SL55 AMG, SL63 AMG, SL65 AMG (R230) 2002 - 2011 (2003 US for SL55 and 2004 for the SL65)

SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: Newbie here - Got a decision to Make: 04' SL55 or 06' CLS55

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Old Nov 7, 2011 | 01:19 AM
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Newbie here - Got a decision to Make: 04' SL55 or 06' CLS55

Hey guys,

I'm a new member, I have been browsing your forums intensely looking for information on these AMG cars, and I am completely sold, however, I am extremely torn between going for an 04' SL55 or an 06' CLS55...

I live in Costa Rica, and over here, cars (specially luxury cars), are extremely expensive, with that said, the SL55 is $50k and the CLS is $80k!!! (I know, I'm about to get )

At first I was dead set on the CLS55, but after following AMGfan's SL65 build and photoshoot threads, I have become an SL admirer of sorts..

I could trade in my BMW and get the CLS or make a down payment and get the SL while keeping my BMW (gotta have a 4 seater), $30k it's a massive difference between the two, but like I said, I am 50/50 atm, I need some help, I would love to have a convertible with the weather here... but the CLS looks meaner, PLEASE :help:
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Old Nov 7, 2011 | 03:19 AM
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I don't think a little feature like a convertible top is going to make up for weak looks of an SL. Sounds like the CLS is what you need.
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Old Nov 7, 2011 | 12:03 PM
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Depends on the mileage and condition and deal you're gonna get on both, what your needs are in terms of space and practicality. I say get the SL if you're gonna keep a BMW as a second car if the CLS is more expensive. The SL is definitely more of a head turner, maybe not stock but you can make it look mean with some mods or even go as far as a facelift from the new model look. The CLS is amazing too but it's bigger, it's not a drop top and as you say more expensive. This looks like a decision based on personal opinions and ours is irrelevant because it's gonna be your car but I'd go for the SL if space wasn't a problem.



You could do a facelift, which some people think is not as good looking as the round lights, but it definitely isn't low on the "mean" factor. The SL is definitely the better looking car facelifted or not.
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Old Nov 7, 2011 | 03:04 PM
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CLS is pure sex.. Well i guess the SL isnt too bad either.. Cant go wrong with either
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Old Nov 7, 2011 | 07:56 PM
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CLS is a great car but the SL's retractable hard top is hard to beat if you enjoy top down driving.
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Old Nov 7, 2011 | 10:07 PM
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Originally Posted by B R
I don't think a little feature like a convertible top is going to make up for weak looks of an SL. Sounds like the CLS is what you need.
Wait, isn't that an SL on your avatar?, I actually like both styles very much, but I already have a mean looking 4 door sedan, but I know the E60 isn't even close to the CSL style tho

And remember, the CSL55 is $30k MORE than the SL55 AMG...
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Old Nov 7, 2011 | 10:14 PM
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Originally Posted by e500slr
Depends on the mileage and condition and deal you're gonna get on both, what your needs are in terms of space and practicality. I say get the SL if you're gonna keep a BMW as a second car if the CLS is more expensive. The SL is definitely more of a head turner, maybe not stock but you can make it look mean with some mods or even go as far as a facelift from the new model look. The CLS is amazing too but it's bigger, it's not a drop top and as you say more expensive. This looks like a decision based on personal opinions and ours is irrelevant because it's gonna be your car but I'd go for the SL if space wasn't a problem.

You could do a facelift, which some people think is not as good looking as the round lights, but it definitely isn't low on the "mean" factor. The SL is definitely the better looking car facelifted or not.

Daaaaayuuuummm, that's a HOT/MEAN looking SL!!!, but I read that facelift would cost around $18k!

The 2004 SL55 has 50k miles, while the 2006 CSL has 35k miles, I don't see that difference as a deal breaker, I think the SL55 has low mileage for an 04.

You really make some good points, but I already have a Nissan Murano for the wife and kids, the 530i for business, and I want a FAST car for fun, something I can tune and make it go like a bullet, I LOVE the CSL and SL, but I think the $30k price difference is turning me off on the CSL, my reasoning is, I could buy the SL, put $15k on it and make it look like member's AMGfan, with complete cosmetic mods and engine tuning (mechanic labor in Costa Rica is CHEAP!)...
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Old Nov 7, 2011 | 10:17 PM
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Originally Posted by AKnight55
CLS is pure sex.. Well i guess the SL isnt too bad either.. Cant go wrong with either
I think both are total beasts!
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Old Nov 7, 2011 | 10:18 PM
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Originally Posted by jmf003
CLS is a great car but the SL's retractable hard top is hard to beat if you enjoy top down driving.
I agree... the SL's HARDtop + the $30k price difference is making me want the SL55 even more!
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Old Nov 8, 2011 | 01:38 PM
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SL will stand out more and that seems to be a plus for you. As hot as you make the CLS it is still a sedan. If you have other sedans, then I think you have your answer.

Z
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