SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: SL55 VS. SL65
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 19
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From: Atlanta
230 06' SL65 AMG
SL55 VS. SL65
Hi everyone.
I'm currently debating between a 2006 SL65 and a SL55. I currently own a CL55 and recently test drove the SL65 but I wasn't that impressed. Now admitidly I know my CL55 like the back of my hand and always drive in manual mode. I know exactly how it will pull in what gear at what RPM. I stepped into the 65 and I just felt lost.
I found the low end power to be well...not that great. I was also stunned when I couldn't manually start the 65 in second gear like I do all the time in the 55 (the grunt is just outstanding and still has outstanding pull without some of the neck snapping in 1st gear).
Also, when I did get on the 65 I felt like I had absolutely no power band to work with in the real world. It seemed like about 4000+ RPM the turbo chargers kicked in and it was a rocket, but not as controllable. On top of that if felt like I burnt through the 4000-6000RPM band so quickly which is great if you are strait line dragging, but not as great in the real world from my first test drive.
Now, I'm wondering what your experiences have been in the 65. Is this a case of me being fooled by just not knowing the car?
Specifically, what do you guys think about the power from say 1.5k RPM -2.5k RPM in both 3rd and 4th gear.
From my 55 standpoint I find myself in 3 gear a vast majority of the time as it is pretty neck-snapping fast anywhere in 3rd gear.
I just didn't get that feel in the 65. Was this a case of not having driven the car enough?
Thank you for your help I'm really a bit lost on which to get and really don't want to have buyers remorse. I don't want to buy the 65 for the badge. I'm just looking for outstanding performance overall.
-grant
I'm currently debating between a 2006 SL65 and a SL55. I currently own a CL55 and recently test drove the SL65 but I wasn't that impressed. Now admitidly I know my CL55 like the back of my hand and always drive in manual mode. I know exactly how it will pull in what gear at what RPM. I stepped into the 65 and I just felt lost.
I found the low end power to be well...not that great. I was also stunned when I couldn't manually start the 65 in second gear like I do all the time in the 55 (the grunt is just outstanding and still has outstanding pull without some of the neck snapping in 1st gear).
Also, when I did get on the 65 I felt like I had absolutely no power band to work with in the real world. It seemed like about 4000+ RPM the turbo chargers kicked in and it was a rocket, but not as controllable. On top of that if felt like I burnt through the 4000-6000RPM band so quickly which is great if you are strait line dragging, but not as great in the real world from my first test drive.
Now, I'm wondering what your experiences have been in the 65. Is this a case of me being fooled by just not knowing the car?
Specifically, what do you guys think about the power from say 1.5k RPM -2.5k RPM in both 3rd and 4th gear.
From my 55 standpoint I find myself in 3 gear a vast majority of the time as it is pretty neck-snapping fast anywhere in 3rd gear.
I just didn't get that feel in the 65. Was this a case of not having driven the car enough?
Thank you for your help I'm really a bit lost on which to get and really don't want to have buyers remorse. I don't want to buy the 65 for the badge. I'm just looking for outstanding performance overall.
-grant
Last edited by Tranqfx; Aug 10, 2012 at 11:01 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,908
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From: Florida
03SL55
A tuned SL65 will best a fully modded SL55. Maybe you drove a lemon. I drove a CL65 and the power delivery is very different from the V8 SC engine, smooth is the best way to describe it.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 586
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From: Phoenix AZ
2005 C55 AMG - 2018 340i - 2006 SL55 AMG - Sold
+1
1. The bi-turbo 600/65 engines are prone to issues (most common is a bad heat exchanger pump) that can really slow the car down. Perhaps the SL65 you drove had an unresolved issue?
2. The power delivery of the Bi-turbo V12's is very smooth. The power delivery of the supercharged V8 is violent. I've always said that while the SL600 and SL65 are faster then the SL55, the SL55 FEELS faster and is more fun.
The SL55 throws you back in your seat and growls. The SL65 just pushes you forward with a mountain of torque and the only indication that you are going fast is that the speedometer just rises as an almost unrealistic pace.
If you choose another SL55 over an SL65, I won't think you are crazy. I plan on doing the same thing shortly.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta
230 06' SL65 AMG
thanks for your replies guys. I'm starting to think it's possible that it has a bad heat exchanger pump. About to go test drive it again and see what happens.
Can anyone confirm that you can't start in second when in manual mode for the car.
Does the heat exchanger pump trip a check engine light?
Can anyone confirm that you can't start in second when in manual mode for the car.
Does the heat exchanger pump trip a check engine light?
Last edited by Tranqfx; Aug 11, 2012 at 09:56 AM.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 603
Likes: 2
From: Asheville, Atlanta
SL 65 AMG, Porsche 911 (993), 2014 Cayenne GTS, 2013 Toyota Highlander Limited
Downshifting at the right points and punching it at the same time will give you the thrill you might be looking for in a 65......scary fast and can be violent enough......and watch for the wheels going sideways under full throttle punches.......that is the only issue I find is the control/traction, despite the limited slip diff, can be lacking until you get used to how to modulate the gas......also watch it in the wet.......can get away from u fast......
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 271
Likes: 3
I can manually select start gear in my 05 SL65 not sure If this changed in 06?
Hi everyone.
I'm currently debating between a 2006 SL65 and a SL55. I currently own a CL55 and recently test drove the SL65 but I wasn't that impressed. Now admitidly I know my CL55 like the back of my hand and always drive in manual mode. I know exactly how it will pull in what gear at what RPM. I stepped into the 65 and I just felt lost.
I found the low end power to be well...not that great. I was also stunned when I couldn't manually start the 65 in second gear like I do all the time in the 55 (the grunt is just outstanding and still has outstanding pull without some of the neck snapping in 1st gear).
Also, when I did get on the 65 I felt like I had absolutely no power band to work with in the real world. It seemed like about 4000+ RPM the turbo chargers kicked in and it was a rocket, but not as controllable. On top of that if felt like I burnt through the 4000-6000RPM band so quickly which is great if you are strait line dragging, but not as great in the real world from my first test drive.
Now, I'm wondering what your experiences have been in the 65. Is this a case of me being fooled by just not knowing the car?
Specifically, what do you guys think about the power from say 1.5k RPM -2.5k RPM in both 3rd and 4th gear.
From my 55 standpoint I find myself in 3 gear a vast majority of the time as it is pretty neck-snapping fast anywhere in 3rd gear.
I just didn't get that feel in the 65. Was this a case of not having driven the car enough?
Thank you for your help I'm really a bit lost on which to get and really don't want to have buyers remorse. I don't want to buy the 65 for the badge. I'm just looking for outstanding performance overall.
-grant
I'm currently debating between a 2006 SL65 and a SL55. I currently own a CL55 and recently test drove the SL65 but I wasn't that impressed. Now admitidly I know my CL55 like the back of my hand and always drive in manual mode. I know exactly how it will pull in what gear at what RPM. I stepped into the 65 and I just felt lost.
I found the low end power to be well...not that great. I was also stunned when I couldn't manually start the 65 in second gear like I do all the time in the 55 (the grunt is just outstanding and still has outstanding pull without some of the neck snapping in 1st gear).
Also, when I did get on the 65 I felt like I had absolutely no power band to work with in the real world. It seemed like about 4000+ RPM the turbo chargers kicked in and it was a rocket, but not as controllable. On top of that if felt like I burnt through the 4000-6000RPM band so quickly which is great if you are strait line dragging, but not as great in the real world from my first test drive.
Now, I'm wondering what your experiences have been in the 65. Is this a case of me being fooled by just not knowing the car?
Specifically, what do you guys think about the power from say 1.5k RPM -2.5k RPM in both 3rd and 4th gear.
From my 55 standpoint I find myself in 3 gear a vast majority of the time as it is pretty neck-snapping fast anywhere in 3rd gear.
I just didn't get that feel in the 65. Was this a case of not having driven the car enough?
Thank you for your help I'm really a bit lost on which to get and really don't want to have buyers remorse. I don't want to buy the 65 for the badge. I'm just looking for outstanding performance overall.
-grant
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,268
Likes: 253
Few pointers
Most pre 08 cars not owned by enthusiasts have broken he pumps. This results in flat car withe some boost showing at higher rpms. Just like you described it. Boost and timing are both turned down especially at lower rpms. The effect is amplified of weather is hot or car is heat soaked.
Power delivery with the v12 tt motors is very smooth. Anything over 2500 rpms should pin you in the seat.
Driving in comfort mode neuters the car a lot. All starts are in second gear and the car positively feels lazy. If you want responsiveness you should always drive in sports mode (transmission wise). Or manual. Turbo lag is there, but not bad at all.
The 65 cars whEn healthy are beasts. They will spin at anything below 60-70 when pushed.
Most pre 08 cars not owned by enthusiasts have broken he pumps. This results in flat car withe some boost showing at higher rpms. Just like you described it. Boost and timing are both turned down especially at lower rpms. The effect is amplified of weather is hot or car is heat soaked.
Power delivery with the v12 tt motors is very smooth. Anything over 2500 rpms should pin you in the seat.
Driving in comfort mode neuters the car a lot. All starts are in second gear and the car positively feels lazy. If you want responsiveness you should always drive in sports mode (transmission wise). Or manual. Turbo lag is there, but not bad at all.
The 65 cars whEn healthy are beasts. They will spin at anything below 60-70 when pushed.
Last edited by alx; Aug 11, 2012 at 02:13 PM.
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Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 19
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From: Atlanta
230 06' SL65 AMG
Thanks for the feedback. dealership replaced it. Then they took me on their track and I fell in love with it.
Bought it today!
It's insanely powerful and insanely fun to drive. The maybach gearbox really does make the car a dream.
Oh and yes... I always drive in manual. The CL55 just allowed me to start in 2nd and still have great pull. No way would I put the car in comfort mode when i'm driving it.
Bought it today!
It's insanely powerful and insanely fun to drive. The maybach gearbox really does make the car a dream.
Oh and yes... I always drive in manual. The CL55 just allowed me to start in 2nd and still have great pull. No way would I put the car in comfort mode when i'm driving it.
Last edited by Tranqfx; Aug 12, 2012 at 12:44 AM.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,268
Likes: 253
Thanks for the feedback. dealership replaced it. Then they took me on their track and I fell in love with it.
Bought it today!
It's insanely powerful and insanely fun to drive. The maybach gearbox really does make the car a dream.
Oh and yes... I always drive in manual. The CL55 just allowed me to start in 2nd and still have great pull. No way would I put the car in comfort mode when i'm driving it.
Bought it today!
It's insanely powerful and insanely fun to drive. The maybach gearbox really does make the car a dream.
Oh and yes... I always drive in manual. The CL55 just allowed me to start in 2nd and still have great pull. No way would I put the car in comfort mode when i'm driving it.
now go get yourself a pair of stiffer lower control arms or a 670hp ecu/ tcu tune.... Or both
