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

SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: SL 65 - Worth it?

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Old Jun 13, 2010 | 09:14 PM
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E55
SL 65 - Worth it?

Have had 2 E55's 2006. Now have chance to buy an SL65 for a fair price. Is the 65 worth it. Anyone have any experience with both? Driving impressions?
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Old Jun 13, 2010 | 11:33 PM
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What would you like to know? They are very different animals, but do share some similarities. Both have lousy steering feel, mushy brakes and excellent torque throughout the rev range. The compressor has better throttle response and is more vocal, the 65 car is more hushed, but is faster at triple digit speeds... You cant go wrong with either one...

Alex
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Old Jun 14, 2010 | 01:58 AM
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2008 MB CL600. 2020 MB E300 de. 1987 BMW M535i.
Well if it's worth it will be hard to tell, since you haven't mensioned any numbers...

But it's a hole nother dimension compared to the E-class, in terms of thrust and looks!
AND it's a convertible.
WITH a hardtop.
The car has everything, but storage..!

Since appearence is everything, I wouldn't think twice about it!
I'm pretty bias here, but I say GO FOR IT!

BTW, what year & colours are there..?

Last edited by maxabo; Jun 14, 2010 at 03:23 PM. Reason: forgot a word...
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Old Jun 14, 2010 | 02:23 PM
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SL 63 W/B AMG , S600,C220
First thing is your trading 4 seats for 2, don't you need them anymore?
I agree with the others, breathtaking torque and comfort, but mushy
road holding and brakes.
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Old Jun 16, 2010 | 10:03 AM
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cornfed gtr and m3
Originally Posted by Stryker
Have had 2 E55's 2006. Now have chance to buy an SL65 for a fair price. Is the 65 worth it. Anyone have any experience with both? Driving impressions?
It will be tough for any car to compare to your past e55!!!
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Old Jun 17, 2010 | 01:25 AM
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'05 SL65
I don't know about mushy road holdings. I like the steering, it's very precise but doesn't give you much feedback.

The car really sucks at sharp turns, so it's not a track car BUT it does very well in any reasonably windy road, no problem with lateral force, you just can't make 90 degrees turn quickly enough, the ESP shuts you off.

It's certainly heavy and suffers some turbo lag at low speeds. However 50 to anything can't be beat, breathtaking acceleration and it's just goes on till 155
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Old Jun 19, 2010 | 10:11 PM
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Thanks for the feedback guys. I am still split on what to do. Ultimately, I am still very uncertain. I have had some many cars over the years from 911 turbo's, AMG's, every BMW M Car and have modified them all to high hell. None have really met my expectations for the perfect daily driver. The SL 65 was my last hope for a nice balance of luxury and performance.
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Old Jun 19, 2010 | 10:45 PM
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Bro, define "daily driver" as it means different things depending on what you'll be driving through on a daily basis. If like me daily driving in NYC in bumper to bumper traffic, having to cut lanes, zip around in short quick maneuvers and avoiding crater sized potholes, no my SL55 is not a good daily driver, on the other hand if it's getting on open highways and roads and not crazy city traffic, then it's a dream car. Bottom line based on the cars you've owned and didnt meet your expectations, chances are this car wont either.
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Old Jun 19, 2010 | 11:24 PM
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From: San Francisco
'05 SL65
SL65 is a great FAST daily driver. It's a bit frustrating in heavy traffic (like drinking 5 shots of espresso before waiting in line) ...

You don't compromise any luxury or comfort, it's a little bit rough on SF streets but only as compared to a well made German sedan, it's terrific on the hwy, a true GRAND tourer.

A little bit turbo lag in low speeds compounded by weight.
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Old Jun 26, 2010 | 10:22 PM
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E55
Well it's down to the wire. I guess I just wanted a great all around daily driver. To me this means something extremely fast yet comfortable. I also want a car I don't have to modify. Mods = huge headaches
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Old Jun 28, 2010 | 02:10 AM
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'05 SL65
Make sure to read http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...mparison_tests

If you are looking for a daily driver I think it's hard to beat the sl65. If you get the actual printed edition of this article you can see that the Benz even beat that 996TT on the track.

I didn't modify mine yet and it's really fine the way it is. Having said that next Jan is my 40th birthday and I think Renntech is going to get paid..
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Old Jun 28, 2010 | 04:20 PM
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SL 65 AMG, Porsche 911 (993), 2014 Cayenne GTS, 2013 Toyota Highlander Limited
Great cruiser....stupid fast...

Article in C&D says it all....mileage on the road is not bad.....averaged 21.5 on a 2day 1500 mile trip with distronic on most of the way with early morning starts....
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Old Jun 28, 2010 | 04:45 PM
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'05 SL65
The Distronic cruise control is quite convenient, my wife discovered it in her once a week 80 miles commute, where she consistently exceeds 20 MPG.

The car is Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, the switch occurs a tad above 2000 RPM. You can drive > 80MPH on 5th gear with very low RPM.
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Old Jun 28, 2010 | 05:31 PM
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SL55 AMG
Have you considered CL65 or S65....those may be better as a DD as they are larger cars better suited for clients, or other passengers.

I think a car you may like to look at in the M5 or M6 for a good DD, great handling, reliable, solid NA car. The v12tt platform on the MB I've heard some stories about the reliability, coil packs, injectors etc...from some reputable techs. But then again I don't know first hand...they are very fast though that's for sure
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