SL55 vs XKR

[JohndoePH]

Hi everyone, lurked here on and off for years (mainly looking for lease deals, so thanks to everyone that posts on those threads).

I've currently got an S5 on lease which is great fun but really to big for 95% of my driving. When it goes back I'm looking at getting something 2 door that is a bit special, budget up to 20k but would prefer the 17k mark. Criteria so far:

• Decent noise (better than the V6 in the S5)
• Not 4 doors
• Plenty of poke / fun to drive but able to be used as a daily when mood dictates
• Not massively flashy / boy racer if i can avoid it

So far looking at my price range and criteria i'm considering an SL55 AMG or a Jag XKR neither of which will be particularly young/low miles for the money.

SL55 roof is appealing but car is mechanically complex as hell and therefore expensive to fix based on my research so far
XKR I know less about aside from the fact I'll probably be spending almost the 20k to get a post facelift 2009/2010 ish car

Any other options i should be considering? Out of the SL55 and the XKR what are people's general thoughts/experiences?

Thanks in advance

[DSLiverpool]

I’ve had a SL55 at 7 years old and a new XFR, the build quality on the Merc was way way above the Jag.
I had no major issues with the SL except a cracked alloy and I had the suspension serviced.
The Jag i just didn’t like, I appreciate interior quality and the XFR was show without depth, a few years later they leant me a XKRs and whilst an amazing machine it was crap leather and iffy stitching in the demo.

[alabbasi]

Buy the SL, it's faster and cheaper to run.

[mbwoy84]

I’ve owned both and the SL lasted 6 months with me and the XK-R has lasted almost 6 years to date. It’s in a totally different league in my opinion. Feels like a lightweight, nimble sportscar when you want it to, but it’s such a quiet, comfortable, civilised cruiser when you want that as well. Very easy to drive fast and slow. The Mercedes just doesn’t have the wow-factor for me. Sure, there are some areas it’s superior. Overall build quality for a start (even though I don’t think it’s THAT good compared to some models) and some of it will be personal preferences.

I’m happy to provide a more detailed ownership report when I’m on a PC.

[DSLiverpool]

Just looked at XKRs prices - wow they are sky high, I was offered 28% off a rag top and that’s virtually where the 3 for sale are now!

[JohndoePH]

Thanks for responses so far. I need to actually get out and drive both cars for sure.

Interesting point around future values.... I was surprised at how cheap you can pick up an SL55

[MercedesClassic]

Hi man good choice of cars, both are lovely. I don't know anything about Jags though.
I'm assuming you're looking at the convertible version of the Jag? The SL with its folding roof wouldn't be as isolated as a fixed roof XKR but the it will be superior to the soft top version.
I've owned an SL500 with AMG kit and currently an SL55. Both have been high maintenance. I'll not start listing but if you want to know more I can reply later.

So apart from the fear of big bills the SL55 is a fabulous car. The centrepiece is it's engine, it sounds and goes like little else. I pulled mine out of garage last weekend to enjoy a sunny roadtrip. With the looks, sounds, comfort, sun in face, cooled massage seats on you forget the bills.
If you want sporty, B road fun I'd suggest you look at Boxsters etc. I mean the ABC will keep the body in check etc but it's more of a muscle car, cruiser GT than sporty or chuckable.
On the right road, foot down it will go like stink and sound like all hell has broken loose.

If I was buying again from what I've learnt I'd go on condition rather than mileage. I'd buy a 120k car that's clean and had the big ticket items replaced recently than a low mileage original that hasn't.
Look for the SBC being replaced, the ABC system in good order and ideally the pump or struts replaced. Also the the roof works quietly, smoothly and there's no water leaks or rust in the boot. Pull everything out! Take your time to check everything. Feel for damp carpet. I could go on but there's plenty of reviews and guides to help. Don't rush into a purchase.
I'm sure others will add more. Let us know how you get on.

[DSLiverpool]

SL is a metal / glass roof as a SL55 era

[DSLiverpool]

This was mine in tanzanite with SL65 split rims.

[JohndoePH]

Nice picture, wheels look good. About the only thing I'm not keen on looks wise with the SL55 is the stock wheels and those suit it perfectly.

My concern with the SL is the sheer number of expensive things that can go wrong. I've no problem spending money on maintenance but I don't fancy 10k of bills in a year or so...

[ZX10R NIN]

Test driving both will give you a lot of answers.

The SL55's are not cheap to run as an ex owner I absolutely loved it so much so I've bought it back three times & am considering buying it back again, but & it's a big but these cars are expensive to run the last time I bought mine back I had to outlay 2K before it was right again.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

If you get a good one they're fantastic but they will throw up a bill, the XKR on the other hand is underrated pretty reliable & you'll get a newer example:

5.0
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Out of the two I'd still go for the SL as it's a bit more special imo than the Jag but the XKR is a very good car I don't see either as a loser.

I'd actually go for the CL if I was looking for a GT Mercedes they have much more sensible running costs & both the 500/63 are fantastic GT's with very good handling:

If you go for a 500 you'll be able to land a 4.7TT which is a peach of a unit (I'm slightly bias) which with just a map will at 480bhp before you know it:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Or if you want something more nimble there's the SLK55 AMG:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

In between both sits the 4.7TT E500:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[AlexNJ89]

ZX10R NIN said:

Test driving both will give you a lot of answers.

The SL55's are not cheap to run as an ex owner I absolutely loved it so much so I've bought it back three times & am considering buying it back again, but & it's a big but these cars are expensive to run the last time I bought mine back I had to outlay 2K before it was right again.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

If you get a good one they're fantastic but they will throw up a bill, the XKR on the other hand is underrated pretty reliable & you'll get a newer example:

5.0
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Out of the two I'd still go for the SL as it's a bit more special imo than the Jag but the XKR is a very good car I don't see either as a loser.

I'd actually go for the CL if I was looking for a GT Mercedes they have much more sensible running costs & both the 500/63 are fantastic GT's with very good handling:

If you go for a 500 you'll be able to land a 4.7TT which is a peach of a unit (I'm slightly bias) which with just a map will at 480bhp before you know it:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Or if you want something more nimble there's the SLK55 AMG:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

In between both sits the 4.7TT E500:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

That very first SL you linked just doesn't sit right imo. Looks like it may have the wrong wheels on and it's sitting too high.

OP, have you considered a BMW Z4 35is?

They're more modern, hard top retractable roof, similar performance as the cars you've suggested, some may still be under warranty and also I think they'll hold their value well.

[ZX10R NIN]

AlexNJ89 said:

That very first SL you linked just doesn't sit right imo. Looks like it may have the wrong wheels on and it's sitting too high.

OP, have you considered a BMW Z4 35is?

They're more modern, hard top retractable roof, similar performance as the cars you've suggested, some may still be under warranty and also I think they'll hold their value well.

It has after market Zito's on plus it's sitting in it's high clearance setting.

[SWoll]

Personally I'd go for the 5.0 XKR every time. The SL of that era hasn't aged well to my eyes and I've read many horror stories about the electrics (it wasn't MB's best period).

I also think the XKR has a far better image and a higher likelihood of having been well maintained as unfortunately like many AMG's the SL has dropped in price enough to get into the hands of some iffy owners.

AlexNJ89 said:

OP, have you considered a BMW Z4 35is?

They're more modern, hard top retractable roof, similar performance as the cars you've suggested, some may still be under warranty and also I think they'll hold their value well.

Not in the same league as either of the cars the OP is considering IMHO, hence the original price of both being double the cost of the Z4. You're talking M6 rivals.

Edited by SWoll on Sunday 28th April 22:27

[JohndoePH]

ZX10R NIN said:

Test driving both will give you a lot of answers.

The SL55's are not cheap to run as an ex owner I absolutely loved it so much so I've bought it back three times & am considering buying it back again, but & it's a big but these cars are expensive to run the last time I bought mine back I had to outlay 2K before it was right again.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

If you get a good one they're fantastic but they will throw up a bill, the XKR on the other hand is underrated pretty reliable & you'll get a newer example:

5.0
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Out of the two I'd still go for the SL as it's a bit more special imo than the Jag but the XKR is a very good car I don't see either as a loser.

I'd actually go for the CL if I was looking for a GT Mercedes they have much more sensible running costs & both the 500/63 are fantastic GT's with very good handling:

If you go for a 500 you'll be able to land a 4.7TT which is a peach of a unit (I'm slightly bias) which with just a map will at 480bhp before you know it:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Or if you want something more nimble there's the SLK55 AMG:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

In between both sits the 4.7TT E500:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Thanks for those suggestions. I'd not considered the CL before and can see the appeal from looking at those cars, adding that to my list of cars to test drive. As for the SLK and E Class, I've never liked the look of the SLK particularly and I've had E Class before (although not the V8 version) so not got the 'wow' factor for me personally.

[Herbs]

A big engined 6 series is worth consideration. As much as I love SL's, I wouldn't have another one.

[SWoll]

Herbs said:

A big engined 6 series is worth consideration. As much as I love SL's, I wouldn't have another one.

The V10 M6 is a massively risky proposition though and the new M6 is still out of budget. Not sure a 650i would offer the same kind of experience as the cars mentioned as a bit softer and less of a sense of occasion perhaps?

[JohndoePH]

Herbs said:

A big engined 6 series is worth consideration. As much as I love SL's, I wouldn't have another one.

I looked at 6 series, just not for me. Not a big fan of the looks or BMW in general to be honest, its the same reason I'm not including Z4's....

Out of interest why not another SL?

[Herbs]

Reliability and cost.

Mine was 5 years old at the time and the repair costs were eye watering and regular - i'd hate to see what they are like now they are much older.

[JohndoePH]

So quick update for anyone interested, (I hate not knowing the outcome on these threads so....) I bought an SL55 in the end.

I drove a couple of examples of both and for me the Merc just feels special when you are sat in it (even models 8 or 9 years older than the equivalent XKR). The ability to have a convertible without the drawbacks of a canvass roof also really appealed. I found an example locally that had been well loved by previous owners but also had pretty low miles.

I've got some plans to do a few bits to it so might start a thread if I remember to take photos etc and document exactly how expensive it is to maintain