Behike

Hi people,

I had another thread before for this but never really had a proper answer or way to find out. So I'll go again, it's a new year after all.

I am looking to get a SL63. I am interested in one with the 030 option - performance package.

The reason being that I want a bit of a stiffer suspension. Other extras that come with the 030 option are also appealing: LSD, steering wheel.

Has anyone driven both "regular" SL63 and SL63 with 030???

If so, how is the car's suspension different with the one with the 030 option???

It is said that the suspension of a SL63 with 030 option is lowered in height and calibrated for the track.

I don't want a track car; I don't track. I want a SL63 that is a bit stiffer but not stiff like a SL65 black (that car has no damping at all!).

Hope someone can help me figure this out. Thanks

Happy New Year!

Behike

Thank God I didn't post this in a Chevrolet forum

Nobody seems to have a SL63 in a MB SL-sub forum

WSH

Prob 90%+ of AMG buyers largely use cars for straight-line daily commuting (and/or live in places like TX, FL, etc with few/no twisties even for wkends), so 030 is really a cosmetic option for such drivers

Real questions re: SL63 are reliability of MCT; awful brake pedal feel (even on 030 with its 65-size front brakes; AMG CL pedal feel/braking perf is far superior for mtn twisties driving); and lame/archaic sport seat bolsters (far inferior to AMG CL seats in mtn twisties driving)

MCT is well-known Achilles' heel of now-obsolete SL63; not sure if SLS' DCT will be any more reliable/smooth...or if it'll be another buggy tech dinosaur

Behike

Thanks for the reply. I live in Montreal and have great twisties around the Mont-Royal. I guess, I am better off with the 030. I am the kind of guy that would track his G55.

I heard about MCT's reliability: someone here on the forum bought a brand new 08 SL63 and it was lemoned by MB USA after 3 attempts to repair it. Her brand new 09 replacement never had an issue so far.

I also didn't know about the brakes. Have to dig about that.

And seats, well yes, they could be sportier but like you said 90% of SL drivers use it as daily on straight roads hence the necessity for comfort.

sprins

I drove the 030 SL63 and it didn't feel overdone on the suspension at all. ABC is just a bit firmer, but doable for daily driving with decent roads.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFWetdm7Zbk

Behike

Great then. That's what I want: not overdone.

Thanks!

a_Y

I have an SL63 but without the performance package. I am trying to figure out the differences in parts between the normal SL63 suspension and the performance package suspension as I want to change mine to the 030 performance suspension. Does any one know exactly which parts I will need to replace? Thanks in advance!

Havoc

I'm not sure about your 2009 SL63, but I upgraded my ABC Shocks to the 030 Performance Package ABC Shocks on my 2005 SL55 and I noticed that my suspension is stiffer and it hugs the road better.
It's an upgrade that I'm definitely happy with.

IngenereAMG

We have tuned several SL63s, one of which had the 030 package. The changes were subtle, but palpable.

The car was firmer and had less body roll in the corners. The brakes seemed to have more bite as well. Since I like back roads and road courses, I would want the 030 package. If I were just showing off at the coffee shop and valet stand, standard car works fine.

a_Y

I do like to drive on the twisties around town in Hong Kong so I am looking to get the car's handling to improve from what it is now.

I am actually looking to get the 030 performance package suspension components and also an LSD (I don't mind kleeman, carlsson, renntech, or OEM as long as it works).

Any vendors know exactly what I have to get in order to upgrade my normal suspension to the performance pack suspension? Or do I just have to change out the shocks as member Havoc did? Which LSD would you guys prefer?

sprins

I had the OEM LSD installed on my SL55. That was the best performance mod as far as grip is involved IMO.

I haven't (yet) installed the 030 ABC struts. Perhaps when one or more start to leak again.

sound 8

You say you don't want it for track use, then get the standard SL63.
Without the sports pack it will still annihilate a stock SL55 on the twisty stuff,
yet it's still very comfortable.

Behike

Good point but I thought both SL55 and SL63 had similar ABC settings and suspension, no?

sound 8

I don't know in detail the difference. but I traded in my 55 for a 63. The ride is firmer and it does have 19 inch instead of 18 inch wheels, but it goes further than that, it's all together more agile feeling, I can take roundabouts much tighter than in the 55. The 63 doesn't have a heavy supercharger on the front which could also make a difference. I think a sports pack would ruin it for every day use, unless you were cornering mad.
Good luck anyway.

Behike

Again, good point. I was told the 030 option makes the SL63 a bit firmer but not to the point where it's uncomfortable ... I will test drive both and then decide. That's the only way to find out.

Thanks!

sound 8

Let's no what you think, the only problem you might have is finding a dem one with the sports pack on.
Still good luck.

Behike

What do you mean dem one?

I am looking to get brand new or slightly used.

Sunir

dem one wan know...rude boy I though sound 8 was from England not Jamaica??

Behike

oh oh! haha! my bad thought you meant dem as in demo car ... LOL

sound 8

Sorry if I confused, in the UK SOME dealers but not many have a demonstration car to drive, but as most sales will be stock without the
upgrade, I doubt if many or any will have a demonstrator with the sports
pack.

thatguy55amg

how would i find out if my SL has the 030 package?

BeltFedBob

Does your front end look like this?

Behike

The SL55 with P030-performance package has a different front bumper with side air vents and different steering wheel with alcantara.

Havoc

The 030-performance package for the SL55 AMG consists of the following:

-Internally ventilated composite front brake discs, size 390 x 36 mm
-Multi-disc rear locking differential with 30% locking effect for additional traction
-19-inch twin-spoke AMG alloy wheels, multipiece, size 8.5 x 19 with 255/35 R 19 tyres (front) and size 9.5 x 19 with 285/30 R 19 tyres (rear)
-AMG performance suspension based on Active Body Control (ABC)
-Additional oil cooler
-AMG front apron with larger air intakes
-AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel in leather/black Alcantara, with silver-coloured aluminium shift paddles

The AMG Performance Studio in Affalterbach can provide even more customisation.
-Extra-lightweight, forged AMG alloy wheels
-Carbon-fibre exterior package
-AMG sports steering wheels
-Illuminated AMG door sill panels

sound 8

I thought we were talking 63, not 55. Anyway if you check the vin number any MB dealer will be able to tell you if it has the sports pack.