SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: switched SL55 for SL600
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Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Southern Calif
2003 CL 55 2003 SL55 2000 S500 DESIGNO, 1999 SL 500 Sport, 1997 S320
switched SL55 for SL600
I took myself out of postion for early January delivery on my SL55. They're going to let me know Monday if I'm #1 or #2 position in April/May for the SL600 (2004 model/twin turbo/Command II) delivery. I'd rather wait another five or six months and get something more exclusive (and be more assured of command II). My trade-in's (wife's Lexus SUV) lease is up in April anyway, so this will give me a clean slate with no games on that end.
I approached them they didn't approach me. I said, "Look, by me getting out of the way you can pick-up another twenty to thirty grand on the SL55, so let me have a deal on the SL600." They admitted that they do have someone in the wings that has an open offer for $30+k over MSRP. The Sales Manager agreed to my offer, but there's one more guy on the ladder that has to give the okay before they'll put it in writting. If they don't want the deal then I still get my January delivery on the SL55.
Your thoughts???
Breeze
2000 S500 Designo (Expresso)
I approached them they didn't approach me. I said, "Look, by me getting out of the way you can pick-up another twenty to thirty grand on the SL55, so let me have a deal on the SL600." They admitted that they do have someone in the wings that has an open offer for $30+k over MSRP. The Sales Manager agreed to my offer, but there's one more guy on the ladder that has to give the okay before they'll put it in writting. If they don't want the deal then I still get my January delivery on the SL55.
Your thoughts???
Breeze
2000 S500 Designo (Expresso)
Last edited by Breeze; Dec 14, 2002 at 01:38 PM.
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From: NYC
2004 Maserati Coupe
Re: switched SL55 for SL600
Originally posted by Breeze
...
Your thoughts???
Breeze
2000 S500 Designo (Expresso)
...
Your thoughts???
Breeze
2000 S500 Designo (Expresso)
But seriously, the V-12 is probably worth the little extra wait...
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1M, F550M, F550B, F40, S600, 365GTC, DBSx2, etc.
Powerplant aside, what are the material differences between the two. One tradeoff I can think of is that sound - you'll be giving up that gutteral noise form the 55.
I don't think you can lose either way, just curious to see what sets the 600 apart.
--Dan
I don't think you can lose either way, just curious to see what sets the 600 apart.
--Dan
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From: NYC
2004 Maserati Coupe
Diff
I am not 100% sure, though I do believe the 600 has a bit more torque. Overall, I think the performance of the cars is basically the same. There may be some 600 interior options that differ from the AMG usual.
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1M, F550M, F550B, F40, S600, 365GTC, DBSx2, etc.
bimmer: you put it in terms I can understand! 
I don't consider performance as an argument, as the real-world differences are relatively moot. I'm looking to the S55 and S600 as examples of how the cars differ, and in that case I prefer the 600. On the SL, it's a mixed bag.
NEvertheless, I congratulate you, Breeze, on your choice. I hope it goes through as planned.
--Dan
I don't consider performance as an argument, as the real-world differences are relatively moot. I'm looking to the S55 and S600 as examples of how the cars differ, and in that case I prefer the 600. On the SL, it's a mixed bag.
NEvertheless, I congratulate you, Breeze, on your choice. I hope it goes through as planned.
--Dan
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From: Kenilworth, il usa
GT63S ePerformance 4dr, '25 Bentayga Black Ed.(wife), Wrangler and 250 MLB(kids)
With these new engines it's a new ballgame now.The resale value will depend on supply of 55 vs 600.I suspect 600 will be more limited than 55(55's are becoming too popular now with the number of models available with them,some dragging the value down)
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From: Genoa, NV
2014 GLK250 BlueTec & 2009 ML320 BlueTec
I'll rather stay with the reliability of an AMG V-8 than the complication of a 12 cyl, besides being a nicer car. Just my opinion.
Last edited by theine; Dec 14, 2002 at 10:42 AM.
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From: UK
SL55 AMG
Have to say I'm surprised you've switched to an SL600, especially with a CL600 arriving soon. You will end up with two cars which are very similar in their level of performance and driver involvement where I personally would look for a difference in driving style to match the more extrovert styling of the SL - the CL is pretty bland by comparison. You'll be telling us next that you've chosen the same interior and exterior colours!
I wouldn't kid yourself that the SL600 is going to be a better bet financially. The V12's have always depreciated like falling off a cliff and it's not just Mercedes - Ferrari V12s go into free-fall when you drive out of the dealer, as do Aston Martins. I do not see that changing anytime soon. The re-sale you will achieve in the future will depend not just on the supply but also demand and the SL600's biggest problem is that it will look to the untrained eye just like an SL500...
I wouldn't kid yourself that the SL600 is going to be a better bet financially. The V12's have always depreciated like falling off a cliff and it's not just Mercedes - Ferrari V12s go into free-fall when you drive out of the dealer, as do Aston Martins. I do not see that changing anytime soon. The re-sale you will achieve in the future will depend not just on the supply but also demand and the SL600's biggest problem is that it will look to the untrained eye just like an SL500...
Last edited by blueSL; Dec 14, 2002 at 11:08 AM.
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From: Cleveland Ohio
2006 SL55 with 030 Performance Package
If you want a 12 cylinder you buy a SL600, but for now the super high performance factory SL is the SL55 AMG.
Both cars are fantastic but I prefer the performance edge of the SL55 AMG and everything AMG represents for Mercedes!
Keep in mind we might see a SL63 AMG Twin Turbo V12 in the next couple years, and then that will be the ultimate SL.
Also anyone ordering the SL600 make sure you get the Sport pakage or your SL600 will look like a stock SL500 with different wheels and a V12 badge!
I think I would take the S600 sedan over the S55 sedan because of the purpose of the vehicle. but when it comes to the SL class I have to stick with AMG!
Just my 2 cents
I look foward to hearing about the mass liquid power of the SL600
Enjoy it. It will be rare fantastic car!
AMGBENZ
2003 SL55 AMG (January 03 Build Date)
2000 ML430
2003 SL 500 Sport (sold)
Both cars are fantastic but I prefer the performance edge of the SL55 AMG and everything AMG represents for Mercedes!
Keep in mind we might see a SL63 AMG Twin Turbo V12 in the next couple years, and then that will be the ultimate SL.
Also anyone ordering the SL600 make sure you get the Sport pakage or your SL600 will look like a stock SL500 with different wheels and a V12 badge!
I think I would take the S600 sedan over the S55 sedan because of the purpose of the vehicle. but when it comes to the SL class I have to stick with AMG!
Just my 2 cents
I look foward to hearing about the mass liquid power of the SL600
Enjoy it. It will be rare fantastic car!
AMGBENZ
2003 SL55 AMG (January 03 Build Date)
2000 ML430
2003 SL 500 Sport (sold)
Out Of Control!!
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if there was a SL600 now in the showroom instead of the 500 we woulda gotten that mainly because of the exclusivity. V12 everywhere! lol
its just the sound of that V12 that makes a perfect sentence.
So how big is the engine?
V12
.
its just the sound of that V12 that makes a perfect sentence.
So how big is the engine?
V12
.
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From: New Jersey
2003 S500 4-matic, 2003 SL55
I think that u should stay with the SL55, Amg vs V12, as long as they honor their deal u should be ok, but dealers are dealers and u may end up waiting way longer than u thought and possible never get a car, good luck
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From: Texas, Padre Island
2005 SL55
What's to choose? In Maybach form the V 12 produces 542 HP and 600 ft lbs of torque at 2400 rpm. The 6000 lb Maybach accelerates to 60 mph in 5.2 to 5.4 seconds. This is more power than is produced by a Viper V 10. A similar V12 in the SL should provide unreal and unruffled acceleration in any gear at any speed at any altitude without breathing hard. It's a torque monster, probably puts out 100 ft lbs at idle. surpasses the SL 55 at 1800 rpm and maintains a flat 600 ft lb curve from 2400 rpm to redline. This is the car and engine combination I have always dreamed of, unparalleled luxury and seamless world class performance and of course it's a Benz. As for resale value, why would I sell it? What else is there to buy? By the time this understressed monster wears out I'll be in the ground. I am number two on the list at MSRP, impossible to resist.
jeff
jeff
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1M, F550M, F550B, F40, S600, 365GTC, DBSx2, etc.
I guess it's a question of purpose. The power isn't a question - if you think you're going to fully use 600 ft-lb in regular driving, think again. The AMG derivative is more than enough.
Now now onto the subjective bits. Stylistically, the AMG has an appeal the 600 doesn't, but then, it's subjective. I can find no material differences between the two that would warrant the jump (interior, etc.).
For me, i'll remove those tacky 'AMG' and 'SL55' badges and go about in stealth.
--Dan
Now now onto the subjective bits. Stylistically, the AMG has an appeal the 600 doesn't, but then, it's subjective. I can find no material differences between the two that would warrant the jump (interior, etc.).
For me, i'll remove those tacky 'AMG' and 'SL55' badges and go about in stealth.
--Dan
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From: UK
SL55 AMG
My guess is that the SL600 will be built on the same line as all the rest and, if anything, represents a smaller departure from the SL500 than the SL55 which is also built on the same line.
It's "just" a case of mating the right mix of parts with the car as it goes down the line. Mercedes will, after all, have been keen to minimise the number of differences between the two cars, especially ones which require expensive tooling.
From the pictures I've seen, it looks just like an SL500 with some extra chrome detailing. It will have larger different style wheels which are larger/wider and a different style from the SL500; inside it will have extra equipment from the standard list (like Parktronic). The option list for the larger cars has always been shorter than the smaller cars because more comes as standard.
SL600 badge on the trunk lid, V12 badges where the V8 Kompressor is on the SL55. It will be interesting to see if the AMG body kit is available for this car. Anyone buying an SL600 and the AMG body kit is clearly confused....
It's "just" a case of mating the right mix of parts with the car as it goes down the line. Mercedes will, after all, have been keen to minimise the number of differences between the two cars, especially ones which require expensive tooling.
From the pictures I've seen, it looks just like an SL500 with some extra chrome detailing. It will have larger different style wheels which are larger/wider and a different style from the SL500; inside it will have extra equipment from the standard list (like Parktronic). The option list for the larger cars has always been shorter than the smaller cars because more comes as standard.
SL600 badge on the trunk lid, V12 badges where the V8 Kompressor is on the SL55. It will be interesting to see if the AMG body kit is available for this car. Anyone buying an SL600 and the AMG body kit is clearly confused....
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From: Cleveland Ohio
2006 SL55 with 030 Performance Package
"Anyone buying an SL600 and the AMG body kit is clearly confused...."blueSL
Not if the buyer wants a V12 but likes the look of the AMG.
If I had to have the V12, I would order it with the AMG sport package period. I would rather have it look more like a 55 than a standard non sport SL 500.
AMGBENZ
2000 ML430
2003 SL55 AMG (January 03 Build Date)
Not if the buyer wants a V12 but likes the look of the AMG.
If I had to have the V12, I would order it with the AMG sport package period. I would rather have it look more like a 55 than a standard non sport SL 500.
AMGBENZ
2000 ML430
2003 SL55 AMG (January 03 Build Date)
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Posts: n/a
I agree with AMGBENZ, sometimes it is very hard to choose when it comes to Mercedes, look at the attached pic, it looks very good, now just imagine V12 badges and higher appointments, then you can understand the justification of having the best of both worlds.
http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/1....r34-2.500.jpg
http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/1....r34-2.500.jpg
