SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: Lost my mind - trade SL55 for SL65?
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From: Austin, Texas
2003 S500; 2004 E55; 2006 SL55 030; 2013 CLS63
Lost my mind - trade SL55 for SL65?
Your opinion counts. Bought a beautiful '06 SL55 030 in six months ago. Car now has 19K miles and is pretty much loaded. Drove a friend's SL65 and I can't deny loving the rush of that motor. I can't describe it but it's a totally different power delivery from the SL55...and I like it a lot. The SL55 has that brutal exhaust note, while the 65's exhaust sounds highly tuned and edgy. I actually like the V-8 sound better, but the V-12 has insane power and torque plain stock. Here's the question of the day: How does a trade of my 06 SL55 for a loaded '06 SL65 + $13K sound to you? The SL65 has every option my SL55 has plus exclusive all black leather (code X11) and voice control + phone. Mileage is higher on the 65 at 33K. Original MSRP, $151,000 vs. $196,000. I look forward to everyone's collective input. Thanks, PJ p.s. current Manheim on both models would be helpful
Last edited by pj57; Feb 24, 2009 at 12:25 AM.
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V12-Biturbo
Your opinion counts. Bought a beautiful '06 SL55 030 in six months ago. Car now has 19K miles and is pretty much loaded. Drove a friend's SL65 and I can't deny loving the rush of that motor. I can't describe it but it's a totally different power delivery from the SL55...and I like it a lot. The SL55 has that brutal exhaust note, while the 65's exhaust sounds highly tuned and edgy. I actually like the V-8 sound better, but the V-12 has insane power and torque plain stock. Here's the question of the day: How does a trade of my 06 SL55 for a loaded '06 SL65 + $13K sound to you? The SL65 has every option my SL55 has plus exclusive all black leather (code X11) and voice control + phone. Mileage is higher on the 65 at 33K. Original MSRP, $151,000 vs. $196,000. I look forward to everyone's collective input. Thanks, PJ p.s. current Manheim on both models would be helpful
Last edited by Thericker; Feb 24, 2009 at 12:32 AM.
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'03 SL55
You can also add lots more torque to the 55K through modding but you'd probably spend $13K + if you went with the max package.
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Do it
$13k is very cheap. It's a "must do" deal in my opinion. The difference new is $50k and since both are loaded you won;t miss any creature comforts by the change but will grab a huge amount more power and exclusivity. And don;t forget how nice the 19" gun metal wheels are...
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2003 S500; 2004 E55; 2006 SL55 030; 2013 CLS63
Looks like the court of public opinion sides with me...I have worked the numbers back and forth and come up with the same answer. Yes, I lose some value because of the mileage, but gain so much more in return. The motor, nappa leather, voice control with phone and, yes, the SL65 designation is worth the $13K to me. I was actually hoping to hear from someone who would tell me why not to make this deal but...you guys just like it when somebody pulls the trigger, don't you? Yeah, we're all a little sick that way. Thanks folks. PJ
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you want a "depends" vote? here is one.
simply because i think you should be able to do better as the difference of the two cars in value is about 8k right now.
however, "depends" because if you found the right car a $5k difference between a so-so and a fair deal might not be worth much to you given your excitement.
alex
few cars
simply because i think you should be able to do better as the difference of the two cars in value is about 8k right now.
however, "depends" because if you found the right car a $5k difference between a so-so and a fair deal might not be worth much to you given your excitement.
alex
few cars
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From: Austin, Texas
2003 S500; 2004 E55; 2006 SL55 030; 2013 CLS63
Alex - the $13K is what I have negotiated without any commitment by me. Having your info in my hip pocket will be useful when I finalize things. Are your numbers based on Manheim or other wholesale values? I didn't realize the SL55/SL65 numbers were that close, even with the mileage difference. I realize the dealer I'm in contact with wants to make money on both ends of the deal - my car and the one he's selling. From my standpoint, I'd love to be able to sell my 2006 SL55 and do a cash deal, but I don't think I'd get more than $50-52K for my car. Using that figure for a starting point are you suggesting I could negotiate a 2006 SL65 at $58-60K? Even if that were the case, I'd lose $4k on the trade-in versus outright purchase sales tax difference. If you're a dealer, PM me if you can put a better deal together for me. Thanks for your insight. PJ p.s. yes, I'm excited but...this ain't a done deal yet.
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06 SL65, 08 S550, 08 Range Rover SuperCharged
I started with an SL55 and within 3 months I drove the SL65. That was it - I traded the 55 that day and have never looked back. The power of the 65 with ecu tune and intercooler upgrade continues to impress.
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2003 S500; 2004 E55; 2006 SL55 030; 2013 CLS63
Tim/MSL - advice coming from folks who have owned both vehicles is huge to me. There might be a better deal out there and I might be able to bargain a bit more, but the car is the color and equipment I want and I won't have to deal with selling my car. To me, the simplicity of the deal (no selling or paperwork) has a value also. So...thanks for the advice, PJ
Last edited by pj57; Feb 24, 2009 at 11:23 PM.
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2003 S500; 2004 E55; 2006 SL55 030; 2013 CLS63
Thanks Alex - I guess the difference between you being in the dealer to dealer wholesale business and me being a retail consumer is just that. You know the market from a business perspective and I have the view of a consumer. I want to get the best deal I can, but emotion does definitely play a factor as does convenience. I like the idea of driving my car in and driving the new car away with the dealer handling all the financial details, licensing to the smaller things like swapping the license tags, detailing the car and filling the gas tank. Each one of those things require little effort and I could do it myself, but it's part of the buying experience that makes us feel good about the purchase. I'm willing to pay for that service. Who knows, maybe in a small way I might even be helping the economy. Regards, PJ
Last edited by pj57; Feb 25, 2009 at 03:13 PM.
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Thanks Alex - I guess the difference between you being in the dealer to dealer wholesale business and me being a retail consumer is just that. You know the market from a business perspective and I have the view of a consumer. I want to get the best deal I can, but emotion does definitely play a factor as does convenience. I like the idea of driving my car in and driving the new car away with the dealer handling all the financial details, licensing to the smaller things like swapping the license tags, detailing the car and filling the gas tank. Each one of those things require little effort and I could do it myself, but it's part of the buying experience that makes us feel good about the purchase. I'm willing to pay for that service. Who knows, maybe in a small way I might even be helping the economy. Regards, PJ
My advice...be really thorough with the maintenance items...and ask the costs for them to perform such items...and then adjust the price downward. These cars aren't flying off the dealer lots...Good luck!!
Tom
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From: Austin, Texas
2003 S500; 2004 E55; 2006 SL55 030; 2013 CLS63
You're right on the money Tom. The maintenance items, especially the brakes, are critical and will be checked with an independent inspection. As far as routine maintenance goes, I am hoping I can obtain the service records, but as many have experienced on this site, getting that info from a MB dealer seems to damn near require a search warrant. I know the car will indicate when service is due based on mileage and time. Whether that warning light can be reset without the service being performed is anybody's guess. One thing is for sure, the car will be thoroughly checked out. Thanks for the advice. PJ p.s I lived in the DC area for quite some time. Is Euro Motorcars your dealer?
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Admittedly I have not driven an SL65 and therefore cannot compare it to my 07 SL55. I'm sure it's a great car and the deal sounds reasonable. However, if you look at the 0-60 times they are the same and from all that I've read and researched (and I've done a lot) the SL55 is recommended over the SL65. This may be due in part to the SL55's better handling and less weight caused by the much heavier V12. Talk to your local mechanic or MB salesman and they will tell you the same thing. The SL65 also costs a lot to insure and most companies will not sell you a policy regardless of your driving record. The V12 is also being discontinued because AMG and Merc consider it outdated. I would also be concerned that there aren't a lot of trained mechanics than can keep the twin turbos in sync. But, this also applies to the SL55's supercharger. Coming from an 06 SL55 with the 030 which is the same body as the SL65 you're paying a hefty premium for 604 hp vs. 493. IMHO you may want to test drive an 07 SL55 with the 030 (I just bought one after my 06 was totaled). It's a better car and the $$$ delta between the two won't be that much. Euro Motor Cars in Bethesda, MD has a red/black 07 SL55 030 that has every option possible including distronic. It's the most expensive 07 SL55 they have ever seen. These are just one man's opinions but you really should consider alternatives. As noted earlier, $13 will buy a lot of performance upgrades that could blow away the SL65 as well as 95% of what's on the street today. Good luck with your choice and I'm sure you'll be happy with whatever you decide upon. I would be!
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Thanks 4ociousE55 - man I feel like we should have met by now. We both bought SL55 030s at about the same time. You lost yours to an accident and now I'm thinking of trading mine. This is a tough decision, no doubt, because without spending one dime I have a nice ride right now. I've already checked the insurance - less than $100 higher every 6 mos. so no big deal there and I think there are enough 65 motors out there that tuning is not much of an issue either. I'll check this site for any such discussion but so far I haven't heard much negative about the motor. Obsolete motors? I think the best, most reliable motor I ever had is in my E420 which now has 330K mile? Heck, for that matter the 55 motor is now obsolete and there are lot's of folks who would rather have it than the new 63. I think MB engineers need something to do so they create a new motor...every motor ends up being obsolete eventually. I think you've probably got the best of both worlds with the higher HP SL55 with 030. More food for thought is always good. Thanks...whatever I do, I'm headed back to VA soon so we'll have to hook up. PJ
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For 13k it is a no brainer and no offence but the 65's power compared to the 55 is like night and day. 0-60 time is worthless because cars are hooking up but look at the 1/4 times and trap speed and the 65 destroys the 55. The weight is a non issue and the engine is one of the best AMG has had. Both cars are nice but the 65 is in another league in perfomance and the X-11 leather option was 4k by itself and really is a nice upgrade. It would take a good portion of that 13k to make an SL55 run mid 11's and it still isn't a 65. If the car checks out you should be all over that deal before they change their mind!
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SL600
Admittedly I have not driven an SL65 and therefore cannot compare it to my 07 SL55. I'm sure it's a great car and the deal sounds reasonable. However, if you look at the 0-60 times they are the same and from all that I've read and researched (and I've done a lot) the SL55 is recommended over the SL65. This may be due in part to the SL55's better handling and less weight caused by the much heavier V12. Talk to your local mechanic or MB salesman and they will tell you the same thing. The SL65 also costs a lot to insure and most companies will not sell you a policy regardless of your driving record. The V12 is also being discontinued because AMG and Merc consider it outdated. I would also be concerned that there aren't a lot of trained mechanics than can keep the twin turbos in sync. But, this also applies to the SL55's supercharger. Coming from an 06 SL55 with the 030 which is the same body as the SL65 you're paying a hefty premium for 604 hp vs. 493. IMHO you may want to test drive an 07 SL55 with the 030 (I just bought one after my 06 was totaled). It's a better car and the $$$ delta between the two won't be that much. Euro Motor Cars in Bethesda, MD has a red/black 07 SL55 030 that has every option possible including distronic. It's the most expensive 07 SL55 they have ever seen. These are just one man's opinions but you really should consider alternatives. As noted earlier, $13 will buy a lot of performance upgrades that could blow away the SL65 as well as 95% of what's on the street today. Good luck with your choice and I'm sure you'll be happy with whatever you decide upon. I would be!
- I wouldn't consider the 65's V12 engine outdated, and I'm not alone. Our good friends over at Pagani have decided to in fact use this "outdated" 65 engine for their newer Zondas. I highly doubt they would do that if these engines are as outdated as you believe. AMG says they will keep producing the engine.
- Secondly, I don't know who told you about recommendations and 60 times but I can assure you the 65 will blow the 55 away; properly driven of course. I've owned the 55 (exhaust + air filters) and currently own the 600 and have driven the 65, and between the three, I can assure you, the 55 while it may be the sportiest, is also the slowest. I owned both the 55 and 600 at the same time and have raced them side by side and the 600 always came out on top; even if I had raced with the 600s top out. I'm not magazine racing or anything here, I'm simply stating my personal experiences with the two vehicles.
- I'm not going to touch on the modding potential of the 55 simply because I don't find it fair to compare the stock 65 to a modded 55. You do know the same 13K you'd spend on the 55 could also be spent on the 65 to make a faster beast, yes? Something to remember here; to get the SL55 to the 65s performance you might have to do some mods which may void your warranty. Food for thought.
Happy motoring
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PJ:
Euro Motorcars is the closest dealer locally (they were the ones who did the front pads). I now have a hook up with an MB master tech at a dealer 40 miles away. I get discounts on parts and labor so it is well worth the trip up there.
4orcious55:
I also respectfully disagree. 0-60 times are just about the worst assessment of these car's ability. I have owned some decently fast vehicles (E39 M5, Audi RS6, Jeep SRT8). The 65 engine is phenominal in comparison to anything else....it launches harder than the AWD Jeep SRT8 and RS6. The 65 experience kind of alters your perception of what is fast. It makes you have to plan out where you are going in advance....because once you drop the hammer..you will get there before you know it (and at first ...before you are ready). Don't take my word for it...try to take one for a test drive and see for your self.
Tom
Euro Motorcars is the closest dealer locally (they were the ones who did the front pads). I now have a hook up with an MB master tech at a dealer 40 miles away. I get discounts on parts and labor so it is well worth the trip up there.
4orcious55:
I also respectfully disagree. 0-60 times are just about the worst assessment of these car's ability. I have owned some decently fast vehicles (E39 M5, Audi RS6, Jeep SRT8). The 65 engine is phenominal in comparison to anything else....it launches harder than the AWD Jeep SRT8 and RS6. The 65 experience kind of alters your perception of what is fast. It makes you have to plan out where you are going in advance....because once you drop the hammer..you will get there before you know it (and at first ...before you are ready). Don't take my word for it...try to take one for a test drive and see for your self.
Tom
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2003 S500; 2004 E55; 2006 SL55 030; 2013 CLS63
Thanks Juice/Akademics/TMC and everybody else! - tell you what...I wanted opinions and I got 'em. Everyone's input/insight has been great for me and you guys don't know how much it is appreciated. The dealer has told me to @#$% or get off the pot soon so it's that time. After giving it a lot of thought, I'm going for the SL65 assuming, of course, it checks out. Here's why. For $13K I'm getting the car I honestly wanted in the first place in the color I wanted with every option I wanted and more. My SL55 doesn't have the nappa leather option which would have been $3700 and even at that you still couldn't get the all black X11 which this SL65 has as a $3700 option to its sticker - that's a $7400 spread right from the start just on the interior upgrade. Add the voice control with the phone ($1450) which my 55 doesn't have. Then, of course, there's the crazy 65 motor and the option to gain rediculous HP and torque with the (relatively) cheap $2500 Kleemann ECU upgrade (not sure if I would do it, but it is nice to know I could do it!) the choice is pretty clear. The 65's sticker shows $199,685. My SL55 030 is $151,300. $48K MSRP difference, albeit now depreciated, for $13K? Sounds like a deal to me. Thanks again everybody. I'll let you know if it's a done deal soon. PJ
Last edited by pj57; Feb 26, 2009 at 12:50 AM.
