SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: Prior CL55 owner considering an SL
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
From: SC
2003 Lincoln LS V8
Prior CL55 owner considering an SL
I had a 2004 CL55 that was totalled a couple of years ago (hit while parked; nobody was hurt). After the accident, I was getting ready to deploy overseas, and I didn't want to buy a nice car just to sit while I was gone. Now that I should be back for a while, I'm considering buying a 2009-11 SL63. I have a couple of questions:
- There are very few SL63's available, so I accept that I'll likely have to travel to get the car want. I don't want to test drive a car I don't intend on buying just to see if I fit. I'm about 6' 3" with 33" legs and I sit fairly upright (so I need a decent amount of headroom). For anybody who's driven both, how does the SL compare to the CL in terms of driver's room?
- How much of a difference does the 030 performance package (mainly the LSD) really make? The car will be a street-driven daily driver, with occasional spirited highway runs and maybe a track day if I feel daring.
- How does the Magno Cashmere White (matte white) look with daily use? It looks amazing in photos, but in pictures the car is freshly washed and in good light. When it's not freshly washed, does it look like a regular white car in need of a full detail?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,838
Likes: 19
From: U.K.
SL 63 W/B AMG , S600,C220
Hi Star Power, I had a SL63 for 3 years , bought in 2009.
Being a nat *** engine the performance is quite different to super charge
and turbo engine. It loves to be reved and the gearbox is incredible, but
best of all the noise was magic. I have the new 63 and have been spoilt by
the old 63 noise. On the down side the performance feels a little flat without
that super/turbo torque. I loved mine and thought it was better looking than
my new one, basically the only reason for selling it was it had no super/turbo. I wonder some times is power the only importance.
Good luck
Being a nat *** engine the performance is quite different to super charge
and turbo engine. It loves to be reved and the gearbox is incredible, but
best of all the noise was magic. I have the new 63 and have been spoilt by
the old 63 noise. On the down side the performance feels a little flat without
that super/turbo torque. I loved mine and thought it was better looking than
my new one, basically the only reason for selling it was it had no super/turbo. I wonder some times is power the only importance.
Good luck
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,630
Likes: 9
From: Chicago
W215 V12TT Build by Speedriven, W221 S550 4Matic
I had the SL55 AMG and went into a CL600 because I wanted a V12 TT car. I love the SL and would buy one back in a heartbeat. Did you ever consider the SL65 over the 63 even if its a bit older?
The SL65 Bi-Turbo is where its at man.
THanks
Kamil
The SL65 Bi-Turbo is where its at man.
THanks
Kamil
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Greenville, TX
2014 Corvette Stingray Convertible
Starpower: I have a 2009 SL63 with 23,000 miles. It is fully equipped with everything I know was available on the 2009 model. It is Palladium Silver with a black interior with Carbon Fiber trim. I have owned this car since Jan of 2012 and it has an extended warranty from MB that is transferrable. Also have the tire/wheel package. The warranty is good thru Dec 2015. The tires are Continental High Speed tires with about 6000 miles on them..plenty of life left.
I have recently had the problem oriented wet clutch (a known MB issue on 2009/10 MCT transmissions) replaced under the MB warranty with the 2011-14 version parts and software, which is the recommended fix for this issue. Therefore, I don't expect any transmission issues in the future.
This car is in Austin, TX now under the care of MB of Austin, but I purchased it as a CPO from Park Place MB in Dallas. It has a clean carfax, no body work ever done and I keep it immaculate. I am considering moving up to an SLS and will sell this car for about $65,000. If you are interested, respond to this post with your email address and I will send pictures and VIN number to your private email.
I have owned a supercharged SL55 before this car, and personally the NAT is all I want as far as performance. I think you would be very pleased with the appearance and performance of this car. If you want the pics, let me know. Also applies to anyone else out there looking to move up to a SL63 without the pain of the new prices at MB dealers.
Robert Hill
Austin, TX
214 923-6464
I have recently had the problem oriented wet clutch (a known MB issue on 2009/10 MCT transmissions) replaced under the MB warranty with the 2011-14 version parts and software, which is the recommended fix for this issue. Therefore, I don't expect any transmission issues in the future.
This car is in Austin, TX now under the care of MB of Austin, but I purchased it as a CPO from Park Place MB in Dallas. It has a clean carfax, no body work ever done and I keep it immaculate. I am considering moving up to an SLS and will sell this car for about $65,000. If you are interested, respond to this post with your email address and I will send pictures and VIN number to your private email.
I have owned a supercharged SL55 before this car, and personally the NAT is all I want as far as performance. I think you would be very pleased with the appearance and performance of this car. If you want the pics, let me know. Also applies to anyone else out there looking to move up to a SL63 without the pain of the new prices at MB dealers.
Robert Hill
Austin, TX
214 923-6464
