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

SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: SL55 AMG: The best roadster?

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Old Nov 12, 2001 | 12:35 PM
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SL55 AMG: The best roadster?

I am absolutly in love with the SL55 AMG Kompressor as I feel its the quintessence of a pure roadster. 476hp with a rip-snorting 516lb-ft of torque. A curvacious sporty exterior and luxurious yet purpose oriented interior. The most advanced retractable hardtop to date, and the world's first Electrohydraulic braking system. Not to mention the only active suspension system, an adaptive accelerator pedal, speedshift transmition, and steering wheel mounted gearshifts. I can't wait to see this car in black....
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Old Nov 12, 2001 | 12:40 PM
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Like you, I think the SL55 AMG will be a SUPER car ! The specs alone make me drool, not to mention the ability of dropping the hard top with a press of the button. I'm interested to see what the interior actually looks like in person. Mercedes is not using leather on the dash. They will be using a new material that I am told looks and feels like leather with the ability to stand up to the elements better.
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Old Nov 12, 2001 | 01:45 PM
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Adam, I saw the SL500 in Firenze Italia in September. The car is truly gorgeous, though it looks smaller than the outgoing model. I understand it is larger, so it must be the new body that makes it look smaller. The interior is beautiful with the exception of the instrument shroud. It is the cheapest looking plastic I've seen, not at all appropriate for the car (though I hear the SL55 will be covered in leather. The dash and doors are done so well, I THOUGHT they were leather until someone on a forum said they were a new vinyl. That disappointed me, and frankly turned me off the car. I know the vinyl is more practical in a drop top, but...
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Old Nov 12, 2001 | 02:05 PM
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I saw the SL55 AMG at the F1 race at Indy this year. It was truly an amazing site! Apparently, they had also removed the resonator from the car to add some addt'l power and it sounded unbelievable!! I was in love with the CL until I saw the new SL (no offense Adam). The SL has the gorgeous lines of the CL, PLUS a drop top. I got my name on the list at my local dealer...now if I can only wait.

BTW, I have some pics of the car. I will scan them tonight and post them.
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Old Nov 12, 2001 | 02:18 PM
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is4b2rd, I remeber seeing the pics you posted. Looked nice.

The only thing I personally haven't liked about the SL55 so far have been the wheels. Need to change those....

Can't wait to see (and hopefully) drive one ....

Last edited by awiner; Nov 12, 2001 at 02:36 PM.
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Old Nov 12, 2001 | 02:31 PM
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Yeah this car will be amazing. I like the wheels, they're not bad, but I wonder how it would look with the euro 19" AMG rims that come with the CL55. IMO this will be the best car the MB makes until the SLR comes out.
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Old Nov 12, 2001 | 02:36 PM
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19" CL Rims

Yes, the 19" staggered CL type rims would look awesome on the SL55.
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Old Nov 13, 2001 | 11:04 AM
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brakes...

Hey does anyone know what size the brakes (front and rear) will be on the new SL55? And secondly anyone thats got pictures of Black SL's (new) please post them!
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Old Nov 23, 2001 | 05:15 AM
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Exclamation I heard the premium over MSRP will be major!

I like it! But although the projected MSRP of $115k - $120k is within my budget, I hear projections about huge premiums over MSRP that'll knock it out of my league. Production is planned to be limited as with all AMGs and this will push the price.

I thought I had it bad when I paid $6k over MSRP on my SLK 32 AMG, but the price on the SL55 will go through the roof, I bet!
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Old Nov 23, 2001 | 01:43 PM
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You should have put your name on the waiting list 2-3 months ago. Dealers will milk people for all they got if you just go and buy cars that are in demand right off the showroom floor. I saw a Z8 at a BMW dealer one time, the price was 300K. "169K dealer mark up". That's more than the MSRP!
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Old Nov 23, 2001 | 10:03 PM
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Wow, with all this hype, I can't wait to drive one before any of you guys do (sticks tongue out)! I'm kidding, though. Seriously, this should be a pretty darn good car. The motor is bulletproof, as should be the rest of the drivetrain. Mercedes should have perfected the art of the retracting hardtop, as they have been building the SLK for a few years now, so I'm not worried about that. The only thing that raises my eyebrow is the electronic braking. I think this is going to be the source of some warning lights, kind of like ESP was when it first came out (and still is).
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Old Nov 23, 2001 | 10:05 PM
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Your right ! I wonder what happens if for some reason you loose power or your battery charge. Is there going to be a backup hydraulic system ? Doh ! I could see it now... Battery power lost - Car slides off road into house..
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Old Dec 4, 2001 | 03:13 AM
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I read somewhere that besides SBC the system has a hydraulic backup in case it fails. Also, I saw the options/features sheet for the SL and it says there are 2 batteries standard.
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