SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: 2004 Updates to SL55
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 16
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From: Upper Saddle River, NJ
2002 E46 M3
I've got my fire extinguishers at the ready, so here goes: It seems what blueSL and other are looking for can be found only at the BMW store!!! Best combination of performance, driver involvement, luxury, and quality out there, IMHO. Unfortunately, the new models have been hit with the Bangle ugly stick, so acquiring a new BMW will be hard to swallow for those with any inclination to style. 
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,447
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From: UK
SL55 AMG
I actually agree that BMW seem to care for driver involvement but also that their styling is all over the place. I'm not actually that happy with a lot of current styling, difficult to think of current cars being seen as design icons of our time. But, then again, maybe I'm just a grumpy 48 year old luddite.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,181
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From: Abbotsford, BC, Canada
1999 SL 500 & 2011 E 550 4Matic
Originally posted by blueSL
The SL55 is not really Sport and it's definitely not Leicht.
Driving the supposedly sporty Mercedes is like trying to make love to a woman through several layers of clothing, something significant (to me at least) is lost on the way.
The SL55 is not really Sport and it's definitely not Leicht.
Driving the supposedly sporty Mercedes is like trying to make love to a woman through several layers of clothing, something significant (to me at least) is lost on the way.
Maybe she is a little over weight.
But isn’t she still fun to wrestle with in set of silk pajamas?
Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 116
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From: Surrey, England
2004 SL55 AMG
Although to be fair only 255 kgs more than the 996 Turbo Cabriolet which is what it should be compared to. Unfortunately this is the price you pay when you go with the SL compared with Porsches and Ferrari. I know which I'd prefer to drive for long distances though!!
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Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 140
Likes: 0
From: West Sussex, England
2007 Porsche Turbo Cabriolet
Well, I have done my factory collection now, and can report on the 2004 updates.
The exterior has not changed much except the wing mirrors have a new shape, and the repeater flashers are a new design. The mirrors also fold when the car is locked. This feature can be disabled.
The front grille is now painted in a silver sparkle finish instead of grey.
The interior is little changed except the a pillars and roof lining are covered in Alcantara instead of leather.
The position of the S/W switch adjacent to the gear selector has changed, and becomes S/C button (C+ Comfoft)The programme of S.W & M has also changed as on can manually change gear with the paddles in any setting.
DVD command is not due untill around July/August.
Nannotech paint will be introduced within the next few months.
The Manufaktur brochure is intended and priced for after sales modifications, and when we visited the AMG factory there were many SLs being modified.
Her are a few of the pictures I took when I collected my car from the Centre of excellence at Sindlefingen.Apologies for the maybach pic, but I was impressed by the interior quality. Shame about the exterior shape !
The exterior has not changed much except the wing mirrors have a new shape, and the repeater flashers are a new design. The mirrors also fold when the car is locked. This feature can be disabled.
The front grille is now painted in a silver sparkle finish instead of grey.
The interior is little changed except the a pillars and roof lining are covered in Alcantara instead of leather.
The position of the S/W switch adjacent to the gear selector has changed, and becomes S/C button (C+ Comfoft)The programme of S.W & M has also changed as on can manually change gear with the paddles in any setting.
DVD command is not due untill around July/August.
Nannotech paint will be introduced within the next few months.
The Manufaktur brochure is intended and priced for after sales modifications, and when we visited the AMG factory there were many SLs being modified.
Her are a few of the pictures I took when I collected my car from the Centre of excellence at Sindlefingen.Apologies for the maybach pic, but I was impressed by the interior quality. Shame about the exterior shape !
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 140
Likes: 0
From: West Sussex, England
2007 Porsche Turbo Cabriolet
The car is faultless, and rather like my two previous R230 sl500s.
Once the car is run in I will be able to comment more ,but keeping below 4,500 RPM and a maximmum of 85 MPH was a little frustrating on the Autobahns. The ride quality on the 19" wheels seems similar to the 18" wheels.
The exhaust 'Gurgle' then 'Rasp' as you open up amuses me
Once the car is run in I will be able to comment more ,but keeping below 4,500 RPM and a maximmum of 85 MPH was a little frustrating on the Autobahns. The ride quality on the 19" wheels seems similar to the 18" wheels.
The exhaust 'Gurgle' then 'Rasp' as you open up amuses me
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 346
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Thanks for the photos. Is the "Center of Excellence" where you pick up the SL55 and Maybachs in the Kundencenter (the same building which you have pictured with the flags out front?) and if so how do you get to it and is there public access once you are in the Kundencenter?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 140
Likes: 0
From: West Sussex, England
2007 Porsche Turbo Cabriolet
The Centre of excellence is an extension to the main building.
It has an entrance from the side via a seperate roadway,which is predominately reserved for Maybach customers. From this entrance one can access the Maybach show area,and see the selection options and discuss your requirements.
The area can also be accessed via the main building, but the doorway is unmarked,and can only be opened by a keycard.
Within the area are special models and designo models for sale,together with the Safeguard armour plated S class which is used as a demo car and to ferry visiting dignatories to and from the airport.
Modified AMG vehicles are collected from here,as the AMG complex is not geared up for the administration of export vehicles, but Germans do collect from the AMG factory.
It has an entrance from the side via a seperate roadway,which is predominately reserved for Maybach customers. From this entrance one can access the Maybach show area,and see the selection options and discuss your requirements.
The area can also be accessed via the main building, but the doorway is unmarked,and can only be opened by a keycard.
Within the area are special models and designo models for sale,together with the Safeguard armour plated S class which is used as a demo car and to ferry visiting dignatories to and from the airport.
Modified AMG vehicles are collected from here,as the AMG complex is not geared up for the administration of export vehicles, but Germans do collect from the AMG factory.
