SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: SL55 or SLK55? Which one to buy?
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'05 C230 Black Opal Auto, 1200 watts audio upgrade with 12" Sub, K&N filter.
SL55 or SLK55? Which one to buy?
Hello all! I haven't been here in a while. I'm selling my Z4 and I really want an SL55. The problem is reliability. I read horror stories about the SL's reliability record. That reason alone is making me think about the SLK55. What are your thoughts about this? The SL has always been my favorite car!
What are the most common problems on both cars? Thanks!
What are the most common problems on both cars? Thanks!
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From: Sacramento, CA
Several MB's Superperformance MK III Cobra
Hello all! I haven't been here in a while. I'm selling my Z4 and I really want an SL55. The problem is reliability. I read horror stories about the SL's reliability record. That reason alone is making me think about the SLK55. What are your thoughts about this? The SL has always been my favorite car!
What are the most common problems on both cars? Thanks!
What are the most common problems on both cars? Thanks!
The choice between the SL and SLK is a no brainer THE SL hands down.
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'05 C230 Black Opal Auto, 1200 watts audio upgrade with 12" Sub, K&N filter.
I would avoid the early SL55's (2003 model year). From what I have heard they had "teething problems" but there have been a number of members on this forum with '03 55's who have had very good experiences. Personally I have a 2005 SL55 and have had only 1 problem-- the air conditioning switch had to be replaced. Other than that the car has been trouble free.
The choice between the SL and SLK is a no brainer THE SL hands down.
The choice between the SL and SLK is a no brainer THE SL hands down.
Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 136
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From: Nipomo, CA
2025 GT55
Get a newer SL
I had an '03 SL55, bought used in 2005 -thought the problems would have been worked out. I had it a year, had nothing but problems with electrical systems, TPMS, SRS system, etc. Traded it for a new '07 SLK55 (almost straight across, money was an issue then). Trouble-free, which had been my major concern. BUT - I just couldn't get the SL out of my mind. IMO, better looks/styling than the SLK, and of course, bigger car and better performance. I took the plunge after a year of the SLK and bought a new '08 SL55. No problems after 4 months; it just feels better than the SLK and I believe MB has corrected their quality issues since '05/06.
To me, if you have the money, there is no dilemma at all - go for the SL55!!
Bob
To me, if you have the money, there is no dilemma at all - go for the SL55!!
Bob
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From: London, GB
RHD C200 Sport Coupe, RHD SLK-55, LHD SLK-350
So you are really trying compare two completely difference classes of cars. If you can afford an SL, go for a '05 or later.
The SLK is a great car - I'm on my second now - and is an absolute direct comparison to the Z4. The SL is a much different car, but I couldn't justify the cost for a '05 or later vs an '07 or later SLK55.
Bang for the buck, it's damned hard to beat the value equation on an '07 or '08 SLK55.
The SLK is a great car - I'm on my second now - and is an absolute direct comparison to the Z4. The SL is a much different car, but I couldn't justify the cost for a '05 or later vs an '07 or later SLK55.
Bang for the buck, it's damned hard to beat the value equation on an '07 or '08 SLK55.
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'05 C230 Black Opal Auto, 1200 watts audio upgrade with 12" Sub, K&N filter.
So you are really trying compare two completely difference classes of cars. If you can afford an SL, go for a '05 or later.
The SLK is a great car - I'm on my second now - and is an absolute direct comparison to the Z4. The SL is a much different car, but I couldn't justify the cost for a '05 or later vs an '07 or later SLK55.
Bang for the buck, it's damned hard to beat the value equation on an '07 or '08 SLK55.
The SLK is a great car - I'm on my second now - and is an absolute direct comparison to the Z4. The SL is a much different car, but I couldn't justify the cost for a '05 or later vs an '07 or later SLK55.
Bang for the buck, it's damned hard to beat the value equation on an '07 or '08 SLK55.
) opportunity presents itself I want to win. I'm leaning towards the SL, it is car like no other. A pleasure cruiser and a rocket ship in one! So if I go with an '05 or newer the reliability issues are less, right?
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Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Irvine, CA.
2005 SL55, 2000 CL500
Interesting thread.
I have had my 05` SL55 for over 2 years. Its been flawless.
It even got hit from behind and took it like a champ. The Hundai was totaled.
Just tires and brake pads after 15K Miles. I too have heard and read on this board about issues with the earlier SL. 03/04. But seems that most of the bugs were gone by 05. But the 07/08 are the way to go if you have the funds. "Always buy the lastest model you can possibly afford".
SLK. I bought a 320 for my ex and have driven several SLK55`s at the AMG Challenge and a friends on occasion. Being a larger guy at 6' and 250 makes the SLK a little tight for me. But its perfect for a smaller frame person. BIG difference in power.
The SL AMG is just a completely different class of car in power and build quality. And my big azz fits it just fine. Plenty comfortable for a long day trip. And the exhaust note on the SL55 is like sooooo intense. Just get in a small canyon or up against a freeway K-Rail and hammer it with the top down. Sweet !
Good luck with your choice and let us know what you get.
I have had my 05` SL55 for over 2 years. Its been flawless.
It even got hit from behind and took it like a champ. The Hundai was totaled.
Just tires and brake pads after 15K Miles. I too have heard and read on this board about issues with the earlier SL. 03/04. But seems that most of the bugs were gone by 05. But the 07/08 are the way to go if you have the funds. "Always buy the lastest model you can possibly afford".
SLK. I bought a 320 for my ex and have driven several SLK55`s at the AMG Challenge and a friends on occasion. Being a larger guy at 6' and 250 makes the SLK a little tight for me. But its perfect for a smaller frame person. BIG difference in power.
The SL AMG is just a completely different class of car in power and build quality. And my big azz fits it just fine. Plenty comfortable for a long day trip. And the exhaust note on the SL55 is like sooooo intense. Just get in a small canyon or up against a freeway K-Rail and hammer it with the top down. Sweet !
Good luck with your choice and let us know what you get.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Miami, FL
Lotus Elise SLK55
I'm not sure how high $ I want to go for the SL. The SLK55 packs a punch but I'm not sure if speedwise it is similar to the SL55. I don't race but if a (safe) opportunity presents itself I want to win. I'm leaning towards the SL, it is car like no other. A pleasure cruiser and a rocket ship in one!
So if I go with an '05 or newer the reliability issues are less, right?
) opportunity presents itself I want to win. I'm leaning towards the SL, it is car like no other. A pleasure cruiser and a rocket ship in one! So if I go with an '05 or newer the reliability issues are less, right?
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'05 C230 Black Opal Auto, 1200 watts audio upgrade with 12" Sub, K&N filter.
Thanks! I can do an '05 SL55. Others are too pricey. I'm also modding my Audi A4 and in the process of landscaping my new house. Why can't I have it all? Life is hard!
Last edited by jpass12; Jul 25, 2008 at 02:24 PM.
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Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Boston, MA
'06 SL600
Actually, you can't even make the man/woman analogy. The book "Richistan" (by Robert Frank who writes for the WSJ, http://blogs.wsj.com/wealth/), has many funny stories about the "wealthy".
One great story involves a "lower" wealthy guy that buys his girlfriend a brand new SLK. After numerous amounts of ridicule from other "wealthy" friends/neighbors, he breaks down and trades it in for an SL...
One great story involves a "lower" wealthy guy that buys his girlfriend a brand new SLK. After numerous amounts of ridicule from other "wealthy" friends/neighbors, he breaks down and trades it in for an SL...
Thread Starter
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'05 C230 Black Opal Auto, 1200 watts audio upgrade with 12" Sub, K&N filter.
Funny but unnecessary! Nothing to do with what I have between my legs but what makes more sense. I'm sure I will like the SL more. Power, luxury and features but what I'm concerned is the possible down time for this car.
The SLK55 is looking more attractive. I spend less money buying it and then I can customize it, my way, with the difference in price from the SL.
Thanks for the inputs anyways!
The SLK55 is looking more attractive. I spend less money buying it and then I can customize it, my way, with the difference in price from the SL.
Thanks for the inputs anyways!
