SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: sl63 or modding the sl55?
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Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Jersey
SL55
sl63 or modding the sl55?
my 03 has 50k miles on it now and I'm ready for a new feeling. With that many miles does it make sense to modify the 55 or is it better to start fresh with a 63? what do you guys think?
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Joined: Sep 2007
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2006 Dodge Viper, 2006 SL55
The resale values on these cars are terrible. I have seen '03s selling on Ebay for mid-30k. A one-year old SL63 is selling for high 90k. I would modify the '03 and save the difference.
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Joined: Apr 2008
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From: U.K.
SL 63 W/B AMG , S600,C220
I beg you, change to the SL63, if you want more fun, and in my opinion
a much more advanced car. I also think it's a much better looking car, although that is down to personal taste.
I have never had a car that attracts so much attention, both in looks and sound.
Good luck.
a much more advanced car. I also think it's a much better looking car, although that is down to personal taste.
I have never had a car that attracts so much attention, both in looks and sound.
Good luck.
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Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Ann Arbor
'03 SL55
It's hard to say, Damian.
While a stock SL55 and SL63 are both fast cars, you can make your existing SL55 WAAAY faster than it already is. The difference between a stock SL55 and a heavily modded one is nothing short of remarkable. If you want that kind of a new feeling then modding the SL55 is a pretty easy choice.
Having 50,000 miles on the SL55 isn't a barrier,either. I have 50,000 miles on mine and I'm not getting rid of it any time soon.
On the other hand, the SL63 sounds WAAAY better and has a newer tranny design, updated suspension, and updated brakes in addition to the 63 engine. If you want that kind of a new feeling then an SL63 has a lot of merit.
Then there's also the CLK63 Black Series and SLS to consider. The SLS is a pretty big ticket item which might be difficult to rationalize even for folks who can afford it but the prices on used CLK63BS cars are down quite a bit from retail. Either of those would be yet a different new feeling.
So lots of good choices. I guess my advice would be start with a pretty big list of alternatives and don't rush the decision. Instead, enjoy the process of winnowing down the list.
Good luck! Have fun! Keep us posted as you go!!
While a stock SL55 and SL63 are both fast cars, you can make your existing SL55 WAAAY faster than it already is. The difference between a stock SL55 and a heavily modded one is nothing short of remarkable. If you want that kind of a new feeling then modding the SL55 is a pretty easy choice.
Having 50,000 miles on the SL55 isn't a barrier,either. I have 50,000 miles on mine and I'm not getting rid of it any time soon.
On the other hand, the SL63 sounds WAAAY better and has a newer tranny design, updated suspension, and updated brakes in addition to the 63 engine. If you want that kind of a new feeling then an SL63 has a lot of merit.
Then there's also the CLK63 Black Series and SLS to consider. The SLS is a pretty big ticket item which might be difficult to rationalize even for folks who can afford it but the prices on used CLK63BS cars are down quite a bit from retail. Either of those would be yet a different new feeling.
So lots of good choices. I guess my advice would be start with a pretty big list of alternatives and don't rush the decision. Instead, enjoy the process of winnowing down the list.
Good luck! Have fun! Keep us posted as you go!!
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Jersey
SL55
These cars truly are getting hit hard as far as depreciation. Hummm raw power or new gadgets that's what it boils down to. My 55 is not used on the track , just personal power use and occasional challenges on the highway 
based on that how much should it cost,roughly, to bring the 03' 55 up to par, max hp etc.?
based on that how much should it cost,roughly, to bring the 03' 55 up to par, max hp etc.?
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,838
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From: U.K.
SL 63 W/B AMG , S600,C220
These cars truly are getting hit hard as far as depreciation. Hummm raw power or new gadgets that's what it boils down to. My 55 is not used on the track , just personal power use and occasional challenges on the highway based on that how much should it cost,roughly, to bring the 03' 55 up to par, max hp etc.?
based on that how much should it cost,roughly, to bring the 03' 55 up to par, max hp etc.?Plus you get 3 years of no worries, in the UK the 63 is holding it's price very
well. I believe they are not making them for a while.
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From: chicago
06 SL65 AMG, 04 E5004Matic,02 911Turbo (Fluidmotorunion tuned),06 Cayenne S
I'd recommend considering a 06~ SL65. you can have 604hp/738tq for $60-70k. Personally, I like the look of the ovoids much better than the new style. I'll hold further opinions on the "butchery"...please don't flame me, it's just my opinion
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Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Ann Arbor
'03 SL55
These cars truly are getting hit hard as far as depreciation. Hummm raw power or new gadgets that's what it boils down to. My 55 is not used on the track , just personal power use and occasional challenges on the highway based on that how much should it cost,roughly, to bring the 03' 55 up to par, max hp etc.?
based on that how much should it cost,roughly, to bring the 03' 55 up to par, max hp etc.?An Evosport package 2 with cooling (pulley, ecu tune, shorty headers, cooling package) is right around $8,100 plus installation for a claimed 595 to 600 HP, roughly 100 hp over stock.
A Renntech Package 4 (ECU, pulley, SS headers, 82mm throttle body, CF airbox) puts out a claimed 610 HP and costs $14,695 plus installation.
I bought my stuff piecemeal over 2-3 years, installed the basic parts on my own and used a terrific shop (Motorwerks) for the tricky bits. I'd have to pull out old receipts to know for certain but I'm probably in for something around $15,000 to $20,000, give or take a bit. My car hasn't been on a dyno but based on the track numbers the engine is probably putting out around 650 crank horsepower, or roughly 150 hp above stock.
Hope that helps,
John
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LS430
I wonder if Kleemann and it's authorized dealers such as GMP is carrying these prices still:
https://mbworld.org/forums/sl55-amg-...rformance.html
If so, it's a great deal for proven performance and you might as well contact Cory@Kleemann directly.
https://mbworld.org/forums/sl55-amg-...rformance.html
If so, it's a great deal for proven performance and you might as well contact Cory@Kleemann directly.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 252
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From: Jersey
SL55
Well, it depends on where you shop and how far you go. A pulley with ECU tune will cost something like $3,000 to $4,000 and give you in the range of 50-75 extra HP. That's by far the biggest bang for the buck. After that it's more and more money for less and less extra horsepower.
An Evosport package 2 with cooling (pulley, ecu tune, shorty headers, cooling package) is right around $8,100 plus installation for a claimed 595 to 600 HP, roughly 100 hp over stock.
A Renntech Package 4 (ECU, pulley, SS headers, 82mm throttle body, CF airbox) puts out a claimed 610 HP and costs $14,695 plus installation.
I bought my stuff piecemeal over 2-3 years, installed the basic parts on my own and used a terrific shop (Motorwerks) for the tricky bits. I'd have to pull out old receipts to know for certain but I'm probably in for something around $15,000 to $20,000, give or take a bit. My car hasn't been on a dyno but based on the track numbers the engine is probably putting out around 650 crank horsepower, or roughly 150 hp above stock.
Hope that helps,
John
An Evosport package 2 with cooling (pulley, ecu tune, shorty headers, cooling package) is right around $8,100 plus installation for a claimed 595 to 600 HP, roughly 100 hp over stock.
A Renntech Package 4 (ECU, pulley, SS headers, 82mm throttle body, CF airbox) puts out a claimed 610 HP and costs $14,695 plus installation.
I bought my stuff piecemeal over 2-3 years, installed the basic parts on my own and used a terrific shop (Motorwerks) for the tricky bits. I'd have to pull out old receipts to know for certain but I'm probably in for something around $15,000 to $20,000, give or take a bit. My car hasn't been on a dyno but based on the track numbers the engine is probably putting out around 650 crank horsepower, or roughly 150 hp above stock.
Hope that helps,
John
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Joined: Feb 2008
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From: Bruges, Belgiummmmmm!(chocolates)
2003 sl 55 amg, 2010 RRS TDV8
Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
From: Bruges, Belgiummmmmm!(chocolates)
2003 sl 55 amg, 2010 RRS TDV8
Unless there's a container with € or $ in the back somewhere..
Last edited by mf1; Oct 2, 2009 at 09:37 AM.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 252
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From: Jersey
SL55
With the new model in sight, that would not be a wise decision. I rather spend some on the 55 and save up for the new one to come. Resale value has no importance to me, I intend to keep the 55. What do U think they will offer U for your 63 when the new one arrives ? With cars there is no best way to go, the loss is always there somehow..Just do what makes U happy..
Unless there's a container with € or $ in the back somewhere..
Unless there's a container with € or $ in the back somewhere..
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 577
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LS430
that's just what I was thinking. My main issue was wondering if my mileage was too high to consider modding with the issues these cars have as they age. But I think that's what I may end up doing? Can anyone recommend a qualified person/shop in the New Jersey area. I'm 20 min out of NYC.
Tuning Technology Motorsports
200 Route 110 (Broadhollow Road)
Suite 6
Farmingdale, NY 11735
www.ttmotorsports.com
(631) 420-1500
They are on this board and the cars they do are sick. Yes it's a drives away but members such as Oxygen and V12Godspeed took their cars over there and that's saying quite a bit
. They do work on the M113K as well as they did a nasty E55 with Kleemann mods(2 videos on it). From what I've always read, nothing but top notch service and satisfaction is said according to members sharing experiences. Check out this thread:
https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/...torsports.html
That E55 sounds so mean.
Videos are linked in Post #21 of the thread. If Kleemann still has that special pricing, it will be awesome as authorized Kleemann dealers and Kleemann themselves price the same.
Last edited by E55AMGFan; Oct 2, 2009 at 10:29 AM.
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,838
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From: U.K.
SL 63 W/B AMG , S600,C220
With the new model in sight, that would not be a wise decision. I rather spend some on the 55 and save up for the new one to come. Resale value has no importance to me, I intend to keep the 55. What do U think they will offer U for your 63 when the new one arrives ? With cars there is no best way to go, the loss is always there somehow..Just do what makes U happy..
Unless there's a container with € or $ in the back somewhere..
Unless there's a container with € or $ in the back somewhere..
The SL63 are holding up price wise quite well in the UK with a year old car
with 8k still going for £89000.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 252
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From: Jersey
SL55
I guess the worst has happened today, just what i was worried about... got in the car this morning after being parked for couple days SRS light was on. Went to Mb as a walk in to see what the problem was thinking its just a sensor. The main control until died. that's like a 2000. part. 2nd over the the past month I seen the ABC light come on on 2 occasions after the car sat a few days but it went away, so while i was there checking on the SRS issue I told them to check that also. They said I needed the fluid flush/change and rodeo test. I agreed and I happens to be there during the rodeo test and midway the car just slammed. The ABC control unit died I believe its a pump. originally it was a 4000 part but later they said the part was replaced and its 2000 not 4. All this being said and done.. My aftermarket warranty AUTOSOURCE said NONE of the mentioned parts are covered!!!! WTF so my weekend is dead and I have an approximate 5000and change parts+Labor bill to look forward to on Monday. So I've officially joined the ABC problem club.
If AutoSource Warranty is ever offered to you ..RUN for your life. They cover nothing.!!!
If AutoSource Warranty is ever offered to you ..RUN for your life. They cover nothing.!!!
Last edited by damian155; Oct 2, 2009 at 09:21 PM. Reason: spelling
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Joined: May 2008
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From: Maryland
SL55 AMG
I guess the worst has happened today, just what i was worried about... got in the car this morning after being parked for couple days SRS light was on. Went to Mb as a walk in to see what the problem was thinking its just a sensor. The main control until died. that's like a 2000. part. 2nd over the the past month I seen the ABC light come on on 2 occasions after the car sat a few days but it went away, so while i was there checking on the SRS issue I told them to check that also. They said I needed the fluid flush/change and rodeo test. I agreed and I happens to be there during the rodeo test and midway the car just slammed. The ABC control unit died I believe its a pump. originally it was a 4000 part but later they said the part was replaced and its 2000 not 4. All this being said and done.. My aftermarket warranty AUTOSOURCE said NONE of the mentioned parts are covered!!!! WTF so my weekend is dead and I have an approximate 5000and change parts+Labor bill to look forward to on Monday. So I've officially joined the ABC problem club.
If you ever get offered AutoSource Warrenty ..RUN for yur life. They cover nothing.!!!
If you ever get offered AutoSource Warrenty ..RUN for yur life. They cover nothing.!!!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,653
Likes: 5
From: Ann Arbor
'03 SL55
I guess the worst has happened today, just what i was worried about... got in the car this morning after being parked for couple days SRS light was on. Went to Mb as a walk in to see what the problem was thinking its just a sensor. The main control until died. that's like a 2000. part. 2nd over the the past month I seen the ABC light come on on 2 occasions after the car sat a few days but it went away, so while i was there checking on the SRS issue I told them to check that also. They said I needed the fluid flush/change and rodeo test. I agreed and I happens to be there during the rodeo test and midway the car just slammed. The ABC control unit died I believe its a pump. originally it was a 4000 part but later they said the part was replaced and its 2000 not 4. All this being said and done.. My aftermarket warranty AUTOSOURCE said NONE of the mentioned parts are covered!!!! WTF so my weekend is dead and I have an approximate 5000and change parts+Labor bill to look forward to on Monday. So I've officially joined the ABC problem club.
If AutoSource Warranty is ever offered to you ..RUN for your life. They cover nothing.!!!
If AutoSource Warranty is ever offered to you ..RUN for your life. They cover nothing.!!!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,838
Likes: 7
G55, SLS, smart eq
Sorry to hear Damian. I have two things to share with you.
One, my workshop chief explained me one day that they NEVER EVER do the rodeo test on older ABC vehicles because what you described tends to happen: the pump fails under the strain of the rodeo. Now, the pump will always fail one day or another, but the rodeo test usually speeds it up to today. However (always count your blessings), you'll be glad it happened in the workplace rather than on a roadtrip with your girl in the midlle of ****ing nowhere.
Two, you are just proving your own suggestion of keeping the car. Shell out $5,000 and your 03 will be ABC-pump-trouble-free for the next 5/6 years.
An SL63 will cost you $30K to $40K minimum when you trade in your SL55, imagine how much 'fun' you can have with a fraction of that money by enhancing your current car (minus the $5,000 of course). And the SL63 will eventually bust your ***** as well with technical failure.
I have a love/hate affair with this ABC. It makes the cars float on the road, but when it brakes down (not "if it brakes down") you are ****ed.
One, my workshop chief explained me one day that they NEVER EVER do the rodeo test on older ABC vehicles because what you described tends to happen: the pump fails under the strain of the rodeo. Now, the pump will always fail one day or another, but the rodeo test usually speeds it up to today. However (always count your blessings), you'll be glad it happened in the workplace rather than on a roadtrip with your girl in the midlle of ****ing nowhere.
Two, you are just proving your own suggestion of keeping the car. Shell out $5,000 and your 03 will be ABC-pump-trouble-free for the next 5/6 years.
An SL63 will cost you $30K to $40K minimum when you trade in your SL55, imagine how much 'fun' you can have with a fraction of that money by enhancing your current car (minus the $5,000 of course). And the SL63 will eventually bust your ***** as well with technical failure.
I have a love/hate affair with this ABC. It makes the cars float on the road, but when it brakes down (not "if it brakes down") you are ****ed.
I guess the worst has happened today, just what i was worried about... got in the car this morning after being parked for couple days SRS light was on. Went to Mb as a walk in to see what the problem was thinking its just a sensor. The main control until died. that's like a 2000. part. 2nd over the the past month I seen the ABC light come on on 2 occasions after the car sat a few days but it went away, so while i was there checking on the SRS issue I told them to check that also. They said I needed the fluid flush/change and rodeo test. I agreed and I happens to be there during the rodeo test and midway the car just slammed. The ABC control unit died I believe its a pump. originally it was a 4000 part but later they said the part was replaced and its 2000 not 4. All this being said and done.. My aftermarket warranty AUTOSOURCE said NONE of the mentioned parts are covered!!!! WTF so my weekend is dead and I have an approximate 5000and change parts+Labor bill to look forward to on Monday. So I've officially joined the ABC problem club.
If AutoSource Warranty is ever offered to you ..RUN for your life. They cover nothing.!!!
If AutoSource Warranty is ever offered to you ..RUN for your life. They cover nothing.!!!
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 252
Likes: 0
From: Jersey
SL55
Sorry to hear Damian. I have two things to share with you.
One, my workshop chief explained me one day that they NEVER EVER do the rodeo test on older ABC vehicles because what you described tends to happen: the pump fails under the strain of the rodeo. Now, the pump will always fail one day or another, but the rodeo test usually speeds it up to today. However (always count your blessings), you'll be glad it happened in the workplace rather than on a roadtrip with your girl in the midlle of ****ing nowhere.
Two, you are just proving your own suggestion of keeping the car. Shell out $5,000 and your 03 will be ABC-pump-trouble-free for the next 5/6 years.
An SL63 will cost you $30K to $40K minimum when you trade in your SL55, imagine how much 'fun' you can have with a fraction of that money by enhancing your current car (minus the $5,000 of course). And the SL63 will eventually bust your ***** as well with technical failure.
I have a love/hate affair with this ABC. It makes the cars float on the road, but when it brakes down (not "if it brakes down") you are ****ed.
One, my workshop chief explained me one day that they NEVER EVER do the rodeo test on older ABC vehicles because what you described tends to happen: the pump fails under the strain of the rodeo. Now, the pump will always fail one day or another, but the rodeo test usually speeds it up to today. However (always count your blessings), you'll be glad it happened in the workplace rather than on a roadtrip with your girl in the midlle of ****ing nowhere.
Two, you are just proving your own suggestion of keeping the car. Shell out $5,000 and your 03 will be ABC-pump-trouble-free for the next 5/6 years.
An SL63 will cost you $30K to $40K minimum when you trade in your SL55, imagine how much 'fun' you can have with a fraction of that money by enhancing your current car (minus the $5,000 of course). And the SL63 will eventually bust your ***** as well with technical failure.
I have a love/hate affair with this ABC. It makes the cars float on the road, but when it brakes down (not "if it brakes down") you are ****ed.
