SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: SL500 vs SL55 or wait for 2006 model?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 109
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From: Beverly Hills, CA
2003 E500, 2005 SL600
SL500 vs SL55 or wait for 2006 model?
Hi,
I am new member, and am planning to order a new SL. This will be my daily car, which i plan to lease for 4 years. While the attraction of the SL55's power is there, I am concerned about issues relating to supercharger chirps and brake noise that seems to have been a problem for some owners, and also the general reliability of such a performance car. Money of course is another concern (although I can swing it), and I wonder if i really will use all that power, driving around Los Angeles traffic. Finally , there is some talk about the 2006 models having more power (w a 4valve engine) and re-styled nose. Are those rumors fairly accurate and if so, when would one expect the 2006 SL500 to become available. As it stands, i wasn't planning to take possession of the car till July 2005, so maybe waiting a couple of extra months (assuming the 2006's become available in Sept-Oct) isn't a bad idea. Thanks.
I am new member, and am planning to order a new SL. This will be my daily car, which i plan to lease for 4 years. While the attraction of the SL55's power is there, I am concerned about issues relating to supercharger chirps and brake noise that seems to have been a problem for some owners, and also the general reliability of such a performance car. Money of course is another concern (although I can swing it), and I wonder if i really will use all that power, driving around Los Angeles traffic. Finally , there is some talk about the 2006 models having more power (w a 4valve engine) and re-styled nose. Are those rumors fairly accurate and if so, when would one expect the 2006 SL500 to become available. As it stands, i wasn't planning to take possession of the car till July 2005, so maybe waiting a couple of extra months (assuming the 2006's become available in Sept-Oct) isn't a bad idea. Thanks.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 948
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From: Irvine, California
'10 MB E63, '08 ML550 ('05 E55, '05 SL55, '08 E63 GONE)
Originally Posted by vkapoormd
Hi,
I am new member, and am planning to order a new SL. This will be my daily car, which i plan to lease for 4 years. While the attraction of the SL55's power is there, I am concerned about issues relating to supercharger chirps and brake noise that seems to have been a problem for some owners, and also the general reliability of such a performance car. Money of course is another concern (although I can swing it), and I wonder if i really will use all that power, driving around Los Angeles traffic. Finally , there is some talk about the 2006 models having more power (w a 4valve engine) and re-styled nose. Are those rumors fairly accurate and if so, when would one expect the 2006 SL500 to become available. As it stands, i wasn't planning to take possession of the car till July 2005, so maybe waiting a couple of extra months (assuming the 2006's become available in Sept-Oct) isn't a bad idea. Thanks.
I am new member, and am planning to order a new SL. This will be my daily car, which i plan to lease for 4 years. While the attraction of the SL55's power is there, I am concerned about issues relating to supercharger chirps and brake noise that seems to have been a problem for some owners, and also the general reliability of such a performance car. Money of course is another concern (although I can swing it), and I wonder if i really will use all that power, driving around Los Angeles traffic. Finally , there is some talk about the 2006 models having more power (w a 4valve engine) and re-styled nose. Are those rumors fairly accurate and if so, when would one expect the 2006 SL500 to become available. As it stands, i wasn't planning to take possession of the car till July 2005, so maybe waiting a couple of extra months (assuming the 2006's become available in Sept-Oct) isn't a bad idea. Thanks.
~ Ian
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 109
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From: Beverly Hills, CA
2003 E500, 2005 SL600
Originally Posted by IanSL55
I picked up a '05 SL500 in late October and two weeks later traded it in for a '05 SL55 swallowing a huge chunk of change in the process. I don't regret that decision one bit... The SL500 is a dime-a-dozen out here, and though the 55's, 600's, and 65's don't stand out as much as they probably do elsewhere - they do turn more heads. As far as driving them in SoCal, I've had plenty of opportunity to let it rip.
~ Ian
~ Ian
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 948
Likes: 0
From: Irvine, California
'10 MB E63, '08 ML550 ('05 E55, '05 SL55, '08 E63 GONE)
Originally Posted by vkapoormd
Well good to know that; I have found a certified pre owned SL55 2004 model with 800 miles; fully loaded (distronic, parktronic, keyless go, tire pressure, VCS, ventilated seats) that the dealer has at 116K; i think i can get him to 112K. Sounds like a good deal to me; is there anything i should be concerned about?
~ Ian
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,703
Likes: 5
From: Arizona
SL55AMG, Ferrari 348, Ferrari Testarossa, Ferrari F40, Ferrari Mondial t, Ducati 916, Indycar
That 04 SL55 sounds like a great deal. The 55 is a MUCH better drive than the 500....from a performance car standpoint. I have added AMG 19s with some Pilot Sports, and some ECU mods........and the car absolutely embarrases just about everything!
Mine's an '03 and it has been a great car, with no reliability issues. Sure the SC chirps, but the brakes don't make any noise....they just do a great job of stopping the car. The SC chirp is no big deal......get the 55!!
Mine's an '03 and it has been a great car, with no reliability issues. Sure the SC chirps, but the brakes don't make any noise....they just do a great job of stopping the car. The SC chirp is no big deal......get the 55!!
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 948
Likes: 0
From: Irvine, California
'10 MB E63, '08 ML550 ('05 E55, '05 SL55, '08 E63 GONE)
Originally Posted by IngenereAMG
That 04 SL55 sounds like a great deal. The 55 is a MUCH better drive than the 500... from a performance car standpoint. I have added AMG 19s with some Pilot Sports, and some ECU mods... and the car absolutely embarrases just about everything!
~ Ian
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 137
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From: France
SL65/ML55/BMW M3 CSL
Originally Posted by vkapoormd
Hi,
........... and I wonder if i really will use all that power, driving around Los Angeles traffic.
........... and I wonder if i really will use all that power, driving around Los Angeles traffic.
I am using my SL65 in the speed limited France - and the cops in here, hiding behind almost every tree to catch you ... so I just enjoy the torque and the sound of the engine - no need to proof myself, or others that this car is fast. It is a different quality of driving - after a few hundred miles you will recognise the difference.
The new engines are totally different. These will be high rev. engines - without charger, turbo or whatever.... so as well the way of driving will be different.
kind regards from France
Walter
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