SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: Is it feasible to go from an E55 to an SL55 for a daily driver
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Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2010
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E55 AMG
Is it feasible to go from an E55 to an SL55 for a daily driver
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!
Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 228
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ML63, ML320
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?
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 388
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From: Austria
Mercedes
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.
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.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2010
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From: South Florida
2013 SL550 (Lux Sport), 2006 CL55 AMG (Muscle). S550 (Wife's Sedan)
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!
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Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Sacramento, CA
Several MB's Superperformance MK III Cobra
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!
My wife had an E55 that was a real blast but it did not begin to match the overall experience of the SL.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 17
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From: Seattle
06 SL 55w/030perf package,03 SL 55,totaled! 08 R32,71 911,01 Dinan M5.04 E55,07 ML 63
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 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.
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 31
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From: Potomac, MD
2007 SL55
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.
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.
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Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2010
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From: San Diego, CA
R129
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!
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!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,261
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From: Sacramento, CA
Several MB's Superperformance MK III Cobra
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!
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!
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.
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Joined: Dec 2010
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From: South Florida
2013 SL550 (Lux Sport), 2006 CL55 AMG (Muscle). S550 (Wife's Sedan)
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.
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.
Last edited by bob55; Jan 22, 2011 at 02:54 PM.
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Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Arizona
SL55AMG, Ferrari 348, Ferrari Testarossa, Ferrari F40, Ferrari Mondial t, Ducati 916, Indycar
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.
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 6,897
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From: Central WI (BFE)
SL55, ML500 & Acura TL
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.
I don't really see a down side other than the obvious limitation when it comes to passengers.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 6,897
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From: Central WI (BFE)
SL55, ML500 & Acura TL
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.
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.
