SL55 AMG, SL63 AMG, SL65 AMG (R230) 2002 - 2011 (2003 US for SL55 and 2004 for the SL65)

SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: difference between '09 & '11 SL63

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Old Jan 9, 2016 | 03:30 PM
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difference between '09 & '11 SL63

Hi,
I'm looking into buying either a 2009 or 2011 SL63. Is there any differences between the two model years? Or have they addressed any of the problem with the 2009 model that are no longer an issue in the 2011?

Thanks for the help
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Old Jan 11, 2016 | 10:38 AM
  #2  
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SL 63 W/B AMG , S600,C220
I have had 2 SL63, 1 2009, and 1 2010 .
I have had no issues with either. In fact they are the best SL
to buy because the gearbox is better than 55's or 65's and even better
then the current SL63, and they make the best sound.
S8
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Old Jan 11, 2016 | 10:47 PM
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Mercedes SL63 AMG; Mercedes E63 AMG S 4matic; Mercedes C43 AMG; Mercedes S Class, Mercedes GLK
Head bolts would be one item, it is about a $5,000 repair that the '09 is susceptible to. I haven't seen many SL's on the boards with this issue but there are a number of threads and even stickies on the C63 board. This was changed by Mercedes in mid '10 I believe.

Although I would imagine by now most '09s would have the transmission fixed, that might be another item that was resolved by 2011 model year.
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Old Jan 15, 2016 | 06:42 PM
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2009 SL63 AMG
Originally Posted by mcguirja
Head bolts would be one item, it is about a $5,000 repair that the '09 is susceptible to. I haven't seen many SL's on the boards with this issue but there are a number of threads and even stickies on the C63 board. This was changed by Mercedes in mid '10 I believe.

Although I would imagine by now most '09s would have the transmission fixed, that might be another item that was resolved by 2011 model year.
My 09 had the head bolt issue at 36k miles.
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Old Mar 27, 2016 | 01:12 PM
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From: Lawrenceville, GA
R231 SL63
[QUOTE=mcguirja;6672874]Head bolts would be one item, it is about a $5,000 repair that the '09 is susceptible to. I haven't seen many SL's on the boards with this issue but there are a number of threads and even stickies on the C63 board. This was changed by Mercedes in mid '10 I believe.

All 63 156 Engines have the Head bolt issue. I'm at 60k but no problem yet. Looking into it. The 11 has the possible problem also. Differences, are mostly electronic. More HD space for music, the memory reader can read more also. 09=2Gig memory and 4 G HD. 1=4 Memory and 10 G HD. So each have a 6 DVD changer that can play DVD music also. So 6 DVD music is like have a 24 G MP3 Player. Cosmetics also. But other than that, not much more. If buying check for any water in the oil, and low water after replacing and driving for a short period. Check AC really good and that the rear truck stuff works perfect. Any bad tire wear is another sign of repair needed, and possible track use. I have a 2009 and love it.
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Old Mar 27, 2016 | 01:54 PM
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Porsche guy who drives SL63 w/ perf pkg AND perf suspension
11 and 12 were best yrs, there is always improvements by the yr on every car. I would opt for a 11 over a 9
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Old Mar 27, 2016 | 02:23 PM
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E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
Always buy the newest one you can afford. MB doesn't always address the issues in the car during the production run but there are improvements. The main issue will be the ABC suspension and that dependability is a function of time, heat, mileage, and fluid/filter changes.

Let me take a step back. The exception to this may be the 6.2L V8 due to the head bolt failures. If you do go this route, get a warranty that covers the engine or proactively change the headbolts.

Last edited by BlownV8; Mar 27, 2016 at 02:26 PM.
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