Recently I test drove a 2007 SL55, and here are some impressions.

Compared to my S55, everything is weighed a bit heavier - especially the steering wheel. Feel good to drive, though.

The first thing I noticed is the sound. Especially with the top down - it's awesome. I drove a C63 a few days ago and I thought that had a good sound: It does not even compare to the SL55.

Next, the power. The one I drove had an IWC upgrade on it - does anyone know what that is exactly? (ECU tune? Pulley? I never heard of it before..)

it pulled very strongly, in fact I'd compare the feeling of accelerating to a Corvette Z06 I also was in recently - albeit it the older 2002 Z06. The SL55 did feel a bit stronger, but that feeling was similar - very powerful, even around 60mph+.

The number one thing I'm looking for is: Excitement. I love my S55, but it's a very comfortable, and well-mannered car most of the time, and has that power side as well - but the SL55 is another world in terms of driving excitement and pleasure. Very aggressive and powerful. I liked it better than the C63 I drove.

Here are some questions:

1.) I'm used to the S55 type maintenance, you know - ABC issue here or there, stuff like that. Is the SL55, 2005 or so considered more reliable? Have most of the kinks gotten worked out by then?

2.) Does the 2005 come with bluetooth or satellite radio? Any idea which year they started offering this for the SL?

3.) This is about driving the SL: I noticed that in the lower speeds, you really have to go easy on the throttle and not floor it, or else you'll spin the wheels and get the car a bit out of control. What's the best way to drive these from a dig? Easy on the throttle and then kickdown? From 50mph and on it seems stable and seems to get traction with the kickdown, but anything lower and it is a bit more lively.

 

You can get BT for any year of SL. Sat Radio I think only 05+ have it. The maintenance should be similar to your S. ABC, SC, and hardtop are the most common issues. Hope this helps.

 

Every time I drive my SL the more I like it. No problems with mine yet,but it only has 3000 miles on it now.

 

I've been considering an SL55 lately, and I haven't driven one yet, but I have driven an C63, and I absolutely loved it. Thought it was 10x more fun to drive than the 2011 CTS-V coupe that I drove, also more fun than the IS-F that I drove.

I haven't heard the SL55 up close either, so hearing you say that the SL55 sounds better than the C63 is really saying something to me, as I felt the C63 has one of the best exhaust sounds I could ever imagine a Mercedes having. Especially when I stood about 4 feet behind the exhaust and had a friend blip the throttle at about 4k. The exhaust bark would hurt your ears!

Based on hearing your thoughts I'm thinking I need to go test drive a SL55 within the next couple days.

 

Yeah, the C63 sound was very good - but when I got into the SL, it was something else. Especially with the top down, it sounds very aggressive and even louder!

I also drove a SL65. I prefer the SL55, the 65 was too smooth and comfortable, and not as exciting to drive. The acceleration is good, of course - especially when the turbos kick in, but overall I was more excited by the 55.

 

I love my SL55 (04) . I have had some issues with it but the warranty has more than paid for itself. If your looking to be different and classy with a touch of real power then go with the sl. If you want to drive something your going to see 10 of in a day then the caddy is it.
IMHO THANKS