nvno1

Hey guys,
newbe here. Looking to purchase a 03-05 sl55 or cl55. My concern with the sl is with the top. Does it begin to rattle/squeek over time or is it truly like a hard top when up? Also is one more reliable than the other? I've also been told to make sure it has a warranty. Both are awesome cars and making a decision between the two is not easy. Any input would be great thanks.
Dave

drhodes

i was looking at both cars myself and in same year range. To me it basically comes down to the sl being a convertible which i like but its caveat is no back seat, the cl has a back seat but its caveat is it is not a convertible

those were my main decision points, and having the convertible outweighed having the backseat for myself, as I have no kids, its not my everyday driver, i use a 99 accord to rack my miles up on, so it is strictly a pleasure vehicle for me, which put the practicality of the cl out the window.....and i purchased an sl55

jmf003

The retractable top on my 2003 SL is dead quiet most of the time. I sometimes experience a creaking noise after I've parked outside in hot, sunny weather for a few hours. The noise goes away after the car cools off. I presume the cause is metal expanding and contracting.

IngenereAMG

As Drhodes said, it's a matter of what suits your needs.

My '03 has been extremely reliable, and the top has been quiet for the most part. If I need a back seat, I have other cars.

Both are great cars.

lkirchner

I have both the CL55 and SL55. Of the 2 the the SL has been more reliable. The CL has had a number of elctronic problems, instrument cluster being the biggest culprit. Even though the CL has a back seat it is for small adults or children to be used on short trips. The SL in this case is the winner