RocketBoots

Hello all.

I have a 2015 R231 SL550 and I previously owned a 2008 R230 SL550. It's time for a change again and I am considering whether to make it an SL63 this time. I would be interested to hear about owner experiences with the R231 SL63. The performance is well known, but what are they like for regular non-hoonigan use and are they as reliable as the non-AMG versions? Pricing will probably limit me to a 2015 or 16 pre facelift version.

Thanks

okbarnett

15 and 16 are going to be the same cars. A amg is stiffer and handles alot better. The performance of the 5.5 and speed shift trans is amazing. Its a real rocket

RocketBoots

Thanks for the quick response. How is the speedshift MCT in stop and go traffic? Does the clutch pack lag at all compared to a torque converter when creeping along in traffic?

PlayersClubWheels

The 63 will feel a bit quicker and sound more aggressive, with sportier AMG seats and trim. I've driven and sold every R231 model. They are meant to be enjoyed in the fast lane with the top down. A 2014 SL65 may fit your needs.

okbarnett

you have different modes to put it in the C will feel as calm as possible, the s+ will be wildly aggressive and hardly drivable in traffic

andy-gts

and snarls louder

okbarnett

the car runs fine in all situations. Its not a 70s cammed up car that wont run right and you cant drive on the street.

DRVJMSL63

Had an SL550 which was truly an amazing ride. Thought that the SL63 AMG would not/could not be appreciably better in a practical sense, unless you were on a track. I was wrong! The SL63 AMG is a whole new level of performance. Docile and easily drivable around town in Comfort mode, but an absolute beast when you want it to be. Few other cars on the road will have 577hp, and 664lb/ft of torque--(dyno testing shows that the actual numbers are higher). Mid-range acceleration is like being in a cartoon! Never regretted the trade-up. Sounds better, too!
Good luck with your search!

iridium18

Agree with DrVJMSL63 - am also an Owner of a '17SL63 - an absolutely all-around amazing automobile. This one's a Keeper. Other than brake dust so far, don't think maintenance cost will be significantly different from the 550. Enjoy the journey.

PAPA PA

Add one more vote to the plus category for moving to an SL 63. I went from a 2017 SL 550 to a 2017 SL 63, and couldn’t be happier! it’s a completely different car in terms of performance handling, and even comfort and features as every SL 63 comes nearly loaded to the gills. I would also say the AMG ABC programming while more firm than most of the settings in the SL 550, is far from harsh. Even on its tightest setting in sport plus it is still a very compliant ride. I would take an AMGSL 63 in sport plus mode over any Porsche in comfort mode with the exception of the newest 911 model Which rides as smooth as silk in comfort mode.

The facelift version of the SL 63 adds in Apple CarPlay, a larger media screen, and just a few features that make it distinctive enough that it’s a different and wonderful car. You won’t be disappointed.

But if you’re concerned, having driven a 2015 AMGSL 63, recently. I found that it was nearly identical in terms of the drive characteristics the ride, turn in, etc. The facelift model does have an even newer version of the ABC programming, but I don’t think the difference is likely to be that substantial to most folks (but will defer to others that may have a more direct experience to verify.)

So if you can’t test drive one locally maybe find a pre-facelift model to test drive as I think it will give you a much better understanding of the suspension/ride. Also remember tires and wheel size matter on these cars. So if ride compliance is more important than ultimate grip, there are several great high performance tires options to further soften the ride if needed.

As for the transmission - I will say it can be a little buggy at times, especially when cold (for the first 5 minutes). The slow rolling stops occasionally elicit a little hiccup on the 2/1 downshift or a little hesitation / overcompensation engaging the throttle from a slow rolling start (3-5 mph). But once warmed fully, it plucks along fine in bumper to bumper stop and go traffic. Turn on the distronic plus system and let the adaptive crustose control do its thing. Makes stop and go traffic a breeze.


In the end - make sure you get to drive one and feel for yourself. Suspension and smoothness is so subjective, nothing substitutes the butt-o-meter.

Good luck with your search!