SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: CF Hood?
Thread Starter
Former Vendor of MBWorld
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,305
Likes: 93
From: Valley of the Sun, Arizona
C63, SL55, E55, CLS55, ML63, C55
CF Hood?
I'm toying with the idea of making a carbon fiber hood. In the style of the SL65BS (hood scoops). Nothing set in stone yet. Needless to say it would be nice to start shaving some weight from these SL's
I guess right now is the time where I get you guys input on this. Is this something you guys would be interested in? Right now its just an idea that was tossed around over drinks this weekend.
I guess right now is the time where I get you guys input on this. Is this something you guys would be interested in? Right now its just an idea that was tossed around over drinks this weekend.
Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 187
Likes: 3
From: Bay Area, CA
05 E55, 07 SL65, 06 S4
I would love to see a SL65BS hood style for the pre-facelift models - the weight and additional cooling one has to expect would indeed be very welcome!
That is, if I still have the SL by the time this project is completed....
That is, if I still have the SL by the time this project is completed....
I'm toying with the idea of making a carbon fiber hood. In the style of the SL65BS (hood scoops). Nothing set in stone yet. Needless to say it would be nice to start shaving some weight from these SL's
I guess right now is the time where I get you guys input on this. Is this something you guys would be interested in? Right now its just an idea that was tossed around over drinks this weekend.
I guess right now is the time where I get you guys input on this. Is this something you guys would be interested in? Right now its just an idea that was tossed around over drinks this weekend.
Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
From: SoCal
'03 SL55. Wife drives '06 SL500 and Range Rover Evoque
I don't know...I love CF, but what would the real weight savings be vs cost? Sounds real expensive 
On a side note...Im still having a hard time even finding a CF front spoiler for an SL65 bumper that's on my '03 SL55...anyone?
On a side note...Im still having a hard time even finding a CF front spoiler for an SL65 bumper that's on my '03 SL55...anyone?
Last edited by CHP_H8_ME; May 17, 2010 at 11:09 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,155
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From: Sydney, Australia
Vath ML63 Brabus C63 SL63 CLK63BS C63BS
I have a MY09 SL63 and was just thinking about this last night! what a great coincidence.
I would be interested in the SL65BS hood if this is the model car you are considering doing it on.
Price wise, as a comparison, there is a manufacturer that has produced a vented carbon fibre hood for C63 and sells for US$1200 ex shipping and install. A few guys on C63 forum have purchased and made positive comments on quality and posted pics. Obviously a few more C63s ruinning round than SLs but this price is attractive. On a c63 i believe the weight saving is somehting like 20lbs plus (might have even been 20kgs..)
Please keep us informed
I would be interested in the SL65BS hood if this is the model car you are considering doing it on.
Price wise, as a comparison, there is a manufacturer that has produced a vented carbon fibre hood for C63 and sells for US$1200 ex shipping and install. A few guys on C63 forum have purchased and made positive comments on quality and posted pics. Obviously a few more C63s ruinning round than SLs but this price is attractive. On a c63 i believe the weight saving is somehting like 20lbs plus (might have even been 20kgs..)
Please keep us informed
Last edited by Maverick1975; May 18, 2010 at 01:46 AM.
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
Yes, it would be nice to find a lip for my SL65 front bumper too!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,938
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From: Madison WI
2003 SL55, 2010 C63
I like the idea but like others have said, the cost plays an important role here.
I think AMGfan has one on his 65. Maybe try PM him to find out. 
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,155
Likes: 14
From: Sydney, Australia
Vath ML63 Brabus C63 SL63 CLK63BS C63BS
I did a bit of research over night on this and found two manufacturers of Black Series kits
1) Inden in Germany sells whole kit for EUR18000 - havent confirmed if you can just buy bonnet only though (www.indendesign.de) Bonnet is in carbon fibre apparently according to their email.
2) Sarona Design in the US which charges US$40,000. However they will not sell the bonnet individually, bummer
Hope MBH comes through!
1) Inden in Germany sells whole kit for EUR18000 - havent confirmed if you can just buy bonnet only though (www.indendesign.de) Bonnet is in carbon fibre apparently according to their email.
2) Sarona Design in the US which charges US$40,000. However they will not sell the bonnet individually, bummer
Hope MBH comes through!
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 444
Likes: 8
From: Sweden
2008 MB CL600. 2020 MB E300 de. 1987 BMW M535i.
Been thinking along those lines also!
Not necessarily CF for me.
I would also be very interested in making some slits/vents/inlets in my stock hood.
That MUST be a good idea!
BUT, it has to be made with some style & finess! Not functional only!
But I fear that the openings must be forward pointing, if they are for letting air in. Am I right..?
Sadly, in my head the backwards pointing ones look better.
Any ideas on how to make this nice looking, anyone..?
Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 160
Likes: 0
From: San Juan, Puerto Rico
2004 SL55 AMG
I'm toying with the idea of making a carbon fiber hood. In the style of the SL65BS (hood scoops). Nothing set in stone yet. Needless to say it would be nice to start shaving some weight from these SL's
I guess right now is the time where I get you guys input on this. Is this something you guys would be interested in? Right now its just an idea that was tossed around over drinks this weekend.
I guess right now is the time where I get you guys input on this. Is this something you guys would be interested in? Right now its just an idea that was tossed around over drinks this weekend.
Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 187
Likes: 3
From: Bay Area, CA
05 E55, 07 SL65, 06 S4
If you look at the SL65 BS hood vents, they are positioned exactly behind the radiator - as in evacuation the hot air out of the engine bay and presumably increasing airflow. In theory, this could reduce underhood temperature and heat soak of all the intake plumbing.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 444
Likes: 8
From: Sweden
2008 MB CL600. 2020 MB E300 de. 1987 BMW M535i.
Good point there!
But I reckon it would be even more afficient to also have an inlet that forces air into the intake at speed as well.
Perhaps in combination with the BS-type outlets that you mensioned!
Of course, my "Rules Of Estetic" shut down all kind of Scoop-projects immediately!
But I'm wondering if some discrete inlets (like gills or so) would make a sufficient job..?
And on top of that, I think it could look awesome if it's made with some class..!
Last edited by maxabo; May 20, 2010 at 02:12 PM.
Thread Starter
Former Vendor of MBWorld
Joined: May 2009
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From: Valley of the Sun, Arizona
C63, SL55, E55, CLS55, ML63, C55
I'm going to do some photoshopping to see what design (If any) flows well with the SL. If I end up doing this, I would personally paint the hood then maybe leave a small section of the hood translucent, but color matched.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 444
Likes: 8
From: Sweden
2008 MB CL600. 2020 MB E300 de. 1987 BMW M535i.
Very eager to see the result/results!!!
And I will absolutely have the hood in the same colour as the car! In my case red.
But what do you mean by translucent..? Isn't that a "see-threw" transparent something..?
How can it at the same time be colour matched, in that case..?
Do you perhaps mean like sun glasses then..?? With a tone, so to speak..?
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 444
Likes: 8
From: Sweden
2008 MB CL600. 2020 MB E300 de. 1987 BMW M535i.
Very eager to see the result/results.
And I will absolutely have the hood in the same colour as the car! In my case red.
But what do you mean by translucent..? Isn't that a "see-threw" transparent something..?
How can it at the same time be colour matched, in that case..?
Do you perhaps mean like sun glasses then..?? With a tone, so to speak..?
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 444
Likes: 8
From: Sweden
2008 MB CL600. 2020 MB E300 de. 1987 BMW M535i.
I've been giving this a bit of thought.
There are two different kinds of air intake;
1. For the engines breathing of course. I'm not sure if the hood is the right place for that anymore.
But if you can speed that up, you'll get some HP increase. At least in theory!
2. For cooling of the engine room.
There must be some high temperatures there, at least on 600's & 65's with 2 turbos going...
So if the hood, with some help of inlets and outlets, can optimize the flow of cooler air around the engine, it sure sounds like a BIG help..!
Can't wait to see some pictures!
There are two different kinds of air intake;
1. For the engines breathing of course. I'm not sure if the hood is the right place for that anymore.
But if you can speed that up, you'll get some HP increase. At least in theory!
2. For cooling of the engine room.
There must be some high temperatures there, at least on 600's & 65's with 2 turbos going...
So if the hood, with some help of inlets and outlets, can optimize the flow of cooler air around the engine, it sure sounds like a BIG help..!
Can't wait to see some pictures!
