SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: SL55 vs. SL600
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F250
SL55 vs. SL600
As I'm edging ever so much closer to buying one of these, I find some information out regarding the SL600...
Mainly, that it may be much quicker than I orginally thought!!
Any additional insight any of you might provide as to pros and cons on SL55 vs. SL600 would be much appreciated!
Mainly, that it may be much quicker than I orginally thought!!
Any additional insight any of you might provide as to pros and cons on SL55 vs. SL600 would be much appreciated!
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From: Sacramento, CA
Several MB's Superperformance MK III Cobra
As I'm edging ever so much closer to buying one of these, I find some information out regarding the SL600...
Mainly, that it may be much quicker than I orginally thought!!
Any additional insight any of you might provide as to pros and cons on SL55 vs. SL600 would be much appreciated!
Mainly, that it may be much quicker than I orginally thought!!
Any additional insight any of you might provide as to pros and cons on SL55 vs. SL600 would be much appreciated!
Do a search on this forum since this topic has been discussed in excruciating detail.
Last edited by lkirchner; Jun 20, 2011 at 03:30 PM. Reason: Correct
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From: Maryland
Eurocharged 2004 E500, Eurocharged ECU/TCU 2005 SL600, 2010 Caddy SwaggerWagon
The opinions are going to be geared towards whichever vehicle, that particular poster bought. 55K owners are going to say the SL55 is better, but they're wrong. The SL600 is better. See?
Quick and dirty.
SL600 - Faster than SL55 (Both stock and modded dollar for dollar), smoother, more refined, shares same brakes as SL55. Torque for days. The 321 AMG package, is a must have on the SL600. Without it, the car looks bland, like a plain ole SL500/SL550. The interior of the SL600 is amazing. Leather or wood on EVERY surface, other then the electronic components. Even the dash is leather, and the seats are Executive Leather. Whatever that is.
SL55 - More raw, sounds better with stock exhaust, and better tuned suspension. Car is fast, and car feels fast. Whereas the V12TT gets you to warp speed without drama.
SL65 - Best of both worlds.
SL63 - Pointless, other than the 7speed tranny. Slowest of the bunch. (Cue Sound8)
Whichever you decide, get a 2005+. The 2003-2004 have the archaic electronics.
Searching this forum will yield hours of reading.
Last edited by Benz-O-Rama; Jun 20, 2011 at 03:38 PM.
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2005 SL55 AMG
I'll just throw out that the 3.6 sec to 60 by Car and Driver (or was it Road & Track) on the SL600 was on a car that was modded, not stock. Stock 0 to 60 the two are fairly well matched, but after that or from a rolling 60 to 90 the SL600 will make short work of the SL55.
The SL600 also has lower production, and to some people, more cachet that the SL55 (which get the boy racer tag). The interior of the SL600 is undoubtedly more lux than the SL55.
The SL600 is more nose heavy, and at low speeds I found it a little pokey.
Both cars are great. You should really just test drive each one if possible and see what you like better.
I ended up with the 55. I liked it better for my typical driving and I found a lovely green one that I could not pass up.
Good luck in your search.
The SL600 also has lower production, and to some people, more cachet that the SL55 (which get the boy racer tag). The interior of the SL600 is undoubtedly more lux than the SL55.
The SL600 is more nose heavy, and at low speeds I found it a little pokey.
Both cars are great. You should really just test drive each one if possible and see what you like better.
I ended up with the 55. I liked it better for my typical driving and I found a lovely green one that I could not pass up.
Good luck in your search.
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2008 C63 ,2009 SL 63 AMG, 2011 SLS AMG
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From: Phoenix AZ
2005 C55 AMG - 2018 340i - 2006 SL55 AMG - Sold
I'm in the market for both and have driven both. I previously owned an SL55.
The SL55 FEELS faster as it has a more violent power delivery. The stock exhaust note sounds great.
The SL600 is faster but does not feel faster due to the torque and V12 power delivery. With just basic software on an SL600, you get SL65 type power.
I personally like the feel of the SL55 better and that is the car I am actively shopping for, but if a screaming deal comes up on an SL600...I might jump.
Drive both, see what one you like better. Both are cars are incredible.
The SL55 FEELS faster as it has a more violent power delivery. The stock exhaust note sounds great.
The SL600 is faster but does not feel faster due to the torque and V12 power delivery. With just basic software on an SL600, you get SL65 type power.
I personally like the feel of the SL55 better and that is the car I am actively shopping for, but if a screaming deal comes up on an SL600...I might jump.
Drive both, see what one you like better. Both are cars are incredible.
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SL55 misha widebody, C63, Bmw M6 ...Ferrari 360-RIP
I have a 55 and only bought it cus of the widebody kit already on it, but in a heartbeat id buy a 600 or 65 cus theres raw power and lil mods here and there can get u alot more power, where the 55 u gotta spend a ton to get faster, but the 55 does sound great tho 
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Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Raleigh NC
2007 E63, 2006 C55
RE: 55 vs. 600
I considered both, test drove several of both, and went with the 600. I've never regretted that decision.
Why?
It is more exclusive, SL55's are much more prevalent.
It is quieter, more comfortable and refined for day to day driving.
Suspension does not give up much vs. 55, but agree it is more nose heavy.
It is the luxo flagship, everything inside and outside is absolute top quality.
The V12 is a torque monster, with just a tune it delivers mind boggling performance and OEM reliability. The engine puts a smile on my face every time I drive it. It is a sleeper....unless one sees the V12 badges on the side, most drivers just think you have an SL500....heh heh. I love having a stealthy V12 TT under the hood.
Lastly, if you prefer the more visceral personality of the 55, be sure to test drive an SL65; you'll spend a little more but it will probably be worth it.
Drive all three, and get what you prefer. You won't go wrong. Do get a warranty when you buy.
Why?
It is more exclusive, SL55's are much more prevalent.
It is quieter, more comfortable and refined for day to day driving.
Suspension does not give up much vs. 55, but agree it is more nose heavy.
It is the luxo flagship, everything inside and outside is absolute top quality.
The V12 is a torque monster, with just a tune it delivers mind boggling performance and OEM reliability. The engine puts a smile on my face every time I drive it. It is a sleeper....unless one sees the V12 badges on the side, most drivers just think you have an SL500....heh heh. I love having a stealthy V12 TT under the hood.
Lastly, if you prefer the more visceral personality of the 55, be sure to test drive an SL65; you'll spend a little more but it will probably be worth it.
Drive all three, and get what you prefer. You won't go wrong. Do get a warranty when you buy.
Last edited by NCE500; Jun 22, 2011 at 10:18 PM.
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From: U.K.
SL 63 W/B AMG , S600,C220
Why does every body say the SL55 is faster than the SL63.
I had a stock 55 before my 63, and my test road gives me 130 by the
marker and the best the 55 was 126.
If I want just straight line speed I would go for a heavily modded SL600
which will be very close to A SL65. However the SL600 is not popular
here, I drove a stock one and it felt ponderous, very quiet not at all
sporty, and it isn't an AMG so I guess suspension and brakes wont be as good. Between 55 and 600 I would choose 55 as long as it was modified,
and the 600 if that was modifies and the 55 stock.
Neither can compare with the 63 as a package.
I had a stock 55 before my 63, and my test road gives me 130 by the
marker and the best the 55 was 126.
If I want just straight line speed I would go for a heavily modded SL600
which will be very close to A SL65. However the SL600 is not popular
here, I drove a stock one and it felt ponderous, very quiet not at all
sporty, and it isn't an AMG so I guess suspension and brakes wont be as good. Between 55 and 600 I would choose 55 as long as it was modified,
and the 600 if that was modifies and the 55 stock.
Neither can compare with the 63 as a package.
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From: Sweden
2008 MB CL600. 2020 MB E300 de. 1987 BMW M535i.
Since I don't like the sound of merc V8's (waaay too much "Ducati and Spitfire sound" to it)
, I would go for the V12 in a heartbeat!
I've had a 3 or 4 600's, both stock and tuned, and since last year a tuned 65.
To be honest, I would recommend the 600.
7 days a week. And twice on sundays.
Of course the 65 is a better car, but I myself have difficulties to defend that giant leap in price between the two...
At least here in Europe.
I hope some people can. I'm just saying I can't.
So I consider my opinion unbias, since I'm recommending a car I don't even have!
Most people here praise there own stuff, like there's no tomorrow...
So, get a 600!
Preferably with the AMG-plastic!
Then ecu & "straight pipe" it, and you'll have the most car for buck!!!
Good Luck!
, I would go for the V12 in a heartbeat!I've had a 3 or 4 600's, both stock and tuned, and since last year a tuned 65.
To be honest, I would recommend the 600.
7 days a week. And twice on sundays.
Of course the 65 is a better car, but I myself have difficulties to defend that giant leap in price between the two...
At least here in Europe.
I hope some people can. I'm just saying I can't.
So I consider my opinion unbias, since I'm recommending a car I don't even have!
Most people here praise there own stuff, like there's no tomorrow...
So, get a 600!
Preferably with the AMG-plastic!
Then ecu & "straight pipe" it, and you'll have the most car for buck!!!
Good Luck!
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From: Laguna Niguel
'94 SL600,'05 SL600,'06 S65,'07 E63,'14 E63S,'09SL600 all sold, ‘15 S65,‘18 E63S,'17 SL65, '17S65Cab
We just took delivery of another SL600 on Sunday. We obviously like them, but I will now need to sell the 1994. This in my wife's car, she decided it had to be white with either Stone or the Designo white interior. That pretty much ruled out an SL65, I have never seen one come up for sale in those color combo's and were not willing to order one new to get it. As the 2006 was the last SL55, 2009 was the last year for the SL600. We were lucky to find a 2009 in the color she wanted with only 2200 miles on it. My input here is both of these cars are out of production and will be much harder to find in perfect condition with low miles and warranty coverage. I would say either one will be great car, just do not delay, summer is here.
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From: Arizona
SL55AMG, Ferrari 348, Ferrari Testarossa, Ferrari F40, Ferrari Mondial t, Ducati 916, Indycar
I have had an SL55 since new in '03, and I love it.
Since we do allot of MB/AMG tuning, I get to drive them all.
The 600's chassis really isn't set up to be a sports car and every one I have driven seemed floaty and was a bit overwhelmed by the extra power (we add ~100hp).
As for the interior of the 600's being more luxurious, I'm not sure of that. They have wood, but the instrument binnacle and the headliner is just plastic (at least in the cars I have driven). Whereas the 55 is covered in Alcantara.
I like the general quality of the leather in the SL65 the best.
But between the 55 and 600; if you want a fast luxo cruiser the 600 is the choice. If you want an overall more sporting package the SL55 will work.
Whichever you choose, they are both a credit card charge away from even more power!
Since we do allot of MB/AMG tuning, I get to drive them all.
The 600's chassis really isn't set up to be a sports car and every one I have driven seemed floaty and was a bit overwhelmed by the extra power (we add ~100hp).
As for the interior of the 600's being more luxurious, I'm not sure of that. They have wood, but the instrument binnacle and the headliner is just plastic (at least in the cars I have driven). Whereas the 55 is covered in Alcantara.
I like the general quality of the leather in the SL65 the best.
But between the 55 and 600; if you want a fast luxo cruiser the 600 is the choice. If you want an overall more sporting package the SL55 will work.
Whichever you choose, they are both a credit card charge away from even more power!
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From: Maryland
Eurocharged 2004 E500, Eurocharged ECU/TCU 2005 SL600, 2010 Caddy SwaggerWagon
Negative, Dino.
The 600 gets an Alcantara headliner, upgraded glove soft napa leather thats exclusive to the V12s, leather dash, leather door inserts, leather door pulls, leather covered armrest, leather seat backs and leather storage shelf.
Also with the suspension lowered with DAS or a lowering module, I be willing to bet that it's just as capable round the bends, as your 55K.
Equipped with the 321 AMG package, it gets all of the AMG body work, plus the steerig wheel shifters.
The 600 gets an Alcantara headliner, upgraded glove soft napa leather thats exclusive to the V12s, leather dash, leather door inserts, leather door pulls, leather covered armrest, leather seat backs and leather storage shelf.
Also with the suspension lowered with DAS or a lowering module, I be willing to bet that it's just as capable round the bends, as your 55K.
Equipped with the 321 AMG package, it gets all of the AMG body work, plus the steerig wheel shifters.
Last edited by Benz-O-Rama; Jun 25, 2011 at 07:44 AM.
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F250
What does everyone think of this one:
http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...5&aff=national
Anything to be concerned about? You all know MUCH more then me!
Thanks
Steve
http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...5&aff=national
Anything to be concerned about? You all know MUCH more then me!
Thanks
Steve
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From: Arizona
SL55AMG, Ferrari 348, Ferrari Testarossa, Ferrari F40, Ferrari Mondial t, Ducati 916, Indycar
Negative, Dino.
The 600 gets an Alcantara headliner, upgraded glove soft napa leather thats exclusive to the V12s, leather dash, leather door inserts, leather door pulls, leather covered armrest, leather seat backs and leather storage shelf.
Also with the suspension lowered with DAS or a lowering module, I be willing to bet that it's just as capable round the bends, as your 55K.
Equipped with the 321 AMG package, it gets all of the AMG body work, plus the steerig wheel shifters.
The 600 gets an Alcantara headliner, upgraded glove soft napa leather thats exclusive to the V12s, leather dash, leather door inserts, leather door pulls, leather covered armrest, leather seat backs and leather storage shelf.
Also with the suspension lowered with DAS or a lowering module, I be willing to bet that it's just as capable round the bends, as your 55K.
Equipped with the 321 AMG package, it gets all of the AMG body work, plus the steerig wheel shifters.
We have lowered the 600s and they still seemed out of their depth, suspension wise.
As for that black 600. I can put an '05 600 in your garage with 24K miles for $45K to your door (in most parts of the US). Call me if you are interested. 602-430-6671
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From: Maryland
Eurocharged 2004 E500, Eurocharged ECU/TCU 2005 SL600, 2010 Caddy SwaggerWagon
Wow! All the 600s we have had locally, have had plastic interiors and the textured leather. The alcantara head liners, etc., must have been optional.
We have lowered the 600s and they still seemed out of their depth, suspension wise.
As for that black 600. I can put an '05 600 in your garage with 24K miles for $45K to your door (in most parts of the US). Call me if you are interested. 602-430-6671
We have lowered the 600s and they still seemed out of their depth, suspension wise.
As for that black 600. I can put an '05 600 in your garage with 24K miles for $45K to your door (in most parts of the US). Call me if you are interested. 602-430-6671
No sir, all standard equipment. The only options for the R230 SL 600s are:
Keyless Go
Distronic/Parktronic
Power trunk
Pano roof
321 AMG package (body moldings and shifter buttons)
Everything else I mentioned above is standard equipment.
Maybe you're confused by the guage binnacle. That indeed is plastic on the 600, whereas the AMG cars get suede there.
Also, the 600s get the EXACT same braking components as the SL55s.
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From: Raleigh NC
2007 E63, 2006 C55
RE: SL600 Suspension
To add to Clayton's comments, all of which are IMO correct, with a mildly tweaked alignment, i.e. adding a little positive castor to both front wheels, and tightening up front and rear toe settings, the 600 suspension tracks precisely and handles it's power and the twisties just fine.
Getting a tweaked alignment, i.e. close to what the factory does with the SL55 suspension settings, cost less than $200 at my MB dealer. Mine does not give up much to an SL55 suspension wise anymore, at least the 55s I've driven.
The net is with a little enthusiast owner tweaking and tuning, the 600 becomes a stealthy powerful and comfortable "super car". I am as smitten with mine as the day I got it, and again the day it was tuned.
Getting a tweaked alignment, i.e. close to what the factory does with the SL55 suspension settings, cost less than $200 at my MB dealer. Mine does not give up much to an SL55 suspension wise anymore, at least the 55s I've driven.
The net is with a little enthusiast owner tweaking and tuning, the 600 becomes a stealthy powerful and comfortable "super car". I am as smitten with mine as the day I got it, and again the day it was tuned.
Last edited by NCE500; Jun 25, 2011 at 05:05 PM.
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From: Phoenix AZ
2005 C55 AMG - 2018 340i - 2006 SL55 AMG - Sold
The supercharges V8's have problems with the inter-cooler pump (easily solved with an aftermarket pump), leaky valve covers, and clutch pack issues.
The known V12 problems include coil packs (but I hear really only the first year had the most problems), and turbo cooling system.
I honestly have always been disappointed with the power delivery of V12 engines in general. I've driven naturally aspirated BMW V12's, the previous generation SL600 (non turbo), and the R230 SL600. The characteristics of all of the V12's were incredible smoothness, and the ability to get to ridiculous speeds without even noticing it. For all the torque these engines produce, you really can't FEEL the power.
If your goal is pure performance, time numbers, or absolute luxury...the SL600 is the best choice.
If your goal is neck snapping acceleration, the SL55 is your choice as it is basically a luxury convertible with a hot-rod engine.
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From: ATL
2012 S600
I've owned both a 2006 CL55 & 2005 S600. I never had an issues with either engines both had the same problems with ABC leakage & few minor electronic things go bad. I'm currently going into a 2005 - 2006 CL or S65. I test drove an S65 this week & I have to have one!!!!!
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From: SF Bay Area
2001 Lamborghini Diablo, 2009 SL65 (sold), 1998 CL600 (sold), 1989 560SEL (sold)
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 444
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From: Sweden
2008 MB CL600. 2020 MB E300 de. 1987 BMW M535i.
I've had problems with the "ignition banks" or "ignition cassets" on the V12.
(Not sure that's the right word for it, but the engine has one on each side.)
That thing, plus the spark plugs on the same side, is what they change when this happens.
That sure is a weak point, and something I've had problems with on 2 or 3 of the 600's I've had!!!
And you don't necessary feel anything when you drive it.
Sometimes, only the "engine failure lamp" comes on...
Cost to repair that (for us here in Sweden) is about 2500,- dollars.
Last edited by maxabo; Jun 26, 2011 at 05:36 AM. Reason: adjustments
