SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: Sl55 vs SL65
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 930
Likes: 24
06 SL65AMG, 13 Tesla Model S 60kwh, 02 Jaguar S-Type 3.0, 12 S550 4 Matic, 07 E320 Bluetec, 06 LX470
Ok found it the 65s used a"W5A900 722.649 Transmission" while the 55s used a "W5A580 722.643 Transmission"
SL55 could easily take those Ferrari 360/430 and Lamborghini Gallardo's but the newer ones not so much, unless tunes or mods were included.
Whenever I saw a Lamborghini Gallardo I would always try to mess with them in my old SL55, and prayed they didn't have a UGR kit lmao
SL55 could easily take those Ferrari 360/430 and Lamborghini Gallardo's but the newer ones not so much, unless tunes or mods were included.
Whenever I saw a Lamborghini Gallardo I would always try to mess with them in my old SL55, and prayed they didn't have a UGR kit lmao
Last edited by V12TTenthusiast; Dec 19, 2013 at 07:34 PM.
Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 241
Likes: 16
2005 SL55 AMG
Re: SL65 vs SL55 brakes it seems the SL65 brakes are quite an upgrade from the SL55 from what people say. The SL55 brakes seem fantastic to me - I can't imagine what the SL65 stops like.
I did not realize there were so many differences between the SL55 and SL65. The SL55 caused quite a stir when it debuted in 2003 - fastest auto car in the world, true 203mph (deregulated) top speed. The 65, however, is true supercar territory. While I love my SL55 and am glad I chose it as my first Mercedes (mainly due to maintenance costs, and to get familiar with the R230's) if I still love it as much in a few years as I do today a 65 may be on the horizon.
I did not realize there were so many differences between the SL55 and SL65. The SL55 caused quite a stir when it debuted in 2003 - fastest auto car in the world, true 203mph (deregulated) top speed. The 65, however, is true supercar territory. While I love my SL55 and am glad I chose it as my first Mercedes (mainly due to maintenance costs, and to get familiar with the R230's) if I still love it as much in a few years as I do today a 65 may be on the horizon.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,908
Likes: 17
From: Florida
03SL55
"The SC'd cars are either on or off, if the SC is not engaged you can get raped by a 370Z!"
NOT ENGAGED are the key words in the sentence.
Remove the SC belt and give it a go guys or if your IC pump takes a dump, you will see the tailights of a 370Z.
NOT ENGAGED are the key words in the sentence.
Remove the SC belt and give it a go guys or if your IC pump takes a dump, you will see the tailights of a 370Z.
Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 241
Likes: 16
2005 SL55 AMG
Take the turbo's off a SL65 and you'd have a dog too.
Take the coil packs off a 370z and my riding mower will rape it.
Last edited by vtvette; Dec 20, 2013 at 01:48 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,908
Likes: 17
From: Florida
03SL55
My point stems from the fact that the SC SL55 has a unique feature, the SC clutch. This on/off personality which all SL55s exhibit, is more pronounced on a modified SL55.
Many posts titled "I was raped by a riding lawn mower, why is my car so slow" in the 55k section which are related to the intercooler pump no longer functioning.
Many posts titled "I was raped by a riding lawn mower, why is my car so slow" in the 55k section which are related to the intercooler pump no longer functioning.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 372
Likes: 1
From: CT
CTS-V
My point stems from the fact that the SC SL55 has a unique feature, the SC clutch. This on/off personality which all SL55s exhibit, is more pronounced on a modified SL55.
Many posts titled "I was raped by a riding lawn mower, why is my car so slow" in the 55k section which are related to the intercooler pump no longer functioning.
Many posts titled "I was raped by a riding lawn mower, why is my car so slow" in the 55k section which are related to the intercooler pump no longer functioning.
Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 241
Likes: 16
2005 SL55 AMG
OK Gotcha Kustom as ttboost mentioned I missed your point.
It's my understanding that generally the supercharger clutch will start to chirp when it's on its way out. You bring up a good point though if one is planning on running more power the weak link could very well be the SC clutch.
Of all the modded 55's I've read about SC clutch issues have never been mentioned but it should be considered when putting additional power through it.
It's my understanding that generally the supercharger clutch will start to chirp when it's on its way out. You bring up a good point though if one is planning on running more power the weak link could very well be the SC clutch.
Of all the modded 55's I've read about SC clutch issues have never been mentioned but it should be considered when putting additional power through it.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 445
Likes: 11
From: Washington, DC Metro Area
Currently: 2019 E450 AWD, Previous: 2002 CLK55 Cab
SL63 replaced the SL55 after 2009, the 2009-2012 was the last of the r230s with the facelift, new seats, new steering wheel, updated command unit etc. After that r231 was being made. With the SL63 you can do headers, turbo upgrade, etc and it will be bolt on, but idk if the transmission and axle can handle that much additional power.
I know some people that tried to do that with their 55s with new mods but had to limit torque output since the transmission couldn't handle it when they upgraded there cars
The SL65 have a different transmission and assembly then the 55s and 63s as the 65s have so much power and torque right of of the box and are more bullet proof in regards to transmission
I know some people that tried to do that with their 55s with new mods but had to limit torque output since the transmission couldn't handle it when they upgraded there cars
The SL65 have a different transmission and assembly then the 55s and 63s as the 65s have so much power and torque right of of the box and are more bullet proof in regards to transmission
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 241
Likes: 16
2005 SL55 AMG
I know on your average Japanese car a replacement Turbo runs a grand or two and up.
Any idea the price for Turbo's on a SL65 and have you heard any incidents of failure?
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 372
Likes: 1
From: CT
CTS-V
Don't know. I'm learning myself. I've never heard of a failure yet. I know they are a K24, (or some variant thereof). They can be upgraded, and vendors have upgrades and kits ready to go. Not sure I want to pay what they're asking, so I may do something myself...
Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 241
Likes: 16
2005 SL55 AMG
I'm surprised Merceded did not use Ball Bearing Turbo's on the SL although, they were not nearly as common when the cars were new. Audi's have reasonable luck with the KKK chargers (K24's and K26's) but upping the boost (on the Audi) shortens their life considerably. I bet the Audi's are running higher boost than the Mercedes though. The turbo's on a SL can't be putting out that much boost in stock form.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 372
Likes: 1
From: CT
CTS-V
The problem with the SL65 turbos is the turbine housing is cast as part of the manifold...so if you CHANGE turbos, you need headers/manifolds. That's why everyone usually just tries to just upgrade the compressor wheel...
Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 241
Likes: 16
2005 SL55 AMG
Wow that's a little more than I suspected. Stock Audi's w/ K24s run 6-7 and K26's will run 11/12.
That's a shame they are cast to the manifold. A GOOD used K24 from an Audi is maybe $200/$300! Most higher mile K24's I've seen have a lot of shaft play (we're taking from the 80's/mid-90's).
That's a shame they are cast to the manifold. A GOOD used K24 from an Audi is maybe $200/$300! Most higher mile K24's I've seen have a lot of shaft play (we're taking from the 80's/mid-90's).
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 372
Likes: 1
From: CT
CTS-V
Some say they saw 20-21 stock. MY car, on the dyno, only saw 18 peak, tapering off from there. That's how I knew it was stock. Audi's don't run a K24. Porsches do. On the 996 platform, we upgraded the K24 compressor wheel to a Mitsu 18g or 20g wheel. Audi's run KO3's and KO4's... My RS6 ran 11psi stock..tuned it to 20psi.
Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 241
Likes: 16
2005 SL55 AMG
Some say they saw 20-21 stock. MY car, on the dyno, only saw 18 peak, tapering off from there. That's how I knew it was stock. Audi's don't run a K24. Porsches do. On the 996 platform, we upgraded the K24 compressor wheel to a Mitsu 18g or 20g wheel. Audi's run KO3's and KO4's... My RS6 ran 11psi stock..tuned it to 20psi.
Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
From: Tampa FL
SL65
As far as the 65 break cost on a 06 ,there are 8 pads just for the front 4 in each side. The rotors since they are brembo and are 2 piece the friction rings can be changed and not have to buy the whole rotor. The dealer will only sell a complete rotor and they are like 1200 each , the rings witch are the only part that needs to be replaced are 500 from any brembo dealer and the hardware kit is 181 that gives you all the bobbins and bolts needed to change the rings.
Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 241
Likes: 16
2005 SL55 AMG
The breaks are Brembo and so are the rotors. The 05/06 SL65 has 8 piston front calipers and are the biggest that car ever had.in 07 they went to a mono block 6 piston still brembo but smaller.
As far as the 65 break cost on a 06 ,there are 8 pads just for the front 4 in each side. The rotors since they are brembo and are 2 piece the friction rings can be changed and not have to buy the whole rotor. The dealer will only sell a complete rotor and they are like 1200 each , the rings witch are the only part that needs to be replaced are 500 from any brembo dealer and the hardware kit is 181 that gives you all the bobbins and bolts needed to change the rings.
As far as the 65 break cost on a 06 ,there are 8 pads just for the front 4 in each side. The rotors since they are brembo and are 2 piece the friction rings can be changed and not have to buy the whole rotor. The dealer will only sell a complete rotor and they are like 1200 each , the rings witch are the only part that needs to be replaced are 500 from any brembo dealer and the hardware kit is 181 that gives you all the bobbins and bolts needed to change the rings.
You have to wonder how many people needlessly replaced both hats and rotors over the years as the dealer fo course would never mention this.
Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
From: Tampa FL
SL65
I asked them if i bring the parts will they replace.They said yes.
I searched and found the part number for the hardware kit from brembo and found that the friction rings could be ordered as well.
And as well they should be, the whole point is to be able to replace the ring and not the hat.
Somebody also mentioned that the 65 must stop good.Well to answer that my car stops so hard that i could easy make a person crash into the windshield if they were not wearing there seat belt.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,619
Likes: 53
From: Georgia
E 63S Wagon Renntech, E55 Renntech, SL65, SL 55 030, ML, bunch of old ones--they come, they go...
Having owned...
both (3 55's and 1 65), I would take the 55. I just could not enjoy the 65 as much for constantly worrying about the repairs. Yes, brakes are crazy expensive (remember they are just as expensive for the 030 55). Coils, turbos, intercoolers and pumps...I'm not a track guy, so there was really not as much opportunity to get the goodie out of the 12 cyl. I also found that the 65 didn't run anywhere near as well on normal pump gas as it did on non-ethanol fuel, which you may not be able to get in your area. Just my .02, either way it's a win.
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
Hi Fast nine……nice info……do you have Brembo part number for the front and rear brake rotors on the 65? Buying the friction rings are the way to go!!
Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
From: Tampa FL
SL65
