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

SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: SL63 or M6?

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Old May 10, 2008 | 08:44 PM
  #26  
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This looks like a decent buy:

[url]http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2008-Mercedes-Benz-SL55-30k-off-MSRP-3k-miles_W0QQitemZ120253150507QQcmdZViewItem?hash=ite m120253150507&[url]

I'd rather let someone else take the initial hit in depreciation than for it to be me. Only problem is, there are so many black/black SLs out there being sold and that's my last choice in color schemes, so I guess I'll have to keep looking.

Last edited by C6Jeff; May 10, 2008 at 08:49 PM. Reason: Need to add the URL
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Old May 10, 2008 | 08:57 PM
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Talking

Originally Posted by FloridaE55
OK, I thought you were talking about the M6 coupe in this particular post since you were referring to "an" M6..
It's proper grammar to precede a noun that starts with a vowel sound with the article "an" instead of "a". Otherwise I'd have to call you "a idiot". Just kidding! Really.

Anyway, I've ruled out the M6 altogether. If I were in the market for a sport sedan, I'd probably test drive the M5 but since I am not in love with its looks I would probably wait to see how the new 2009 CTS-V looks because 550HP and a sub-8-minute time around the Nordschleife @ Nurburgring puts it in a class with ultra exotics. I wonder how the SL55 did on that course?.Anyone?

Last edited by C6Jeff; May 10, 2008 at 09:25 PM.
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Old May 10, 2008 | 09:20 PM
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Before you start worrying about prices test drive the 2 cars. Thats the most important thing, then add the price into the equation.
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Old May 11, 2008 | 12:31 AM
  #29  
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OK the top on the M6 is exactly the same the one on the 650i...he just means the hardtop is said to have better handling due to it not having the rag top....just as conv top on the SL ruins its handling and when the fixed top SL black comes out I guarantee the handling will be much more impressive. Also how can you rule out the M6 conv based on other's reviews without even driving it? Also IMO a brand new discounted 2008 SL55 is a worse buy then a 2009 at retail since the 2008 will probably drop in value much quicker then even a 2009 which is less discounted. The 2005/2006/2007 starmarked is a better buy then the new 2008 even with 20k off. The 2008 M6 Conv is freaking INSANE and many SL55 owners from this forum have moved on to them. Some say the M5 is a better buy. The M5 is sweet but a M6 rolling at you with the top down is about 100X more badass. Of course the M5 makes more sense as an all around vehicle just as a E55/E63 makes more sense then a SL. The E class has better handling then the SL according to some sources....so why buy SL at all? Because they are just totally different cars style wise. And with the 100X better parking sensors then the SL, the M6's blind spot doesnt exist IMO. Never had a problem while driving at all. Talk about blind spots: when I drive my cousins CLS55 I cant see a thing.

Bottom line: Test drive the 2008 M6 conv with SMG...then test the 2009/2008 SL's and you will know which you want. Do not rule the M6 out before driving it!!!!
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Old May 11, 2008 | 12:35 AM
  #30  
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Originally Posted by W211 BEAST
I'm not trying to offend or anything, but if the convertible top is a selling point for you, you'dprobably be happy with a normal 650i. The drop top makes the M6 crap, thats why you barely see any on the road.
True. It adds 500lbs to the weight of the carbon fiber roofed coupe and weighs 400lbs more than the M5. If you want a conv then just get the 650i as its cheaper and smoother. If you want ultimate performance then get the M5 or M6coupe
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Old May 11, 2008 | 01:30 AM
  #31  
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CY makes a valid point, dont just drop it from your list because it doesnt make sense. Lol. Sometimes the cars that dont make sense are the most fun. But in all honesty, the M6 may be a great car, but when you put the convertible on it you transform it from a sportscar to a nice/fast tourer, and you're paying more for it. I'm the kind of person who doesnt like buying things that dont make sense, thats why I have an E55, cheaper/mor useable/faster than an SL55. But thats just me. I strongly suggest that you check out all 3 cars before you make a decision (SL55/SL63/M6), but please, please, if the M6 convertible is the one you want, test drive both the coupe and the convertible. I'm not saying that you should get the coupe, as it seems like you want a convertible, but I think that when you see what kind of difference I'm talking about you will decide that the M6 convertible just doesnt make sense. Or you will feel like a pimp rolling around in an M6 convertible and you'll pick that up Either way, test drive em all and give the dealers hell. Have fun.
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Old May 11, 2008 | 01:34 AM
  #32  
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Something on 4 wheels..
Originally Posted by C6Jeff
It's proper grammar to precede a noun that starts with a vowel sound with the article "an" instead of "a". Otherwise I'd have to call you "a idiot". Just kidding! Really.
Just to make sure - I wasn't referring to the "an" as a grammar-hint (btw, English is NOT my native language) - I only thought you were referring to "an ORDINARY M6 - and in 80% of the cases, that's the coupe.

But I'm sure you made the right decision by going with the SL. If had the opportunity now, I'd also switch the M5 to that SL(55/63) in a heartbeat - but I don't think that's a huge surprise.

Being a hard-top convertible, the SL is in a class of its own. It might just be me, but I need a solid roof over my head when the roof is closed - if that's not the case, I would feel like driving an incomplete car. Same when it's raining, no matter if it's an M6 or a 997TT convertible. Having an Alcantara headliner AND a convertible top is just great!

Last edited by FloridaE55; May 11, 2008 at 01:36 AM.
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Old May 11, 2008 | 01:53 AM
  #33  
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Originally Posted by C6Jeff
I'm considering upgrading from my 2006 Corvette convertible to either an SL63 or an M6 convertible. I have never even sat in, much less driven, either car. I've always admired the lines of the SL55 but it's been around for several years and thus not quite as exciting to me as it once was. I'm hoping that the SL63 will excite me like the SL55 used to and I will finally get a chance to see one next week, my local dealer has told me.

The M6 is also a nice car but not as sleek as the SL, but a good-looking, good-performing car, nonetheless. Either car will surely be an upgrade from the Vette, though perhaps not in the performance category but certainly in all other areas. I think I would be happy with either car.

The question comes down to price: The SL63 will cost me considerably more money than the M6, and rightly so: The SL has a folding hardtop and an automatic pop-up roll bar, both desirable features but are they worth the big cost difference?

Both cars depreciate precipitously, but we car nuts are used to that. But it will be at least a year before I can get a good buy on a low-mileage SL63 whereas there are M6s with few miles on them that have already taken the depreciation and can be had for under $100K today.

If I were to buy either car new, there would still be a big price difference, so again the question I have is, "Is the SL63 really worth the difference over the M6?"

I realize that I am asking MB/AMG fans and can't expect a totally objective reply so I guess I am asking you folks to "sell" me on ordering the new SL rather than a new or year-old M6.
SL63 FTW
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Old May 11, 2008 | 01:55 AM
  #34  
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Originally Posted by george1234k
the 997 turbo 6speed is so fun to drive. but what about
2009 SL65 or 997 GT2
GT2 FTW
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Old May 11, 2008 | 02:28 AM
  #35  
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I was at a local MB dealer today and the new SL63's were in the showroom for me to drool and tinker with!
Attached Thumbnails SL63 or M6?-img_0224.jpg   SL63 or M6?-img_0219.jpg   SL63 or M6?-img_0220.jpg   SL63 or M6?-img_0222.jpg   SL63 or M6?-img_0223.jpg  

SL63 or M6?-img_0225.jpg  
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Old May 11, 2008 | 06:51 AM
  #36  
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Originally Posted by W211 BEAST
CY makes a valid point, dont just drop it from your list because it doesnt make sense. Lol. Sometimes the cars that dont make sense are the most fun. But in all honesty, the M6 may be a great car, but when you put the convertible on it you transform it from a sportscar to a nice/fast tourer, and you're paying more for it. I'm the kind of person who doesnt like buying things that dont make sense, thats why I have an E55, cheaper/mor useable/faster than an SL55. But thats just me. I strongly suggest that you check out all 3 cars before you make a decision (SL55/SL63/M6), but please, please, if the M6 convertible is the one you want, test drive both the coupe and the convertible. I'm not saying that you should get the coupe, as it seems like you want a convertible, but I think that when you see what kind of difference I'm talking about you will decide that the M6 convertible just doesnt make sense. Or you will feel like a pimp rolling around in an M6 convertible and you'll pick that up Either way, test drive em all and give the dealers hell. Have fun.
Some very valid points.
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Old May 11, 2008 | 10:04 AM
  #37  
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My salesman told me the totally new revamped SL model will be out for 2011 which is only 2 years away. I have to think the SL63 prices are going to take a pretty huge hit also.
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Old May 11, 2008 | 10:48 AM
  #38  
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Everyone here has been so very helpful and informative and courteous and I appreciate all the kind help and advice.

My wife has a beautiful '06 Jag XKR Victory Edition (what victory has Jag won in recent decades LOL?) but she rarely drives it and even more rarely puts the top down. Maybe if I got a nice coupe or sedan like an M5 or a CTS-V or an E55 or C63 or CLS63, etc., I could use the Jag whenever I want a drop-top.

I've got some thinking to do but since I have no pressing need to change cars at the moment, I will take my time pondering this whole idea.

The best thing that has come out of this exercise is finding this forum. I posed the same question on the Corvette Forum and also got some decent replies but was also called a "poser" for wanting a convertible, "not a Corvette guy", and "shallow" for wanting a car with more prestige than a Vette. So, thanks for being so decent to a newbie and so welcoming and helpful. I hope to have a name-change when I've traded in the C6 but until then I'll still be C6Jeff, lurking and paying attention to what you guys have to say about your German car experiences.
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Old May 11, 2008 | 01:32 PM
  #39  
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Originally Posted by C6Jeff
(what victory has Jag won in recent decades LOL?)
Lol... Thats exactly what I thought when I saw the Victory Edition thing. You say we've been helpful right? Ok, now I ask a favor of you. Go to an MB or BMW dealership, your choice, and test drive either the E55/63 or M5, take it out with a cool salesperson. Maybe even an E with a pano roof. Explain to the f*** that you want this car to have fun, and you want to test it out on the test drive. These 4 doors can be just as much fun if not more fun (when flying past porsches) than the coupes or convertibles. Trust me, do it, I did it once and I dont ever feel the need for a 2 door "sportscar", lol, and I'm 19. Just do me a favor and test drive on of them. Let us know what you think.
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Old May 11, 2008 | 01:42 PM
  #40  
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Also, when you read those 2 cars dont think that you can just generalize and test drive a Quatroporte, if that was the first 4 door sportscar I test drove I'd be driving a porsche right now. And I didnt bring up the CLS cause I'm a practical person, and the CLS doesnt make sense in my eyes (even though it somehow made sense in my brothers eyes when he got it) E55/63/M5. Thats it. And give us a full report. Thanks. lol
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Old May 11, 2008 | 02:37 PM
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Originally Posted by C6Jeff
I posed the same question on the Corvette Forum and also got some decent replies but was also called a "poser" for wanting a convertible, "not a Corvette guy", and "shallow" for wanting a car with more prestige than a Vette. So, thanks for being so decent to a newbie and so welcoming and helpful.
Just ignore those guys on the other forum - they aren't even up to date.
Calling you a "poser" or "shallow" is not fancy any more.

Next time, tell them you want to be called an "ELITIST"...
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Old May 11, 2008 | 04:47 PM
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Originally Posted by FloridaE55
Just ignore those guys on the other forum - they aren't even up to date.
Calling you a "poser" or "shallow" is not fancy any more.

Next time, tell them you want to be called an "ELITIST"...
LOL!
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Old May 11, 2008 | 04:50 PM
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Originally Posted by W211 BEAST
Also, when you read those 2 cars dont think that you can just generalize and test drive a Quatroporte, if that was the first 4 door sportscar I test drove I'd be driving a porsche right now.
I'm not certain what you mean about comparing the BMW and MB sport sedans to the Quattroporte so please explain. Did you hate the QP or love it?
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Old May 11, 2008 | 05:36 PM
  #44  
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I'm sorry I didnt explain... The QP would have completely turned me off of 4 door sports cars. It was the most horrible thing I have ever driven. Nice interior, but I prefer the drive of my 2003 Tahoe, and that had the 4.8 liter engine. The QP just isnt on the same level as the M5/E55
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Old May 11, 2008 | 09:00 PM
  #45  
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I had a XK a while back and getting into a R230 SL from it was like getting into a fighter jet or something. Talk about apples vs. oranges. Looks clean though.
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Old May 12, 2008 | 02:07 AM
  #46  
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With regards to the M6, I have driven both the M6 and the 650 and I swear to you, it feels the same. The M6 has a bit more pull, but when comparing a Sl 500 or 550 to a 55, there is a huge difference. And the thing is, an M6 looks just like a 645, and I would much rather dip in a M5 over a M6. The radius on that car is such garbage, I know I brought it up again CY, but it really bothers me. Not to mention the SL is more aerodynamic as well where as the 6 is bulky looking and feels that way. I would get the Coupe over the rag top hands down, the ragtop makes it look like the old 330Cis, looks real cheap. Regardless though, if you are choosing between those two, there are both great cars, but the SL 63 is superior to the M6 in every possible way. My girlfriend takes my SL out and leaves her 650 for me to drive, and guess what, I always get a ride from my friend in his E55 I am not a BMW hater, but an M6 is not worth the cash when it looks identical to the 645s, IMO. (no offense to any 6 series owners or BMW lovers). Im just a benz guy
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Old May 12, 2008 | 03:11 AM
  #47  
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Originally Posted by BrabusTrojanSL
but an M6 is not worth the cash when it looks identical to the 645s
That doesn't make any sense. My SL looks exactly like an SL55 via the AMG package, the only difference is the exhaust and badging.

The M6 has a different front bumper, diffuser, exhaust ect and you can't get a 650 with the M6 front bumper ect ect like you can get an SL550 with the AMG kit.

That said, this will no longer be true for the 09 SL63/65 vs 550/600.
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Old May 12, 2008 | 09:08 AM
  #48  
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Originally Posted by Murtaza
That doesn't make any sense. My SL looks exactly like an SL55 via the AMG package, the only difference is the exhaust and badging.

The M6 has a different front bumper, diffuser, exhaust ect and you can't get a 650 with the M6 front bumper ect ect like you can get an SL550 with the AMG kit.

That said, this will no longer be true for the 09 SL63/65 vs 550/600.
Sorry BrabusTrojan
Murtaza is totally about this.
Back to the turning radius though...lol
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Old May 12, 2008 | 11:12 AM
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Originally Posted by Murtaza
That doesn't make any sense. My SL looks exactly like an SL55 via the AMG package, the only difference is the exhaust and badging.

The M6 has a different front bumper, diffuser, exhaust ect and you can't get a 650 with the M6 front bumper ect ect like you can get an SL550 with the AMG kit.

That said, this will no longer be true for the 09 SL63/65 vs 550/600.
And the diffuser is functional. AMG take note...
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Old May 12, 2008 | 03:15 PM
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Originally Posted by Murtaza
That doesn't make any sense. My SL looks exactly like an SL55 via the AMG package, the only difference is the exhaust and badging.

The M6 has a different front bumper, diffuser, exhaust ect and you can't get a 650 with the M6 front bumper ect ect like you can get an SL550 with the AMG kit.

That said, this will no longer be true for the 09 SL63/65 vs 550/600.
I was speaking of the new body SLs and your right
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