SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: 2008 R230 SL65 vs R231 SL63, can't decide
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Joined: Jun 2014
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W212 E63 2010 (sold), R230 SL55 2003
2008 R230 SL65 vs R231 SL63, can't decide
Hello MBWorld,
I currently have a 2003 R230 SL55, I have modified it quite a bit regarding engine, exhaust, supercharger and so on. Now I'm looking for a new project and I really like the roadster MB's. Roadster and cabriolet at the same time.
I do like the R230 model, and have not really tested any R231. I guess the SL65 R231 is a bit to expensive and I'm wondering if the twin turbo M157 SL63 might be just as powerful with some mods (tune, exhaust etc). On the other hand the SL65 is the top model and I'm not going to buy a SL63 just to replace it in 2 years for a SL65... From what I have been reading the R231 should be a step up in overall handling and technique, but I do think the R230 is a bit more good looking however.
Can you guys pleas help me what to look for. I do like horsepower and I will try to improve the engine to some extent regardless.
Thanks,
/g
I currently have a 2003 R230 SL55, I have modified it quite a bit regarding engine, exhaust, supercharger and so on. Now I'm looking for a new project and I really like the roadster MB's. Roadster and cabriolet at the same time.
I do like the R230 model, and have not really tested any R231. I guess the SL65 R231 is a bit to expensive and I'm wondering if the twin turbo M157 SL63 might be just as powerful with some mods (tune, exhaust etc). On the other hand the SL65 is the top model and I'm not going to buy a SL63 just to replace it in 2 years for a SL65... From what I have been reading the R231 should be a step up in overall handling and technique, but I do think the R230 is a bit more good looking however.
Can you guys pleas help me what to look for. I do like horsepower and I will try to improve the engine to some extent regardless.
Thanks,
/g
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Porsche guy who drives SL63 w/ perf pkg AND perf suspension
all the v12s have an inferior 7 speed gtronic. The v8 has the dct and makes the most difference in the performance and drivability than any other feature of the car. Not to mention the v12s are heavier more money, and less drivable of all the engines
Thread Starter
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W212 E63 2010 (sold), R230 SL55 2003
Regarding the V12TT, is around 700 hp at the crank some sort of limit if not major (and very expensive) upgrades are done? There seme to be so much more "easy" options with the M157-engine?
I was under the impression that the 7-speed gearbox only was available in the R231 from 2012, is that right?
I was under the impression that the 7-speed gearbox only was available in the R231 from 2012, is that right?
Last edited by GusOsc; Jul 13, 2018 at 02:00 PM.
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From: Laguna Niguel
'94 SL600,'05 SL600,'06 S65,'07 E63,'14 E63S,'09SL600 all sold, ‘15 S65,‘18 E63S,'17 SL65, '17S65Cab
The R230 SL65 has the 5 speed transmission. The R231 SL65 has the 7speed. Having had a 5.5L E63S with that 7speed, the Torque converter 7speed version in the SL65 is far superior in everyday use. The 7speed in my new SL65 is every bit as fast shifting as the transmission in the 2014 E63S was and it is much smoother on downshifts. If you are concerned 738 ft-lbs of torque of the V12 is not enough the ECU can be tuned to raise that to over 800 ft-lbs, ask Eurocharged.
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Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 46
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W212 E63 2010 (sold), R230 SL55 2003
The R231 is not an option however, I would like to be under $100 000 and here in Europe that's impossible. So for me it's between the R231 SL63 and the R230 SL65 (facelifted model från 2008-2011 maybe).
EuphoriaDSM, what are the things you have done do your SL65 regarding engine upgrades? From what I remember you have done a tune, exhaust/downpipes, and some intake modifications?
Thanks.
EuphoriaDSM, what are the things you have done do your SL65 regarding engine upgrades? From what I remember you have done a tune, exhaust/downpipes, and some intake modifications?
Thanks.
