It Sure Doesn't Handle Like A SL55!
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From: San Diego, CA
BMW M5, Porsche 911, Mercedes-Benz E55
It Sure Doesn't Handle Like A SL55!
I just attended the AMG Challenge Graduate Driving Event at Las Vegas Speedway yesterday. The one overriding impression that I came away with was the E55's handling dynamics as compared to those of the SL55. During open lapping around the infield road course, it became quickly apparent that the SL55 exhibits far, far LESS body lean (i.e. corners significantly flatter) than the E55. Maybe some of this difference in body roll is related to the different suspension systems on each car (i.e. Airmatic DC on the E55 versus the Active Body Control -- ABC -- on the SL55).
Furthermore, the steering on the SL55 seems quicker (i.e. does the SL55 have quicker ratio steering?) and less prone to understeer. Maybe the far longer wheelbase on the E55 also contributes to this difference in steering feel/turn-in sharpness.
When hustling the E55, it required far MORE steering input on turn-in (especially on low and medium speed turns). Despite the fact that the SL55 has a couple of hundred pounds more heft, it definitely feels more nimble (and easier to manage) around the racetrack.
Finally, the exhaust note of the SL55 sounds more raspy and sporty in the cabin. The slightly shorter final drive of the SL55 didn't seem too noticable in terms of translating into greater throttle response.
Furthermore, the steering on the SL55 seems quicker (i.e. does the SL55 have quicker ratio steering?) and less prone to understeer. Maybe the far longer wheelbase on the E55 also contributes to this difference in steering feel/turn-in sharpness.
When hustling the E55, it required far MORE steering input on turn-in (especially on low and medium speed turns). Despite the fact that the SL55 has a couple of hundred pounds more heft, it definitely feels more nimble (and easier to manage) around the racetrack.
Finally, the exhaust note of the SL55 sounds more raspy and sporty in the cabin. The slightly shorter final drive of the SL55 didn't seem too noticable in terms of translating into greater throttle response.
Last edited by Symbolic; Apr 9, 2004 at 04:49 PM.
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I've owned both vehicles and agree with you somewhat. The SL55 does have SLIGHTLY less body roll. However, I believe the E55 does feel more nimble. This is mostly attributed to it's less weight and more aerodynamic design. While I loved the look and drive of my SL55, I needed back seats and in all honesty am happier how my E55 drives. As far as on a track, I actually might rather have my E55 
However, if I'm going to bring a car to a track, it isn't going to weigh over 3500 lbs. The E55 and SL55 should be kept on the street.
However, if I'm going to bring a car to a track, it isn't going to weigh over 3500 lbs. The E55 and SL55 should be kept on the street.
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I just drove a friend's SL55 for the first time yesterday.
Exhaust note: clearly has more rumble in the SL55.
Acceleration: couldn't tell any difference vs. E55.
Handling: I felt a slight bit less roll on a hard turn into an onramp, but otherwise not much difference (which means that for a $130K sports coupe, the SL55's handling/steering is very UNimpressive).
Appearance: the SL55 is still one of the most attractive cars ever made IMO. Is it way overpriced for the performance/handling? Gotta say yes on that one.
Exhaust note: clearly has more rumble in the SL55.
Acceleration: couldn't tell any difference vs. E55.
Handling: I felt a slight bit less roll on a hard turn into an onramp, but otherwise not much difference (which means that for a $130K sports coupe, the SL55's handling/steering is very UNimpressive).
Appearance: the SL55 is still one of the most attractive cars ever made IMO. Is it way overpriced for the performance/handling? Gotta say yes on that one.
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From: Melbourne, Australia
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Originally posted by amg55
Appearance: the SL55 is still one of the most attractive cars ever made IMO. Is it way overpriced for the performance/handling? Gotta say yes on that one.
Appearance: the SL55 is still one of the most attractive cars ever made IMO. Is it way overpriced for the performance/handling? Gotta say yes on that one.
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From: Cave Creek, AZ and Newport Beach
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I was at Las Vegas for the amg event on wed. although not the graduate class. Since I have both E and SL, I would agree that ABC helps the SL corner flatter and the electronic aids helps the feel of the Sl on the track. Since its impossible to fully disable the esp on the SL 55 like on the E55 some of the $40k difference in price must likely went into the ABC engieering.
On a side note, AMG delivered about 40 new cars for our event most with less than 15-20 miles that we literally beat the sh-t out of for the whole day and not one missed a beat. The SL does sound sweet doing burnouts
As far as the SL 55 being overpriced, the dealers still have more buyers than cars in SoCal.
On a side note, AMG delivered about 40 new cars for our event most with less than 15-20 miles that we literally beat the sh-t out of for the whole day and not one missed a beat. The SL does sound sweet doing burnouts
As far as the SL 55 being overpriced, the dealers still have more buyers than cars in SoCal.
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Apples and oranges in my opinion. Not that this means anything but my latest Motor Trend has the E55 slalom speed at 66.5 and the SL55 at 66.7 mph. Either way I would expect the SL to outperform its sedan counterpart any day in regards to handling. Now straightline acceleration is a different story. 
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Stephens: my point is that when you compare the E55 vs. SL55, if one costs $50,000 more, but the handling and power are almost identical, then one is overpriced.
The SL55 is priced where it is not because the technology is $50K more expensive, but because that's where the market dictates it will achieve maximum profitability for MB.
The SL55 is priced where it is not because the technology is $50K more expensive, but because that's where the market dictates it will achieve maximum profitability for MB.
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From: Southern California, USA
2003 CL55 AMG
The SL55 is more expensive simply since you can drop its hard top at a punch of a button.
Also, for some reason I never understood, when you remove 2 doors you are also allowed to charge more.
Also, for some reason I never understood, when you remove 2 doors you are also allowed to charge more.
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2009 E550 w P1, Flint Black
Is break-in necessary?
On a side note, AMG delivered about 40 new cars for our event most with less than 15-20 miles that we literally beat the sh-t out of for the whole day and not one missed a beat.
-----------------------------
Hmmm... MB has a 1,000 mi break-in limiting speeds to 85 mph. And they deliver new cars for flogging on the track? I guess the break-in isn't really necessary, is it?
-----------------------------
Hmmm... MB has a 1,000 mi break-in limiting speeds to 85 mph. And they deliver new cars for flogging on the track? I guess the break-in isn't really necessary, is it?
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From: Manchester, UK
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The E55 has its nose half a car length ahead on the SL55 at up to 160mph. This is hardly an advantage.
The E55K was born to dethrone the new M5 and put MB on the map for the most outrageous saloon ever made. The SL55 is a convertible hardtop car, with stunning looks, more technology and that sound!
The ABC in Sport mode makes the SL55 body roll non existant, the Airmatic on teh E55 does this to a degree but the sheer power of the engine overwhelms the chassis and makes the car squat and dive upon acceleration and braking. ABC does not allow the SL/CL/S to do this at all.
If the SL55 is a waste of money compared to the E55 in performance and handling then ask yourself this, whats the point of Ferrari charging 500K for an Enzo or F50? Who does Porsche think it is by charging so much for CGT ?
When a 25K Radical Sr3 will beat them by half a minute round the Nurburgring?
It bothered me as well, that why are sportscar manufacturers charging so much for so less? Well you get much more than just raw racer.
And BTW, a de-limited to 186mph SL55 with the performance package from AMG did the Nring in 8.03 . That is FASTER than M3/M5/360M/575/Vanquish So don't think these cars are heavy and useless.
The E55K was born to dethrone the new M5 and put MB on the map for the most outrageous saloon ever made. The SL55 is a convertible hardtop car, with stunning looks, more technology and that sound!
The ABC in Sport mode makes the SL55 body roll non existant, the Airmatic on teh E55 does this to a degree but the sheer power of the engine overwhelms the chassis and makes the car squat and dive upon acceleration and braking. ABC does not allow the SL/CL/S to do this at all.
If the SL55 is a waste of money compared to the E55 in performance and handling then ask yourself this, whats the point of Ferrari charging 500K for an Enzo or F50? Who does Porsche think it is by charging so much for CGT ?
When a 25K Radical Sr3 will beat them by half a minute round the Nurburgring?
It bothered me as well, that why are sportscar manufacturers charging so much for so less? Well you get much more than just raw racer.
And BTW, a de-limited to 186mph SL55 with the performance package from AMG did the Nring in 8.03 . That is FASTER than M3/M5/360M/575/Vanquish So don't think these cars are heavy and useless.
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From: Palm Beach Gardens, FL
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The challenge cars are sold with full disclosure at wholesale auction but then passed on to unsuspecting consumers by used car dealers.
They should retest thehandling on the E55 with better tires and 1.5" lowering!
They should retest thehandling on the E55 with better tires and 1.5" lowering!
Last edited by Dr Chill; Apr 10, 2004 at 03:49 PM.
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From: 2000 ft over the FL coast in a B-17
Various
Originally posted by Dr Chill
The challenge cars are sold with full disclosure at wholesale auction but then passed on to unsuspecting consumers by used car dealers.
The challenge cars are sold with full disclosure at wholesale auction but then passed on to unsuspecting consumers by used car dealers.
I bought a new CLK430 in 2000 that had about 50 miles on it, the cars back in 00 were tough to get in my area so I bought it anyway knowing most new MB come with between 14-25 miles on them. Well guess what, after one month the lifters got louder and louder and got so loud that the dealer had to disassemble my motor with only 1200 miles on it...it never ran like it should after that. I've owned 3 more new benzes since then and always made sure there was no "test pilots" prior to me and the mileage on all three were under 18.
Last edited by RJC; Apr 10, 2004 at 03:36 PM.
