W211 AMG Discuss the W211 AMG's such as the E55 and the E63

Opinions on SL65 v S65 v CL65?

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Old Apr 3, 2009 | 06:24 AM
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Opinions on SL65 v S65 v CL65?

All 2006 models years. There are some very nice examples of each available, including some CPOs. The bi-turbo V12 is a once-in-a-lifetime classic powerplant and prices are amazingly favorable.

S65 is the big baller sedan, but rather sedate styling. SL65 is gorgeous, but limited in usuable space, and maybe the CL65 offers the best overall combination of appearance (as a coupe) and usable space.

Which model cited above is most suited to the powerplant? Which offers the best overall driving experince? And should one even consider any of these without some sort of extended warranty, or are potential repairs too insanely expensive otherwise?
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Old Apr 3, 2009 | 08:22 AM
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Originally Posted by komp55
All 2006 models years. There are some very nice examples of each available, including some CPOs. The bi-turbo V12 is a once-in-a-lifetime classic powerplant and prices are amazingly favorable.

S65 is the big baller sedan, but rather sedate styling. SL65 is gorgeous, but limited in usuable space, and maybe the CL65 offers the best overall combination of appearance (as a coupe) and usable space.

Which model cited above is most suited to the powerplant? Which offers the best overall driving experince? And should one even consider any of these without some sort of extended warranty, or are potential repairs too insanely expensive otherwise?
For me it's an easy choice, CL65. Over the summer drop all windows down and it's amazing...nothing like having the extra baby seats and still look sporty as hell doing it. matter of fact when I go to the strip I will drop a baby seat in the back and make a 10 sec pass...
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Old Apr 3, 2009 | 09:19 AM
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I heard the CL is a lot faster than the SL because it's a lot lighter.
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Old Apr 3, 2009 | 09:37 AM
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Actually, the SL65 is about 100lbs lighter than the CL65. The SL65 has a standard LSD and the CL65 does not. The sL65 is a dynamically superior car due to the lower center of gravity, wider tires (285s vs 275s in the rear) and slightly lighter weight. I think the CL65 does have an advantage in that more of its weight is distributed over the rear wheels. The taller ride of the CL65 may further drag strip performance by allowing more unsprung weight to shift back to the rear wheels. Both may help the CL65 get the edge at the drag strip. The LSD of the SL65 would not be an advantage on the drag strip if both cars are wearing drag radials.

Honestly, I would be in an SL65 if it weren't for the fact that I need the back seat for my daughter. So if you need the space the CL65 is the probably the best choice. I personally love the S65, but I prefer the CL65's lighter weight and interior. The S65 has different seats and center stack/console (I prefer the CL65's).

Tom
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Old Apr 3, 2009 | 09:59 AM
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Originally Posted by TMC M5
Actually, the SL65 is about 100lbs lighter than the CL65. The SL65 has a standard LSD and the CL65 does not. The sL65 is a dynamically superior car due to the lower center of gravity, wider tires (285s vs 275s in the rear) and slightly lighter weight. I think the CL65 does have an advantage in that more of its weight is distributed over the rear wheels. The taller ride of the CL65 may further drag strip performance by allowing more unsprung weight to shift back to the rear wheels. Both may help the CL65 get the edge at the drag strip. The LSD of the SL65 would not be an advantage on the drag strip if both cars are wearing drag radials.

Honestly, I would be in an SL65 if it weren't for the fact that I need the back seat for my daughter. So if you need the space the CL65 is the probably the best choice. I personally love the S65, but I prefer the CL65's lighter weight and interior. The S65 has different seats and center stack/console (I prefer the CL65's).

Tom
Somebody's got to to stand up for the S65. It weighs 240 pounds more than the CL65 but that is because it's 5 inches longer. The rear seats are so much roomier than the fairly cramped CL65 rear quarters. If you really want the rear bucket seats, that configuration is available for the S65 too but you won't find many like that because for most people the option to carry five is too important to give up for the rear buckets. Between the power adjustment of the rear bench, the five inches greater legroom and the greater shoulder room, most people find the S65 5-place rear more comfortable than the CL anyway.

In practical terms, the weight penalty will be very hard to notice with this engine. Are you really looking for a dragster? The S65 has a better coefficient of drag than the CL65 (.27 vs. .29 cd) so it may even have a small edge at high speed.

The cars handle almost identically. That being the case, the ability to carry five people in limousine comfort at 150 MPH made the choice easy for me.
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Old Apr 3, 2009 | 10:01 AM
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Originally Posted by whoover
Somebody's got to to stand up for the S65. It weighs 240 pounds more than the CL65 but that is because it's 5 inches longer. The rear seats are so much roomier than the fairly cramped CL65 rear quarters. If you really want the rear bucket seats, that configuration is available for the S65 too but you won't find many like that because for most people the option to carry five is too important to give up for the rear buckets. Between the power adjustment of the rear bench, the five inches greater legroom and the greater shoulder room, most people find the S65 5-place rear more comfortable than the CL anyway.

In practical terms, the weight penalty will be very hard to notice with this engine. Are you really looking for a dragster? The S65 has a better coefficient of drag than the CL65 (.27 vs. .29 cd) so it may even have a small edge at high speed.

The cars handle almost identically. That being the case, the ability to carry five people in limousine comfort at 150 MPH made the choice easy for me.
Screw the adult rear passengers...let them drive their own car!!!

Tom
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Old Apr 3, 2009 | 10:23 AM
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Before purchasing my first SL I test drove an 06 S65. The S65 is very fast and handles well for a large car. It was comfortable and there is no question it can safely carry five adults. That said I thought the styling was a bit out dated and the interior was rather plain. That's why I opted for the SL as a companion for my E55. I have not driven a CL65 but do hear good things about it. If I was in the market to replace my E55 I would consider both cars and then determine what my actual requirements were and which car satisfied them the best. IMHO you can't go wrong with any of your targeted vehicles. BTW, i wouldn't own any of these cars without a warranty. According to the MB techs and some independent mechanics I've talked to the V12 can be very expensive to work on. Good luck!

Last edited by LOVEMYBS; Apr 3, 2009 at 10:27 AM.
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Old Apr 3, 2009 | 10:34 AM
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Originally Posted by komp55
All 2006 models years. There are some very nice examples of each available, including some CPOs. The bi-turbo V12 is a once-in-a-lifetime classic powerplant and prices are amazingly favorable.

S65 is the big baller sedan, but rather sedate styling. SL65 is gorgeous, but limited in usuable space, and maybe the CL65 offers the best overall combination of appearance (as a coupe) and usable space.

Which model cited above is most suited to the powerplant? Which offers the best overall driving experince? And should one even consider any of these without some sort of extended warranty, or are potential repairs too insanely expensive otherwise?

Komp55...is this to replace the E55? If it is, the CL65 would be the logical choice if some space is needed. I love the SL65 for the power and hardtop convertible, but there is no space...but that is why I have the E55 and Cadillac to tool around my family and luggage.
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Old Apr 3, 2009 | 10:52 AM
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Originally Posted by AMGfan
Komp55...is this to replace the E55? If it is, the CL65 would be the logical choice if some space is needed. I love the SL65 for the power and hardtop convertible, but there is no space...but that is why I have the E55 and Cadillac to tool around my family and luggage.
since u have both the E55 and SL65, which do u feel is more "heavy"? by that i mean, when ur going around curves or making quick lane changes, which feels heavier and less nimble?
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Old Apr 3, 2009 | 11:00 AM
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Originally Posted by jtc55
since u have both the E55 and SL65, which do u feel is more "heavy"? by that i mean, when ur going around curves or making quick lane changes, which feels heavier and less nimble?
SL65 for sure...my E55 has curb weight of almost 4100lbs vs. the SL65 at approx 4560lbs. That weight difference is evident in the scenario's you are talking about, especially since my E55 is modded to VR700 w/Kleeman LSD.
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Old Apr 3, 2009 | 11:12 AM
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I like all three models, but the two tone grey/black in the SL65 is a real buzzkill for me.

I think the motor/car combo is the most enjoyable in the CL65 given its sportier nature (compared to the S65).
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Old Apr 3, 2009 | 11:17 AM
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The infamous Lou Fishgold (SL65 on dragtimes) blew out a 10.8 with just Renntech ECU/TCU and airbox. Can you imagine that SL65 with VRP intercooler package.

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Old Apr 3, 2009 | 11:19 AM
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From limited seat time, the SL chassis seems to handle the torque better...newer, more structurally rigid...take this fwiw as i'm sure others have valuable input. Still there's nothing cooler than a 4-door limo than can out drag the best of Lamborghini...
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Old Apr 3, 2009 | 11:20 AM
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SL65 all the way! Nothing like dropping the top on a nice day!
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Old Apr 3, 2009 | 11:48 AM
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I dunno about that...the SL65 weighs 46XXlbs, and the CL65 weighs 45XXlbs. Then you have to extrapolate the gross weight from that, because curb weight is calculated by adding luggage and passengers for each seating position in the car.

So taking three 200lbs adults out of the CL65 and one 200lb adult out of the SL65 (only one pax seat), the true gross weights are somewhere around 4300-4400lbs for the SL65 and 3900-4000 for the CL. Major weight difference.
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Old Apr 3, 2009 | 11:50 AM
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Originally Posted by CWW
I dunno about that...the SL65 weighs 4674lbs, and the CL65 weighs 4500lbs and change. Then you have to extrapolate the gross weight from that, because curb weight is calculated by adding luggage and passengers for each seating position in the car.

So taking three 200lbs adults out of the CL65 and one 200lb adult out of the SL65 (only one pax seat), the true gross weights are somewhere around 4300-4400lbs for the SL65 and 3900-4000 for the CL. Major weight difference.
CL weighs more than 3900lbs unladen....
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Old Apr 3, 2009 | 11:52 AM
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Originally Posted by transferred
CL weighs more than 3900lbs unladen....
Oh you're right. I got them mixed up...

https://mbworld.org/forums/cl55-amg-...yone-know.html
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Old Apr 3, 2009 | 11:56 AM
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Originally Posted by CWW
I dunno about that...the SL65 weighs 46XXlbs, and the CL65 weighs 45XXlbs. Then you have to extrapolate the gross weight from that, because curb weight is calculated by adding luggage and passengers for each seating position in the car.

So taking three 200lbs adults out of the CL65 and one 200lb adult out of the SL65 (only one pax seat), the true gross weights are somewhere around 4300-4400lbs for the SL65 and 3900-4000 for the CL. Major weight difference.
I think you are mixing up the gross vehicle weight with the actual curb weight. The SL65 is 4,555lbs and the CL65 is 4,654lbs:

http://www.intellichoice.com/reports...edes-Benz/CL65

http://www.intellichoice.com/reports...edes-Benz/SL65

I wish my car weighed 3,900lbs with the list of amenitites it currently has. It would be a 10 second car right from the factory.

Tom
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Old Apr 3, 2009 | 11:56 AM
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Ok, so from what I gather, the curb weight on the CL65 is 4654lbs, and the curb weight on the SL65 is 4674lbs. So the SL is heavier by 20lbs. So I guess they're actually almost identical.
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Old Apr 3, 2009 | 11:57 AM
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Originally Posted by TMC M5
I think you are mixing up the gross vehicle weight with the actual curb weight. The SL65 is 4,555lbs and the CL65 is 4,654lbs:

http://www.intellichoice.com/reports...edes-Benz/CL65

http://www.intellichoice.com/reports...edes-Benz/SL65

I wish my car weighed 3,900lbs with the list of amenitites it currently has. It would be a 10 second car right from the factory.

Tom
Yeah you're right man, I had a total brain fart there and confused the two. I have the day off, and I'm still in bed and haven't been awake that long, sorry I guess I'm a little groggy. I just tracked down the curb weights for both and posted them above, and yeah, there is virtually no difference.
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Old Apr 3, 2009 | 12:56 PM
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Old Apr 3, 2009 | 02:07 PM
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Komp they are all great cars... you ask a question that is fundamental to the configuration of the cars... you cannot compare a 2 seater GT convertible to the S-Class even if they have the same engine... they are two very different cars. You need to give a little more information as to what exactly you'd use the car for and that will determine which will suit you best...

Even though they are all V12 AMGS... it's apples and oranges...

-m
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Old Apr 3, 2009 | 02:33 PM
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Funny this thread came up as I'm contemplating a CL55 for the wife. The deals are nuts, FJ in Fremont has a silver 05 with 32k miles and their asking $39.9k with CPO. Soooo tempting.
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Old Apr 3, 2009 | 03:30 PM
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how about an e55 with the 65 motor ? would it fit and would the rear end hold up ? if i don't sell my car that's a crazy idea i have going in my head .. damn i'm thinking that's scary lol
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