RJR

I am looking to replace my 2006 Vette Convertiable. I was at my local dealer and they just took in a 2006 SL55 in a trade. I test drove it and liked it a lot. It had 24000 miles on it and looked in great condition inside and out. The only thing I did not like was the wheels which I know I can replace but would be a huge expense. I found at another dealer a 2007 SL550 with only 7000 miles. It had the AMG style wheels on it and I love the way it looks. I have not had a chance to test drive the 550 yet so I do not know if I would be happy of the performance of the standard 550 vs the 55. The price on both cars are pretty close to the same right at $70000. Should I go for the 1 year older car with more performance or the newer car with less miles. I have read that the 2007 year SL's had some changes and was wondering if the changes are worth it. I know I have to test drive the 550 first but was just wondering what your guys opinions are.

bltserv

RJR Welcome to the R230 Forum.

Glad you enjoyed your SL55 Test Drive. As far as the AMG Type wheels.
You can find REAL ones on E-bay or from a member here. Normally going to run you around $ 4000.00 Plus the cost of new 19" tires.

I think you will find the SL550 a very similar car. But lacking the supercharger
and other AMG enhancements. The AMG brakes and suspension also are what make the SL55 a higher performance roadster.

Personally having driven both and owning the older SL55 AMG. The SL55 would be the obvious choice.
Especially if your wanting the extra horsepower, handling and braking abilities. The wheels you want can come later.

Aftermarket AMG Knockoffs can be had for 1/2 the price of original AMG
wheels.

Good luck and report back on your SL550 Test Drive.

Also how do you compare the build quality of the Mercedes compared to your Corvette ?

RJR

I did not test drive the SL55 with the top up and I would like to do that before I make my final desicion. I hope that the inside is quite with no rattles or squeaks. As far as comparison between the 2 there is no comparison. When I got out of the SL and back into the Vette it was night and day. The Vette has a lot of plastic in the interior and is just plain cheap compared to the SL. Of course it was half the price. As far a performance feel they both feel about the same as power. The vette is quite a bit lighter which makes up for the horsepower difference. The Vette was great for the first year but now it squeaks and rattles. I am going to take a look at the 550 this week and see how it feels compared to the 55.

bltserv

RJR

My SL55 has almost 50,000 Miles now. You should hear absolutly NOTHING
but the engine with the top up. It seals perfectly tight. Here in California we are blessed with excellent highways so no rattles or noise from the top or its components even with my high mileage SL. Yes the SL is a heavy sled. But the supercharger makes up for it well. If the car has fresh tires you should feel no wheel vibration even above 100 MPH. The car should ride and feel like silk on the road. No cliks or rattles of any type of inside noises.

Look under the front end before you purchase. I mean really get under the front skirt and look for any damage or cracks in the front air dam. This is the weak point for the SL. Valets and inexpeienced drivers will get too close to parking stops and curbs and cause damage to the front dam.

Sounds like your going to become a fellow AMG enthusist very soon.
Enjoy shopping for your new car and post some pics if you do pull the trigger.

If you have any more questions. We are here to help.

Fantasm

california has excellent highways? not in LA, lol

Murtaza

Toll road *****

W211 BEAST

AMG FTW!!!!!

bltserv

Damn.
I have been outed.

SL2003driver

Suggest you drive them back to back. The SL55 will feel quicker, but the SL550 is quicker then the SL500 and the new SL550 DOHC engine is a superior design versus the SOHC of the SL55 but your coming from a OHV Vette so if you are after performance only then the 55 is the obvious choice. I would suggest you have the dealer CPO the SL55 and buy 3 years and 100K miles of additional warranty so it is covered for the entire time you own the beast. That goes for the SL550, never own one of these without a full coverage warranty and a good dealership in your town. Good luck and let us know what you think.

BlwnBlckSL

I wanted to chime in, at the moment I have a 06 SL55 and a 07 SL550 in my driveway, I bought the SL55 a couple days ago because of the economy being on the slow side (buying a 2nd home in FLA also)and did not want to lease a $100K SL550 again, well, I thought I'd prefer the SL550 (cause I loved the SL550!)over the SL55! I was mistaken! the SL55 is a different car, it is high performance all the way! the powerband work great with the trans and car feels like it is on rails and is FAST! It is not the same car as a SL550.,don't get me wrong, the SL550 has a seamless, refined engine and 7 speed trans and is more of a luxury drop top.Great car also, the first car in ten years I didn't think about trading in early! It all depends on what your looking for ? If it is a crazy fast high performance drop top buy the 55, if you want a drop top that drives smooth, has a great trans and engine with plenty of power buy the SL550. Like I said , I have both and my choice is the SL 55! I Can't stop thinking about this car! As far as a Vette, It keeps being compared in this forum, the two cars are not even in the same leaqe yu will think the vette is a piece of ****. Good Luck.