SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: SL55 vs SL600
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Mercedes E55 AMG (2006), Mercedes 560 SEL (1991)
Went to the dealer to test drive an 05' SL550 Friday. They offered it to replace my 600 that fell off the lift. It didn't seem as fast so I pulled over with the salesman in the car and did the "Sneaky Reset". The reset helped quite a bit with the shifting positions but I noticed since it shifted at higher RPMs that the torque really fell off between shifts. The 55 does not seem to have the "Wall of Torque" that the 600 does. I truly liked the sound of the 55 more, but did not have the consistent pull of my old 600. I've decided to have them try to find a replacement 600 for me.
Brgds
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Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Phoenix AZ
2005 C55 AMG - 2018 340i - 2006 SL55 AMG - Sold
Can someone clarify?
I ask as my old 2006 SL55 has felt significantly faster then a few 2004 SL55's I looked at. I'm starting to think my old 2006 SL55 (that I bought used) had a chip....unless 2006 was the first year in the US of the upgraded engine.
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Joined: Jun 2010
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Mercedes E55 AMG (2006), Mercedes 560 SEL (1991)
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2008 cl65
Addicted to speed
You should do a search, there are a lot of threads on this topic. SL600 is potentially much faster, you only need a reflash to run low to mid 11's; I never saw SL55 break into 11's, even modden. Chipped SL600 will actually be faster than stock SL65. Handling wise, neither is a sports car and I haven't noticed much difference. In my opinion V12 bi-turbo > V8 kompressor any day 
Last edited by John Mcnerney; Dec 10, 2018 at 01:40 AM. Reason: Misspelling
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From: UK
SL55 AMG
The SL600 has more torque than the SL55 which means it is fractionally faster but it’s not night and day different. The cars are heavy, and the extra V12 weight in the front of the SL600 makes for poorer turn in. It’s correct not to think of them as sports cars, more luxury GTs from their time even though they look and feel quite dated these days.
The cars are extremely expensive to maintain properly as they age and non-standard parts start failing, especially the suspension struts and if the brake by wire control unit fails, that is enough to possibly condemn the car.
if you are buying, check the roof, the car’s electrics and put it on a ramp. A leaking strut costs $1500-2000 a corner. A fully documented service history will help reassure you.
The cars are extremely expensive to maintain properly as they age and non-standard parts start failing, especially the suspension struts and if the brake by wire control unit fails, that is enough to possibly condemn the car.
if you are buying, check the roof, the car’s electrics and put it on a ramp. A leaking strut costs $1500-2000 a corner. A fully documented service history will help reassure you.
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From: Netherlands
2005 R 230 SL350 (M112 3.7). Sold the 1966 W113 230SL recently
