SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: Just finished a 2600 mi road test in the SL55
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 375
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From: Lynnwood in summer, Fountain Hills during the rainy season in Wa.
2008 Maserati QP EGT, 2005 SL55AMG , 2002 CLK55AMG 2002 C230K Coupe
Just finished a 2600 mi road test in the SL55
Seattle to Riverside to Santa Monica to San Jose to Sacramento and back to Seattle.
1. Ran pretty good but still vibrates. Has been to the tire shop 12 times, two sets of wheels, two sets of tires and still the same problem. Engine mounts have been replaced. Front bushings have been replaced. Next I think they will need to check the drive shaft. (had a bad one in my C230) My 2500HD Silverado beats the **** out of the SL55 for a smooth ride on the highway. Same with the suspension up/down or sport/comfort mode. Really feels like a pig in the corners at speed in the mountains. Not very sporty, more of street racer.
2. AC would not keep temp at the selected temp, scan revealed upper console sensor fault.
3. Fuel burn at 19.6 MPG running 75-80. That was until the IC pump failed south of San Jose then lost 2.5 MPG. Pretty ****ty car without the supercharger.
4. Brakes feel ok when on the highway but in town they feel like they don't know what wheel to release first, front left, right, rear or pick a corner. Feels like something is loose in the front end when you put on the brakes. Shop says nothing they can find.
Did it get me to SoCal and back? Yep, but not in a vehicle I would buy again. Matter of fact I'm thinking of going back to Corvette for my sport needs or maybe drive a F360/430 and see how I like that.
Think I'll get it all fixed up during the winter, send it to the body shop for a complete detail and send it packing in the spring. No more Benz for me, three is enough.
1. Ran pretty good but still vibrates. Has been to the tire shop 12 times, two sets of wheels, two sets of tires and still the same problem. Engine mounts have been replaced. Front bushings have been replaced. Next I think they will need to check the drive shaft. (had a bad one in my C230) My 2500HD Silverado beats the **** out of the SL55 for a smooth ride on the highway. Same with the suspension up/down or sport/comfort mode. Really feels like a pig in the corners at speed in the mountains. Not very sporty, more of street racer.
2. AC would not keep temp at the selected temp, scan revealed upper console sensor fault.
3. Fuel burn at 19.6 MPG running 75-80. That was until the IC pump failed south of San Jose then lost 2.5 MPG. Pretty ****ty car without the supercharger.
4. Brakes feel ok when on the highway but in town they feel like they don't know what wheel to release first, front left, right, rear or pick a corner. Feels like something is loose in the front end when you put on the brakes. Shop says nothing they can find.
Did it get me to SoCal and back? Yep, but not in a vehicle I would buy again. Matter of fact I'm thinking of going back to Corvette for my sport needs or maybe drive a F360/430 and see how I like that.
Think I'll get it all fixed up during the winter, send it to the body shop for a complete detail and send it packing in the spring. No more Benz for me, three is enough.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 375
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From: Lynnwood in summer, Fountain Hills during the rainy season in Wa.
2008 Maserati QP EGT, 2005 SL55AMG , 2002 CLK55AMG 2002 C230K Coupe
As for the wheels, it's not the wheels. I have changed them out and the two piece SL65 wheels have been checked at the wheel shop and they are within .003 runout. Merc spec is 1mm total runout (.39")! And the second set of tires balance out fine, (Bridgestone). This is a chassis problem.
San Jose is bigger than I thought, spent the day at the Winchester house.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 375
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From: Lynnwood in summer, Fountain Hills during the rainy season in Wa.
2008 Maserati QP EGT, 2005 SL55AMG , 2002 CLK55AMG 2002 C230K Coupe
Two of my buddies just bought new Corvettes and I will disagree with the ride statement. I've had several Corvettes and the older models do have comfort issues but the new ones are much better.
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,838
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From: U.K.
SL 63 W/B AMG , S600,C220
Seattle to Riverside to Santa Monica to San Jose to Sacramento and back to Seattle.
1. Ran pretty good but still vibrates. Has been to the tire shop 12 times, two sets of wheels, two sets of tires and still the same problem. Engine mounts have been replaced. Front bushings have been replaced. Next I think they will need to check the drive shaft. (had a bad one in my C230) My 2500HD Silverado beats the **** out of the SL55 for a smooth ride on the highway. Same with the suspension up/down or sport/comfort mode. Really feels like a pig in the corners at speed in the mountains. Not very sporty, more of street racer.
2. AC would not keep temp at the selected temp, scan revealed upper console sensor fault.
3. Fuel burn at 19.6 MPG running 75-80. That was until the IC pump failed south of San Jose then lost 2.5 MPG. Pretty ****ty car without the supercharger.
4. Brakes feel ok when on the highway but in town they feel like they don't know what wheel to release first, front left, right, rear or pick a corner. Feels like something is loose in the front end when you put on the brakes. Shop says nothing they can find.
Did it get me to SoCal and back? Yep, but not in a vehicle I would buy again. Matter of fact I'm thinking of going back to Corvette for my sport needs or maybe drive a F360/430 and see how I like that.
Think I'll get it all fixed up during the winter, send it to the body shop for a complete detail and send it packing in the spring. No more Benz for me, three is enough.
1. Ran pretty good but still vibrates. Has been to the tire shop 12 times, two sets of wheels, two sets of tires and still the same problem. Engine mounts have been replaced. Front bushings have been replaced. Next I think they will need to check the drive shaft. (had a bad one in my C230) My 2500HD Silverado beats the **** out of the SL55 for a smooth ride on the highway. Same with the suspension up/down or sport/comfort mode. Really feels like a pig in the corners at speed in the mountains. Not very sporty, more of street racer.
2. AC would not keep temp at the selected temp, scan revealed upper console sensor fault.
3. Fuel burn at 19.6 MPG running 75-80. That was until the IC pump failed south of San Jose then lost 2.5 MPG. Pretty ****ty car without the supercharger.
4. Brakes feel ok when on the highway but in town they feel like they don't know what wheel to release first, front left, right, rear or pick a corner. Feels like something is loose in the front end when you put on the brakes. Shop says nothing they can find.
Did it get me to SoCal and back? Yep, but not in a vehicle I would buy again. Matter of fact I'm thinking of going back to Corvette for my sport needs or maybe drive a F360/430 and see how I like that.
Think I'll get it all fixed up during the winter, send it to the body shop for a complete detail and send it packing in the spring. No more Benz for me, three is enough.
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Thread Starter
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From: Lynnwood in summer, Fountain Hills during the rainy season in Wa.
2008 Maserati QP EGT, 2005 SL55AMG , 2002 CLK55AMG 2002 C230K Coupe
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 6,897
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From: Central WI (BFE)
SL55, ML500 & Acura TL
Seattle to Riverside to Santa Monica to San Jose to Sacramento and back to Seattle.
1. Ran pretty good but still vibrates. Has been to the tire shop 12 times, two sets of wheels, two sets of tires and still the same problem. Engine mounts have been replaced. Front bushings have been replaced. Next I think they will need to check the drive shaft. (had a bad one in my C230) My 2500HD Silverado beats the **** out of the SL55 for a smooth ride on the highway. Same with the suspension up/down or sport/comfort mode. Really feels like a pig in the corners at speed in the mountains. Not very sporty, more of street racer.
2. AC would not keep temp at the selected temp, scan revealed upper console sensor fault.
3. Fuel burn at 19.6 MPG running 75-80. That was until the IC pump failed south of San Jose then lost 2.5 MPG. Pretty ****ty car without the supercharger.
4. Brakes feel ok when on the highway but in town they feel like they don't know what wheel to release first, front left, right, rear or pick a corner. Feels like something is loose in the front end when you put on the brakes. Shop says nothing they can find.
Did it get me to SoCal and back? Yep, but not in a vehicle I would buy again. Matter of fact I'm thinking of going back to Corvette for my sport needs or maybe drive a F360/430 and see how I like that.
Think I'll get it all fixed up during the winter, send it to the body shop for a complete detail and send it packing in the spring. No more Benz for me, three is enough.
1. Ran pretty good but still vibrates. Has been to the tire shop 12 times, two sets of wheels, two sets of tires and still the same problem. Engine mounts have been replaced. Front bushings have been replaced. Next I think they will need to check the drive shaft. (had a bad one in my C230) My 2500HD Silverado beats the **** out of the SL55 for a smooth ride on the highway. Same with the suspension up/down or sport/comfort mode. Really feels like a pig in the corners at speed in the mountains. Not very sporty, more of street racer.
2. AC would not keep temp at the selected temp, scan revealed upper console sensor fault.
3. Fuel burn at 19.6 MPG running 75-80. That was until the IC pump failed south of San Jose then lost 2.5 MPG. Pretty ****ty car without the supercharger.
4. Brakes feel ok when on the highway but in town they feel like they don't know what wheel to release first, front left, right, rear or pick a corner. Feels like something is loose in the front end when you put on the brakes. Shop says nothing they can find.
Did it get me to SoCal and back? Yep, but not in a vehicle I would buy again. Matter of fact I'm thinking of going back to Corvette for my sport needs or maybe drive a F360/430 and see how I like that.
Think I'll get it all fixed up during the winter, send it to the body shop for a complete detail and send it packing in the spring. No more Benz for me, three is enough.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 375
Likes: 1
From: Lynnwood in summer, Fountain Hills during the rainy season in Wa.
2008 Maserati QP EGT, 2005 SL55AMG , 2002 CLK55AMG 2002 C230K Coupe
The best part of the driver side is the ability to put both feet in the pocket under the brake pedal to make my legs straight. Due to both knees being shot I can't sit with my legs bent for more than 20 or so min.
Basically more comfortable that my old SEL560 or C230K. The longest leg was 12 hours.
Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 160
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SL55
I've got a C5 and one of my friends has a C6 Z06. All I can say is my SL55 rides better and is more comfortable than either of them. YMMV.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 375
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From: Lynnwood in summer, Fountain Hills during the rainy season in Wa.
2008 Maserati QP EGT, 2005 SL55AMG , 2002 CLK55AMG 2002 C230K Coupe
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Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Seattle
06 SL 55w/030perf package,03 SL 55,totaled! 08 R32,71 911,01 Dinan M5.04 E55,07 ML 63
Bob,
You are welcome to compare my 06 with the performance package for a benchmark.....I did change out the Bridgestones with Michelins after a nasty tread/belt failure and separation on the inside rear, and the other was just about to go too ( after I drove the car up from Santa Monica where it was purchased,and would have been much worse if it happened along the way...at speed.) The PS-2s ( MO1 spec) smoothed out the ride and they grip better as well.
Martin
You are welcome to compare my 06 with the performance package for a benchmark.....I did change out the Bridgestones with Michelins after a nasty tread/belt failure and separation on the inside rear, and the other was just about to go too ( after I drove the car up from Santa Monica where it was purchased,and would have been much worse if it happened along the way...at speed.) The PS-2s ( MO1 spec) smoothed out the ride and they grip better as well.
Martin
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From: U.K.
SL 63 W/B AMG , S600,C220
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Joined: Dec 2004
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i think your review of the sl chassis is spot-on.
the car is heavily leaning towards the gt spectrum- that has been my experience also.
your vibration- is it in the steering or in your seat?
steering vibration (that usually goes away above 80) = problem with tire balance. you _will not_ achieve proper balance if you do not balance on a hunter dsp balancer with road force roller.
seat vibration - rear tires balance , driveshaft or engine mounts (usually the rear tranny mount).
good luck
alex
the car is heavily leaning towards the gt spectrum- that has been my experience also.
your vibration- is it in the steering or in your seat?
steering vibration (that usually goes away above 80) = problem with tire balance. you _will not_ achieve proper balance if you do not balance on a hunter dsp balancer with road force roller.
seat vibration - rear tires balance , driveshaft or engine mounts (usually the rear tranny mount).
good luck
alex
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,653
Likes: 5
From: Ann Arbor
'03 SL55
Well, that's a bummer.
FWIW, I've taken my SL55 on several 1,000+ mile trips including a 2,900 mile trip this past June and the experience was completely different than the OP's. I wrote about part of the trip here: https://mbworld.org/forums/south/304...astern-nc.html
No wheel/tire vibration. No AC issues, even in the 95 degree Alabama heat. No brake issues.
The car weighs 4,300 lbs and there's just no getting around that. But I have no complaints about how the car brakes into a tight curve, holds the line I've chosen, and accelerates out of the curve. Of course, I'm not having the vibration and braking issues that the OP has run into and that would completely change the experience.
I have a 1,600 trip coming up in October and am hoping to talk my wife into driving in the SL instead of flying.
FWIW, I've taken my SL55 on several 1,000+ mile trips including a 2,900 mile trip this past June and the experience was completely different than the OP's. I wrote about part of the trip here: https://mbworld.org/forums/south/304...astern-nc.html
No wheel/tire vibration. No AC issues, even in the 95 degree Alabama heat. No brake issues.
The car weighs 4,300 lbs and there's just no getting around that. But I have no complaints about how the car brakes into a tight curve, holds the line I've chosen, and accelerates out of the curve. Of course, I'm not having the vibration and braking issues that the OP has run into and that would completely change the experience.
I have a 1,600 trip coming up in October and am hoping to talk my wife into driving in the SL instead of flying.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 375
Likes: 1
From: Lynnwood in summer, Fountain Hills during the rainy season in Wa.
2008 Maserati QP EGT, 2005 SL55AMG , 2002 CLK55AMG 2002 C230K Coupe
Well, that's a bummer.
FWIW, I've taken my SL55 on several 1,000+ mile trips including a 2,900 mile trip this past June and the experience was completely different than the OP's. I wrote about part of the trip here: https://mbworld.org/forums/south/304...astern-nc.html
No wheel/tire vibration. No AC issues, even in the 95 degree Alabama heat. No brake issues.
The car weighs 4,300 lbs and there's just no getting around that. But I have no complaints about how the car brakes into a tight curve, holds the line I've chosen, and accelerates out of the curve. Of course, I'm not having the vibration and braking issues that the OP has run into and that would completely change the experience.
I have a 1,600 trip coming up in October and am hoping to talk my wife into driving in the SL instead of flying.
FWIW, I've taken my SL55 on several 1,000+ mile trips including a 2,900 mile trip this past June and the experience was completely different than the OP's. I wrote about part of the trip here: https://mbworld.org/forums/south/304...astern-nc.html
No wheel/tire vibration. No AC issues, even in the 95 degree Alabama heat. No brake issues.
The car weighs 4,300 lbs and there's just no getting around that. But I have no complaints about how the car brakes into a tight curve, holds the line I've chosen, and accelerates out of the curve. Of course, I'm not having the vibration and braking issues that the OP has run into and that would completely change the experience.
I have a 1,600 trip coming up in October and am hoping to talk my wife into driving in the SL instead of flying.
We were running 100-105 temps in SoCal last Weekend.
When taking the wife...get a DVD player and a good set of headphones for her so she can watch a few movies while you enjoy the drive ;-)
I have no problem with 12 hour runs, she on the other hand gets bored after 2 hours. (gotta pee, gotta eat, are we there yet, you are too tired to drive, lets get a room now!)
Good luck!
Last edited by BeltFedBob; Sep 28, 2009 at 11:49 PM.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 375
Likes: 1
From: Lynnwood in summer, Fountain Hills during the rainy season in Wa.
2008 Maserati QP EGT, 2005 SL55AMG , 2002 CLK55AMG 2002 C230K Coupe
i think your review of the sl chassis is spot-on.
the car is heavily leaning towards the gt spectrum- that has been my experience also.
your vibration- is it in the steering or in your seat?
steering vibration (that usually goes away above 80) = problem with tire balance. you _will not_ achieve proper balance if you do not balance on a hunter dsp balancer with road force roller.
seat vibration - rear tires balance , driveshaft or engine mounts (usually the rear tranny mount).
good luck
alex
the car is heavily leaning towards the gt spectrum- that has been my experience also.
your vibration- is it in the steering or in your seat?
steering vibration (that usually goes away above 80) = problem with tire balance. you _will not_ achieve proper balance if you do not balance on a hunter dsp balancer with road force roller.
seat vibration - rear tires balance , driveshaft or engine mounts (usually the rear tranny mount).
good luck
alex
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 375
Likes: 1
From: Lynnwood in summer, Fountain Hills during the rainy season in Wa.
2008 Maserati QP EGT, 2005 SL55AMG , 2002 CLK55AMG 2002 C230K Coupe
Bob,
You are welcome to compare my 06 with the performance package for a benchmark.....I did change out the Bridgestones with Michelins after a nasty tread/belt failure and separation on the inside rear, and the other was just about to go too ( after I drove the car up from Santa Monica where it was purchased,and would have been much worse if it happened along the way...at speed.) The PS-2s ( MO1 spec) smoothed out the ride and they grip better as well.
Martin
You are welcome to compare my 06 with the performance package for a benchmark.....I did change out the Bridgestones with Michelins after a nasty tread/belt failure and separation on the inside rear, and the other was just about to go too ( after I drove the car up from Santa Monica where it was purchased,and would have been much worse if it happened along the way...at speed.) The PS-2s ( MO1 spec) smoothed out the ride and they grip better as well.
Martin
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 375
Likes: 1
From: Lynnwood in summer, Fountain Hills during the rainy season in Wa.
2008 Maserati QP EGT, 2005 SL55AMG , 2002 CLK55AMG 2002 C230K Coupe
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,838
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From: U.K.
SL 63 W/B AMG , S600,C220
of another ( not MB) car. It introduced a vibration straight away, highlighted
when braking hard. I took em off, vibration cured.
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From: Ann Arbor
'03 SL55
Thread Starter
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 375
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From: Lynnwood in summer, Fountain Hills during the rainy season in Wa.
2008 Maserati QP EGT, 2005 SL55AMG , 2002 CLK55AMG 2002 C230K Coupe
Car out of the shop today. The tires they said were way out of balance. Ran it up to 50 and the vibration apears to be fixed, will have to drive it this weekend up to speed and see if it really is fixed. Then I get to ***** at the three shops that attempted to balance the tires...
As for the AC problem, the overhead panel had a bad sensor that required the replacement of the entire panel. The repair charge for the sensor was about $1000.00. The Chrysler warranty took the sting out of that repair.
Brakes they said was "normal for each wheel has it's own pump" ;-)
New Johnson pump should be in next week to cure the IC problem.
The thing that really made me laugh is as I brought the car in for service and a salesman jumped on me to trade it in on his "last" SL63. Gave me the old "gonna be rare since Merc is not gonna be making the AMG anymore" I questioned that statement and he corrected it to say "they will be special order only and no dealers will stock the AMG". We shall see!
As for the AC problem, the overhead panel had a bad sensor that required the replacement of the entire panel. The repair charge for the sensor was about $1000.00. The Chrysler warranty took the sting out of that repair.
Brakes they said was "normal for each wheel has it's own pump" ;-)
New Johnson pump should be in next week to cure the IC problem.
The thing that really made me laugh is as I brought the car in for service and a salesman jumped on me to trade it in on his "last" SL63. Gave me the old "gonna be rare since Merc is not gonna be making the AMG anymore" I questioned that statement and he corrected it to say "they will be special order only and no dealers will stock the AMG". We shall see!
