BD1

I am taking the plunge. I just ordered a 2005 SL55. Delivery in mid to late July.

Here is my order:

Brilliant Silver/Charcoal interior/Aluminum Trim
Keyless Go
Ventilated Seats
Parktronic
Tire Monitor
5 spoke AMG wheels

I didn't want Distronic, didn't really see a need for bi-xenon, and didn't think I would like the panorama roof.

This forum is a great resource and has been very helpful.

Hussain

BD1,

Congrats on your order. Seems like you made most of the right decisions. If dont use Cruise Control distronic would be a waste. And the panaromic roof looks better on darker colors IMO. However, you may want to reconsider the bi-xenon lights. Not only do they looks great they also illuminate the road in front of you several times over. Just my .02

BD1

Hussain, aren't bi-xenon just adding xenon for the high beams. Normal lights on the SL are xenon? Or did I get this wrong?

Hussain

BD1,

You may be right about xenons being standard, but in my opinion the bi-xenons have a different look. First, they are projector-style and the beam is much bluer at different angles. But I could be wrong.

internet_mafia

The SL comes with xenons as standard. Bi-xenons mean that the high beam bulb is xenon, which makes no sense because how often do you drive with your hi-beams on? Its really just for looks.

Greg Elmassian

I drive a lot with the high beams on, and the bi-xenons are really bright, it's a pleasure to have them.

(Not all of us live in the city)

Greg

BD1

From this thread it appears that you really can't tell the difference between bi-xenon and xenon lights by looking at them:

https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...ighlight=xenon

I1 ULOOZ

msrp?

Twinturbo

If you can afford an SL55, you can afford bi-xenons. When you do use them they will be soooo much better, and they may look better. Come to sell the car, someone may really want them too, so it should add to the resale. Just ask Hussain, he has a million cars with them on his garage!

Greg Elmassian

hmm... for people who owm the car and paid the money, they (in that thread) sure don't know much about it, and powers of observation...well...

well, maybe i'm mistaken, but on my launch edition, going to high beams brings on 2 halogen highs, like other cars... the difference is that the xenon lows are still on. There's a moving shutter in the xenons to let them work in both high and low modes.

Most cars are xenon low and halogen (only) high.

Greg

Twinturbo

Greg, my understanding of be-xenons is that on low beam there is a shutter across the top half or so, as not to dazzle everyone because they are so bright. Hence the distinct light cut-off. On high beam, the shutter is retracted and dadah, its day time. Perhaps there is also another halogen, perhaps for close or long range that also light up. but the extra xenon brightness helps greatly.

Greg Elmassian

Yep, you put the specifics well.. The point I was trying to make, is that normally a car goes from a Xenon low beam to a Halogen high beam. The Bi-Xenon does the same, but leaves the Xenon's on also.

The high beam is mostly the halogen from my playing around with mine.

In any case, the high beams are wonderful, much more light both at distance and "around" the front of the car.

Greg

barryf43

DB1, any changes to the 2005's vs. 2004?

Barry

IngenereAMG

The only additional option that I would order are the biXenons. When you are out on a dark road by yourself they do a great job. I haven't driven one without the biXenons...so I don't know how much difference there is. I have had 2 X5's...one had them and the other didn't and there was a BIG difference in the way that the road was illuminated....the Xenon car was better!

pablo4.2

I agree that the bixenons are superb. Sometimes I feel I need sunglasses when I go by a road sign with a light background they reflect so bright!

BD1

So, do drive in areas where you have your brights or highbeams on? I rarely do and in areas where I can there is usually oncoming traffic. The standard lights are xenon lights and from what I have read they look virtually identical. It really is not a money thing but I rarely use the bright lights in my cars. I didn't get the distronic option either because I don't think I would use it at all. Again, not an issue of money but I don't want stuff I am not going to use.

It is not a big deal but I think some people don't realize the standard lights are xenons.

pablo4.2

Oh I realize that the low beams are xenon std and think most others do to. That's why the option is bi-xenon. They are better than I thought they would be. I think they'll make resale more desireable as well. I wouldn't and didn't get distronic either. I hardly use cruise control but still want it for those few times and would have gotten it for resale had it not been std.

BD1

2 year lease