Buying advice - SL350 or SL500

[Chauch]

I have always been very suprised at just how good the 350 is, although there is no substitute for V8 and convertible as a combination in my opinion.

[DSLiverpool]

I tried both when I was in the market for one and the handling of the ABC equipped cars is a world away from the none equipped - I am not sure if ABC is an option on the 350 but if you see one its well worth it.

ABC = Air suspension

Performance wise there is not much in it in everday driving, the top end rasp on the 350 was nice but the burble and machine gun staccato of the V8 trumps it however I also sampled a AMG and once tried the addictive mass of power meant I had to have one (sadly family commitments meant I got a CLS)

Whichever one you get will be a treat and I guess the SL350 will be easier to move on later.

Dave

Edited by DSLiverpool on Sunday 15th July 17:47

[anonymous-user]

If you go for a 350 make sure it has air suspension. Rides much better!

[paoloh]

Have owned both vehicles and imo 350 is under powered for the weight of the SL. 500 comes with better spec. SRS faults are very common and very very very expensive to repair. Keyless go is a good option. Avoid active cruise, sensor on bonnet £1200!!! Check condition of second battery. TYres, bloody hell, the list goes on. Whatever you buy, check every button once, twice and then again.

[nubbin.]

On that budget, go for the SL55 AMG. That gets you ABC suspension, all the toys, different gearbox settings, and is generally acknowledged as the best of the SL range - plus it won't have the hideous wood inserts. Just make sure you go for an interesting leather colour - may I suggest berry red (not that I'm biased or anything!)

[paoloh]

Panoramic roofs are ok but are prone to leaking.
SL's are not the normal choice to crunch the miles hence most are non abused low mileage cars.
SL500 is the best imo unless you drive balls out, then get the 55.
ABC suspension is very good but heaven knows why you'd have it on the highest setting....?
Try to find one with larger AMG wheels.

[Mustard]

My thoughts from brief drives in both are i'd say go for the 350 unless out and out performance is required (Then go for a 55!)

350 feels a more agile car than the 500 with no apprecable performance loss, it'll be cheaper to run and more saleable used.

Cant see the point of panoramic roofs really (nice if its got it though), Keyless go impresses! Lol

ABC suspension is a worthwhile extra on the 350, as is COMAND which IIRC is also an extra on the 350

and as always these days the bigger the wheels the better! AMG's are nice

And I'd Pay a grand or so more for any nice colour thats NOT Silver (just too common) Black etc worth more than a silver car any day of the week!

[paoloh]

A 500 will outsell a 350 all day long!!

The performance difference is awesome, the 350 is quick in an SLK but not an SL. The 500 is no slouch at around 6secs 0-60 and will average over 20mpg

[paoloh]

Bedazzled said:

Thanks for the replies. I'll have to test drive both. I'd be buying one with a 12 month warrantee but I'd be interested to know what else tends to go wrong on SLs and any other gotchas.

Is it from Merc?

If not, warranty won't cover half the toys on an SL. Comand for example.
Also, dealer sets labour rate on warranties and most are set at about £40, that will not get you a peek at the Merc receptionist, let alone a tech!!!!

[paoloh]

If it is from a Merc main deeler, you are safe!!

It's the independent warranties that can't handle big cars with lots of toys.

[Chauch]

paoloh said:

The performance difference is awesome, the 350 is quick in an SLK but not an SL. The 500 is no slouch at around 6secs 0-60 and will average over 20mpg

The 350 does 0-60 in 6.6 seconds and does 27mpg - perfectly quick enough for most....

[paoloh]

The sound of the V8 on a hot day with roof is down is lovely. Pulls effortlessy and when you press the loud peddle, out come 300 ponies to the party. I shouls sell cars for a living..........

[Mustard]

Chauch said:

paoloh said:

The performance difference is awesome, the 350 is quick in an SLK but not an SL. The 500 is no slouch at around 6secs 0-60 and will average over 20mpg

The 350 does 0-60 in 6.6 seconds and does 27mpg - perfectly quick enough for most....

As Mr Clarkson (then owner of SL55) Famously told Anne Robinson (Owner Of SL500)..... You Bought the wrong car! (If performance is what your after)

If you want 'Sensible' SL350 all the way

[paoloh]

Good man, you'll absolutely love every minute of it. Well, when we have some sun....

[Pentoman]

I think that the SL350 has the same 3 valve per cylinder engine (3.7 litre?) also put in the old models ML350 and the S350. I think it was an enlargement of the old 3.2 V6. It's not hugely powerful. It appeared to be a bit of a stop gap before the new generation 3.5 came out - the 4 valve one in the SLK350, which is more powerful at I think 276bhp.

I'm not sure if the new 'proper' 350 engine has ever made it into the SL or not?

[Paracetamol]

I was underwhelmed by the 350. For some reason my CLK 320 felt punchier- could never understand why. I would find as late a car as possible-say an 04 car onward.. less electrical issues.