Hi all,

I have a couple of questions to ask of the experts. I currently have an 03 SL55 with renntech stage 3 upgrades on lease which will expire in June 2009. I love the car but the buyback if way to high (I'm in canada). So I am considering an SL63 that I have found with a similar monthly payment as on the SL55 but it does not have the performance pkg or premium pkg. It does have the AMG steering wheel from the PP and has the air scarf from the premium pkg. The option list is below.
2009 SL63
197 Obsidian Black
211 Black/Black Leather
GLT Green Levy Tax
H73 Carbon Fiber Trim
Y83 Alcantara Headliner Charcoal
403 Airscarf-Ventilated Headrest
797 AMG 5-spoke Wheel
873 Heated Front Seats
U44 Luggage Net in Trunk
22- Parktronic
232 Garage Door Opener
242 Power Passenger Seat w/Memory
249 Autodimming Mirrors
359 Teleaid
404 Driver MultiConour Seat
427 7G-Tronic Automatic Trans
475 Tire Pressure Monoring
487 Active Body Control
512 COMAND w/HDD Nav & DVD Changer
518 Media Interface
536 SIRIUS Satellite Radio
615 Bi-Xenon Active Light System
619 Cornering Fog Lamps
763 Remote Key w/Panic Button
772 AMG Sportline
810 Harmon Kardon Sound System
875 Heated Washer System
889 Key-Less Go

My question... is the Perf Pkg a must? I don't track my car so the brakes and speed limiter are not an issue and I will be changing the wheels from my current SL55 (HRE 593 20") to the SL63. Is the PP suspension alot better than the standard SL63 suspension? Or is it more for the track junkie? I will be lowering the car and again it will only be for street use. The only other thing I have now that I won't have is the climate seats that are part of the permium pkg (barely ever use so I won't miss it). I currently don't have pano roof either so I won't miss that either.

I know I will be giving up 80-100ft torque due to the renntech upgrades but I will most likely upgrade the 63 with renntech or kleeman as well to get back to around 540-550 hp. Plus the 7 speed trans is much better than the 5 spd in the 55.

Would you guys go for the 63 over the 55 considering the above and that I will not be paying much more per month than I am now for an 03 as apposed to the 09.

Thanks

Johnny

You might make your leasing company an offer. Sometimes they are negotiable.

I have tried to negotiate with them but they have an agreement with the auctions. The car must go to auction unless I pay the $60K buyback which is crazy as I can pick up an 03 SL55 in the US for 35K.

I'm almost sure I will go for the 63 but wnat to make sure I will noot be missing the Perf pkg.

I have the 030 package and unless you are going to track your car which you say you aren't (I don't either) then IMHO the new SL63 makes a lot of sense to me. You'll find it's a vast improvement over your current ride and if the monthly payment is within reason I wouldn't look back. I know what I would do given what you've described, to me it's a "no brainer". Good luck!

Would it be worth removing the renntech headers and pulleys for re-sale or would the cost for removal not be worth it compared to the sale price of the items.

I've gone ahead with the SL63 now just have to put the 55 back to stock.

Here's a few pics of the current ride.





These are the wheels that will go on the SL63

How do you like your wheels? What do you think of the ride on 20's as a daily driver

Your current ride looks real nice; but in your case the buyback situation is making you switch which is understandable, if you are looking to drive on the street and around town, you are fine just the way it is, in fact even if you took the car to the track it would be plenty capable without the 030 package.

If you are selling some of your mods (I like the front lip splitter under the bumper and the Renntech airbox...is it the one they made for an 82mmTB?)...let me know, I'm very interested, shoot me a pm

I wouldn't worry about the 030 package, but would probably want premium package...

Hi Johnny,

Which part of canada are you from?

I am also in the market for a SL63 AMG, can you PM me some info about pricing and name of dealer.

Cheers,

S

How much for the lip spolier?

I have a trunk lip spoiler sitting in storage. You just reminded me.

Its painted obsidian and has a small chip in paint on the very end, otherwise perfect.

Paid 350 for it. Make me an offer.

What RennTech mods do you have? (what makes up a stage 3?) ...I'd be interested in the mods...could you list them or PM me...thanks

I'm looking for the front lip spoiler. Have the SL63 on the back.

BR

Bob