Behike

What are the differences between the older



and newer SL65?



Are they the same exact car expect for design?

Any relevant info to distinguish/compare them? (even indirect info i.e. reliability, etc)

sound 8

The new one looks a million times better.

Gene Gorman

I like the looks of the old one better.

andy_meng1024

I like the old front end and the new rear end.

transferred

Yes, exactly the same except for design and minor tweaks like updated navi.

I agree with the poster directly above me, the old front end with the new rear end is the best combo, subjectively.

btw, the first picture you posted is not a 65, it's either a 500sport or a 55...

-Rob

Behike

Thanks guys.

Rob: picture updated

abiazis

While everything is subjective on design....

On 2009 the side vent under the V12 logo area looks like it belongs on a Ford.....much too gaudy versus ones on 03-08...

Front end is in vogue but doesn't seem to flow as well....

Behike

^ I also don't like the side air vent on the 2009+ models. Reminds me like you said of the Ford Focus side badge. Moreover, making it only in silver makes it looks even more hideous; expect when the car is silver.

lkirchner

Look closely; the front bumper is a 65 bumper( pre 2007) , the wheels have the titanium centers ,the badging on the side is V12 Biturbo, the seats have the AMG logo on them and the calipers that you can see on the front discs are AMG

Behike

Lou K: Rob's right, I changed the picture, used to be something else (and not a SL65)

lkirchner

You sly fox!!!

Behike

Can't find the picture anymore but it was in fact a 500 sport ...

maxabo

I second that!
So far I've only managed to accept the one-slot-grill as far as the front end goes.
I'm also having difficulties with the new side vents.
But the rear end, oh boy... Looove at first sight..!

sound 8

The picture is a SL65 , I am looking at the brochure, the 600 has a different
wing vent, and the 500 a different shape spoiler, and as far as I know they
never built a 55 in this shape.
I could be wrong of course.

MB_Forever

Just a minor design update here and there but still same chassis. Mercedes probably did this to give them more time to work on the new chassis, which should've been due in 2010 since the old chassis was introduced in 2003.

Behike

Looks like MB decided to end the SL65 production forever. Last orders were taken up to August of 2010.

abiazis

Have to hold on to mine a bit longer and wait for the SLS Roadster!!

Sunir

IS MB discontinuing the entire v12TT platform?

abiazis

I believe it continues with the S and CL AMG cars...

transferred

Sound8, appreciate you're trying to be helpful but please reread the thread. The OP changed the pictures from the 500 Sport I identified....

Best,

Rob

sound 8

Sorry Transfered I must have missed the first pic.
However I am still confused, the very first pic is an old shape 65, is this
the car you refer, or as I say I could be wrong with a car with 65 wheels badges etc. You also have models in the US that we don't have.

transferred

No problem. The pic is NOW the pre-facelift SL65 but that's because the OP changed the picture from originally being an SL500 Sport. This is acknowledged in posts #6 and post #10. Hope that clears up your confusion...

Hovyamg...sorry for the mini-threadjack, but if you're going to 65 power you are going to be a very happy man...

-Rob

FLSL55

IMHO the old style is timeless and the new will become awkward over the years.

Behike

No, only SL65 is discontinued. Other models with V12TT continue.

No Problem Rob. Always good to make things clear.

I believe SL65 is an excellent choice. I am in the market for a sports car and narrowed it down to 3 cars: 911 Turbo S, R8 V10 and SL65. I know they're all different cars but for the everyday, the SL beats them all.

Auraraptor

Later SL65s have much smaller brakes. Gone were the 390mm monsters in 2007.