SL55 power output?

[GG33]

I seem to be seeing different outputs quoted for the AMG SL55. Did they change the spec at any time between 2002 and 2004? Some quote 470 odd HP and some quote 500+. Which is correct?

Thanks

GG

[CycleSi]

A few of the very early one's were around the 469 bhp mark, but MB soon revised it and the majority are 493 bhp.

[G Man]

IIRC The TUV in German did power tests and every AMG was making more power than claimed, later models from approx 2006 pushed 517bhp ish

[Callughan]

469,476,493,517 last version. To gain TUV approval I think the stated figures need to be at a maximum 5% variance.

These hp also vary according to country(dependant what adjustments are required for emissions, climate etc...)

Edited by Callughan on Wednesday 13th May 14:52

[Animal]

G Man said:

IIRC The TUV in German did power tests and every AMG was making more power than claimed, later models from approx 2006 pushed 517bhp ish

I'm sure there was a sidebar article in Autocar one week saying that MB had been sent to the naughty corner by TUV because whilst they declared that the SL55 made 476bhp or so, when each TUV-tested example made 500bhp-plus, which was outside the allowed variance.

I can think of worse mistakes to make!

[Callughan]

Most probably, but I think it officially became 517hp some time in 2006.

[Enigma AMG]

All 2002 on sl55's state 476bhp in owners manual however a suppliment was issued following tuv tests that states 493bhp 516lbft. 06 on cars ran minor ecu and supercharger mods to give 517bhp and even later cars 532bhp. It's worth remembering these engines are hand built so power outputs may vary.

[Callughan]

Enigma AMG said:

All 2002 on sl55's state 476bhp in owners manual however a suppliment was issued following tuv tests that states 493bhp 516lbft. 06 on cars ran minor ecu and supercharger mods to give 517bhp and even later cars 532bhp. It's worth remembering these engines are hand built so power outputs may vary.

532hp officially? Never heard of this.

[nick355gts]

I looked into this also as i just purchased one. Mercedes UK stated to me that there was a modification to the engine specs on all Aug 2003 onward cars - i.e 53 plate cars until the car went end of line claiming 517bhp as standard.
So now i got one i am looking at the pulley and ECU mod, either Kleemann, DMS or Paramount. Some say 600bhp is easy for relatively little outlay, anyone got proof? I am speaking of the mod that most tuners are claiming as stage 2!

[Callughan]

There are lots of established tuners if you go on mbworld there are many there who have tried different things and can help you with any questions.

Ph'er 'markbe' has gone the DMS route and I think is happy albeit with a 600.

Regarding the power outputs I am not sure why they are saying that, AMG website list all the engines for that model and years.

[bolide]

"It's worth remembering these engines are hand built so power outputs may vary"

I don't see how the engine output can vary whether hand- or machine-assembled. Beyond a very small tolerance I'd expect them to give a very repeatable power & torque output

I would think the variances are caused by ECU map differences by territory, local fuel octane rating & model year

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

[G Man]

bolide said:

"It's worth remembering these engines are hand built so power outputs may vary"

I don't see how the engine output can vary whether hand- or machine-assembled. Beyond a very small tolerance I'd expect them to give a very repeatable power & torque output

I would think the variances are caused by ECU map differences by territory, local fuel octane rating & model year

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

Effectively AMG are producing Blueprinted engines ... knowing the quality I doubt many engines do less than quoted