SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: Road Trip
Thread Starter
Former Vendor of MBWorld
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 827
Likes: 152
From: Simi Valley, California
2018 C63 Sedan
Road Trip
In three weeks I'll be driving my SL55 from the Ann Arbor area to Sarasota, Florida. The original wheels are the 18 in. five-spokes that came with the car and also came stock on the SL500 Sport model. My car is not lowered because my summer wheels are Carlsson UL 1/16 20's. The car looks awesome with the Carlssons' but only O.K. with the 18's. I'm a little worried about pot holes, etc. but I'll be taking I 75 all the way down which should be pretty smooth. The 20's ride pretty smooth with the 255-35-20's on the front and 305-30-20's on the rear. The 18's have the Michelin Sport Pilots. My dilemna is that I want the car to look cool while I'm down there, but I have some concerns about theft as the car will be parked outside at a motel. I haven't made this drive in 30 years, but every year down there I wish I had the car with the top down instead of a rental. So here goes. Any opinions?
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 691
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From: Southern CA
08 CLS63, Honda Accord, 04 911
I couldnt do it - park at a motel..this could easily kill your "enjoy" time as you would constantly worrying about your car- at least I would.
I face this almost every time I goto vegas. I'd love to have a nice ride there, but I've seen what happens, seen the valets trash cars even while getting tips ( not all the time) but does..or take my DD Accord. I just about always take my accord or rent. I park it anywhere, dont worry about the weather, valet who cares and so on...I can enjoy my vacation to the fullest.
I face this almost every time I goto vegas. I'd love to have a nice ride there, but I've seen what happens, seen the valets trash cars even while getting tips ( not all the time) but does..or take my DD Accord. I just about always take my accord or rent. I park it anywhere, dont worry about the weather, valet who cares and so on...I can enjoy my vacation to the fullest.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 992
Likes: 11
From: Illinois
GL550, C55, 335i Coupe, vintage Mustang
I say take it, enjoy the car for what it was meant for. Drive it down from chilly Ann Arbor, and in Kentucky, drop the top for the rest of the trip. Enjoy the drive, and wash the car once you arrive.
Nick
Nick
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,703
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From: Arizona
SL55AMG, Ferrari 348, Ferrari Testarossa, Ferrari F40, Ferrari Mondial t, Ducati 916, Indycar
I have taken ALL of my cars on some long trips. I have stayed in great places and not so great, and have never had a problem. I take a cover, and throw it on and nobody touches things.
Thread Starter
Former Vendor of MBWorld
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 827
Likes: 152
From: Simi Valley, California
2018 C63 Sedan
I like the idea of a cover. The condo I'm staying at has a covered canopy outside the back door. The kids from the beach are a worry at night while sleeping so I'm going to try the cover. Still wondering about which set of wheels, though I'm leaning towards the nice ones (Carlssons') even though they are 20's. Thanks for the ideas.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,619
Likes: 53
From: Georgia
E 63S Wagon Renntech, E55 Renntech, SL65, SL 55 030, ML, bunch of old ones--they come, they go...
Where in Sarasota?
That's a nice area. There are some really nice palces to stay there. Yes, some of I-75 (particularly, from south of the road construction in GA-about mile marker 75-- to Tampa/etc) is really nice. i just did it not long ago. Careful though, it's easy to run 85-95 with the traffic, and the FSP has a limited sense of humor. If you're going somewhere nice, I'd do it. If you're near Macon GA on I-75 stop--I'm at exit 167-- and I'll buy you a Starbucks (or reasonable substitute!).
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,619
Likes: 53
From: Georgia
E 63S Wagon Renntech, E55 Renntech, SL65, SL 55 030, ML, bunch of old ones--they come, they go...
On standby....
Just PM me before you get out of town so I can look for you...That area is really nice this time of year, temps are great.
