Advice on SL55 AMG vs SL500

Advice on SL55 AMG vs SL500

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cheshire911

Original Poster:

45 posts

139 months

Friday 22nd April 2016
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I'm considering either of the above cars - want a V8 (already have flat 6 996 Turbo). The Porsche is very low mileage and I'm loathe to put miles on it with values climbing the way they are. So I'm looking into a MB sports car where I don't worry about putting on the miles.

The AMG attracts me as prices seem to have bottomed out at around £20k - £25k. Not sure how reliable it is and maintenance costs. Is it a lot more car than an SL500 non AMG?

Price for SL500 vs L55?

I'd want an independent PPI as I gather the ABC is expensive and the SBC unit is also.
I have a W211 E220 CDI from new which has been very reliable.
So I'm used to the brand but not a sports car from MB. Are prices still falling for the SL55 and SL500?

A compromise if I went non-AMG might be a SL350 but that's a V6 I think.

Any good Indy's or dealers I should be talking to in the North West?


r129sl

9,518 posts

202 months

Friday 22nd April 2016
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cheshire911 said:
...The Porsche is very low mileage and I'm loathe to put miles on it with values climbing the way they are.
A bit like not sleeping with your girlfriend so that she might be more attractive to the next man!

Anyway, it seems to me that SL55 AMG prices are firm or rising; whereas SL500 prices are falling still. There are so many SL500s out there and prices are so reasonable that I can't really see the point of going for the SL350. They share largely the same weak spots: suspension struts and pumps, problems caused by water ingress in the boot and body corrosion. Strikes me that the R230 SL500 is the bargain of the century at the moment: and it's not as if you need the power of the 55 since you have a 996TT and the 500 is not exactly slow, especially in later 5.5litre 32valve form. Arguably the 55 is a bit thuggish for a SL anyway.

anonymous-user

53 months

Friday 22nd April 2016
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Depends what you want it for. The SL500 is a nice car, but will never appreciate in value as there are too many and it's just not that special. That said if you just want it to tool around in then it might be for you as the prices are significantly less than the 55. It is however a 'cooking model' at the end of the day.

The 55 seems to be appreciating a little in value (for good ones) now and is just that bit more special in terms of the engine, looks etc. plus it has the AMG badge. You will pay more but get more back eventually and you may not lose on it at all if you look after it. It isn't the most reliable but the major faults are shared with the SL500 anyway.

I would get the 55 as I think you'll enjoy it more and lose less on it providing you look after it properly!


cheshire911

Original Poster:

45 posts

139 months

Friday 22nd April 2016
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Some interesting comments, thanks. I'm veering towards an AMG SL55 bit unsure of prices. I think there was a facelift in 2006 which presumably is the one to go for.

I need a lot more research - I know Porsche inside out - the only way to buy a good one. But these MB cats are so confusing trying to understand engine numbers such ad R129, R230, M156 and then the transmission - 5 spd auto, MCT, 7-Gtronic etc.

If anyone can clarify these things in an SL55, I'd be grateful.
I'll have to get a book on the model range to narrow down model and options.
Hopefully I'll be able to look seriously in the Autumn once the Turbo goes into hibernation.

anonymous-user

53 months

Friday 22nd April 2016
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SL55 - introduced 2002 - chassis R230 engine M113K - 5 speed auto with 'manual' paddles
SL500 - introduced 2002 - chassis R230 engine M113 - 5 speed auto with 'manual' paddles (not sure if this was on all of them - the manual option I mean)

Engine in SL55 is supercharged hence the K (Kompressor)

Facelifted in 2005 - most noticeable difference is the centre console fascia extends round the Command audio unit on the early cars.

I wouldn't let the facelift dictate your choice though as the changes are fairly minor in most ways - go on condition and history!

Three biggest issues - ABC, SBC, water in boot! Check roof operates smoothly too!

Edited by anonymous-user on Friday 22 April 13:36

cheshire911

Original Poster:

45 posts

139 months

Saturday 23rd April 2016
quotequote all
Helpful comments. Thanks. I'm not sure about a 5 speed auto on a sports car.
I'd prefer a manual but as that's not available I was happy to consider a MCT or 7-Gtronic because they are pre-selector double clutch boxes (as Porsche's PDK box) and have no lag of a conventional torque converter.
When was the MCT or 7-Gtronic box introduced and am I correct they are dual clutch boxes with no torque converter?

r129sl

9,518 posts

202 months

Saturday 23rd April 2016
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7-Gtronic is a seven speed torque converter auto. I don't think it was ever supplied with the SL55 AMG: that car always came with the 722.6 five speed torque converter automatic (which is possibly the best automatic transmission ever made but is nonetheless very much an automatic transmission). The 7-Gtronic automatic was standard fit on SL500s from about 2004.

The MCT is dual clutch DSG-type transmission. In the R230 chassis it was supplied only with the SL63 AMG.

Interestingly, very early SL350s were supplied as standard with a robotised manual transmission although try finding one. Almost all were ordered with the optional automatic. This was actually a very good transmission, much better than the SMG box offered by BMW or the F1 box offered by Ferrari at the time.

Given that you are looking at R230 SLs because you are reluctant to drive your low miles, steadily appreciating 996 TT lest you destroy its value, can I ask why would you want a low miles, steadily appreciating SL55 AMG, the value of which will be diminished if not destroyed by the addition of miles? Aren't you going to have the same problem? And I'm afraid that no SL of any chassis will come close to the 996 as a sports car. The SL's strengths are in other fields.

Edited by r129sl on Saturday 23 April 07:28

ZX10R NIN

27,494 posts

124 months

Saturday 23rd April 2016
quotequote all
cheshire911 said:
Helpful comments. Thanks. I'm not sure about a 5 speed auto on a sports car.
I'd prefer a manual but as that's not available I was happy to consider a MCT or 7-Gtronic because they are pre-selector double clutch boxes (as Porsche's PDK box) and have no lag of a conventional torque converter.
When was the MCT or 7-Gtronic box introduced and am I correct they are dual clutch boxes with no torque converter?
You don't get the 7 speed as they couldn't handle(that's why it was introduced on the 63) the torque the 55 put out, the shifts are smooth (slow compared to an MCT) but the box is reliable & doesn't cost 6-8k to repair when the electronics mess up the shifts.

If you want a faster shift then you can get a shift upgrade from Weistec etc, as for the 55 it's pretty bulletproof engine & gearbox wise the ABC can be expensive but it's not that bad most work well it's the struts that give up first. The SBC is less of a problem & is a simple but 1.5k to get a new master cylinder fitted.
The boot soaked in water is the most common issue this can affect the central locking system etc, check the drainage points & as that was the thing I kept on having issues with, I ran mine at nearly 700bhp for four years without issues.

cheshire911

Original Poster:

45 posts

139 months

Sunday 24th April 2016
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R129sl: I should just clarify that I'm not looking for a low mileage SL55. I'd be into a 40-60k miler car and can add miles without worry because I think the car has hit the bottom of the depreciation curve and I don't think this car model has the modern classic potential that the 996 Turbo has. Prices for 996 Turbos have gone crazy in the last three years.

I also realise that no SL will come close to the sports performance of a six speed manual box turbo. I'm thinking it will be different but being German, will be better build than Italian (not to mention price and maintenance costs of a Ferrari or a Maserati). Min entry price fir a Ferrari 360 is low £60k. And then there is the maintenance. Again, Italian cats are extremely mileage sensitive, so I'd be loathe to drive it - but astonishing investments. 3 years ago I could get a 360 for low £30k! Now look at the prices.

The idea of the second sports car or tourer is a low entry price with reasonable cost of ownership to drive without worrying about fugure investment potential and values.

I'm a little put off by the clarity on transmission as it seems the model I'd consider has a conventional torque converter auto - very sluggish in my W211 220 CDI E-class. Perhaps the power and torque of the AMG car will suit the auto response better.

ZX10R NIN

27,494 posts

124 months

Sunday 24th April 2016
quotequote all
I'd think it should feel sluggish in your E220 with only 150 or if it's the later one then 170bhp to play with are you sure it's not the engine that's not sluggish?

I never felt it was a problem even in standard form it produces 516lb/ft from 2500rpm the weistec upgrade made the biggest difference in terms of response on the paddles, the box was sharper through the shifts but as I said it was never an issue until I wanted more from the car in manual mode as I'd replaced the buttons with paddles. I'd given more than a few turbo owners nightmares with the car the speed of shift was never a game changer.



SL55 AMG 500bhp 516lb/ft
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...

Or you could get the later SL500 with the 5.5 N/A engine but it does have the 7 Speed box as well as 388bhp & 391 lb/ft of torque.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

Facelift
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

Edited by ZX10R NIN on Sunday 24th April 01:51

r129sl

9,518 posts

202 months

Sunday 24th April 2016
quotequote all
cheshire911 said:
R129sl: I should just clarify that I'm not looking for a low mileage SL55. I'd be into a 40-60k miler car and can add miles without worry because I think the car has hit the bottom of the depreciation curve and I don't think this car model has the modern classic potential that the 996 Turbo has. Prices for 996 Turbos have gone crazy in the last three years.

I also realise that no SL will come close to the sports performance of a six speed manual box turbo. I'm thinking it will be different but being German, will be better build than Italian (not to mention price and maintenance costs of a Ferrari or a Maserati). Min entry price fir a Ferrari 360 is low £60k. And then there is the maintenance. Again, Italian cats are extremely mileage sensitive, so I'd be loathe to drive it - but astonishing investments. 3 years ago I could get a 360 for low £30k! Now look at the prices.

The idea of the second sports car or tourer is a low entry price with reasonable cost of ownership to drive without worrying about fugure investment potential and values.

I'm a little put off by the clarity on transmission as it seems the model I'd consider has a conventional torque converter auto - very sluggish in my W211 220 CDI E-class. Perhaps the power and torque of the AMG car will suit the auto response better.
I think the 55 will be right up your street, then!

I'm not sure I'd worry too much about the auto: it's a fairly brilliant transmission, especially in the high power and torque applications. Although it only has five ratios, I find this makes "manual" operation much easier, because you know intuitively what ratio you're in and what ratio you need. Which will be second and third on the fun roads.

I also find it's quicker to change than the 7-Gtronic (although I'm only familiar with that from a C320 CDI). And although the R230 has a few small weak spots summarised above, it will make any other car seem like it's made of chocolate, especially the Italians.

Gerradi

1,522 posts

119 months

Sunday 24th April 2016
quotequote all
The 5 speed auto in the SL55/E55/CLS55 is the also used in the 996 3.Carrera /996 Turbo...same box.

I think you were answering r129sl when he had said:
r129sl said:
And I'm afraid that no SL of any chassis will come close to the 996 as a sports car. The SL's strengths are in other fields.
Which is a bit different to
cheshire911 said:
R129sl:
I also realise that no SL will come close to the sports performance of a six speed manual box turbo.
I think he was talking only about the handling/weight etc.
Pull alongside a sl55 around 20mph & if the Si55 wanted to go your 996TT would be struggling ...even worse from 40/50mph...



Edited by Gerradi on Sunday 24th April 12:16

cheshire911

Original Poster:

45 posts

139 months

Sunday 24th April 2016
quotequote all
ZX10R NIN: Thanks for those links. Confirms my price range should get me into a good example. Prefer silver car any day. Not keen on black or dark blue.
Interesting that facelift car is around same price as non-facelift and 7 speed box.

The 5 speed auto box is fitted to Porsche 996 NA cars as well as Turbo. Drove a friends 996 Auto Turbo, and the torque of the car suits the box well - so perhaps my experience in the E220 is down to lack of grunt as one reply has suggested.

I'd have any car in this calibre independently inspected. I've seen guys who bought A Porsche from specialist and nob-specialist dealers get their fingers burnt with expensive bills which is probably why the car was off-loaded in the first place. Warranty on such an old car is probably little value-add with low limits per claim and wear 'n' tear exclusion clauses, hence the need for a thorough inspection from a specialist who knows the marque and model inside out.

The last couple of threads is increasing my interest in an SL55 AMG.
I doubt the car will appreciate, but hopefully wont have much further to depreciate and provide fun motoring.


Edited by cheshire911 on Sunday 24th April 23:33

Workshy Fop

756 posts

266 months

Monday 25th April 2016
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I've just bought an 09 SL500 5.5 for 22.6k from a Merc dealer. Unseen! Get it on Thursday.

It has a merc warranty but how would I quickly check for the known suspension problems? Water in boot a bit easier to diagnose. Is that something you just need to keep on to of.

swisstoni

16,850 posts

278 months

Monday 25th April 2016
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Having looked for (and finally bought) an SL55 last autumn I think there is quite a high demand for good ones if my search was anything to go by. I would certainly go for as late as possible as the boot seals were redesigned. Mine is dry and lives outside.

anonymous-user

53 months

Tuesday 26th April 2016
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As much as I love the SL in general - any model, any engine - why not try the SLK 55 AMG - it doesn't have the ABC, SBC and generally speaking the boot leaks of the R230 plus it's a bit more nimble and much cheaper to buy/run than the SL.

Failing that a CLK 55 cab?!

BigBen

11,610 posts

229 months

Thursday 28th April 2016
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Gerradi said:
I think he was talking only about the handling/weight etc.
Pull alongside a sl55 around 20mph & if the Si55 wanted to go your 996TT would be struggling ...even worse from 40/50mph...


Edited by Gerradi on Sunday 24th April 12:16
I think the 0 - 100 times are pretty much identical between a 996 turbo and the SL. Given the 996 must muller it off the line that means the SL is seriously impressive higher up the range.

Fully agree they are no track day cars mind you.

greenarrow

3,551 posts

116 months

Friday 29th April 2016
quotequote all
BigBen said:
Gerradi said:
I think he was talking only about the handling/weight etc.
Pull alongside a sl55 around 20mph & if the Si55 wanted to go your 996TT would be struggling ...even worse from 40/50mph...


Edited by Gerradi on Sunday 24th April 12:16
I think the 0 - 100 times are pretty much identical between a 996 turbo and the SL. Given the 996 must muller it off the line that means the SL is seriously impressive higher up the range.

Fully agree they are no track day cars mind you.
The 996 is still ahead by 100, courtesy of a quicker 0-30 time, but they are very close! I remember an article in Autocar back in the day when they took some cars to Nardo to test top speed. As I recall a derestricted SL55 hit 202 MPH or something. They are very quick cars, but don't they have a bad reputation for costing an arm and leg as they get older?

BigBen

11,610 posts

229 months

Friday 29th April 2016
quotequote all
greenarrow said:
They are very quick cars, but don't they have a bad reputation for costing an arm and leg as they get older?
I think the 'as they get older' bit is inaccurate but otherwise you are correct wink

cheshire911

Original Poster:

45 posts

139 months

Saturday 30th April 2016
quotequote all
I'm guessing cost of maintenance and ownership will be lower than a 996 Turbo.
My W211 daily driver has been both very reliable and low maintenance costs.
Are SL55 AMG able to devour a bank balance for breakfast?