jjprusk

I read in one post that there was substantial difference between the 2006 and 2007 SL65's. Could someone that's in the know post the detailed differences between the two cars? I was looking at a 2006 (assuming they were the same as a 2007), but it sounds like that's not the case.

JackStraw

I don't think there were any significant changes.

AdamG@NorCal

Very minimal cosmectic differences; no changes in performance either.

whoover

The SL55 engine was improved for 2007. That may be what you heard.

Speed Thrills

Both have same HP rating. 07 has a few cosmetic changes including front aero gills and different exhaust tips. Main interior change in 07 is new steering wheel with paddle shift activators instead of the standard buttons ( you can get this 07 steering wheel for around $700). Get a low mile 06 and you'll save over 60k like I did.

WSH

Minim cosmetic diffces....but would argue signif perf/handling/feel diffces (esp for those w/zero interest in dragstrips but much interest in twisties fun)...

'07 has faster-reacting ABC 2.0 (ABC 1.0 in '06 is almost 5 yr old tech); tighter steering (some 10%); new exhaust; much improved, thick-rimmed sport steering wheel w/paddleshifters...

IMO, biggest perf weakness of SL65 is awful brake pedal feel (too much travel before bite) and poor real-world traction, even in mid-range accel on bumpy fwys...

On '07, MB was offering cheap $0 down, 2 yr leases (some $3800/mo incl CA sales tx)....

Given how poor SL sales have been post-'07 mid-cycle refresh (down some 40% y-o-y), may see another attempt at a cosmetic refresh in next yr (impacting resale/trade-in values/lease terms)....

And would suspect CL63/65 will further kill SL55/65 sales/values, as CL is light-years ahead of SL in tech content/interior aesthetics/ergonomics....just compare the SL65's cheap blk plastic buttons/switchgear, ancient infotainment systems, old-tech sport seats w/limited adjustment/massage/ventil capabilities, lack of intelligent headlights, lack of latest-tech BrakeAssist/Distronic coupling, old Parktronic "bullet holes", sat radio lump on trunklid, etc vs CL63/65.....

SL55 was a brilliant, iconic car 5 yrs ago upon launch but 599 and new CL63/65 have changed benchmarks....at least until a fully revised, latest-tech SL comes out in ?'09...

whoover

2007 SL55 is 510 HP vs. 493 in 2006. A larger throttle body is the reason, I believe. Again, I'm talking about SL55, not SL65.

Speed Thrills

Topic is "65" not "55"

TREZ63

Where is your source for this info? Any other info on the ABC 2.0?
Had anyone driven both the 06 and the 07 to see if this diff really shows?

RJC

Good catch. There was also a change in the supercharger for the 07 SL55's...