Considering R231 SL63 AMG
Discussion
A few questions re the R231 SL63.
I have owned several Mercedes in the past, from a 560SEC to a W140 CL500 and up to recently, a R230 SL55 AMG, so not quite a novice to the marque.
I enjoyed the SL55, in spite of a few large bills over the years it proved reliable, and was a real stormer.
I am considering the newer post 2013 SL63, limiting myself to 2013-15 cars, due to punitive import taxes here, but I notice that most cars are 537BHP, with the odd car optioned with the performance pack upping the power to 570bhp and torque to 660lb/ft.
Is this worth seeking out as an option, I would expect the standard car to be faster than my previous SL55 one way or another, but has anyone any experience of the difference the performance pack makes to the car.
Any advice appreciated, along with any other options worth seeking out.
I have owned several Mercedes in the past, from a 560SEC to a W140 CL500 and up to recently, a R230 SL55 AMG, so not quite a novice to the marque.
I enjoyed the SL55, in spite of a few large bills over the years it proved reliable, and was a real stormer.
I am considering the newer post 2013 SL63, limiting myself to 2013-15 cars, due to punitive import taxes here, but I notice that most cars are 537BHP, with the odd car optioned with the performance pack upping the power to 570bhp and torque to 660lb/ft.
Is this worth seeking out as an option, I would expect the standard car to be faster than my previous SL55 one way or another, but has anyone any experience of the difference the performance pack makes to the car.
Any advice appreciated, along with any other options worth seeking out.
Edited by steveirl on Monday 5th February 12:42
I also see from research that the Performance pack included a mech. limited slip diff on first launch 2013/14 cars. In 2015 the higher power output of 577bhp seems to have become standard, so are 2015 cars also fitted with the ltd slip diff as standard also?
Details of model evolution seem to be difficult to find online!
Details of model evolution seem to be difficult to find online!
The "base" car is more than enough imo. While more power is usually welcomed the increase in torque results in surpassing the limits of grip frequently. You''ll be surprised to hear that the standard car achieves a better 0-60 time over the performance pack.
Whichever way you go they are really great cars and one of the best value purchases out there at the moment. Happy hunting
Whichever way you go they are really great cars and one of the best value purchases out there at the moment. Happy hunting
Hi Steve was wondering if you decided to add this car to the collection? What did you think of it compared to the SL55? I have an SL55, currently getting better at the local indy.
I'd consider an R231 in the future, seem to be more reliable, better built, and light due to aluminium construction. I read once that the R231 SL500 is quicker than the SL55, not sure how true that is but I think I'd buy it rather than a SL63 personally as they are such good value. Although the AMG cars look so much better! Probably sound much better than the standard car too! LOL
I'd consider an R231 in the future, seem to be more reliable, better built, and light due to aluminium construction. I read once that the R231 SL500 is quicker than the SL55, not sure how true that is but I think I'd buy it rather than a SL63 personally as they are such good value. Although the AMG cars look so much better! Probably sound much better than the standard car too! LOL
MercedesClassic said:
Hi Steve was wondering if you decided to add this car to the collection? What did you think of it compared to the SL55? I have an SL55, currently getting better at the local indy.
I'd consider an R231 in the future, seem to be more reliable, better built, and light due to aluminium construction. I read once that the R231 SL500 is quicker than the SL55, not sure how true that is but I think I'd buy it rather than a SL63 personally as they are such good value. Although the AMG cars look so much better! Probably sound much better than the standard car too! LOL
Sorry for the late reply, yes I did buy the SL63, only just collected it so early days, but I had a 150 mile mostly motorway drive home from the dealership, so I can tell you that while the character of the previous car is still there, it is a vastly better machine in every respect. Build quality is on another level, and the R231 feels as rigid as a fixed head coupe. I'd consider an R231 in the future, seem to be more reliable, better built, and light due to aluminium construction. I read once that the R231 SL500 is quicker than the SL55, not sure how true that is but I think I'd buy it rather than a SL63 personally as they are such good value. Although the AMG cars look so much better! Probably sound much better than the standard car too! LOL
On the R231 SL500, I get your point, going by the numbers I would say they are the equal in performance of the SL55, and financially make way better sense than the 63, especially here in Ireland where the annual road tax for a 500 is €1100 lower per annum!! They seem to be quite easy on fuel too.
So far I would say the R231 is definitely worth the extra off you can do it.
Just on the exhaust noise, have you modified your SL55. I removed the two rear mufflers from mine, and it sounded wonderful, a proper V8 burble without being too loud and no motorway drone.
Hi Steve thanks for the reply just happened to look into the forum before going out and saw your reply. I'm assuming you live in ROI, where are you? I'm Co Down near Belfast. Last March I was at Ashford Castle and September did Ring of Kerry which was stunning. Today I'm getting ready to drive up through Glens of Antrim to Causeway Coast for dinner somewhere. Everywhere packed I'm sure! I did those trips in my BMW 320d MSport which is brilliant as like to keep mileage down on the 2 SLs.
Regarding my SL55 it had a backbox delete done by the previous owner but I think it could sound better.
Yeah I think the SL500's 4.7L Biturbo engine is ripe for tuning and I've heard 550bhp is easily possible so a well depreciated example tuned up pref with nice SL63 bodykit on it might be a good SL63 alternative. Although looking at AT earlier some SL63's are about £10k more than the cheapest SL500s so might make more sense getting the real deal.
Have a good Easter and hopefully you post some more pics and comments here or in the reader's car section. Cheers, David.
Regarding my SL55 it had a backbox delete done by the previous owner but I think it could sound better.
Yeah I think the SL500's 4.7L Biturbo engine is ripe for tuning and I've heard 550bhp is easily possible so a well depreciated example tuned up pref with nice SL63 bodykit on it might be a good SL63 alternative. Although looking at AT earlier some SL63's are about £10k more than the cheapest SL500s so might make more sense getting the real deal.
Have a good Easter and hopefully you post some more pics and comments here or in the reader's car section. Cheers, David.
As mentioned above the Chris Harris review is spot on. I had an 2007 SL63 that really enjoyed, I managed to catch one of the 4 hour driving experiences at MB World during my 6.2 N/A SL63 ownership.
The car I thrashed around the tracks at MB World was one of the later 231 SL63's with the 5.5 twin turbo engine complete with the PP. It was an incredible experience as it was pouring down with rain the entire three and a half hours on track. One thing I learnt was the incredibly high grip these cars have in the wet way beyond what you would sensibly do on the road.
On my drive back in my N/A SL63 I had a good opportunity to compare the two. First of all I liked the sound of the N/A as you have to wind it up to max revs to really enjoy the exhaust sound but the power delivery of the later car was far more immediate/brutal.
My conclusion was that if I were to buy another I'd definitely opt for the later 5.5 turbo car.
It's a car that can be so civilised that even my wife liked to drive it then at the press of a few buttons it's a lunatic that brings out the lunatic in you.
With the roof up it is a wonderful long distance cruiser too.
If you can find a PP car with the cooled seats I'd strongly recommend one.
The car I thrashed around the tracks at MB World was one of the later 231 SL63's with the 5.5 twin turbo engine complete with the PP. It was an incredible experience as it was pouring down with rain the entire three and a half hours on track. One thing I learnt was the incredibly high grip these cars have in the wet way beyond what you would sensibly do on the road.
On my drive back in my N/A SL63 I had a good opportunity to compare the two. First of all I liked the sound of the N/A as you have to wind it up to max revs to really enjoy the exhaust sound but the power delivery of the later car was far more immediate/brutal.
My conclusion was that if I were to buy another I'd definitely opt for the later 5.5 turbo car.
It's a car that can be so civilised that even my wife liked to drive it then at the press of a few buttons it's a lunatic that brings out the lunatic in you.
With the roof up it is a wonderful long distance cruiser too.
If you can find a PP car with the cooled seats I'd strongly recommend one.
MercedesClassic said:
Hi Steve thanks for the reply just happened to look into the forum before going out and saw your reply. I'm assuming you live in ROI, where are you? I'm Co Down near Belfast. Last March I was at Ashford Castle and September did Ring of Kerry which was stunning. Today I'm getting ready to drive up through Glens of Antrim to Causeway Coast for dinner somewhere. Everywhere packed I'm sure! I did those trips in my BMW 320d MSport which is brilliant as like to keep mileage down on the 2 SLs.
Regarding my SL55 it had a backbox delete done by the previous owner but I think it could sound better.
Yeah I think the SL500's 4.7L Biturbo engine is ripe for tuning and I've heard 550bhp is easily possible so a well depreciated example tuned up pref with nice SL63 bodykit on it might be a good SL63 alternative. Although looking at AT earlier some SL63's are about £10k more than the cheapest SL500s so might make more sense getting the real deal.
Have a good Easter and hopefully you post some more pics and comments here or in the reader's car section. Cheers, David.
I bought the car in Belfast, from Charles Hurst, but I live in the ROI, south of Dublin, hence the criminal registration tax!Regarding my SL55 it had a backbox delete done by the previous owner but I think it could sound better.
Yeah I think the SL500's 4.7L Biturbo engine is ripe for tuning and I've heard 550bhp is easily possible so a well depreciated example tuned up pref with nice SL63 bodykit on it might be a good SL63 alternative. Although looking at AT earlier some SL63's are about £10k more than the cheapest SL500s so might make more sense getting the real deal.
Have a good Easter and hopefully you post some more pics and comments here or in the reader's car section. Cheers, David.
I get where you are coming from on the SL500, a very tuneable engine it's true, but don't forget the extras fitted as standard to the 63, along with different steering and differently tuned suspension, and given the fairly small difference in price, I think the SL63 is a no brainer, and just brilliant value at the moment, and as Birma stated performance is very very strong with lots of grip. As for looks of the R231, I love it, terrific road presence, and far better in the flesh than in pics. Best of luck whatever you decide.
Hi Steve, I think I remember your car being on sale around then looked amazing. Any updates? I'm sure the roof hasn't been closed in the past month!
Hopefully I get driving my SL55 next week onwards as it's been slowly getting fixes at my Indy.
In meantime I'm enjoying the old SL320 it's faithfully reliable.
Love to hear about yours as I continue to save up for one 😀
Hopefully I get driving my SL55 next week onwards as it's been slowly getting fixes at my Indy.
In meantime I'm enjoying the old SL320 it's faithfully reliable.
Love to hear about yours as I continue to save up for one 😀
Hi, I've just joined the SL63 AMG club: 2013 5.5 Cavansite Blue/black leather with Performance Package.
Driving impressions limited to a busy Friday afternoon motorway run (including a 3 mile tailback for the Dartford tunnel) but the noise is awesome. However I did have to put the roof up as the top of my head was burning!
I'm just trying to compile a full list of options fitted to the car (I have found a full list of factory options but just need to rationalise them into the various packs and descriptions), so if anyone has a list or a reference to what comprised what, I'd be grateful.
Driving impressions limited to a busy Friday afternoon motorway run (including a 3 mile tailback for the Dartford tunnel) but the noise is awesome. However I did have to put the roof up as the top of my head was burning!
I'm just trying to compile a full list of options fitted to the car (I have found a full list of factory options but just need to rationalise them into the various packs and descriptions), so if anyone has a list or a reference to what comprised what, I'd be grateful.
I've also joined the SL 63 ranks after ten enjoyable years of SLKs.
Mine is a 2013 car, only 8k miles,performance pack, carbon fibre everywhere, diamond white, black interior and loaded up with virtually every option.
Early days yet but I'm really pleased so far. Performance is amazing (even after an SLK55), far more comfortable, bit more room for the wifes luggage, and its doing high twenties on a run.
A few niggles still to be sorted but nothing too drastic.
Pleased I got two years warranty though...
Russ
Mine is a 2013 car, only 8k miles,performance pack, carbon fibre everywhere, diamond white, black interior and loaded up with virtually every option.
Early days yet but I'm really pleased so far. Performance is amazing (even after an SLK55), far more comfortable, bit more room for the wifes luggage, and its doing high twenties on a run.
A few niggles still to be sorted but nothing too drastic.
Pleased I got two years warranty though...
Russ
RussJ said:
I've also joined the SL 63 ranks after ten enjoyable years of SLKs.
Mine is a 2013 car, only 8k miles,performance pack, carbon fibre everywhere, diamond white, black interior and loaded up with virtually every option.
Early days yet but I'm really pleased so far. Performance is amazing (even after an SLK55), far more comfortable, bit more room for the wifes luggage, and its doing high twenties on a run.
A few niggles still to be sorted but nothing too drastic.
Pleased I got two years warranty though...
Russ
That's a low mileage car. And impressive consumption..I struggle to get more than low 20's!Mine is a 2013 car, only 8k miles,performance pack, carbon fibre everywhere, diamond white, black interior and loaded up with virtually every option.
Early days yet but I'm really pleased so far. Performance is amazing (even after an SLK55), far more comfortable, bit more room for the wifes luggage, and its doing high twenties on a run.
A few niggles still to be sorted but nothing too drastic.
Pleased I got two years warranty though...
Russ
Low mileage is something of a double edged sword though - standing around really doesn't do the car any good. Mine has only done about 500 miles in three years with the previous owner, hence the tiny mileage. However, there are some electronic niggles, the aircon had had to be re-gassed and I think the battery is on its last legs.
Full marks to the supplying dealer though as they've been very supportive.
As far as fuel consumption goes I've only been using it gently as we've been bimbling around Anglesey. I've no doubt that a bit more exercising the right pedal will drop the mileage significantly.
My previous SLK 55 would get over 32 on a run but drop to 23 when using the performance.
Russ
Full marks to the supplying dealer though as they've been very supportive.
As far as fuel consumption goes I've only been using it gently as we've been bimbling around Anglesey. I've no doubt that a bit more exercising the right pedal will drop the mileage significantly.
My previous SLK 55 would get over 32 on a run but drop to 23 when using the performance.
Russ
Funnily enough, my a/c had to be regassed as well. I'm keeping an eye on it as it seems unusual for the pressure to have dropped that much in 5 years. apparently they recovered 31g and recharged 550g. I'm betting on a leaky schrader valve somewhere.
"I can't bring myself to look at one of these." Fair enough, but maybe worth another go. The seats seem infinitely adjustable for lumbar support through the COMAND system (which I'll be honest does take a bit of getting used to..why give the seat reach/rake adjustment etc through the buttons on the door yet make you go through some complex electronic interface to adjust the lumbar support!?). When I bought my car, I don't think anyone had ever used the system to adjust the seats as they were all in the neutral position.
To be fair my wife said she couldn't get comfortable either, but it turns out she was sat on my sunglasses and 2 remote controls
"I can't bring myself to look at one of these." Fair enough, but maybe worth another go. The seats seem infinitely adjustable for lumbar support through the COMAND system (which I'll be honest does take a bit of getting used to..why give the seat reach/rake adjustment etc through the buttons on the door yet make you go through some complex electronic interface to adjust the lumbar support!?). When I bought my car, I don't think anyone had ever used the system to adjust the seats as they were all in the neutral position.
To be fair my wife said she couldn't get comfortable either, but it turns out she was sat on my sunglasses and 2 remote controls
Edited by Rob-s5mok on Tuesday 10th July 17:15
Rob-s5mok said:
Funnily enough, my a/c had to be regassed as well. I'm keeping an eye on it as it seems unusual for the pressure to have dropped that much in 5 years. apparently they recovered 31g and recharged 550g. I'm betting on a leaky schrader valve somewhere.
"I can't bring myself to look at one of these." Fair enough, but maybe worth another go. The seats seem infinitely adjustable for lumbar support through the COMAND system (which I'll be honest does take a bit of getting used to..why give the seat reach/rake adjustment etc through the buttons on the door yet make you go through some complex electronic interface to adjust the lumbar support!?). When I bought my car, I don't think anyone had ever used the system to adjust the seats as they were all in the neutral position.
To be fair my wife said she couldn't get comfortable either, but it turns out she was sat on my sunglasses and 2 remote controls
Maybe it's just because I'm looking at photos (likely) but they don't do anything for me compared to a C63. Completely different cars in their objectives I suppose but still. I figured there must be more adjustment (I'm 6'2 so not exactly a giant). Perhaps it would be worth a proper look as they are cracking value at the moment."I can't bring myself to look at one of these." Fair enough, but maybe worth another go. The seats seem infinitely adjustable for lumbar support through the COMAND system (which I'll be honest does take a bit of getting used to..why give the seat reach/rake adjustment etc through the buttons on the door yet make you go through some complex electronic interface to adjust the lumbar support!?). When I bought my car, I don't think anyone had ever used the system to adjust the seats as they were all in the neutral position.
To be fair my wife said she couldn't get comfortable either, but it turns out she was sat on my sunglasses and 2 remote controls
Edited by Rob-s5mok on Tuesday 10th July 17:15
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