SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: You like the current shape or the R230 shape
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
SL55 AMG
You like the current shape or the R230 shape
Just wonder 
how many people did transformed their car to the current shape?
and people do you like the current shape or the R230
If you transformed you car how much did your spend on the project?
Thanks all
Have a good day
how many people did transformed their car to the current shape?
and people do you like the current shape or the R230
If you transformed you car how much did your spend on the project?
Thanks all
Have a good day
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 589
Likes: 12
From: Phoenix AZ
2025 BMW I4, 2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio, 2008 ML550
When I first saw the 2003 SL class I couldn't stop drooling. I thought it was one of the best looking cars I had ever seen. I dreamed of the day I could afford one.
When I saw pictures of the face lifted R230 in 2008, I honestly did not like it. ...at least not at first. I thought it looked too much like a C class.
After seeing the facelifted R230 in person, I changed my mind. The initial photos I saw did not do the car justice.
I honestly like both versions. I think the early R230 is a bit more timeless, but the face-lifted version definitely looks more aggressive/sinister.
If it cost $5-$10k to upgrade to the new front and rear clip...I'd probably consider it. But considering the going rate is about $20k...ehh...I'm not in a rush to do it. If (god forbid) my car ever gets damaged enough to require a new front end, I will absolutely upgrade, but that is the only way I see myself doing a conversion.
When I saw pictures of the face lifted R230 in 2008, I honestly did not like it. ...at least not at first. I thought it looked too much like a C class.
After seeing the facelifted R230 in person, I changed my mind. The initial photos I saw did not do the car justice.
I honestly like both versions. I think the early R230 is a bit more timeless, but the face-lifted version definitely looks more aggressive/sinister.
If it cost $5-$10k to upgrade to the new front and rear clip...I'd probably consider it. But considering the going rate is about $20k...ehh...I'm not in a rush to do it. If (god forbid) my car ever gets damaged enough to require a new front end, I will absolutely upgrade, but that is the only way I see myself doing a conversion.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 589
Likes: 12
From: Phoenix AZ
2025 BMW I4, 2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio, 2008 ML550
I should add...both cars get ridiculous amounts of attention/respect.
It's kinda like pulling up in a F360 VS. F430. Only true car people know that the F430 is newer. Everyone else just see's two awesome Ferrari's.
Hell, with 360 prices dipping into the 60's, that may something I look into shortly.
It's kinda like pulling up in a F360 VS. F430. Only true car people know that the F430 is newer. Everyone else just see's two awesome Ferrari's.
Hell, with 360 prices dipping into the 60's, that may something I look into shortly.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 631
Likes: 2
From: Paris.
E320
When I first saw the 2003 SL class I couldn't stop drooling. I thought it was one of the best looking cars I had ever seen. I dreamed of the day I could afford one.
When I saw pictures of the face lifted R230 in 2008, I honestly did not like it. ...at least not at first. I thought it looked too much like a C class.
After seeing the facelifted R230 in person, I changed my mind. The initial photos I saw did not do the car justice.
I honestly like both versions. I think the early R230 is a bit more timeless, but the face-lifted version definitely looks more aggressive/sinister.
If it cost $5-$10k to upgrade to the new front and rear clip...I'd probably consider it. But considering the going rate is about $20k...ehh...I'm not in a rush to do it. If (god forbid) my car ever gets damaged enough to require a new front end, I will absolutely upgrade, but that is the only way I see myself doing a conversion.
When I saw pictures of the face lifted R230 in 2008, I honestly did not like it. ...at least not at first. I thought it looked too much like a C class.
After seeing the facelifted R230 in person, I changed my mind. The initial photos I saw did not do the car justice.
I honestly like both versions. I think the early R230 is a bit more timeless, but the face-lifted version definitely looks more aggressive/sinister.
If it cost $5-$10k to upgrade to the new front and rear clip...I'd probably consider it. But considering the going rate is about $20k...ehh...I'm not in a rush to do it. If (god forbid) my car ever gets damaged enough to require a new front end, I will absolutely upgrade, but that is the only way I see myself doing a conversion.
Same for me man. I perfectly remember that day. It was DAY FOR DAY 10 years ago when the R230 was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
I bought an automotive magazine, and when I saw the car, the magazine almost fell from my hands.
10 years. I can't believe that.
Time is like a fuse:
Short & Burning fast.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 379
Likes: 3
From: Southcoast England
CL500 216
I still cannot make up my mind,,somehow the new aggressive front does not fit in with the soft sides.
I have seen pictures of the new one to come built on the E platform and not sure there either
I have seen pictures of the new one to come built on the E platform and not sure there either
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,310
Likes: 8
From: Denver, CO
Formula Mazda, Beast Junior...400HP 135i
I am not a fan of the face lift at all. It looks more like an updated SEC then an updated SL. I think that a nice carbon trunk lip and front spoiler makes a world of difference and is far short of $20K.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,289
Likes: 4
From: Indiana
2003 AMG SL55, 2002 AMG CLK55, 2002 AMG ML55, 2005 ML350, 1995 S320 LWB - totaled
I much prefer the original R230. Classy, sexy, timeless.
Not to say the face lift is not a nice car I simply prefer the early design.
my .02
-O
Not to say the face lift is not a nice car I simply prefer the early design.
my .02
-O
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Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 388
Likes: 1
From: Austria
Mercedes
When I first saw the 2003 SL class I couldn't stop drooling. I thought it was one of the best looking cars I had ever seen. I dreamed of the day I could afford one.
When I saw pictures of the face lifted R230 in 2008, I honestly did not like it. ...at least not at first. I thought it looked too much like a C class.
After seeing the facelifted R230 in person, I changed my mind. The initial photos I saw did not do the car justice.
I honestly like both versions. I think the early R230 is a bit more timeless, but the face-lifted version definitely looks more aggressive/sinister.
When I saw pictures of the face lifted R230 in 2008, I honestly did not like it. ...at least not at first. I thought it looked too much like a C class.
After seeing the facelifted R230 in person, I changed my mind. The initial photos I saw did not do the car justice.
I honestly like both versions. I think the early R230 is a bit more timeless, but the face-lifted version definitely looks more aggressive/sinister.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 378
Likes: 0
From: Central NJ
335i
Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
2005 SL 55
I think the older style is perfect, some of the other syles look too much like robo cop or too rounded. My 05 just looks awesome and nasty at the same time, like my wife used to look awhile back.......seriously though everytime I go into the garage I really like what I see.
