SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: SL63 or M6?
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 763
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From: South Florida
2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG S
Now you've gotten me more confused: What's so special about the M5 that would make it more desirable than an M6? I guess if you need a four-seater with 4 doors but that doesn't compare to a 2+2 convertible like the M6 for someone who doesn't need a real rear seat or the extra doors but who does want a convertible.
OK, so I get it that the SL63 is a lot nicer than the M6 vert, but what about comparing a new $150K SL63 with a year-old Aston Martin DB9 Volante for similar money? Once I've made up my mind to spend $150K, there are other possibilities if I am willing to get a pre-owned, true exotic. Do you see my dilemma? I can get a great SL55 or M6 or even an SL65 if I'm willing to settle for an '06 or '07 car under 10K miles and only spend somewhere around $100K (more for the SL65 but not all that much more), so is a new SL63 worth the extra $50-grand? And if it is worth that, then I've got to choose between the SL63 and a new Porsche Turbo or a used DB9 Volante.
OK, so I get it that the SL63 is a lot nicer than the M6 vert, but what about comparing a new $150K SL63 with a year-old Aston Martin DB9 Volante for similar money? Once I've made up my mind to spend $150K, there are other possibilities if I am willing to get a pre-owned, true exotic. Do you see my dilemma? I can get a great SL55 or M6 or even an SL65 if I'm willing to settle for an '06 or '07 car under 10K miles and only spend somewhere around $100K (more for the SL65 but not all that much more), so is a new SL63 worth the extra $50-grand? And if it is worth that, then I've got to choose between the SL63 and a new Porsche Turbo or a used DB9 Volante.
I'm going to be the voice of reason here. Do not under any circumstance buy the SL63 new. I don't care how much money you have. A loss of money for very little gain is not worth it. Your best bet is to get a used SL65 with low mileage and for like 3-4K any reputable car audio place can pull out the head unit and replace it with an amazing touch screen Navi that has bluetooth and Sirius built in. This includes a larger sub-woofer and stronger amplifier. Now you have the ultimate car. The SL65 5 speed transmission is bullet proof and works great. You can be out the door for about 100K with one of the fastest production cars made and a hardtop convertible. How can you even think of spending 150K on an SL63 with over 100 less horsepower and 200 less lbs/ft of torque. It's not like the SL65 interior sucks! The SL63 is definitely nicer and updated but come on it not that much nicer. Get the 65 and I guarantee you will thank me. Good Luck.
Larry
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 497
Likes: 1
SL
I stopped reading the post here because it was getting too long so if someone else said what I'm about to say then sorry. Just trying to help.
I'm going to be the voice of reason here. Do not under any circumstance buy the SL63 new. I don't care how much money you have. A loss of money for very little gain is not worth it. Your best bet is to get a used SL65 with low mileage and for like 3-4K any reputable car audio place can pull out the head unit and replace it with an amazing touch screen Navi that has bluetooth and Sirius built in. This includes a larger sub-woofer and stronger amplifier. Now you have the ultimate car. The SL65 5 speed transmission is bullet proof and works great. You can be out the door for about 100K with one of the fastest production cars made and a hardtop convertible. How can you even think of spending 150K on an SL63 with over 100 less horsepower and 200 less lbs/ft of torque. It's not like the SL65 interior sucks! The SL63 is definitely nicer and updated but come on it not that much nicer. Get the 65 and I guarantee you will thank me. Good Luck.
Larry
I'm going to be the voice of reason here. Do not under any circumstance buy the SL63 new. I don't care how much money you have. A loss of money for very little gain is not worth it. Your best bet is to get a used SL65 with low mileage and for like 3-4K any reputable car audio place can pull out the head unit and replace it with an amazing touch screen Navi that has bluetooth and Sirius built in. This includes a larger sub-woofer and stronger amplifier. Now you have the ultimate car. The SL65 5 speed transmission is bullet proof and works great. You can be out the door for about 100K with one of the fastest production cars made and a hardtop convertible. How can you even think of spending 150K on an SL63 with over 100 less horsepower and 200 less lbs/ft of torque. It's not like the SL65 interior sucks! The SL63 is definitely nicer and updated but come on it not that much nicer. Get the 65 and I guarantee you will thank me. Good Luck.
Larry
a while back... some friend saw me driving my SL55 for the first time.. and she said 'oh your car looks really great... i am sure it's really expensive.. it's CLK right?' the thing that hurt me is not what she said ... it's that i think she really believes it is a CLK.... that's the problem..
anyway... my point is... next time if i spend this kind of money for a car.. i ll want something that people won't mistake it as something 10 times cheaper.. i am thinking probably any aston, ferrari or porsche... etc
i do think the SL63 or C63 are both great cars... but i immediately lose interest and this story pops up in my mind.. people will confuse them with SLK200 and C200...
it hurts when people mistake my car as SL500, or CLK or SLK or wahtever... that's probably one of the strong reasons MB AMG depreciates like hell.
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 335
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From: Cromwell, CT
SLK 350
a while back... some friend saw me driving my SL55 for the first time.. and she said 'oh your car looks really great... i am sure it's really expensive.. it's CLK right?' the thing that hurt me is not what she said ... it's that i think she really believes it is a CLK.... that's the problem..
anyway... my point is... next time if i spend this kind of money for a car.. i ll want something that people won't mistake it as something 10 times cheaper.. i am thinking probably any aston, ferrari or porsche... etc
i do think the SL63 or C63 are both great cars... but i immediately lose interest and this story pops up in my mind.. people will confuse them with SLK200 and C200...
it hurts when people mistake my car as SL500, or CLK or SLK or wahtever... that's probably one of the strong reasons MB AMG depreciates like hell.
anyway... my point is... next time if i spend this kind of money for a car.. i ll want something that people won't mistake it as something 10 times cheaper.. i am thinking probably any aston, ferrari or porsche... etc
i do think the SL63 or C63 are both great cars... but i immediately lose interest and this story pops up in my mind.. people will confuse them with SLK200 and C200...
it hurts when people mistake my car as SL500, or CLK or SLK or wahtever... that's probably one of the strong reasons MB AMG depreciates like hell.
When you are taking about >100K range, it's totally different field and type of cars that we are talking about.
You have spent some money which is even above average american family annual income, it better stands out itself, but not get confused with others.
If it's >100K, New AM V8 vantage, used DB9, F360, Lambo Gallardo, or CGT.....
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,597
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From: Kuwait
CLS55 2006, CLS 63S 2015
Do you like the look?
If just for the look, you can paint any car to look the same
or are you talking about using it as a sunroof for rear passengers?
In our country it will be a heat magnet and your car will be so hot if you leave it in the sun.
secondly I heard it will rattle after so many miles...our streets are currently in bad condition.
It adds extra weight to the car, less performance
https://mbworld.org/forums/sl55-amg-sl63-amg-sl65-amg-r230/239747-pano-roof-how-much-does-weigh.html
But you are entitled to your own opinion
a pano car does look hot though Especially in white
On topic
Man go SL65 feel the power!!! you will have a super car at your hands with Luxury to boot, oh and a fancy roof
Last edited by Zod; May 25, 2008 at 06:14 AM.
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Posts: 40
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2009 ML550
I'm going to be the voice of reason here. Do not under any circumstance buy the SL63 new. I don't care how much money you have. A loss of money for very little gain is not worth it. Your best bet is to get a used SL65 with low mileage and for like 3-4K any reputable car audio place can pull out the head unit and replace it with an amazing touch screen Navi that has bluetooth and Sirius built in. This includes a larger sub-woofer and stronger amplifier. Now you have the ultimate car. The SL65 5 speed transmission is bullet proof and works great. You can be out the door for about 100K with one of the fastest production cars made and a hardtop convertible. How can you even think of spending 150K on an SL63 with over 100 less horsepower and 200 less lbs/ft of torque. It's not like the SL65 interior sucks! The SL63 is definitely nicer and updated but come on it not that much nicer. Get the 65 and I guarantee you will thank me. Good Luck.
Larry
Larry
According to this logic, who would buy an SL550 when you can get a one year old SL55 for less money and as we all know the SL55 is 10 times the car as the 550. I would even argue there is a much bigger jump going from a 550 to a 55 than there is going from a 55 to a 65.
In fact, you can probably buy a brand new 2008 SL55 for around $115K and yet the launch edition 2009 SL550 is $112,500 and have sold at that price!
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From: OC, SoCal
08 S65, 06 M3 CS(stick), 02 BMW X5 4.6iS, 07 R1 Raven, 08 F-450 4x4, 08 CooperS JCW
+1
When you are taking about >100K range, it's totally different field and type of cars that we are talking about.
You have spent some money which is even above average american family annual income, it better stands out itself, but not get confused with others.
If it's >100K, New AM V8 vantage, used DB9, F360, Lambo Gallardo, or CGT.....
When you are taking about >100K range, it's totally different field and type of cars that we are talking about.
You have spent some money which is even above average american family annual income, it better stands out itself, but not get confused with others.
If it's >100K, New AM V8 vantage, used DB9, F360, Lambo Gallardo, or CGT.....
As regards E vs CLS, I do prefer the E but it's all personal pref. I don't like pano though as it's weight in the worst possible place and questionable in a rollover
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 763
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From: South Florida
2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG S
According to this logic, who would buy an SL550 when you can get a one year old SL55 for less money and as we all know the SL55 is 10 times the car as the 550. I would even argue there is a much bigger jump going from a 550 to a 55 than there is going from a 55 to a 65.
In fact, you can probably buy a brand new 2008 SL55 for around $115K and yet the launch edition 2009 SL550 is $112,500 and have sold at that price!
In fact, you can probably buy a brand new 2008 SL55 for around $115K and yet the launch edition 2009 SL550 is $112,500 and have sold at that price!
Larry
Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 89
Likes: 1
From: Fort Lauderdale, FL
2019 E63S
I drove the M6 and would never own it, at least not with that horrible auto transmission. What a piece.
Drive the SL63 and see what a real trans is like.
my 2 cents and personal experience.
Drive the SL63 and see what a real trans is like.
my 2 cents and personal experience.
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From: OC, SoCal
08 S65, 06 M3 CS(stick), 02 BMW X5 4.6iS, 07 R1 Raven, 08 F-450 4x4, 08 CooperS JCW
It's because it's not an auto trans, it's a manual and meant for drivers who value interactivity with their car. If you've never driven stick then you're unlikely to "get it."
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From: OC, SoCal
08 S65, 06 M3 CS(stick), 02 BMW X5 4.6iS, 07 R1 Raven, 08 F-450 4x4, 08 CooperS JCW
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 361
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From: Fargo, North Dakota
2012 Cayenne Turbo
Are you kidding?
SMG kicks the crap out any Mercedes gearbox.
In fact that is one of the reasons BMW lured me back after owning a CLS55.
But Mercedes got me back with the CLK63 Black (though the transmission still sucks)
Last edited by chiphomme; May 26, 2008 at 12:55 AM.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 763
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From: South Florida
2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG S
Apparently the new SL63 transmission is suppose to be miles ahead of the old 5 speed and even the newer 7 speed transmission that came in the E63/CLS63. All the reviews rave at the speed and smoothness of the shifts. Only bad thing I've heard about the SL63 is the seat of the pants power feel. Sluggish compared to the old SL55 because of the NA motor and lower torque feel. Seems this has plagued all the 63 reviews. It is an amazing engine but just below what MB enthusiasts want. I hope AMG listens to the people and somehow ups the torque of these cars.
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wow. some good and some bad advice here.
the two cars are very different
the sl63 for all intents and purposes is a somwhat softly sprung numb gt cruiser.
the m6 is far more connected and is the driver's car of the two.
the sl63 has some low-end grunt (although not even close to the sl55 feel)
the m6 is racy high strung, vocal motorcycle-feeling that feels slow below 4000 rpms where you will spend most of your time.
both depreciate like a rock although i see in the long term the benz being to more reliable one and costing less to own if you have the stupidity to own any of those two once the warranty expires.
my 2 cents
the two cars are very different
the sl63 for all intents and purposes is a somwhat softly sprung numb gt cruiser.
the m6 is far more connected and is the driver's car of the two.
the sl63 has some low-end grunt (although not even close to the sl55 feel)
the m6 is racy high strung, vocal motorcycle-feeling that feels slow below 4000 rpms where you will spend most of your time.
both depreciate like a rock although i see in the long term the benz being to more reliable one and costing less to own if you have the stupidity to own any of those two once the warranty expires.
my 2 cents
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From: OC, SoCal
08 S65, 06 M3 CS(stick), 02 BMW X5 4.6iS, 07 R1 Raven, 08 F-450 4x4, 08 CooperS JCW
Apparently the new SL63 transmission is suppose to be miles ahead of the old 5 speed and even the newer 7 speed transmission that came in the E63/CLS63. All the reviews rave at the speed and smoothness of the shifts. Only bad thing I've heard about the SL63 is the seat of the pants power feel. Sluggish compared to the old SL55 because of the NA motor and lower torque feel. Seems this has plagued all the 63 reviews. It is an amazing engine but just below what MB enthusiasts want. I hope AMG listens to the people and somehow ups the torque of these cars.
Post above this by alx is a good one.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 361
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From: Fargo, North Dakota
2012 Cayenne Turbo
Apparently the new SL63 transmission is suppose to be miles ahead of the old 5 speed and even the newer 7 speed transmission that came in the E63/CLS63. All the reviews rave at the speed and smoothness of the shifts. Only bad thing I've heard about the SL63 is the seat of the pants power feel. Sluggish compared to the old SL55 because of the NA motor and lower torque feel. Seems this has plagued all the 63 reviews. It is an amazing engine but just below what MB enthusiasts want. I hope AMG listens to the people and somehow ups the torque of these cars.
It had better be. The lag time between shifts is huge on the CLK63 Black. My M6 (and M3) were amazingly quick and from what I have heard BMWs new DCT is even better. I just don't get Mercedes on this issue.
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From: Wilkes-Barre, PA
E46 M3
The M6 has got a couple of very cool features - the heads up display and a 7 speed transmission. I find the looks to be horrendous, though, and I don't love BMW's new interior designs (they're very flat and cold, imo).
On the flip side, I differ in opinion with most of the guys here. I think the SL63s (and the new facelift SLs in general) are rather unattractive. Still nicer than the 6 series, though.
I second the sentiment of getting an older SL65 or SL55 and modifying it to your desires.
As a C6 driver, can you tell us why you're not thinking about the Z06 or ZR-1?
On the flip side, I differ in opinion with most of the guys here. I think the SL63s (and the new facelift SLs in general) are rather unattractive. Still nicer than the 6 series, though.
I second the sentiment of getting an older SL65 or SL55 and modifying it to your desires.
As a C6 driver, can you tell us why you're not thinking about the Z06 or ZR-1?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 177
Likes: 37
From: Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
2018 C63SA Cabriolet
The M6 has got a couple of very cool features - the heads up display and a 7 speed transmission. I find the looks to be horrendous, though, and I don't love BMW's new interior designs (they're very flat and cold, imo).
On the flip side, I differ in opinion with most of the guys here. I think the SL63s (and the new facelift SLs in general) are rather unattractive. Still nicer than the 6 series, though.
I second the sentiment of getting an older SL65 or SL55 and modifying it to your desires.
As a C6 driver, can you tell us why you're not thinking about the Z06 or ZR-1?
On the flip side, I differ in opinion with most of the guys here. I think the SL63s (and the new facelift SLs in general) are rather unattractive. Still nicer than the 6 series, though.
I second the sentiment of getting an older SL65 or SL55 and modifying it to your desires.
As a C6 driver, can you tell us why you're not thinking about the Z06 or ZR-1?
As far as getting another Corvette goes, I've had my fun with my C6 and am ready for something a bit more comfortable and upscale. Plus, since I am giving up my convertible, I want to have a car that I can share with my wife so she'll be more disposed to share her convertible with me. She has a lovely '06 Jag XKR which she rarely drives so I figure I can use that when it's top-down weather and she can drive the CLS or the Acura MDX (she absolutely HATES the Vette). So, unless the new Cadzilla CTS-V completely steals my heart, I'm ordering my CLS in about a month so as to get late October delivery. I won't be in Florida starting in early July so there's no sense in getting my dealer's late-July delivery car just to have it sit in the garage until end of October, when I return to FL.
Right now my only consideration is which color to order. In hot South Florida a black interior can get pretty steamy and I prefer tan interiors anyway. While I like Iridium Silver exterior, I am not so sure that it'll look good with the Cashmere Beige interior so I am leaning toward Indium Grey, even though it isn't very "grey". Has anyone seen a CLS in this color combo and if so, did it look good?
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From: Fargo, North Dakota
2012 Cayenne Turbo
First of all, I have already made the decision to order an '09 CLS63 and forget about the M6. I like the looks of the CLS better and even though the M6 might turn in faster lap times on a road course, I do not race plus I like the fact that the CLS is faster accelerating than the M6 in a straight line (I try to drive in a straight line whenever I can!)
As far as getting another Corvette goes, I've had my fun with my C6 and am ready for something a bit more comfortable and upscale. Plus, since I am giving up my convertible, I want to have a car that I can share with my wife so she'll be more disposed to share her convertible with me. She has a lovely '06 Jag XKR which she rarely drives so I figure I can use that when it's top-down weather and she can drive the CLS or the Acura MDX (she absolutely HATES the Vette). So, unless the new Cadzilla CTS-V completely steals my heart, I'm ordering my CLS in about a month so as to get late October delivery. I won't be in Florida starting in early July so there's no sense in getting my dealer's late-July delivery car just to have it sit in the garage until end of October, when I return to FL.
Right now my only consideration is which color to order. In hot South Florida a black interior can get pretty steamy and I prefer tan interiors anyway. While I like Iridium Silver exterior, I am not so sure that it'll look good with the Cashmere Beige interior so I am leaning toward Indium Grey, even though it isn't very "grey". Has anyone seen a CLS in this color combo and if so, did it look good?
As far as getting another Corvette goes, I've had my fun with my C6 and am ready for something a bit more comfortable and upscale. Plus, since I am giving up my convertible, I want to have a car that I can share with my wife so she'll be more disposed to share her convertible with me. She has a lovely '06 Jag XKR which she rarely drives so I figure I can use that when it's top-down weather and she can drive the CLS or the Acura MDX (she absolutely HATES the Vette). So, unless the new Cadzilla CTS-V completely steals my heart, I'm ordering my CLS in about a month so as to get late October delivery. I won't be in Florida starting in early July so there's no sense in getting my dealer's late-July delivery car just to have it sit in the garage until end of October, when I return to FL.
Right now my only consideration is which color to order. In hot South Florida a black interior can get pretty steamy and I prefer tan interiors anyway. While I like Iridium Silver exterior, I am not so sure that it'll look good with the Cashmere Beige interior so I am leaning toward Indium Grey, even though it isn't very "grey". Has anyone seen a CLS in this color combo and if so, did it look good?
The CLS is more of a lumbering highway crusier than the M6 but its definitely a nice vehicle. I owned a CLS55 and loved everything about it except the transmission and the small driver and passenger side windows(and I'm just an average sized person). Are you getting the performance package?
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From: Los Angeles, CA
SL/M6
The CLS is more of a lumbering highway crusier than the M6 but its definitely a nice vehicle. I owned a CLS55 and loved everything about it except the transmission and the small driver and passenger side windows(and I'm just an average sized person). Are you getting the performance package?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 177
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From: Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
2018 C63SA Cabriolet
The CLS is more of a lumbering highway crusier than the M6 but its definitely a nice vehicle. I owned a CLS55 and loved everything about it except the transmission and the small driver and passenger side windows(and I'm just an average sized person). Are you getting the performance package?
If I am not going to track the car I don't see the need for the performance package other than because it's cool. The higher-performance tires will cause a harsher & noisier ride so why pay $9K for a set of tires/wheels when the stock tires and wheels are quite suitable for daily highway driving? I wouldn't mind the nicer brakes, though, but not for $9K!
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 950
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From: Maui, Hawaii
CLS63, GLK350
True but the E is 175lbs lighter and if Im not mistaken is said to have a better Drag Coefficient (more aerodynamic) then the CLS although it doesn't look it? The CLS suspension is said to have a wider track and the center of gravity lowered. Either way I would take the CLS over the E based on looks alone...even though most of my friends wont (some really cant) sit in that back seat...and after driving a M6 would take that over both unless I really needed 4 doors
