SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: AMG Purchase Advice
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 24
Likes: 1
From: Atlanta, GA
SL55, 360 Spider, NissanTitan
AMG Purchase Advice
Guys, looking for some advice. I currently have a 2003 SL500 - possibly one of the few that has been very reliable! I am in the market for an 05-06 SL AMG, but which one? I'm looking for some real life opinions on the SL55 versus the SL55 with M030, versus the SL65.
Can the performance of the SL65 ever be detrimental (traction issues?) compared to the performance of the SL55?
Is the M030 package worth it, besides looks
? I know M030 cars tend to be hard to find.
I don't drive fast all the time, but I do like to blow the cobwebs out of my system every once in a while!
Depreciation and running costs are not too much of an issue.
Thanks in advance for any feedback.
C
Can the performance of the SL65 ever be detrimental (traction issues?) compared to the performance of the SL55?
Is the M030 package worth it, besides looks
? I know M030 cars tend to be hard to find.I don't drive fast all the time, but I do like to blow the cobwebs out of my system every once in a while!
Depreciation and running costs are not too much of an issue.
Thanks in advance for any feedback.
C
Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 173
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area, California
SL65
I haven't driven the SL55 and cannot comment on how it compares to the 65. I can say that the only traction issue with the 65 is pegging full throttle at low speeds. If you do, traction control will kick in.
I'd rather have the extra power and use it judiciously.
I can say the 65 has god-like acceleration...
Scott
I'd rather have the extra power and use it judiciously.
I can say the 65 has god-like acceleration...
Scott
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,653
Likes: 5
From: Ann Arbor
'03 SL55
My $0.02.
The SL65 accelerates significantly faster than the SL55, not that the SL55 is any slouch. The SL55 is slightly lighter and handles slightly better. Some people find the handling difference noticeable while others do not. You'll want to test drive both at length to figure out if you care about the handling differences.
As NSM wrote, traction control is an issue only if you give the engine too much throttle. It's not that hard to master the right amount of touch, though. Just a little practice and concentration.
I personally don't think the 030 package is a good value, mostly because the wheels are very heavy, about 35 lbs each. Putting your money into lightweight wheels and rotors would help both acceleration and handling more than the 030 package. Of course the 030 package is more than just the wheels.
Good luck! Enjoy the experience!
The SL65 accelerates significantly faster than the SL55, not that the SL55 is any slouch. The SL55 is slightly lighter and handles slightly better. Some people find the handling difference noticeable while others do not. You'll want to test drive both at length to figure out if you care about the handling differences.
As NSM wrote, traction control is an issue only if you give the engine too much throttle. It's not that hard to master the right amount of touch, though. Just a little practice and concentration.
I personally don't think the 030 package is a good value, mostly because the wheels are very heavy, about 35 lbs each. Putting your money into lightweight wheels and rotors would help both acceleration and handling more than the 030 package. Of course the 030 package is more than just the wheels.
Good luck! Enjoy the experience!
Banned
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 725
Likes: 1
From: Irvine, CA.
2005 SL55, 2000 CL500
The Move up to AMG SL
Congrats on the move up.
I went the SL55 route. Drove a couple 65`s.
And it is one of a few cars that will beat me from the line.
But in the turns the 55 is a bit more nimble.
And a bit cheaper to own and maintain.
Also sounds meaner when floored.
Still has some traction issues. But not as bad as the 65 from the line.
The used market is great right now. Lots of starving Real Estate
and Loan guys who just want out of their Leases and Payments
and dealers offering squat at trade in.
Enjoy shopping for your AMG. Its a part of the fun !!!
Drive as many cars as you can before you buy !
I went the SL55 route. Drove a couple 65`s.
And it is one of a few cars that will beat me from the line.
But in the turns the 55 is a bit more nimble.
And a bit cheaper to own and maintain.
Also sounds meaner when floored.
Still has some traction issues. But not as bad as the 65 from the line.
The used market is great right now. Lots of starving Real Estate
and Loan guys who just want out of their Leases and Payments
and dealers offering squat at trade in.
Enjoy shopping for your AMG. Its a part of the fun !!!
Drive as many cars as you can before you buy !
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,703
Likes: 5
From: Arizona
SL55AMG, Ferrari 348, Ferrari Testarossa, Ferrari F40, Ferrari Mondial t, Ducati 916, Indycar
The SL55 is one of the best all around cars I have owned. I enjoy the handling advantage. The best part about the SL65 was that I was able to sell my spot (#1) for $25K!
Almost a Member!
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
From: newport coast, 92657
2007 E63
Congrats on the move up.
I went the SL55 route. Drove a couple 65`s.
And it is one of a few cars that will beat me from the line.
But in the turns the 55 is a bit more nimble.
And a bit cheaper to own and maintain.
Also sounds meaner when floored.
Still has some traction issues. But not as bad as the 65 from the line.
The used market is great right now. Lots of starving Real Estate
and Loan guys who just want out of their Leases and Payments
and dealers offering squat at trade in.
Enjoy shopping for your AMG. Its a part of the fun !!!
Drive as many cars as you can before you buy !
I went the SL55 route. Drove a couple 65`s.
And it is one of a few cars that will beat me from the line.
But in the turns the 55 is a bit more nimble.
And a bit cheaper to own and maintain.
Also sounds meaner when floored.
Still has some traction issues. But not as bad as the 65 from the line.
The used market is great right now. Lots of starving Real Estate
and Loan guys who just want out of their Leases and Payments
and dealers offering squat at trade in.
Enjoy shopping for your AMG. Its a part of the fun !!!
Drive as many cars as you can before you buy !
I did an e63 and my business partner did an sl55 sometimes Im slightly jealous... The sl55 drives awesome and is very nimble.
If you do the 65 you are big daddy and the real houswives of orange county will be on your jock at south coast plaza.
Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 206
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From: Redondo Beach, CA
‘11 SLS, ‘19 GT63 s Edition One
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Newbie
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 5
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I am debating between the a "previously owned" SL 55 AMG and the 65 AMG.
1.Is the 65 really faster off the line? If so that is suprising since the turbo takes a second or two to kick in- thus producing a "lag".
2. I thought the Silver Arrow 2005 SL 65 would be unique because supposedly only 50 were produced- then I noticed two on the market at the same time. Also, neither one of them had the pano roof which I think looks great on a silver car- creating a two-tone effect.
Was pano roof NOT an option on the 2005 SL 65 AMG Silver Arrow?
3. My car must be fully loaded. I want everything but the phone. What do you think I would pay for a fully loaded 2005 SL 55 AMG with less than 20,000 miles in excellent shape with extended warranty?
4. What would I pay for a similar 2005 SL 65 fully loaded?
5. Of the years from 2003- 2006 AMG 55 and also 65, are there any models and years to avoid and why? Any years and models to seek out and why?
7. What is the best place to get a good deal on an SL 55 or 65 with good credentials, loaded with low miles? I'll fly anywhere in the country to pick up my beauty and drive her home.
Thanks for your feedback
Amerikanisch
1.Is the 65 really faster off the line? If so that is suprising since the turbo takes a second or two to kick in- thus producing a "lag".
2. I thought the Silver Arrow 2005 SL 65 would be unique because supposedly only 50 were produced- then I noticed two on the market at the same time. Also, neither one of them had the pano roof which I think looks great on a silver car- creating a two-tone effect.
Was pano roof NOT an option on the 2005 SL 65 AMG Silver Arrow?
3. My car must be fully loaded. I want everything but the phone. What do you think I would pay for a fully loaded 2005 SL 55 AMG with less than 20,000 miles in excellent shape with extended warranty?
4. What would I pay for a similar 2005 SL 65 fully loaded?
5. Of the years from 2003- 2006 AMG 55 and also 65, are there any models and years to avoid and why? Any years and models to seek out and why?
7. What is the best place to get a good deal on an SL 55 or 65 with good credentials, loaded with low miles? I'll fly anywhere in the country to pick up my beauty and drive her home.
Thanks for your feedback
Amerikanisch
Congrats on the move up.
I went the SL55 route. Drove a couple 65`s.
And it is one of a few cars that will beat me from the line.
But in the turns the 55 is a bit more nimble.
And a bit cheaper to own and maintain.
Also sounds meaner when floored.
Still has some traction issues. But not as bad as the 65 from the line.
The used market is great right now. Lots of starving Real Estate
and Loan guys who just want out of their Leases and Payments
and dealers offering squat at trade in.
Enjoy shopping for your AMG. Its a part of the fun !!!
Drive as many cars as you can before you buy !
I went the SL55 route. Drove a couple 65`s.
And it is one of a few cars that will beat me from the line.
But in the turns the 55 is a bit more nimble.
And a bit cheaper to own and maintain.
Also sounds meaner when floored.
Still has some traction issues. But not as bad as the 65 from the line.
The used market is great right now. Lots of starving Real Estate
and Loan guys who just want out of their Leases and Payments
and dealers offering squat at trade in.
Enjoy shopping for your AMG. Its a part of the fun !!!
Drive as many cars as you can before you buy !
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Banned
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 725
Likes: 1
From: Irvine, CA.
2005 SL55, 2000 CL500
Here you go. Lots of people you can hire !!!
Look up New Century Stock Symbol (NEW)
Here are 17,000 people hitting the streets in a few days.
Lets here it for Subprime lenders.
As far as a used SL55 2005 2006 under 20K miles.
Around $75K for the 2005. $85K for the 2006.
More if CPO.
Look up New Century Stock Symbol (NEW)
Here are 17,000 people hitting the streets in a few days.
Lets here it for Subprime lenders.
As far as a used SL55 2005 2006 under 20K miles.
Around $75K for the 2005. $85K for the 2006.
More if CPO.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,566
Likes: 7
'14 ML BT
Here you go. Lots of people you can hire !!!
Look up New Century Stock Symbol (NEW)
Here are 17,000 people hitting the streets in a few days.
Lets here it for Subprime lenders.
As far as a used SL55 2005 2006 under 20K miles.
Around $75K for the 2005. $85K for the 2006.
More if CPO.
Look up New Century Stock Symbol (NEW)
Here are 17,000 people hitting the streets in a few days.
Lets here it for Subprime lenders.
As far as a used SL55 2005 2006 under 20K miles.
Around $75K for the 2005. $85K for the 2006.
More if CPO.
Banned
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 725
Likes: 1
From: Irvine, CA.
2005 SL55, 2000 CL500
I wish I had
I have several friends in the mortgage business.
Some are brokers that own businesses.
Seems like they have been singing the blues
and hanging in bars more than normal.
Short NEW. Nope.
No I was too busy fooling with my own silly business.
Just think. Short on NEW with about $20K.
I could a got a new SL65 and no payments.
So down here in OC like everyone is in the lending business.
Or at least was. The party is over for RE and funny money loans.
I bet business at Fletcher Jones is going to be off a bit.
Some are brokers that own businesses.
Seems like they have been singing the blues
and hanging in bars more than normal.
Short NEW. Nope.
No I was too busy fooling with my own silly business.
Just think. Short on NEW with about $20K.
I could a got a new SL65 and no payments.
So down here in OC like everyone is in the lending business.
Or at least was. The party is over for RE and funny money loans.
I bet business at Fletcher Jones is going to be off a bit.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,566
Likes: 7
'14 ML BT
Huge market tank today in the sub primes, some down 50% like NEW and NFI.
Pssst buddy, wanna' take a loan?
Pssst buddy, wanna' take a loan?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 24
Likes: 1
From: Atlanta, GA
SL55, 360 Spider, NissanTitan
Made my choice!
Well, yesterday I made my decision and bought a set of Brabus wheels. With these wheels came a free 2005 SL55 in pewter with a charcoal interior and only 6000 miles. I am in love and the exhaust note is to die for!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,703
Likes: 5
From: Arizona
SL55AMG, Ferrari 348, Ferrari Testarossa, Ferrari F40, Ferrari Mondial t, Ducati 916, Indycar
