Advice on SL55 AMG vs SL500
Discussion
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?
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?
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.
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.
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?
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: 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 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: 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.
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
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