R172 SLK55 vs R231 SL500
Discussion
Hello, I have been an avid reader of the Pistonheads forums for some time now but finally decided to join and start my own discussion topic.
I have previously owned a R172 SLK55 and loved it, unfortunately had to sell due to financial reasons. I'm now in a position to buy one again (budget around £25-30k) and it has occurred to me that you can pick up early R231 SL500's for a similar price.
The main things that annoyed me about the SLK were the gearbox and the suspension. Both of which I can live with but they were the only real drawbacks to an otherwise amazing 'road' car (in my opinion).
I wanted to know your thoughts of the SL500, notably around:
- Is the gearbox better?
- How do the running costs compare?
- Does it still feel 'special' (the 55 always did)?
- How does the overall driving experience compare?
Thanks all!
I have previously owned a R172 SLK55 and loved it, unfortunately had to sell due to financial reasons. I'm now in a position to buy one again (budget around £25-30k) and it has occurred to me that you can pick up early R231 SL500's for a similar price.
The main things that annoyed me about the SLK were the gearbox and the suspension. Both of which I can live with but they were the only real drawbacks to an otherwise amazing 'road' car (in my opinion).
I wanted to know your thoughts of the SL500, notably around:
- Is the gearbox better?
- How do the running costs compare?
- Does it still feel 'special' (the 55 always did)?
- How does the overall driving experience compare?
Thanks all!
I traded my 172 '55 for an SL63 so not exactly what you're proposing but similar...
The SL is more comfortable, bigger inside (and out!), uses a bit more petrol (about 33 on a run), suspension on mine is adjustable so you can have it as firm or squishy as you like.
Gearbox is much better but I think different from the SL500, so not a fair comparison.
Check the spec of your car - the more toys the better for resale, assuming they all work.
R231 is a much better built car than the earlier R230.
SL 400 is worth a look also...
Russ
The SL is more comfortable, bigger inside (and out!), uses a bit more petrol (about 33 on a run), suspension on mine is adjustable so you can have it as firm or squishy as you like.
Gearbox is much better but I think different from the SL500, so not a fair comparison.
Check the spec of your car - the more toys the better for resale, assuming they all work.
R231 is a much better built car than the earlier R230.
SL 400 is worth a look also...
Russ
RussJ said:
I traded my 172 '55 for an SL63 so not exactly what you're proposing but similar...
The SL is more comfortable, bigger inside (and out!), uses a bit more petrol (about 33 on a run), suspension on mine is adjustable so you can have it as firm or squishy as you like.
Gearbox is much better but I think different from the SL500, so not a fair comparison.
Check the spec of your car - the more toys the better for resale, assuming they all work.
R231 is a much better built car than the earlier R230.
SL 400 is worth a look also...
Russ
Do you know much about the SL350s (R231). I’d be using it as a daily driver, not sure if it goes to far beyond the ‘not practical’ range. The SL is more comfortable, bigger inside (and out!), uses a bit more petrol (about 33 on a run), suspension on mine is adjustable so you can have it as firm or squishy as you like.
Gearbox is much better but I think different from the SL500, so not a fair comparison.
Check the spec of your car - the more toys the better for resale, assuming they all work.
R231 is a much better built car than the earlier R230.
SL 400 is worth a look also...
Russ
I read they don’t have that suspension of the 55s which was what cost everyone money when it broke. Is there any other issues like that on a 350? MPG looked manageable (real world) and tyres probably the same as what I spend now (20”).
Are they more of a floaty boat type or can you have a good hoon about in them now and then?
Sorry, not familiar with the 350. The 400 is supposedly a better car and the one to go for.
Plenty on Autotrader with high mileages so I guess they work as daily drivers.
Mine is a "high days and holidays" car so has a tiny mileage.
To be honest, its almost impossible to use anything but a fraction of the performance in the UK.
If you can live without the bragging rights and the sense of theatre that you get from a V8, then the smaller engine makes more sense.
The 231 air suspension seems to be much more reliable than the 230's but the 350/400 have steel springs so no issues.
You should look at some of the dedicated MB forums for lots more info and advice - try MB Club UK.
Russ
Plenty on Autotrader with high mileages so I guess they work as daily drivers.
Mine is a "high days and holidays" car so has a tiny mileage.
To be honest, its almost impossible to use anything but a fraction of the performance in the UK.
If you can live without the bragging rights and the sense of theatre that you get from a V8, then the smaller engine makes more sense.
The 231 air suspension seems to be much more reliable than the 230's but the 350/400 have steel springs so no issues.
You should look at some of the dedicated MB forums for lots more info and advice - try MB Club UK.
Russ
RussJ said:
I traded my 172 '55 for an SL63 so not exactly what you're proposing but similar...
The SL is more comfortable, bigger inside (and out!), uses a bit more petrol (about 33 on a run), suspension on mine is adjustable so you can have it as firm or squishy as you like.
Gearbox is much better but I think different from the SL500, so not a fair comparison.
Check the spec of your car - the more toys the better for resale, assuming they all work.
R231 is a much better built car than the earlier R230.
SL 400 is worth a look also...
Russ
Thanks Russ. I have started looking at the 400's as well. Looks to be a good engine and only a remap away from comparable performance, although I'm sure as standard it's more than enough. The SL is more comfortable, bigger inside (and out!), uses a bit more petrol (about 33 on a run), suspension on mine is adjustable so you can have it as firm or squishy as you like.
Gearbox is much better but I think different from the SL500, so not a fair comparison.
Check the spec of your car - the more toys the better for resale, assuming they all work.
R231 is a much better built car than the earlier R230.
SL 400 is worth a look also...
Russ
I'm curious to find out about how the running costs outside of fuel (servicing, maintenance etc) compare between the 55 and 63?
Luke
I think they'll be much the same. A bit more oil for the SL but 8 plugs less!
Neither are particularly complicated engines or drive trains and all have proved reasonably reliable.
The thing that keeps me awake at night is all the electronic aids - night vision, blind spot assist, active cruise, seat huggers etc - going wrong.
The lane assist camera failed on mine, fortunately within warranty, and the parts alone were over £1k.
Next question is whether I take out the MB Tier 1 warranty when mine expires in 2020...
Russ
Neither are particularly complicated engines or drive trains and all have proved reasonably reliable.
The thing that keeps me awake at night is all the electronic aids - night vision, blind spot assist, active cruise, seat huggers etc - going wrong.
The lane assist camera failed on mine, fortunately within warranty, and the parts alone were over £1k.
Next question is whether I take out the MB Tier 1 warranty when mine expires in 2020...
Russ
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