traded up to a 4.8is when it came out, if they had made a bigger performance improvement. I'll have to wait and see what the new "is" model will be.

Good luck with your decision.
Old 09-25-2006, 07:58 PM
  #18  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
MercedesFTW's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Chicago
Posts: 2,258
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Cee Fiddy Five
Hey what's your secret? Hook up another teen would'ya?

I say go with the 65...my friend's dad has a Murci (i think...04?) and it constantly has problems. Honestly the only thing he does with it is drive from the dealership to a cruise night to show it off...only to take it back to fix something else. Gallardo can't be that much more reliable.

Can't say much about the Bentley...only seen them driving around, and closest I got was probably peering at one that was parked near me.

65-IMO great combo of fun gadets, power, and luxury.

Cherry Hill? Huh, I used to live around there. Still have a couple of friends living in St. Davids.
Old 09-25-2006, 07:59 PM
  #19  
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
Youngmoney87's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Yeah I was telling my dad to hold off, but you know old people

What kind of glitches we lookin at?

Yeah see it would be great to have a 65AMG fleet but there goes the question of people thinking its a regular 550.....I care a little too much what people think, bad, I know.....

If youve seen the gallardo VS s65 you saw how the 65 blew it out of the water...

but the lease payments would look like upper class exotics for the S65....thats why I like the 600, a step above the 550, v12 and all, but not costing you an arm....

thanks everyone!, I'm almost sure I'll get a 65 and get a full step up, like a 430 spyder a little later...instead of going with a half baked exotic, lol....

EDIT:

PM me, I'll tell you what I can.....

I lived in Philly since I came from Russia, but there arent many nice houses around philly that are worth the price tag, if youl ive on the main line, its biggest burb', you'l pay 2 million for 5000 sqft...as opposed to 15000 sqft in cheryyhill for that much....

Last edited by Youngmoney87; 09-25-2006 at 08:05 PM.
Old 09-25-2006, 08:38 PM
  #20  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
jmf003's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Ann Arbor
Posts: 1,653
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
'03 SL55
Originally Posted by Youngmoney87
Is this car really better than a gallardo or GT?
For me, the SL was an easy choice (although 55, not 65).

For you, given how you describe your interests, the Lambo seems clearly the best match out of those three.

The Ford GT might also be worth a look. Same general price range. A little faster. More limited production: Ford builds 1,500 GTs a year while Audi builds about 2,500 Gallardos. The GT's Le Mans race car look isn't for everyone although it will attract attention, probably more so than even the Lambo.
Old 09-25-2006, 08:47 PM
  #21  
Senior Member
 
///MB's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: So. Cal
Posts: 469
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
2024 S580 | 2024 Escalade ESV Sport Plat | 2022 X5M Competition
Originally Posted by Youngmoney87
What kind of glitches we lookin at?

Yeah see it would be great to have a 65AMG fleet but there goes the question of people thinking its a regular 550.....I care a little too much what people think, bad, I know.....
I think I've mentioned it in another post somewhere, but we had a warning light that came on and said, ESP inactive, Distronic plus inactive... and maybe one or two others. The dealer replaced the steering angle sensor or something and I guess that fixed it. Then a couple weeks ago, a similar malfunction light came on... we took it in and they said it was just a glitch and the computer didn't pull up anything. We've got about 7K miles on it now and other than that, it's been great.

Leases on any car in the mid $150K price ranges are ridiculous. With $0 down, for 3 years, it was something like $3200 a month plus tax. That's a total of $115,000 in payments over the 3 years. Needless to say, we didn't lease.
Old 09-25-2006, 09:07 PM
  #22  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Evil Duffman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: New Jersey/Brooklyn
Posts: 1,532
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
'99 C230 K
Originally Posted by Youngmoney87
Yeah I was telling my dad to hold off, but you know old people

What kind of glitches we lookin at?

Yeah see it would be great to have a 65AMG fleet but there goes the question of people thinking its a regular 550.....I care a little too much what people think, bad, I know.....

If youve seen the gallardo VS s65 you saw how the 65 blew it out of the water...

but the lease payments would look like upper class exotics for the S65....thats why I like the 600, a step above the 550, v12 and all, but not costing you an arm....

thanks everyone!, I'm almost sure I'll get a 65 and get a full step up, like a 430 spyder a little later...instead of going with a half baked exotic, lol....

EDIT:

PM me, I'll tell you what I can.....

I lived in Philly since I came from Russia, but there arent many nice houses around philly that are worth the price tag, if youl ive on the main line, its biggest burb', you'l pay 2 million for 5000 sqft...as opposed to 15000 sqft in cheryyhill for that much....


russia eh, are you familiar with Brighton Beach then?....its basically little russia. I live here and everyone here drives a benz, bmw, bentley, or other high end luxury car, which is most due inpart to the fact that its mob territory, lol. Ive seen 19-25 year olds drive 745li's, S550, etc. Russian's certianly have great taste in automobiles. Id go with the Benz, and if you have some dough left over, spoil yourself with the F430, nicer than the gallardo IMO. Remember to post pics of the ride when you get it
Old 09-25-2006, 09:15 PM
  #23  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
BoBcanada's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Toronto,ON
Posts: 2,793
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
AMG
Eshe odin ruskii!!!

Get sl65 and s600 and you'll be more than happy.

SL65 + renntech tune is a killer deal.

Even if i could afford lambo i think i wouldnt buy one, those cars just dont do it for me, SLR or CGT now thats the cars to get!

And bently GT is a nice car if you dont look for performance, its heavy nice car but expensive and kinda heavy, Alhtough if you have snow AWD will help you there.

Last edited by BoBcanada; 09-25-2006 at 09:19 PM.
Old 09-25-2006, 09:20 PM
  #24  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
MercedesFTW's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Chicago
Posts: 2,258
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Cee Fiddy Five
Actually they stopped making the Ford GT...

And from the very little time I sat in it, I would say I love it. A lot of character.

Plus I've heard good things of its seats, as it is supposed to be quite comfortble in the long run.
Old 09-25-2006, 10:01 PM
  #25  
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
Youngmoney87's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Of course I know brighton beach, in Brooklyn, NY..

I'm actually partners in a club there and own a business or two there...I was on ocean park blvd. that other week as a matter of fact....

Yeah its amazing when I was 14 I came up there and saw all these benzes I was just like D-d-d-d-d-d-d-d-d-d-d-d-d-d-damn, alot of mobsters that came over from Russia....

An american friend of mine bought a Arange and proceded to show off in the one of the richest, yet mob crawling neighborhoods in Moscow, he got pulled out of his car by teenagers...LOL
----------

Those glitches are why I hate benz, but still I love it .....

you'd think spending 100+Gs on something and they'd take care of it...

And yeah, if you give 0 down on a lease, you're screwed, yet sometimes its cheaper than buying....sometimes......

I was paying 980 w/ tax for my range w/ inception costs + 2 K, and I got quoted 1,400 for a 06 sl65 w/ 6.5k down..99% sure ill go for that...

My future rosters will hopefully look like sl65,s65/600,f430sydr,somesortofSUV

Thanks alot guys, looks likes you cant loose with benz, I will deff take pix same day I get it and I also will have some 20" mayas on the way


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.

Quick Reply: SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: So....Is the SL65 really better then a Continental GT or Gallardo?



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 09:55 AM.