SL55 vs Chimaera

[AD77]

What would you get - a 95,000 mile 2003 SL55 AMG or a 1998 Chimaera with 20-40,000 miles?

Got to sound good and be convertible that's about it! I prefer the Chim as it looks more classic that flash...

Any other options i am missing??

[B3NNL]

You're asking that question here in the Chimaera forum?!

Yes, I'm sure you'll get an impartial response any time now...


JUST GET THE TVR!

[jojackson4]

Go for the AMG
My mate is a service manager for merc and told me your looking at 2K just for the front discs and pads

[AD77]

OK I will get the Chimaera then! I wanted to be pursuaded so good choice of location for the post

How much to re upholster the front seats?

[A900ss]

AD77 said:

OK I will get the Chimaera then! I wanted to be pursuaded so good choice of location for the post

How much to re upholster the front seats?

I've been quoted circa £700 for front seats refurb.

PS - If you want a dependable daily car that just fits in fine with the euro boxes, get the Merc.

If you want an experience every time you drive and people to actually talk to you at petrol stations, get the TVR

[brett84]

What do you do for a living?

[ptholt]

Once we hit "driving season" and most are on the road should get change from £500 for front seat retrim if you shop around

[StarmistBlue400]

I used to have a C Class daily driver so spent some time on the Merc Forums.

Some of the bills for the SL55 are massive. As an ex E39 M5 owner I know that when something goes wrong it will usually cost a lot of money to fix. Even though it might be relatively little to buy its always going to be a £60K+ car when it comes to maintaining it.

Get a decent Chimaera and you wont stop smiling.

[PapaButch]

No way, chimaera is definitely a daily driver as well! - I have used mine nearly every day since I bought it in December. It has not let me down once, even though I bought it with a bunch of faults eg, worn camshafts - it still runs and still pulls strong only even having 160 bhp...eats the st out of 1.8t audis and little turbo cars

[AD77]

When they upgraded the lights in 98 did they change anything else? Found a good one but has the older lights....

[A900ss]

If you are happy with the rest of the car, don't worry about lights.

If you must change lights you have various options at increasing costs

Uprated bulbs - £20
Change to lupo lights - £150 to £500 depending upon DIY or not
Change to Mark III faired in lights - £650

Enjoy.


PS - you do mean front lights don't you?

If not, afterburner lights at the rear can be fitted for about £400 (I think but someone will soon correct me if not)

[AD77]

So there were no other upgrades at that time?

I am tossing up two cars - one has the newer lights and fewer owners but is private. The other comes with a warranty and service etc.

[A900ss]

Various grilles, door openers, hinges, lights, etc as the car evolved but main changes are captures here:

http://www.chimaerapages.com/chimaera.php

Hope that helps

[AD77]

What year did the door openers go to under the wing mirror?

[A900ss]

Not sure but my 97 car has them.

[Chris71]

AD77 said:

Got to sound good and be convertible that's about it!

In that case, you probably shouldn't go for the TVR.

TVRs are far easier to live with than a lot of people make out, but they are still handbuilt cars with a few quirks. If you're just after something with an open roof and a nice soundtrack you may find one of the more mainstream options is better.

Don't get me wrong, I'm on my second TVR and would gladly work my way through the rest of the range given funds, but any low-volume sports car is something you buy with your heart not your head.

[sheel]

I have a 2000 4.5 I bought the missus a 350slk manual. Compared to the TiV the merc is rubbish 280 bhp but no drin
Vying experience It's sitting on the drive sainting to be sold The merc has no soul Buy the TiV Don't even consider the merc and the TiV will cost you less in the long run

Rich

[Alun450]

Well said Rich, someone had a 55 and said they couldn't get 18mpg out of it, fast but he didnt like it!
The Merc has got to be a fabulous car but imagine working on it.
Compared to the shape of a Chimeara the Merc looks like it was drawn on a back of a fag packet, in a hurry.
Buy a Tvr, a good one and its all the car you could ask for for 10/15 k.

[A900ss]

Alun450 said:

Well said Rich, someone had a 55 and said they couldn't get 18mpg out of it

And your point vs the Chimaera is?

[brett84]

get a decent ECU on the Chim and you'll get 20mpg+, but then again the way it makes me want to drive I'm happy with just getting double figures.
My daily drive is a 330Ci and thats only averaging about 20mpg. Don't think the Chim or the SL would be bought on economy