I really enjoy having a 4 door. Its extremely nice and practical. Also nice being able to fit some friends in the back on the rare occasion that we drive together or take a short road trip. I'm always the guy that has to drive. So my concern would be that having the SL would be a hindrance. But only a hindrance once a month or so. So is the SL worth it? Also looking at buying an H1 so the local friend gatherings wouldn't be horrible (but now I'd HAVE to buy one...or another 4 door something). I've always wanted an SL55 but cant figure out if now is the right time... Any input is appreciated!

 

I use my SL55 as a daily driver. About the only negative is that it's black and I find myself washing it more than I would prefer. I like having a convertible, especially during the cooler months and at night. Other concerns?

 

Go for it!

I have an SL55 and an H3 if I have more than one passenger. But the SL really ist two cars: A full coupe and a full convertible.

I use my SL as a daily commuter. Absolutely no problems.

 

Instead of the SL, perhaps you would enjoy the 2-Door (but 4-Seat) CL55 AMG (The 215 Series CL styling is reminiscent of the SL). Of course, the ideal situation is to own both models!

 

I use my SL55 as a daily driver to my place of business and back home. If I need a larger vehicle I have others at my disposal but those times are few and far between Go For IT!!!
My wife had an E55 that was a real blast but it did not begin to match the overall experience of the SL.

 

Also use my SL55 as a daily driver, but every 4-6 weeks switch to my Porsche 930S for couple of weeks.

 

Sold my '04 E55 in Designo Graphite 2 years ago, it had every option ,gorgeous car, and color.... got a silver '03 SL 55, which was totaled last summer by an uninsired driver, and replaced it with a,low mileage '06 SL55 with a performance package with no hesitation.
I can barely remember the E when the top is down, I just drive the SL for the pleasure of it all. Maybe when I was in Amsterdam on biz, and the driver picked me up in a Designo Graphite E320 executive taxi, the E55 became far less special for me.

The SL feels special everyday.

 

I use my SL55 and my Ferrari F430 as daily drivers depending on the weather. The SL55 is a great commuting car. The F430 is an "adequate" commuting car....but a GREAT track car! I've had no issues with either car as daily drivers. Just keep the fluids changed and they are both fairly bullet-proof. The SL has way more little sensors and electronic and hydraulic systems that can (and will) fail, but I have a very complete extended warranty on it so I'm not particularly worried.

My only issue for commuting is that neither car has a stereo system even remotely as good the one in my wifes Toyota. In the Ferrari I usually don't care, but it is rather annoying in the SL.

 

I did some research on CL55's and found out to stay away from them. There are two bog problems with them. The engine mounts are not designed for such high torque engine and they fail often and need to be replaced. Also the ABC system seems to fail often as well.
From what I've gathered and been told, I should say stay away from the W215's.
Just look at their prices, they're in free-fall! And that's exactly why!

 

I also use my SL55 as my daily driver with a full-size SUV as my winter beater/people hauler. It's a near perfect combo!

 

The 215's suffer from the same maladies as the SL's. The ABC system is the same as the 230's and share many of the same electronics as the SL class; not sure about the motor mounts.
Free fall prices seem to be shared by most of the AMG models, including our SL's and those of us who own them are accutely aware of this.

The 215's (don't flame I own a CL55) tank because there is not a great demand for them. The production numbers are low not because MB wants to keep them rare but because they are attractive to a limited buying audience. Personally I think the 215 body style is one of the most timeless made by MB (as are most of the big coupes MB has produced). That said they are a 2 door, fairly large with limited rear seat room. All of these limit the demand which translates into lower resale values.

 

The Motor mounts and ABC on the 215 series is virtually identical to the 220 Sedan Series. Nothing worse about the Coupe. Furthermore, the SL series is no better when it comes to motor mount issues and/or ABC problems.

Case in point: My wife's CL500 now has over 75,000 miles without any motor mount or ABC problems, while my 2003 SL500 Sport wtih 39,000 miles has requried service for both issues. No problems thus far with my 3rd car, a 2006 CL55 AMG with just under 26,000 miles.

Note: I purchased all (3) cars as MB CPO's.

 

I went from a C55 to an SL55 as my daily driver.

 

The SL55 is rotated as a DD. It woks great in all situations. But only you can say if not having those extra seats is a deal breaker.

 

I used to drive both my 04 SL55 and my 09 SL63 daily, both are great for it.

 

Glad to see so many people using their SL as DDs. I too drive my SL as a DD about 7 months out of the year. I have an ML500 I use for winter driving, hauling people when needed and hauling my Greyhounds. When driving the SL it makes for the two best parts of my day. Driving to work and driving home.

I don't really see a down side other than the obvious limitation when it comes to passengers.

 

Love SL55's and love greyhounds

 

Wow, beautiful brindle racer (ex?). Love the red SL too. I always saw a commonality in the two beasts; both are elegant yet powerful.

I had been meaning to ask you about the screen name. I have three retired hounds at home.

Sorry to the OP for the highjack.

 

FastHound Racing.......

And now back to our regularly scheduled thread.