Driving impressions: E55 vs. SL55
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Driving impressions: E55 vs. SL55
Have any of you compared the E55 and SL55 behind the wheel? I know everyone claims that the 469hp vs. 493hp is just marketing hype, but the SL55 really does drive like the more aggressive car.
In the SL55, even at low speeds you hear the engine growl, and feel a rumble in the seat of your pants. Step lightly on the gas, and the tires bite into the road and zip you forward. In the E55, keep light on the gas and you'll think you're driving an E500. There really is no intense feeling of power, and the car doesn't beg you to push it harder.
I suspect part of this is due to the 2.65 differential in the E55 vs. the 2.85 in the SL55. The rest may be due to ECU tuning and/or supercharger control. It seems the supercharger in the E doesn't stay engaged unless you have been driving very aggressively, and it is unpredictable in delivering its full potential. The SL has a lower threshold to go into super pursuit mode and seems consistently ready to play.
Has anyone done ECU mods or differential swaps that give the E55 a more intense feel? I wonder if swapping with an SL55 ECU is possible?![Smilie](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
Thanks.
In the SL55, even at low speeds you hear the engine growl, and feel a rumble in the seat of your pants. Step lightly on the gas, and the tires bite into the road and zip you forward. In the E55, keep light on the gas and you'll think you're driving an E500. There really is no intense feeling of power, and the car doesn't beg you to push it harder.
I suspect part of this is due to the 2.65 differential in the E55 vs. the 2.85 in the SL55. The rest may be due to ECU tuning and/or supercharger control. It seems the supercharger in the E doesn't stay engaged unless you have been driving very aggressively, and it is unpredictable in delivering its full potential. The SL has a lower threshold to go into super pursuit mode and seems consistently ready to play.
Has anyone done ECU mods or differential swaps that give the E55 a more intense feel? I wonder if swapping with an SL55 ECU is possible?
![Smilie](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
Thanks.
#2
MBWorld Fanatic!
The night I picked up my E-55 from the dealer my wife was driving the SL-55 following me home. I couldn't resist the temptation to see how the E-55 would do.
The W211 had less than 20 miles on the clock so it may not be reprsentitive of a fully broke in engine. Nevertheless, from a 20mph roll the SL pulled a good car length up to about 70 when she slowed down.
My seat of the pants dyno says the SL pulls harder from the get go, which I believe is due to the axel ratios. I find that the E-55 can easily spin the 265 tires which would be another reason for the higher gearing. I'll do some Gtech timing to confirm times if it doesn't rain this weekend.
The W211 had less than 20 miles on the clock so it may not be reprsentitive of a fully broke in engine. Nevertheless, from a 20mph roll the SL pulled a good car length up to about 70 when she slowed down.
My seat of the pants dyno says the SL pulls harder from the get go, which I believe is due to the axel ratios. I find that the E-55 can easily spin the 265 tires which would be another reason for the higher gearing. I'll do some Gtech timing to confirm times if it doesn't rain this weekend.
#3
MBWorld Fanatic!
I had a 2003 E55 that I traded in on my 2004 SL55.
I would say the E55 is faster by a bit.
I will be taking my SL55 to the drag stip next month to see where it ends up.
The SL55 sounds so much better than the E55 but I would have to say the the E is faster.
Schiz
I would say the E55 is faster by a bit.
I will be taking my SL55 to the drag stip next month to see where it ends up.
The SL55 sounds so much better than the E55 but I would have to say the the E is faster.
Schiz
#5
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 1,256
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
E55, F550, S600 Ducati 999
Re: Driving impressions: E55 vs. SL55
Originally posted by oktane
Have any of you compared the E55 and SL55 behind the wheel? I know everyone claims that the 469hp vs. 493hp is just marketing hype, but the SL55 really does drive like the more aggressive car.
In the SL55, even at low speeds you hear the engine growl, and feel a rumble in the seat of your pants. Step lightly on the gas, and the tires bite into the road and zip you forward. In the E55, keep light on the gas and you'll think you're driving an E500. There really is no intense feeling of power, and the car doesn't beg you to push it harder.
I suspect part of this is due to the 2.65 differential in the E55 vs. the 2.85 in the SL55. The rest may be due to ECU tuning and/or supercharger control. It seems the supercharger in the E doesn't stay engaged unless you have been driving very aggressively, and it is unpredictable in delivering its full potential. The SL has a lower threshold to go into super pursuit mode and seems consistently ready to play.
Has anyone done ECU mods or differential swaps that give the E55 a more intense feel? I wonder if swapping with an SL55 ECU is possible?![Smilie](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
Thanks.
Have any of you compared the E55 and SL55 behind the wheel? I know everyone claims that the 469hp vs. 493hp is just marketing hype, but the SL55 really does drive like the more aggressive car.
In the SL55, even at low speeds you hear the engine growl, and feel a rumble in the seat of your pants. Step lightly on the gas, and the tires bite into the road and zip you forward. In the E55, keep light on the gas and you'll think you're driving an E500. There really is no intense feeling of power, and the car doesn't beg you to push it harder.
I suspect part of this is due to the 2.65 differential in the E55 vs. the 2.85 in the SL55. The rest may be due to ECU tuning and/or supercharger control. It seems the supercharger in the E doesn't stay engaged unless you have been driving very aggressively, and it is unpredictable in delivering its full potential. The SL has a lower threshold to go into super pursuit mode and seems consistently ready to play.
Has anyone done ECU mods or differential swaps that give the E55 a more intense feel? I wonder if swapping with an SL55 ECU is possible?
![Smilie](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
Thanks.
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Northern California
Posts: 482
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Mercedes C400, BMW X3
I am in agreement
I have owned a 2003 SL55 and still own a 2003 E55.
I agree with the other posts that the E55 feels a smidge faster than the SL55. The exhaust roar from the SL55 make it sound faster, but I find this a little over the top.
I debadged both vehicles and prefer the element of surprise, which is tougher to pull off with the noises that come out of the SL55.
Also, I feel the handling of the E55 is a little better than the SL55 because of the 400 fewer pounds it lugs around.
I agree with the other posts that the E55 feels a smidge faster than the SL55. The exhaust roar from the SL55 make it sound faster, but I find this a little over the top.
I debadged both vehicles and prefer the element of surprise, which is tougher to pull off with the noises that come out of the SL55.
Also, I feel the handling of the E55 is a little better than the SL55 because of the 400 fewer pounds it lugs around.
#7
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Manchester, UK
Posts: 834
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Mercedes-Benz A170 CDI
Truth be told, the E55 weighs nearly as much as the SL55, around 1900kgs...its been weighted and although it is disapponting, that engine more than makes up for it!
The ultimate sleeper is the SL600 in non-AMG trim...
The ultimate sleeper is the SL600 in non-AMG trim...
Trending Topics
#8
Member
Thread Starter
I feel that ABC makes the SL handle much more solidly through the turns. I haven't tracked the cars or done power slides, but in everday driving I feel the SL to be the more fun car, not just based on looks or exhast note...
#9
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: In my garage
Posts: 8,605
Received 1,078 Likes
on
865 Posts
E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
"The ultimate sleeper is the SL600 in non-AMG trim..."
Man, that's the biggest understatement of the year! I saw the recent review by Car and Driver and just about fell out of my reading chair. They reported the SL600's ability to hussle it's not so svelte 4501 lb frame to a 0-60 in 3.6 seconds and the 1/4 mile in 11.9 @120 mph!
Here is what they said about the comparison between the SL55 AMG and the SL600:
"Yet another contrast: The SL600 trumps the SL55 AMG, even though the AMG edition weighs in a tad lighter (4410 pounds) packs the same horsepower (493), and is the designated SL family hot rod. But in our Novemnber '02 test, the SL55 managed only-only!-4.5 seconds to 60, and cruised through the quarter in 13.0 seconds at 110 mph."
Man, that's the biggest understatement of the year! I saw the recent review by Car and Driver and just about fell out of my reading chair. They reported the SL600's ability to hussle it's not so svelte 4501 lb frame to a 0-60 in 3.6 seconds and the 1/4 mile in 11.9 @120 mph!
Here is what they said about the comparison between the SL55 AMG and the SL600:
"Yet another contrast: The SL600 trumps the SL55 AMG, even though the AMG edition weighs in a tad lighter (4410 pounds) packs the same horsepower (493), and is the designated SL family hot rod. But in our Novemnber '02 test, the SL55 managed only-only!-4.5 seconds to 60, and cruised through the quarter in 13.0 seconds at 110 mph."
#10
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Northeast
Posts: 570
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2002 MB E55 AMG
I saw an SL-600 at our dealer (Princeton MB) day before yesterday in black with its own unique MB wheels ... almost forgot to pick up my E55 it was so gorgeous.
Sorry ... didn't get pics ... here are stock photos (unfortunately not with the very cool wheels that I saw):
http://www.princeton.mercedescenter....delCode=SL600R
TJC
Sorry ... didn't get pics ... here are stock photos (unfortunately not with the very cool wheels that I saw):
http://www.princeton.mercedescenter....delCode=SL600R
TJC
Last edited by tjcMBE55AMG; 02-21-2004 at 09:54 PM.
#11
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: McLean, VA
Posts: 2,295
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
S4
Originally posted by BlownV8
"The ultimate sleeper is the SL600 in non-AMG trim..."
Man, that's the biggest understatement of the year! I saw the recent review by Car and Driver and just about fell out of my reading chair. They reported the SL600's ability to hussle it's not so svelte 4501 lb frame to a 0-60 in 3.6 seconds and the 1/4 mile in 11.9 @120 mph!
Here is what they said about the comparison between the SL55 AMG and the SL600:
"Yet another contrast: The SL600 trumps the SL55 AMG, even though the AMG edition weighs in a tad lighter (4410 pounds) packs the same horsepower (493), and is the designated SL family hot rod. But in our Novemnber '02 test, the SL55 managed only-only!-4.5 seconds to 60, and cruised through the quarter in 13.0 seconds at 110 mph."
"The ultimate sleeper is the SL600 in non-AMG trim..."
Man, that's the biggest understatement of the year! I saw the recent review by Car and Driver and just about fell out of my reading chair. They reported the SL600's ability to hussle it's not so svelte 4501 lb frame to a 0-60 in 3.6 seconds and the 1/4 mile in 11.9 @120 mph!
Here is what they said about the comparison between the SL55 AMG and the SL600:
"Yet another contrast: The SL600 trumps the SL55 AMG, even though the AMG edition weighs in a tad lighter (4410 pounds) packs the same horsepower (493), and is the designated SL family hot rod. But in our Novemnber '02 test, the SL55 managed only-only!-4.5 seconds to 60, and cruised through the quarter in 13.0 seconds at 110 mph."
![Wink](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/wink.gif)
#12
Out Of Control!!
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Chicago
Posts: 20,081
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Volvo V90 CC
Originally posted by Jim Brady
The night I picked up my E-55 from the dealer my wife was driving the SL-55 following me home. I couldn't resist the temptation to see how the E-55 would do.
The W211 had less than 20 miles on the clock so it may not be reprsentitive of a fully broke in engine. Nevertheless, from a 20mph roll the SL pulled a good car length up to about 70 when she slowed down. ....
The night I picked up my E-55 from the dealer my wife was driving the SL-55 following me home. I couldn't resist the temptation to see how the E-55 would do.
The W211 had less than 20 miles on the clock so it may not be reprsentitive of a fully broke in engine. Nevertheless, from a 20mph roll the SL pulled a good car length up to about 70 when she slowed down. ....
![EEK!](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/eek.gif)
![EEK!](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/eek.gif)
![Wink](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/wink.gif)
#13
MBWorld Fanatic!
The roads finally dried out enogh to test the SL-55 and E-55 on the Passport Gtimer. Temp 59 F. damp. good forced induction weather.
E-55 SL-55
0-20 1.05 1.13
0-40 2.38 2.45
0-60 4.20 4.28
0-80 6.30 6.30
1/8 mile 8.18 8.12.
The ESP was far more intrussive on the SL than the E at launch I believe in part due to the lower axel ratio. The Sl has 9100 mi. and the W 211 has 1100. E-55 was easier to launch and get traction than the SL. Next test will be to go head to head. Stay tuned for more fair and balanced reporting.
E-55 SL-55
0-20 1.05 1.13
0-40 2.38 2.45
0-60 4.20 4.28
0-80 6.30 6.30
1/8 mile 8.18 8.12.
The ESP was far more intrussive on the SL than the E at launch I believe in part due to the lower axel ratio. The Sl has 9100 mi. and the W 211 has 1100. E-55 was easier to launch and get traction than the SL. Next test will be to go head to head. Stay tuned for more fair and balanced reporting.
#15
Member
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2003 SL55, 1999 Lexus LS400
The roads finally dried out enogh to test the SL-55 and E-55 on the Passport Gtimer. Temp 59 F. damp. good forced induction weather.
E-55 SL-55
0-20 1.05 1.13
0-40 2.38 2.45
0-60 4.20 4.28
0-80 6.30 6.30
1/8 mile 8.18 8.12.
The ESP was far more intrussive on the SL than the E at launch I believe in part due to the lower axel ratio. The Sl has 9100 mi. and the W 211 has 1100. E-55 was easier to launch and get traction than the SL. Next test will be to go head to head. Stay tuned for more fair and balanced reporting.
E-55 SL-55
0-20 1.05 1.13
0-40 2.38 2.45
0-60 4.20 4.28
0-80 6.30 6.30
1/8 mile 8.18 8.12.
The ESP was far more intrussive on the SL than the E at launch I believe in part due to the lower axel ratio. The Sl has 9100 mi. and the W 211 has 1100. E-55 was easier to launch and get traction than the SL. Next test will be to go head to head. Stay tuned for more fair and balanced reporting.
#17
MBWorld Fanatic!