SL55 AMG, SL63 AMG, SL65 AMG (R230) 2002 - 2011 (2003 US for SL55 and 2004 for the SL65)

SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: SL 63 slow?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Mar 6, 2009 | 08:23 AM
  #1  
sound 8's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,838
Likes: 19
From: U.K.
SL 63 W/B AMG , S600,C220
SL 63 slow?

Hi, I have just driven a SL65, but preferred my SL55, more exhaust rumble
and more nimble. I am now thinking of the SL63, I have heard they make
a nice noise and look good. However on the downside several members
had indicated that the SL55 is faster, and I believe the 63 can't be tuned.
Any comments would be appreciated.
Reply
Old Mar 6, 2009 | 09:23 AM
  #2  
jmf003's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,653
Likes: 5
From: Ann Arbor
'03 SL55
Originally Posted by sound 8
Hi, I have just driven a SL65, but preferred my SL55, more exhaust rumble
and more nimble. I am now thinking of the SL63, I have heard they make
a nice noise and look good. However on the downside several members
had indicated that the SL55 is faster, and I believe the 63 can't be tuned.
Any comments would be appreciated.
I've not driven an SL63 so I don't have personal experience but reported times for stock SL63s are in the same neighborhood as stock SL55s, e.g. http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/high_performance/mercedes_benz_amg_performance/2009_mercedes_benz_sl63_amg_road_test/(page)/1

I have heard the SL63 on the road and can confirm the exhaust sound is heavenly.

ECU tunes and other tuning products are becoming available for the 6.2L engines, e.g. this Renntech-tuned C63 was able to run 1/4 mile in 11.57 seconds trapping at 120.91mph: https://mbworld.org/forums/c63-amg-w...le-record.html

Last edited by jmf003; Mar 6, 2009 at 09:26 AM.
Reply
Old Mar 6, 2009 | 11:02 AM
  #3  
rsr911's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,289
Likes: 4
From: Indiana
2003 AMG SL55, 2002 AMG CLK55, 2002 AMG ML55, 2005 ML350, 1995 S320 LWB - totaled
Reviews from the pros

5th gear
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2gAh...eature=related

Top Gear Australia
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYqu9oTTj6g

Both loved the SL63 both said it handles better, sounds better.

Both liked the SL55 more. It was the engine!!!!
Reply
Old Mar 6, 2009 | 11:46 AM
  #4  
IngenereAMG's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,703
Likes: 5
From: Arizona
SL55AMG, Ferrari 348, Ferrari Testarossa, Ferrari F40, Ferrari Mondial t, Ducati 916, Indycar
I own a SL55 and we have tuned a number of SL63s, so I have had some seat time, both in our client's car as well as when we were developing the tuning.

The 63 is a step forward.... in the overall car, and especially the gearbox. It is brilliant. Engine wise, I still think the 55 is the ticket. I love the power delivery and the torque. I think the 55 has more character. The 63 is great, with a sound to die for, but I still have a 55 in my garage.... for whatever that is worth!
Reply
Old Mar 6, 2009 | 02:19 PM
  #5  
sound 8's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,838
Likes: 19
From: U.K.
SL 63 W/B AMG , S600,C220
Thanks guys, looks like the only way to find out is to drive one.
I hope it does not drive like the SL65 I drove. Can anyone give me an idea
how much extra bhp you can get from a 63, and will it improve the torque.
Reply
Old Mar 6, 2009 | 02:39 PM
  #6  
a_Y's Avatar
a_Y
Member
 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 244
Likes: 0
SL63 AMG, E46 M3, CL500
if you are willing to pay, carlsson has a performance kit that bumps power from 525ps to 600ps and torque up from 630nm to 705nm...

i can understand how you guys like the low end torque of the 55k engine more, but this 6.2L is just way more free revving and the mct does transform the car! the combination of these 2 components and the better handling makes this a car that is closer to a true sports car. if you enjoy that then i think you will like the SL63 more. but if the only thing you are looking for is the monster torque then this wont be your car (not that it lacks the torque, i mean a 6.2L has tonnes of torque, but when you are already used to the 55k's monstrous torque then its a different story...)

to be honest i wasn't much of a fan of amg's until the c63 and sl63 came out with their respective gearboxes. i have driven older amgs and i can only perceive them as a much more powerful merc. the gearboxes were really disappointing. but with the new ones now, they just get better and better!

and yes you are right. i think the thing to do when deciding if you want a car or not is to test drive it yourself. i got a real good surprise when i test drove the c63 and e90m3. i drive an e46m3 in toronto and i guess i was biased to the m cars so i thought i would like the e90m3 more. after i test drove both, yes i agree that the handling is a bit better with the m3 but i just like the c63 so much more! now go test drive one and see for youself!

hope this helps!
Reply
Old Mar 6, 2009 | 05:39 PM
  #7  
pterion's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
From: Nashville, TN
2009 SL63 AMG, sliver
just drive an SL63, you will love it. Its worth it just to hear the engine.
I cant get enough of mine. It was 75 and sunny today for the first time since I bought it and my 10 minute drive home lasted an hour.
Reply
Old Mar 6, 2009 | 07:43 PM
  #8  
lee7758's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 658
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, Canada
Porsche 911 Carerra 4S
Originally Posted by pterion
just drive an SL63, you will love it. Its worth it just to hear the engine.
I cant get enough of mine. It was 75 and sunny today for the first time since I bought it and my 10 minute drive home lasted an hour.
I totally agree with that! Once you drive the SL 63, you will love that. Especially the tranny ( MCT tranny )!!!!!
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Mar 6, 2009 | 10:19 PM
  #9  
AMG Dictator's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 420
Likes: 0
CLK Black
I don't know, if you didn't like the power of the SL65, how are you going to be happy with a SL63?
Reply
Old Mar 7, 2009 | 06:52 AM
  #10  
sound 8's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,838
Likes: 19
From: U.K.
SL 63 W/B AMG , S600,C220
Originally Posted by AMG Dictator
I don't know, if you didn't like the power of the SL65, how are you going to be happy with a SL63?
Thanks guys for the input, I would love the Carlsson kit but it's mega expensive.
To answer AMG Dictator, it's not a question of power. The SL65 felt smooth and quiet, and very unlike a sports car, more of a cruiser, my SL55 by
comparison felt nimble with a great exhaust note, far more like a sports car.
Driving the SL65 would be like driving my CL65 so I can't see the point.
However I get the Idea that the SL63 is even more raw than my 55, it has
aggressive looks and a great sound track according to other members.
I will find out, I have booked a test drive, just waiting for my dealer to get the car, then I will post my thoughts.
Reply
Old Mar 7, 2009 | 04:22 PM
  #11  
Fantasm's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,200
Likes: 0
From: Irvine, CA
Car Whore
if you are looking for a sporty feeling, then definitely the SL63 will be better than the SL55.
power upgrades it goes to the 55K though.
Reply
Old Mar 7, 2009 | 07:28 PM
  #12  
Imahobo's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
From: South Florida
SL55, Jeep SRT-8, CLS550
If you go 63, just paint the side vents.
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 08:34 AM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE