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

SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: Hot weather performance

Old 02-24-2019, 09:12 PM
  #1  
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
Will Hartigan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
cayman s
Hot weather performance

I folks,
As stated in the title I would like to understand more about these cars in hot weather performance. Both the sl55 and SL600.

i live in sacramento California and it’s common to get 100+ degree summer days and I’m looking to buy one of these cars as a new summer cruiser. I initially was interested in te SL55 but research into mods shows that it requires additional cooling very quickly. In fact, it seems the most expensive part of modding is trying and likely failing to keep up with cooling requirements.

Question 1. For the SL55 assuming stock, can it keep up with 100+ degree days? I don’t plan to track the car or drag Strip but I want to be able to romp on it regularly.

‘’Question 2. Are the SL600/65 any better off with the turbos regarding heat soak?
Old 02-24-2019, 09:49 PM
  #2  
Senior Member

 
Nor Cal SL55's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: EDH, CA.
Posts: 479
Received 64 Likes on 63 Posts
2007 SL55
I can speak for the 2007 SL55, which will do fine in the Sacramento area. Never had an issue.

There are older SL55 models where the intercooler pump is a known issue, but you can replace these easily with an updated Bosch pump and the part is inexpensive.

Can't speak for the SL600/65.

Welcome to the site!
Old 02-25-2019, 12:57 PM
  #3  
Junior Member
 
GeeJayMaj's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 42
Received 5 Likes on 5 Posts
2008 SL55AMG
Spent one week last two years at each South Carolina and Birmingham Alabama respectively during hot summers with my 2008 SL55 AMG with the performance package option with no overheating issues whatsoever. As long as the coolant is maintained per factory requirement and in a top condition, you should not have any overheating issues. I drove my car on Talladega Race track as well as on the Skip Barber track and besides the awesome feeling, the car ran flawlessly at normal operating temps.
Old 02-26-2019, 04:59 PM
  #4  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
okbarnett's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,422
Received 197 Likes on 165 Posts
Porsche guy who drives SL63 w/ perf pkg AND perf suspension
I live in Fl and I live in the heat. My 55 always performs normally. If you dyno test them in 100 deg weather you may consider less than peak results. maybe a couple hp less that compared test on a 35 deg day. I also drive in the mountains in the winter and yes I can feel differences in response than a 100 deg day.
Old 02-26-2019, 07:49 PM
  #5  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
BlownV8's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: In my garage
Posts: 8,415
Received 1,001 Likes on 808 Posts
E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
On my SL600, the power difference between a cold day and a hot day is huge! My car has the boost turned up but I'm also running Speedriven intercoolers and a huge trunk tank.
Old 02-27-2019, 06:12 PM
  #6  
Senior Member
 
euphoriaDSM's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 336
Received 15 Likes on 15 Posts
SL65 AMG
My SL65 on a cool summer night heat soaks after 3-4 hard pulls and I have Speedriven intercoolers. In the summer, during the day there's no point in trying to beat on it.
Old 02-28-2019, 01:03 AM
  #7  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Das Geld 2's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 4,245
Received 174 Likes on 144 Posts
SL55, S500
Check your IAT's- they are usually 20f above ambient and start pulling timing at 95f(grade 1)

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 

Thread Tools
Search this Thread
Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:
You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.

Quick Reply: SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: Hot weather performance



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 07:56 PM.