Since I purchased my 2005 SL65 last year I have gotten more involved with track events and open road racing. While I mostly drive a Mini Cooper JCW, I do occasionally like to take out the SL65.

Understandably, the SL65 is considered a convertible by most events, and thus a fixed rollbar is required. The popup rollbar does no suffice.

I'm not willing to go the fixed rollbar route, but I was wondering if anyone had tried to reinforce the existing roll bar such that it could pass inspection? I was hoping to do this in such a way that the reinforcement could be removable.

I've searched the forums on this, and the closest I got was:

https://mbworld.org/forums/sl55-amg-...rotection.html

Deven

That's actually a really good question, I should prob look into this too if I ever manage to do track days on the SL65. I literally forget that officials on the track don't usually allow the pop up roll bar.

I don't have an answer for you, but I'll be interested to hear what you find.

I have used my SL55 in Audi Club events at VIR and Summit Point. The Audi Club allows "some" retractable hard tops, including the SL and the M3.

(Off-topic: I'll bet the SL65 is a great complement to the Mini. You couldn't find two cars that are more different from each other. What a great way to stretch your track skills!)

Yes, totally different! Mini is like a slot car -- light, responsive to steering input, agile, and one never hesitates to mash the throttle. An excellent car for track and especially autocross.

The SL65 has too much weight, too much power, and not enough grip. You have to carefully apply throttle. Having said that, its is still fun to drive, especially down the straights. This is a tremendous GT car, an occasional track car, and one that will never see an autocross

Only recently have my SL65 lap times been quicker than the Mini. This, of course, is a function of the track and my distinctly intermediate driving skills.

Deven