Which Mercedes SL?

[Frankychops]

I’ve been searching for a Lexus lc500 or Maserati GT, this has dragged on so now looking at Mercedes SL’s.

I like the looks of the sl55 with the supercharged motor, the interior of the turbo’d sl63, also the thought of the NA 6.3.

I’m not worried about running costs, more along the lines of one that won’t loose more than 20% a year. It seems 10-35k gets a lot of car for the cash, they all reviewed well on period!

Anyone had all 3 or experience of one?

[ZX10R NIN]

Had a 55 four times, it never failed to put a smile on my face BUT boy did it know how to throw out a bill, my mate ran a 6.2 63 & now has an AMG GT,

The 63 was easier on the wallet just as much of an event but not quite the same supercharged hit that the 55 gives you.

A good halfway house is the SL500 with the 4.7TT V8, you don't pay the AMG tax but the performance isn't far off & right there if you give it a remap:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202605182...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202607063...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202405300...

[Frankychops]

ZX10R NIN said:

Had a 55 four times, it never failed to put a smile on my face BUT boy did it know how to throw out a bill, my mate ran a 6.2 63 & now has an AMG GT,

The 63 was easier on the wallet just as much of an event but not quite the same supercharged hit that the 55 gives you.

A good halfway house is the SL500 with the 4.7TT V8, you don't pay the AMG tax but the performance isn't far off & right there if you give it a remap:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202605182...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202607063...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202405300...

It’s the look of the older model that appeals and that supercharged motor.

[Frankychops]

This is my favourite newer one

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202605152...


And my favourite older one

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202602169...

[maz8062]

NA SL63 is as safe as money in the bank, as depreciation is non existent.

SL55 are expensive to run, although the 2006 on are pricey and retain values.

[paul_c123]

IMHO, anything after 1971 is either too ugly, or too heavy/complicated to be a "fun" car to drive.

[Frankychops]

paul_c123 said:

IMHO, anything after 1971 is either too ugly, or too heavy/complicated to be a "fun" car to drive.

Thanks for the input.

[andy43]

Frankychops said:

This is my favourite newer one

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202605152...


And my favourite older one

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202602169...

The newer generation just looks all wrong to me, whether it’s the overhangs front and back I dunno, but it just doesn’t appeal. It’s not cohesive, it’s like it’s been designed by committee.
The older ones… I’ve had the pleasure of the M113K in a CLS55 - it’s an utterly magnificent engine. I’d guess the trick SL suspension is cheaper to fix nowadays too. Definitely my choice. Nearly a quarter of a century later they still look good, probably the best looking generation of SL I reckon.

[Venisonpie]

I bought a 2012 (v late) R230 SL500 a few years ago having looked for a decent R231 SL63. The R231 is a superb car, better than an R230 in every way except the rear sub frames returned to steel from magnesium.

The reason I bought the R230 was I couldn't find an R231 with a proper history in a decent colour or that hadn't had multiple owners etc. If you can find a good R231 then I'd go for that.

The R230 suffers from ABC issues on pre facelift models (mine was fine) and rear boot seal issues (all of them). This allows water to interfere with the vaccum pump which sucks in water and fails. The bottom of the boot where this is located also houses the gubbins for the roof mechanism with lots of vulnerable electrics. If you want a 230 then check the boot carefully and the operation of the vacuum system that powers the central locking and seat bolsters. These are very heavy cars so suspension joints etc suffer as can engine mounts (oil filled).

As lovely as the supercharged engine is personally I wouldn't touch an early 230 and having had a late one which I enjoyed would go for a 231 for its better all round capability checking the rear subframe wasn't shot. Apparently the TT63 engine can suffer from oil starvation for which there is a simple fix (can't remember what it was, it popped up on another thread) however long lasting damage may have been caused.

A good SL is a fabulous thing but needs a V8 IMO for effortless cruising and a bit of rumble when you fancy.

[Frankychops]

thanks, its just a minefield of cars it seems, there's some snotters but some good ones hidden in there also.

[Alex_225]

Depreciation wise, I'd imagine an older car with a low mileage will probably retain some good value. Something newer will potentially have more space to drop.

I have the same 5.5 supercharged V8 in my CLS55 and it is a superb engine, that said I have the 6.2 V8 in a CLS63 (I'm weird) and that is also superb. For weekend driving the 55 I'd say is the one to go for, paired with a 5 speed auto it's fast and always on. So for going for a blast it's great. If you plan some longer trips the 6.2 is more relaxed for normal driving as you have to rev it up to really feel it, despite it never feeling slow. The 55 is angrier, all the time! haha

[Frankychops]

I’ve found a low Milage 2013 sl63, with performance pack, magic roof, night vision etc etc, 23k miles. He wants £39k for it.

I do much prefer the interior of it over the sl55, with a bit of negotiation it’s not much more than the 55.

No idea on where it sits value wise. I guess I’d loose £10k over 2 years, which I can cope with

[ZX10R NIN]

You won't lose 10k in two years maybe 5k.

[Frankychops]

ZX10R NIN said:

You won't lose 10k in two years maybe 5k.

I think I prefer the r230.

there's an sl65 up for auction, however looking at the pics, the lower door doesn't seem quite right, shut line, or is it a angle/shadow trick?

https://www.iconicauctioneers.com/2007-mercedes-be...

[ZX10R NIN]

Frankychops said:

I think I prefer the r230.

there's an sl65 up for auction, however looking at the pics, the lower door doesn't seem quite right, shut line, or is it a angle/shadow trick?

https://www.iconicauctioneers.com/2007-mercedes-be...

It's the way the photo has been taken, I've always fancied a 65 but haven't got there yet.

Go for it.

[Frankychops]

ZX10R NIN said:

It's the way the photo has been taken, I've always fancied a 65 but haven't got there yet.

Go for it.

Same engine as the Pagani Huayra? what could go wrong!?

[Venisonpie]

Frankychops said:

I think I prefer the r230.

there's an sl65 up for auction, however looking at the pics, the lower door doesn't seem quite right, shut line, or is it a angle/shadow trick?

https://www.iconicauctioneers.com/2007-mercedes-be...

Oof - brave!

The shut lines all look good and in particular the boot. It doesn't attach directly to the body of the car, it's on a frame that allow it to open both ways for the roof mechanism. Often they're poorly aligned but that one looks really good. This is important for aforementioned issues of leaking boots caused by several issues but having a good "mate" between the lid and the seal is one of the areas to look for along with condition of the seal and all drain holes clear (there are quite a few!).

That engine really has been shoehorned in - you know it's going to be bloody quick.

[Frankychops]

Thanks all, good to know.

I’ll have a bid and see how it goes

[ND_19]

paul_c123 said:

IMHO, anything after 1971 is either too ugly, or too heavy/complicated to be a "fun" car to drive.

I'll bite. Name a single pre 1971 car that's better than its modern equivalent. There isn't one.

Maybe need to swap out the rose tinted glasses

[trevalvole]

Venisonpie said:

Oof - brave!

Yes - my impression from GoL's and BM's posts is that the V12 TT engine can have problems, and can cause transmission problems too.