SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: 3 Way Review - SL55, SL600, SL65
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,447
Likes: 14
From: UK
SL55 AMG
3 Way Review - SL55, SL600, SL65
Here's one which will set the cat among the pigeons as we say here. Autocar this week has done a three way comparison between the three SL models. It's written by Richard Bremner who is pretty level-headed, not given to hyperbole.
The conclusion is that the SL55 is their SL of choice. It's the "slowest" of the three but has better engine noise, better handling than the V12 nose-weighted other two and the best throttle response thanks to the use of a supercharger instead of twin turbos.
The SL65 is said to be a constant battle between the engine and the traction control, the SL600 is an altogether softer car appealing to a different market.
Those of you with SL600s and SL65s will not agree of course. As an SL55 owner, I do have this sneaky suspicion that the conclusion is correct!
The conclusion is that the SL55 is their SL of choice. It's the "slowest" of the three but has better engine noise, better handling than the V12 nose-weighted other two and the best throttle response thanks to the use of a supercharger instead of twin turbos.
The SL65 is said to be a constant battle between the engine and the traction control, the SL600 is an altogether softer car appealing to a different market.
Those of you with SL600s and SL65s will not agree of course. As an SL55 owner, I do have this sneaky suspicion that the conclusion is correct!
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 834
Likes: 0
From: Manchester, UK
Mercedes-Benz A170 CDI
I personally also love the SL55 for reasons that the autocar article mentioned. You cannot get that sound, in any car anywhere in the world, simply unique.
HOWEVER, the SL65, when coupled with extreme tuning by Kleemann will blow any car out of the water, forget engine fighting chassis or anything like that, its is the pure sensation of just raw brute power in a giant engine fighting the laws of physics in every sense delivering massive acceleration. It will simply go down in history as one of the best engines of all time, also the V8K and Mercs V12.
Due to the mid-range torque of the SL600, it is 2 seconds faster than the 55 from any speed to any speed, mostly due to inaccurate power figures and immense torque. The SL55 is very much slower than the SL600, lets not even speak of the SL65 or even one with Kleemann potential.
What surprised me most was how they commented that all three SLl's ride hard, is this true?
Regardless, I couldn't choose between the 65 or 55 cars, however, one drive of the SL65 is all it takes to write that cheque......
HOWEVER, the SL65, when coupled with extreme tuning by Kleemann will blow any car out of the water, forget engine fighting chassis or anything like that, its is the pure sensation of just raw brute power in a giant engine fighting the laws of physics in every sense delivering massive acceleration. It will simply go down in history as one of the best engines of all time, also the V8K and Mercs V12.
Due to the mid-range torque of the SL600, it is 2 seconds faster than the 55 from any speed to any speed, mostly due to inaccurate power figures and immense torque. The SL55 is very much slower than the SL600, lets not even speak of the SL65 or even one with Kleemann potential.
What surprised me most was how they commented that all three SLl's ride hard, is this true?
Regardless, I couldn't choose between the 65 or 55 cars, however, one drive of the SL65 is all it takes to write that cheque......
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,447
Likes: 14
From: UK
SL55 AMG
Originally Posted by SL Boy
.....very relieved to read this article which has just saved me spending around £50k on an upgrade to a 65. Might as well keep the 55, buy an SLK55 instead and have 2 cars for the price of one.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,447
Likes: 14
From: UK
SL55 AMG
Well, I know there are a lot of financial bores (sorry, I mean advisors) who think it's better to line someone else's pockets with interest and fees when buying a car. Me, I write out a cheque.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,428
Likes: 2
SL65, E55T, Pending S65
As a current SL65 owner and a former SL55 owner I do not dissagree with any of the comments from the article.
I do miss the sound of my SL55 as well as the power articulation that the Komressor engine allows.
With that said, for all out wow factor, the SL65 is quite a trip. The more you drive it (5K miles now) the easier it is to make use of the power and minimize the traction issues. It has the feeling of torque that I always wished my SL55 had.
My one complaint with my SL55 was that is sounded incredible and went like hell but it never felt like you were accelerating quickly.
With the SL65 this is no longer the case..... (for now.)
Enjoy!
Schiznick
I do miss the sound of my SL55 as well as the power articulation that the Komressor engine allows.
With that said, for all out wow factor, the SL65 is quite a trip. The more you drive it (5K miles now) the easier it is to make use of the power and minimize the traction issues. It has the feeling of torque that I always wished my SL55 had.
My one complaint with my SL55 was that is sounded incredible and went like hell but it never felt like you were accelerating quickly.
With the SL65 this is no longer the case..... (for now.)
Enjoy!
Schiznick
Trending Topics
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,458
Likes: 0
From: Orlando
CLS55
Originally Posted by SL Boy
.....very relieved to read this article which has just saved me spending around £50k on an upgrade to a 65. Might as well keep the 55, buy an SLK55 instead and have 2 cars for the price of one.
Happy Driving!
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, BC
SL55, Aston Martin DB7
Sl 55
I was looking to sell my SL 55 so I had it detailed and parked .
Once I decided to keep it I took it out and started driving it .
Candidly this is a very nice car and sounds great.
I have driven the SL65 and the sound and the feel of the SL 55 is great.
I love my SL 55 and am glad of the review but I already knew that it is a great car.
Ali can 1
Once I decided to keep it I took it out and started driving it .
Candidly this is a very nice car and sounds great.
I have driven the SL65 and the sound and the feel of the SL 55 is great.
I love my SL 55 and am glad of the review but I already knew that it is a great car.
Ali can 1
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 285
Likes: 0
I am so interested in the 65 AMG. I have the E55 now, and although the sound of the engine is fine, its the torque of the car around town that I just love. To be able to pull out around 10-15 mph and then step on it and feel the power is just a luxury I can't image not having. With that said, why is everybody writing about the sound of the 65 engine. Is it very quiet? (which wouldn't be a problem with me) Does it not sound like a V8 or a V12? From inside the E55, I must admit, I don't think the engine sounds that nice. It has a whine to it. (must be the sc). But, the E55 exhaust is nice. But to enjoy the exhaust, your window must be down. And coming home from work or going to work, I normally always have the windows up.
So, can anybody compare the 65 and 55 engine sounds? exhaust sounds?
I also am concerned about throttle response(lag). I owned a MR2 turbo before and could not stand the turbo lag. I thinke the E55 Kompressor has a bit of lag, but makes up for it in about .5-1 second when the power kicks in.
Thanks for the info. I know 180K is alot, but boy, consider the fact you are jumping into 738 lbs or torque. Wow.
amgB
So, can anybody compare the 65 and 55 engine sounds? exhaust sounds?
I also am concerned about throttle response(lag). I owned a MR2 turbo before and could not stand the turbo lag. I thinke the E55 Kompressor has a bit of lag, but makes up for it in about .5-1 second when the power kicks in.
Thanks for the info. I know 180K is alot, but boy, consider the fact you are jumping into 738 lbs or torque. Wow.
amgB
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 834
Likes: 0
From: Manchester, UK
Mercedes-Benz A170 CDI
AMGB, judge for yourself....
http://www.virgeweb.com/rage2/SL55AMG/SL55AMG.wmv
http://www.treynor.com/SL65_ride.wmv
The SL55 sound is to die for!
http://www.virgeweb.com/rage2/SL55AMG/SL55AMG.wmv
http://www.treynor.com/SL65_ride.wmv
The SL55 sound is to die for!
Senior Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 271
Likes: 0
From: West Toluca Lake, CA.
2004 SL55 AMG
The only other SL I would even consider is the SL65 over my SL55 AMG. As I stated before, it grows more and more tempting but my conscience (wife) wouldn't like that at all as she thinks that the SL55 is already overkill. Then again, financially I couldn't justify trading up either. Maybe, sometime next year?
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 482
Likes: 0
From: Northern California
Mercedes C400, BMW X3
My two cents
I have owned a 2003 SL55, a 2004 E55, a 2004 CL600 and recently picked up a 2005 CL65 and drove it across France, so I will chime in with my two ears.
When I first heard the SL55, I fell in love. I heard it drive past me under full acceleration while I was hanging around outside of AMG headquarters in Affalterbach in September, 2001. Their security guards chased me away from staring through their fence at all the lovely cars. I swore I would own one.
At first when I got my SL55, all I did was wind it up to listen to the sound of the exhaust. After a few months, I grew tired of the sound. Eventually, I found it unsophisticated, like a big block Chevy engine. I still think it is a nice sound, but inappropriate for a car like the SL. It draws too much attention for my taste and makes me feel like I am more of a boy racer than I intend. I am 52, so draw your own conclusions.
Of these four cars, the E55 is perfect. Sounds powerful but not too ostentatious, a nice muted rumble. There is a nice exhaust note everywhere across the range and my ears were never attuned to the supercharger whine that others have complained about (I did have a noticeable supercharger whine in my C32, and I thought that was kind of fun).
The CL600 sounds very good at low speeds, the classic "ripping silk" noise of a V-12. But above 30MPH, there is silence. Not even downshifting and winding it out brings back any detectable exhaust sound.
The CL65 literally barks when started, but the idle is crude, truck-like. And it behaves like the CL600, nice noises until 30MPH and then silence.
If you want to listen to exhaust notes, head over to the Aston Martin dealer and ask them to turn over the DB9.
When I first heard the SL55, I fell in love. I heard it drive past me under full acceleration while I was hanging around outside of AMG headquarters in Affalterbach in September, 2001. Their security guards chased me away from staring through their fence at all the lovely cars. I swore I would own one.
At first when I got my SL55, all I did was wind it up to listen to the sound of the exhaust. After a few months, I grew tired of the sound. Eventually, I found it unsophisticated, like a big block Chevy engine. I still think it is a nice sound, but inappropriate for a car like the SL. It draws too much attention for my taste and makes me feel like I am more of a boy racer than I intend. I am 52, so draw your own conclusions.
Of these four cars, the E55 is perfect. Sounds powerful but not too ostentatious, a nice muted rumble. There is a nice exhaust note everywhere across the range and my ears were never attuned to the supercharger whine that others have complained about (I did have a noticeable supercharger whine in my C32, and I thought that was kind of fun).
The CL600 sounds very good at low speeds, the classic "ripping silk" noise of a V-12. But above 30MPH, there is silence. Not even downshifting and winding it out brings back any detectable exhaust sound.
The CL65 literally barks when started, but the idle is crude, truck-like. And it behaves like the CL600, nice noises until 30MPH and then silence.
If you want to listen to exhaust notes, head over to the Aston Martin dealer and ask them to turn over the DB9.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,340
Likes: 22
From: Southern California, USA
2003 CL55 AMG
The SL55 has the loudest and most reverbing exhaust note of all the AMG's. The CL55 comes next with a great sounding exhaust. The E55 however, has a very quiet exhaust. Nowhere near as powerful sounding as the SL55 and not as loud as the CL55.
I'm sure Mercedes did this for a reason. They probably wanted the E55 to be more of a luxurious monster and kept the noise to a minimum.
If you get the chance, listen to a SL55 at full throttle and you will know why people keep saying the '65's sound tame.
I'm sure Mercedes did this for a reason. They probably wanted the E55 to be more of a luxurious monster and kept the noise to a minimum.
If you get the chance, listen to a SL55 at full throttle and you will know why people keep saying the '65's sound tame.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 271
Likes: 0
From: West Toluca Lake, CA.
2004 SL55 AMG
One interesting note on the SL55 exhaust. Did any of you who have had an ECU upgrade notice that not only did you get stronger throttle response and better idle quality, the exhaust actually reverberates less and has a smoother, more consistent tone? A bit less rumble too. I added K&N filters at the time with the ECU so the whole intake to exhaust gas flow should be more efficient.
Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 164
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles
2011 Porsche Carrera GTS, 2009 BMW 750Li, 2011 Ferrari 458, 2011 SLS AMG, 2012 C63 AMG BS
I had three SL55's (different colors, options etc) before I got the 65. No comparison. The 65 has awesome mid range punch, much smoother engine and everything feels more solid and tight. Leather everywhere. To me, its a different league, well into Vanquish categry but only faster and reliable. Just waiting to do the Kleeman upgrade now.
.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,447
Likes: 14
From: UK
SL55 AMG
Yes, Autocar is an English weekly motoring magazine. I plan to scan it in on Wednesday and make it available as a PDF to anyone who wants it. Slightly naughty, but needs must if you cant get the magazine locally.
I agree with shoes that the SL55 noise thrills at first but you get a bit bored of it after a while. Here in Europe, we're not used to the big V8 sound, and to my ears, the Aston and Ferrari sound is better. I quite like the sound of my new C4S with the Carrera Performance Pack too....
I agree with shoes that the SL55 noise thrills at first but you get a bit bored of it after a while. Here in Europe, we're not used to the big V8 sound, and to my ears, the Aston and Ferrari sound is better. I quite like the sound of my new C4S with the Carrera Performance Pack too....
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 746
Likes: 0
From: Bethesda,Md.
Bentley Arnage Red Label
Originally Posted by terrence
I had three SL55's (different colors, options etc) before I got the 65. No comparison. The 65 has awesome mid range punch, much smoother engine and everything feels more solid and tight. Leather everywhere. To me, its a different league, well into Vanquish categry but only faster and reliable. Just waiting to do the Kleeman upgrade now.
Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 164
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles
2011 Porsche Carrera GTS, 2009 BMW 750Li, 2011 Ferrari 458, 2011 SLS AMG, 2012 C63 AMG BS
Leather is all over the dash, entire doors. Basically everything is nappa leather instead of the grainy vinyl-looking stuff that's on the dash of Sl500's and SL55's.
