RE: Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG: PH Heroes

[peter450]

I really like these, especially the face lifted SL63. I have to admit that when the SL63 drops to the level of the 55 in the next two to three years I am going to be sorely tempted. It's a lot of car for the money but yes big bills are definitely off putting, how much does it cost to extend MB warranty on these ?

[308mate]

Well written and entertaining piece, one of the best on PH for ages.

[big_rob_sydney]

BigBen said:

big_rob_sydney said:

BigBen said:

big_rob_sydney said:

I don't get the appeal. If I wanted something around that performance level from AMG, then a C63 would hit the mark, for a much more modern car, with better quality.

In fact, the quality isn't even a discussion, its more of a joke.

Good point, a saloon car is a direct equivalent to a convertible. The interior on the C63 is very poor compared to any of the SLs as could be expected given the new price of either.

I will qualify my post in that I owned an SL 55 for many years and have had a C63 as a hire car for about 24 hours so have some experience of both.

Guess it depends if you want a convertible or not. Not everyone looks like a supermodel, and not everyone else wants to look at some ugly mug, either.

If you're a *driver*, this isn't the dynamic car for you. If you're a poser, then maybe it is.

Of course it depends on what kind of car you want, that was precisely my point.

I doubt many *drivers* would fail to find an SL55 fun to drive, EVO magazine had it as their choice of convertible car for many years. Is it possible you drove a duff example?

You must be a supermodel then, because no one wants to see your ugly mug, nor the wind whipping through your receding blue rinse.

[swisstoni]

big_rob_sydney said:

BigBen said:

big_rob_sydney said:

BigBen said:

big_rob_sydney said:

I don't get the appeal. If I wanted something around that performance level from AMG, then a C63 would hit the mark, for a much more modern car, with better quality.

In fact, the quality isn't even a discussion, its more of a joke.

Good point, a saloon car is a direct equivalent to a convertible. The interior on the C63 is very poor compared to any of the SLs as could be expected given the new price of either.

I will qualify my post in that I owned an SL 55 for many years and have had a C63 as a hire car for about 24 hours so have some experience of both.

Guess it depends if you want a convertible or not. Not everyone looks like a supermodel, and not everyone else wants to look at some ugly mug, either.

If you're a *driver*, this isn't the dynamic car for you. If you're a poser, then maybe it is.

Of course it depends on what kind of car you want, that was precisely my point.

I doubt many *drivers* would fail to find an SL55 fun to drive, EVO magazine had it as their choice of convertible car for many years. Is it possible you drove a duff example?

You must be a supermodel then, because no one wants to see your ugly mug, nor the wind whipping through your receding blue rinse.

Why not start your own 'why I hate convertibles' thread?

[anonymous-user]

big_rob_sydney said:

BigBen said:

big_rob_sydney said:

BigBen said:

big_rob_sydney said:

I don't get the appeal. If I wanted something around that performance level from AMG, then a C63 would hit the mark, for a much more modern car, with better quality.

In fact, the quality isn't even a discussion, its more of a joke.

Good point, a saloon car is a direct equivalent to a convertible. The interior on the C63 is very poor compared to any of the SLs as could be expected given the new price of either.

I will qualify my post in that I owned an SL 55 for many years and have had a C63 as a hire car for about 24 hours so have some experience of both.

Guess it depends if you want a convertible or not. Not everyone looks like a supermodel, and not everyone else wants to look at some ugly mug, either.

If you're a *driver*, this isn't the dynamic car for you. If you're a poser, then maybe it is.

Of course it depends on what kind of car you want, that was precisely my point.

I doubt many *drivers* would fail to find an SL55 fun to drive, EVO magazine had it as their choice of convertible car for many years. Is it possible you drove a duff example?

You must be a supermodel then, because no one wants to see your ugly mug, nor the wind whipping through your receding blue rinse.

You never post anything positive, always whinging / moaning about costs or JD power surveys (whatever that is), or opinions about what people look like driving their car of choice.

It's a 500HP Mercedes, of course it wont be cheap to run and people will be envious (a bit like you seem to be), in my opinion an excellent all rounder, fast, stylish, good fun, roofless, awesome sound, cheap to buy, relative to run.

[anonymous-user]

big_rob_sydney said:

You must be a supermodel then, because no one wants to see your ugly mug, nor the wind whipping through your receding blue rinse.

Since when did you have to look like a supermodel to enjoy a convertible... some of the **** posted on this forum is laughable. **** what anyone else thinks, if you want a convertible get one and if some other **** wants to judge you let them!

[AMGJocky]

cb1965 said:

big_rob_sydney said:

You must be a supermodel then, because no one wants to see your ugly mug, nor the wind whipping through your receding blue rinse.

Since when did you have to look like a supermodel to enjoy a convertible... some of the **** posted on this forum is laughable. **** what anyone else thinks, if you want a convertible get one and if some other **** wants to judge you let them!

Sounds like he's had his fingers burned previously.

That, or he's just a tosser.

[BigBen]

big_rob_sydney said:

BigBen said:

big_rob_sydney said:

BigBen said:

big_rob_sydney said:

I don't get the appeal. If I wanted something around that performance level from AMG, then a C63 would hit the mark, for a much more modern car, with better quality.

In fact, the quality isn't even a discussion, its more of a joke.

Good point, a saloon car is a direct equivalent to a convertible. The interior on the C63 is very poor compared to any of the SLs as could be expected given the new price of either.

I will qualify my post in that I owned an SL 55 for many years and have had a C63 as a hire car for about 24 hours so have some experience of both.

Guess it depends if you want a convertible or not. Not everyone looks like a supermodel, and not everyone else wants to look at some ugly mug, either.

If you're a *driver*, this isn't the dynamic car for you. If you're a poser, then maybe it is.

Of course it depends on what kind of car you want, that was precisely my point.

I doubt many *drivers* would fail to find an SL55 fun to drive, EVO magazine had it as their choice of convertible car for many years. Is it possible you drove a duff example?

You must be a supermodel then, because no one wants to see your ugly mug, nor the wind whipping through your receding blue rinse.

It's OK I don't want anyone to look at me either, by your rules should non-supermodels wear balaclavas every time they leave the house, sounds a bit extreme and not really well thought through to me.

Still haven't heard about the time you drove an SL55, it it possible that you never have? I suppose that would explain your opinions on the subject.

[big_rob_sydney]

swisstoni said:

Why not start your own 'why I hate convertibles' thread?

Seems like I touched a nerve with a few.

I don't need to start a thread; Clarkson has covered this point in depth, and despite his deliberately un-pc stance, an element of truth rings through.

If people want to argue the point, send all noise to Amazon Prime. JC and co. will happily pull you apart.

[Schermerhorn]

What sort of engine mods can be done to the 5.5 V8 Kompressor engine?

I'd really love a G55 AMG and give it a little more poke.

[big_rob_sydney]

Trexthedinosaur said:

big_rob_sydney said:

BigBen said:

big_rob_sydney said:

BigBen said:

big_rob_sydney said:

I don't get the appeal. If I wanted something around that performance level from AMG, then a C63 would hit the mark, for a much more modern car, with better quality.

In fact, the quality isn't even a discussion, its more of a joke.

Good point, a saloon car is a direct equivalent to a convertible. The interior on the C63 is very poor compared to any of the SLs as could be expected given the new price of either.

I will qualify my post in that I owned an SL 55 for many years and have had a C63 as a hire car for about 24 hours so have some experience of both.

Guess it depends if you want a convertible or not. Not everyone looks like a supermodel, and not everyone else wants to look at some ugly mug, either.

If you're a *driver*, this isn't the dynamic car for you. If you're a poser, then maybe it is.

Of course it depends on what kind of car you want, that was precisely my point.

I doubt many *drivers* would fail to find an SL55 fun to drive, EVO magazine had it as their choice of convertible car for many years. Is it possible you drove a duff example?

You must be a supermodel then, because no one wants to see your ugly mug, nor the wind whipping through your receding blue rinse.

You never post anything positive, always whinging / moaning about costs or JD power surveys (whatever that is), or opinions about what people look like driving their car of choice.

It's a 500HP Mercedes, of course it wont be cheap to run and people will be envious (a bit like you seem to be), in my opinion an excellent all rounder, fast, stylish, good fun, roofless, awesome sound, cheap to buy, relative to run.

The irony is strong with this one...

Perhaps you missed the recommendation of the c63? Perhaps you missed the point that JD Powers is meant to help people buy better cars, and is therefore a useful resource? Or perhaps you're just stupid?

[Adz The Rat]

I remember the first time I went out in one of these, a friend worked for Merc and picked me up in one. We just kept laughing at the noise and acceleration.

I drove a tuned one with straight pipes, I think it had around 650bhp, it was mental. Wouldn't have one though.

[Gouki]

Well I've had mine for over 7 years now (see my garage), originally I felt it was the ultimate performance car, capable of many different skills such as a lap or two of the Nurburgring, driving down to the south of France as part of a 3000 mile euro trip and even doing well at santa pod. However when compared against more contemporary metal it does fall short e.g. F-Type/Porsche 911 turbo, but this competition does not exist at the same price point. Regarding interior build quality, it is very impressive the only rattle coming from the rear wind deflector which wasn't pressed in correctly.

On top of regular servicing and 20mpg expect the 'bonus' £1k bill per year for a component failure. It has never left me stranded but replacing the tandem pump for a second time during ownership stings a little - however it was cheaper this time by £300.

I keep hankering after a 997.1 manual turbo or a V10 M6, but with prices of the former never going down and the gearbox and recently documented engine issues of the latter I have yet to pull the trigger on either. Even if I do buy an M6 the SL55 is staying, for the Porsche I'll have to sell the SL55 and some vital organs.

The gun metal SL65 wheels help modernise the car and new MPSS tyres provide a level of grip that was previously alien to me. Like an old thoroughbred racing horse, it is now bound for posing duties only.

[anonymous-user]

Schermerhorn said:

What sort of engine mods can be done to the 5.5 V8 Kompressor engine?

I'd really love a G55 AMG and give it a little more poke.

Smaller SC pulley, remap, headers, X pipe exhaust/de-cat, bigger heat exchanger, better IC pump, 82mm throttle body, custom induction, split cooling..... hello 650hp/900Nm power/torque.

That's what mine has and it's pretty entertaining despite the fact it's a convertible and I'm not a supermodel

[anonymous-user]

big_rob_sydney said:

Seems like I touched a nerve with a few.

I don't need to start a thread; Clarkson has covered this point in depth, and despite his deliberately un-pc stance, an element of truth rings through.

If people want to argue the point, send all noise to Amazon Prime. JC and co. will happily pull you apart.

You are aware JC says things solely for effect, he owned an SL55 FFS

[Schermerhorn]

cb1965 said:

Schermerhorn said:

What sort of engine mods can be done to the 5.5 V8 Kompressor engine?

I'd really love a G55 AMG and give it a little more poke.

Smaller SC pulley, remap, headers, X pipe exhaust/de-cat, bigger heat exchanger, better IC pump, 82mm throttle body, custom induction, split cooling..... hello 650hp/900Nm power/torque.

That's what mine has and it's pretty entertaining despite the fact it's a convertible and I'm not a supermodel

Oooh, that does sound lovely!

[anonymous-user]

big_rob_sydney said:

Trexthedinosaur said:

big_rob_sydney said:

BigBen said:

big_rob_sydney said:

BigBen said:

big_rob_sydney said:

I don't get the appeal. If I wanted something around that performance level from AMG, then a C63 would hit the mark, for a much more modern car, with better quality.

In fact, the quality isn't even a discussion, its more of a joke.

Good point, a saloon car is a direct equivalent to a convertible. The interior on the C63 is very poor compared to any of the SLs as could be expected given the new price of either.

I will qualify my post in that I owned an SL 55 for many years and have had a C63 as a hire car for about 24 hours so have some experience of both.

Guess it depends if you want a convertible or not. Not everyone looks like a supermodel, and not everyone else wants to look at some ugly mug, either.

If you're a *driver*, this isn't the dynamic car for you. If you're a poser, then maybe it is.

Of course it depends on what kind of car you want, that was precisely my point.

I doubt many *drivers* would fail to find an SL55 fun to drive, EVO magazine had it as their choice of convertible car for many years. Is it possible you drove a duff example?

You must be a supermodel then, because no one wants to see your ugly mug, nor the wind whipping through your receding blue rinse.

You never post anything positive, always whinging / moaning about costs or JD power surveys (whatever that is), or opinions about what people look like driving their car of choice.

It's a 500HP Mercedes, of course it wont be cheap to run and people will be envious (a bit like you seem to be), in my opinion an excellent all rounder, fast, stylish, good fun, roofless, awesome sound, cheap to buy, relative to run.

The irony is strong with this one...

Perhaps you missed the recommendation of the c63? Perhaps you missed the point that JD Powers is meant to help people buy better cars, and is therefore a useful resource? Or perhaps you're just stupid?

How is that then?

Is the C63 a convertible? A sports car? Stylish? Dynamic? Nope it is a large engine saloon / coupe, cretin.

You've summarised it yourself, it is meant (do you know the definition of that word?) to help people, but it depends on their respective requirements, I may not care about cost / reliability and only desire power and no roof.

Maybe one day you can afford one without worrying about the costs instead of sounding like a bitter old man in your, I am sure extremely practical, reliable and boring, Lexus.

[swisstoni]

Lexus do a nice convertible.

[anonymous-user]

swisstoni said:

Lexus do a nice convertible.

You can only buy one if you're a supermodel though - Lexus ts&cs

[urquattroGus]

Later SL63 with M156 V8 might be the one to have??