Mercedes r231 sl63 medium term view

[Frankychops]

I was looking for a sl55, however its become a bit of a nightmare search. I've since been offered('off market') a mega spec 2014 sl63 with 30k miles, with performance pack, at £35k, it feels like an 'easier' option. I much prefer the interior and tech, dislike the headlights, however feels like it's got less 'bork' factor. as always, I know it'll loose money, however would you guess around £2-3k a year in depreciation over normal running costs? my only negative is its in the pearl type white, looks are growing on me though.

[AB]

Lovely looking car IMO, always had a soft spot for them. I also think they look good in white. Red interior even better

[ArmaghMan]

Hi Franky.
I'd responded to you on the SL55 thread.

Sorry you can't find a nice 55. They are a fun thing.
Just a word of caution re 63.
When my 63 was in getting it's annual ( 500 mile!) service the guys had a 63 sitting.
I couldn't help but admire it. They are a lovely thing.
Said to the guys how I'd love one of those and they explained that they are in a different league when it comes to maintaining them.
Brakes from memory were over £3000.

That's what I love about the 55.
You can get ( almost) supercar performance with hot hatch maintenance bills.
Get the impression this isn't possible with the 63.

Most 55s, except the collector grade stuff has reached the bottom of the depreciation curve.
Mine is still worth what I gave for it 5 years ago.

Whatever way you go make sure to keep us informed with plenty of pics.

[Frankychops]

Just getting the Mrs onboard. The way I’m looking at it, you can’t see the face when you’re behind the wheel! I can feel the effect of a SL with a proper capacity engine

[mwstewart]

The 231's are all aluminium and a very big step forward over the heavy earlier cars.

[fozzymandeus]

The roof on the R231 is a substantial improvement over the R230 design. The interior looks nicer but isn’t actually as high quality though.

[MikeM6]

Not sure if you have already bought the car, but it might be worth looking for a 2016 on model. They have the performance pack as standard including the limited slip differential and some other updates, as well as a slight power boost to 580ish hp. I paid £37k for mine last winter, so very close to the price cited for the 2014 model.

I think the price of brakes varies dramatically depending on whether you have the optional carbon ceramics (which I would avoid due to the cost) and where you go. Mercedes dealers would probably charge the earth for the same pads and discs you could get fitted elsewhere.