need help choosing my next car...
 

I've been out of the loop for a little while and now I'm back. I've posted many in the CL section and also kill stories. I sold my CL600 Renntech last year and now I'm itching for an SL, which will not be my daily driver. I've thought about the SL55 but I really want the torque and easier tuning ability of the 600 or 65. I want to spend in the $50ks, maybe early $60s. I'm looking at SL600s but might consider a 65 if I can find one for a good price.

If I but the 600, then I will definitely get the Renntech ECU/TCU upgrade and wheels, which is another $10,000. Should I just get the SL65 and forget the 600? Or would you get a nice '05 or '06 SL600 and make it sweet?

My only concern with the 600 choice is finding an extended warranty because of the ECU mod. Is it crazy to own this car without a warranty?

I would try and find an SL65, but I don't think they're in the 60's yet?

I'd go with the SL65 personally.

Both the 600 and the 65 are phenomenal choices, however the 65 does have the edge in quite a few categories. However if your just looking for grunt force and ultra luxury save the money and get the 600. If you want more powerful brakes, better handling, and even more power, pop for the 65.

I thought the SL600 with Renntech ECU upgrade is as fast or faster than the stock SL65.

Has anyone driven both cars? Please chime in....

but then what happens, after you mod the SL65?? ........

Man your car is sooo beautiful (SL65 in picture) WOW!! Rims are perfect compliment

Lou

I have, and it is.

I am quite satisfied with my Renntech 600.

That being said, most here would go for the 65 given the choice.

Well, I agree that most (including myself) would go for the 65 instead of the 600. However, if I can save a lot of money by purchasing a Renntech SL600 vs SL65, then this may be the better option for me. If money was no issue, then of course I'd go for a SL65.

I would do the 65...
by the way does anybody knows the difference between the 2 engines? The 600 and 65...I hear everything is the same, turbos, injectors, etc...only difference is displacement size...doubt that makes a 100 hp dif..

I believe the turbos are actually bigger on the SL65

any thoughts on a slk55 instead of SL? Or is this a ridiculous comparison?

It's not ridiculous, but it's not a true comparison either... I've had an 03 SL55, an 07 SLK55, and now an 08 SL55. The SLK was fun to drive and I liked the smaller size, but it was not in the league of the SL's, in terms of comfort, power and looks, IMO. The SL's are true grand tourers, and SLK is just a fun little sports car. I think of "classy" vs. "funky". No disrespect to either class.

We have tuned a number of both of these cars, and while the 600 can be made almost as 'straight line' quick, when I drive them back to back the 65 is the better package. By package I mean that the handling and brakes have been thought through and developed to match the engine. For me the 600 is all engine. Does that make sense?

Yes, it makes sense. Thanks....

I pretty much understand the differences. I don't plan to go to a track or anything, so straight-line performance is what I'm looking for....

wow. shocker.

If thats what you're looking for, then why are you shopping for a v12? why not go for SL55. It will be exactly for an every day car.

the v12 will have more power and is also just fine for DD

Because the SL600 (with renntech ecu) and SL65 are both faster than the 55and have much more torque.

This. Currently, I have the sl55 and I'm thinking of upgrading to the sl600. As a DD it makes little difference that the 600 doesnt have the amg parts the biggest of the differences is the brakes, and even the brakes in DD conditions make no difference.

The biggest difference for me is that the speedo in the sl600 only goes up to 160 :smash: lol

Whats up Andrew....I would go SL65, you only live once and the spread in price isnt that much

all hell breaks loose and the fun begins.......

This is truly when you start living.

AMG claims the engines to be very different - but maybe they have to in order to justify the huge price difference :crazy:

One peculiar thing is that AMG moved the oil sump from the front to the rear of the block :y Add to the list camshafts, turbos, bigger piston squirters, revised cooling for water and oil etc. From a German AMG paper: virtually every significant engine part was redesigned and strengthened

Is the 2006 sl65 much better than the 2005 ones?? I heard the cooling is more efficient from 06 upwards, can some one confirm this?