SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: 2005 Changes: what I heard from my dealer....
DVD based command system
Slight changes to the center console for new command system
New interior color: Nappa Black leather (he said there is no additional cost for this option)
Sound system upgrade
F1 shifters (on SL500)
No mention of new front end
That is all I got so far. No mention of new wheel options, etc. US dealers will have more info in 2-4 weeks once they can input 2005 orders into the system. I am being told 2005 production starts with a build in June for July/early August delivery.
B&O is all about style over substance, some aluminium here, some glass there, based mainly around Philips internals, so I would not be hugely impressed by a change in that direction.
Now a days people don't just drive their cars, we live in them, we breathe them, we care for them. For the last one, give us something (another reason) to care about them for.
The audio upgrade is a good thing, too. I hate the Bose system and am on order to upgrade this stock system with a custom system using Dynaudio speakers and Precision Power amps. A shop in Houston has a lot of experience with doing it, and apparently, it is not easy. They pull the command and send it to some place in NY where they reprogram it to allow the customization. They didnt tell me what all goes into the reprogram, but I gather part of it is the frequency crossovers to allow three way speakers. I have heard their work and it is a thousand time better than stock. They also Dynamat the whole interior, put the subs in the passenger footwell, the amps in the trunk. Its not cheap.
Paul


