V12AMG

Searched but didn't come up with much. Can someone tell me the major changes/differences, if any, between the 05/06/07 SL65 model years?

maxabo

I'm no expert, but these are the things that at least I've noticed as changes on model 2007;

Front bumper - especially the side vents.
Front fog lights - chrome rings.
Tail lights - are more grey on the previous blacked out area.
Ignition key - different shape, and a lot of chrome.
Shifting paddles - instead of buttons.
Convertible button - is painted silver, instead of black.
Exhaust tips - now sits together, instead of the previous ½ inch in between.

And I think;
Trunk lid - first now has a motorized up/down funktion.
Grill - now with the "Distronic look" with the sealed star (even if they don't have Distronic).


I also would like to know more about the changes between the 65's.
For instance any technical or engine/tranny related differences..?

DCMETRO22Z

alright but if the grill changed, the non-distronic versions still have the 3D star.

DCMETRO22Z

The SL65 AMG is the only R230 who had exactly the same engine/tranny from 2004 to now.

maxabo

What does that mean..?
Are you telling me/us that a modell -07 without distronic, doesn't come with the distronic-star (sealed in glas) then, or what..?
Simular to previous models then..?

smess

something changed in 06-07 regading the front end components, do a search on here that is how i learned about it. I have an 06 and love it but the prices have tanked and 07's are pretty cheap now so I would get the newest possible for the dollar.

LOVEMYBS

05-06 493 hp and xx lb-torque
07- 510 hp and 531 lb torque

lkirchner

Those are SL55 numbers not SL65.

EXECMALIBU

The 2005 and 2006 have larger 8 piston front brake calipers. 2007 and later have 6 piston calipers and I believe composite front rotors are standard.

Not sure which is better 8 piston with iron rotors or 6 piston with composite rotors. I would guess that being that composite is lighter and more fade resistant that maybe the 6 piston calipers perform as well as 8 piston. Plus the unspung weight is lower.

The steering ratio is better on the 2007 and later as well as having upgraded ABC-2 suspension. The 2007 paddles are real and not the stupid little buttons.

Electric trunk closer was an option on the 2006 not sure if became standard in 2007.

The front bumper was chaged slightly along with the fog lights.

The engine #479 and the trans 722.6 are the same

LOVEMYBS

Just re-read the post, my mistake.

Karl G

EPC lists the same part #A 230 421 12 12 for the front brake rotor on all SL65's except for the black series.

EXECMALIBU

Karl, I just learned something new!

The 2004 (yes 2004) SL65 sales brochure says the rotor is "compound material" and is 20% lighter then cast iron!

I once read on one of the MB sites that only 2005-06 SL65s have the 8 piston calipers and they stop better! But I did not know until today that I had "compound rotors".

I once tried checking the rotors on my SL65 using a magnet and it stuck so I figured they were just cast iron.

I guess that true composite (carbon fiber) rotors are not available on the standard SL65.

Karl G

Always glad to help. I think they're actually cheating with that description. SL65 rotors are 2-piece, cast iron discs with aluminum hubs. This combination gives a weight savings of about 20% over having a cast iron hub. There's nothing particularly special about the rotors themselves.

Also, "carbon fiber" rotors is a misnomer... so-called "carbon composite" rotors are made of sintered silicon carbide, with no pure carbon in them at all. "Carbon fiber" as most people know it is a composite material made of woven graphite (pure carbon) mats and epoxy resin.

Now, if only they would do something about the $1,000 per rotor replacement cost...