SL 55 or keep 996?

Guys, I was hoping you could give me some advice and talk me out of taking an SL 55 I have on order. My dealer called me up today and told me that SL55's will be coming in very slowly, and that he spoke to a rep that said if I take delivery of the SL 55 in Germany, than I can get the car in February. If I decide to do this, then I will sell my 996. However, I love my 996 and don't know if I want to sell it. I thought maybe you could help me come up with some good reasons not to take the SL 55, I am very tempted but would hate to part with my Porsche. Can someone please talk some sense into me? <img src="graemlins/cussing.gif" border="0" alt="[grrrrrrr]" />

you must keep the Porsche....you already have far too many mbz's!!

Check this post from earlier... hope this help. <a href="http://forums.rennlist.com/forums/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic&f=5&t=000968" target="_blank">http://forums.rennlist.com/forums/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic&f=5&t=000968</a>

There was an article in either Excellence or Evo a few months back, where they compared the C4S to the SL500 (not 55 though). I have it here somewhere, but my 11 year old is as much a car nut as I am and we can't find it right now. Anyway, obviously not an apple to apple comparo as they themselves admit. They also threw in an NSX for good measure. The short of it: the Merc is for cruising, the C4S is the quintissential sports car, the NSX is dated. Your choice. But I agree with Phil. You already have enough fuddy-duddy Mercs , even if they are 55's. . Show the world you still have a heartbeat and keep the Porsche . Or better yet, get the new clubsport versions coming out.

Wait another year. The new 500 hp AMG engine might just run too hot, - literally and figuratively. Let them get the bugs out, test drive it then by 2004 you'll be in a better position to decide. You may also follow this SL55 AMG forum: <a href="http://forums.mbworld.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=5841fb93a16178712e4fcc974526e66f&daysprune=30&forumid =49" target="_blank">http://forums.mbworld.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=5841fb93a16178712e4fcc974526e66f&daysprune=30&forumid =49</a>

Ditto what Phillip said. Three Benzes already. On the whole though I wouldn't worry about it too much. There will be other Porsche's just as there will be other SL55 and as Karl K mentioned, there may be some bugs that need to be worked out.

Porsche all the way...Benz' have no Panache! <img src="graemlins/bigok.gif" border="0" alt="[thumbsup]" />

I drove MB for the 14 yrs. before getting my '01 C4 Cab. Last MB owned was SL500. I think although SL55 is a good cruiser, its heavy weight will not give you the same fun as the P-car. However, my wife does love the smooth cruising of the MB. Keep the P-car & give the SL55 to your better 1/2!

Let the CLK go, keep the 996 and Definitely get the SL 55 <img src="graemlins/bigok.gif" border="0" alt="[thumbsup]" />

1 out of every 3 new sl's here are 55's and they sound and look fantastic - hever they are automatic only. fine if u like to cruise quickly but imho for me if u want a sports car manuals are the only way to go (others disagree). additonally the rear seats in the porsche are real seats if cramped rather than a parcel shelf in the merc

The SL55 is a great looking car with a beautiful V8, however the quality of the plastics they use now is not so great. The "new" S class is a good example of that, i had one and was so disappointed with the quality that I sold it. The Porsche on the other hand is the best built sports car out there and that's without discussing the thrill you get driving it and just knoowing that one is parked in your house. It's the only car I have that i still glance back to look at it once more after locking it. I agree with BINS, sell the CLK and keep the 996. There is a new CLK55 out and it looks better and drives better then this one. Keep the 996 and sell the CLK and you'd probably not regret it

Has anyone else heard or observed that the build quality of M-B has deteriorated? Friend of mine is an engineer for Toyota and was getting bids from manufacturing plants for part of the Lexus LS 470. The plant that manufactures the ML-320 and ML-500 put in a bid which he rejected as they could not meet Toyota tolerances. They weren't even good enough to pass Chrysler's old tolerance specs. I realize an ML-500 is not an SL-55, but this still makes me worry about the direction M-B is taking.

[quote]Originally posted by Phil McGrath: <strong>you must keep the Porsche....you already have far too many mbz's!!</strong><hr></blockquote> Ditto! Besides that, the Benz probably won't be as fun to drive....it's definitely a cruiser.

How about auctioning off your SL55 spot and get something nice for you 996 cab. Or get rid of one of your MLs. Should be able to get decent resale on the ML430?

The new SL is a fine looking machine but like many have said it's a cruiser. Depends what your looking for-the SL55 is definitely exclusive right now but anything new is that way. Also it's an automatic so why Mercedes has kept the U.S. out of manny's I don't know why(esp the clk 55-small coupe that begs for a manny-IMO better looking then SL). Good luck-hope you stay with the 996 or in fact any P-car. Regards. Mike

Drive an SL and then decide if you really want the ABC rather than the Porsche suspension. IMO the Porsche suspension is a much more satisfying driving experience. I have an 02 CL 500 Sport and just ordered an 03 CL 55, but must admit that I prefer the Porsche because the ABC feels a bit artificial. The only problem with my C4S is that it attracts too much attention and I do not even drive fast (and have not been stopped by the police). In my CL I feel like I am invisible, which is why I opted for the CL55 over either my C4S or a new TT. One cannot compare either the SL 55, CL55 or E55 in the new, more powerful trim, to Porsches-- they are totaly different concepts. The Porsche is awe inspiring car and to admit to a preference for an MB as daily driver on this forum is blasphemous, but the unwanted attention on the road from police, yahoos in tuned pick-ups, ricers, etc. was getting to be a bit much for an everyday experience.

Hold out for the SL AMG!!!

The SL55 is an unreal performer. Unstoppable at high speeds and faster tan any Porsche from 200 kph - 300 kph...

The SL55 is an unreal performer. Unstoppable at high speeds and faster tan any Porsche from 200 kph - 300 kph... However, how often do you drive that fast? I had a 600SL for a while. MB's are great, but they are BOATS when it comes to handling. At 20-60MPH a Porsche is a more sensual and exciting driving experience. What kind of driving do you like to do? The MB takes the edge off, Porsche lets you ride the edge. It's all about preference. However, be prepared if you get the MB to tire of it and want to go back... Why not sell the MB and get a Porsche Turbo Cab?

"The SL55 is an unreal performer. Unstoppable at high speeds and faster tan any Porsche from 200 kph - 300 kph... However, how often do you drive that fast? " I disagree with that. Only faster in a staright line (and with the 250Km/h speed limiter removed of course which only Germans in Germany get!), and there isn�t straights long enough in the real world for it to compensate the greater cornering speed/handling and breaking of the 996. I haven�t raced an SL 55 on the highway but I would bet you a 996 would be overall faster in your regular european highway. Sheer horsepower alone won�t compesate for its considerable overweight (4310lbs) and confort oriented chasis/suspension set-up. I raced a street superbike recently in the highway and it was a similar problem, he would kill me in acceleration/speed but would loose it all back in cornering speed at high speeds due to aerodinamics and I was also favoured for the fact that the 996 can get very early on the gas after the corner, so I would end up catching him and passing no matter how hard he tried everytime until traffic slowed me down again and he would get by. I agree with you, the SL55 AMG�s virtue is the quality of the ride along with its ability to go extremly fast with great ease. Like you cleverly said "The MB takes the edge off, Porsche lets you ride the edge". The new SL 55 is the #1 automatic cruiser in my book and would be great to have it next to the 996 in the garage but never to substitute/replace the 996.

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Kerry I know for a fact that MB's quality control isn't what it used to be. That's why this year they are coming out with with a facelift S and CL classes. On the outside they don't look that much changed but on the inside the quality is said to have been improved. That's too little too late in my book. I remember when you baught an MB and got quality. That's one reason I got an S8 from Audi. The quailty is unbealivable. Till they get it right, I'm not touching another MB for now.

Read this thread last night. Saw a black SL55 noodling around the neighborhood this morning. Spooky...

Thanks for all the opinions. Coming home today from the Jersey shore today, I realized how much I love this car and can't get rid if it. I am going to go to Germany to take delivery on the car, but I will probably sell the SL 55 to the highest bidder. I'll keep you updated on what I do, I won't be picking up the car until February. The CLK 55 is going regardless in a few months. Any takers? I'm sure not on this forum.

After 5 years of M-B ownership (E430 Sport, S430, CL500, CL55 AMG) and 3 weeks of Porsche ownership, of which 1 week of that the car has been in the shop (and is still there) I cannot wait for my SL55 to arrive. Had it on order for over a year now and they expect it in sometime around December/January. I'm sure my Porsche experience is going to improve (it can't possibly go much further downward) but I am eager to get the 55. With almost 500hp on tap by the time it hits our shores it'll eat most anything for breakfast and give change for a cup of coffee.

MB quality is fine with me, although I also understand that the 03 CL's will have better interiors. I have had an 02 CL 500 Sport since last Sept and have had no problems with the exception of an out of round front tire, which was replaced shorthly after delivery. The Dunlops have been good with that exception, especially in wet conditions. Next time if my MB does not come through with Michelins, I will ask them to put them on before delivery. I gather that this is something that dealers may do without much prodding. I have an SL 500 Sport on order for Jan delivery and a CL 55 for March delivery. My 02 C4S was bullet proof as well, but perhaps I have just been lucky with the MB and the 996. My 00 CLK 430 was also flawless, although a bit plasticky on the inside.

BJL....Answer is easy. Get the SL55, keep the Porsche and get rid of the CLK and one of the ML's. You have an extra spot in the garage and you get the best of both worlds plus a few buck left over. The SL55's are one of the best looking cars I've ever seen, and yes that includes most Porsche's.

Go with the 996! Personally I want to look good goiing fast and going slow...and a Pcar is the only one you can do it in! There is no "Pee" in Mercedes, but there is a "P" in Porsche. And as Don says, "Porsche has PANACHE! with blonde hair

It's not only numbers which make a car - although there is nothing wrong with Porsche numbers - it's character. I am very sorry to say that MBs lack character - they are just funeral parlour cars

[quote]Originally posted by 02-targa911: <strong> The Porsche on the other hand is the best built sports car out there and that's without discussing the thrill you get driving it and just knoowing that one is parked in your house. It's the only car I have that i still glance back to look at it once more after locking it. </strong><hr></blockquote> Ain't that the truth

Kostas, How can you be critical of the SL 55 when you have an automatic transmisssion in your 911? You feel that a M-B lacks character, yet you own a car with loads of character and take away a good amount of its charisma and excitement by not getting a six-speed?

Hey you definately should get the MB, because you are obviously getting to old and slow for a Porsche. Once you loose your Porsche you will understand what I am saying. I too traded my 1998 for a turbo luxury car in 2001, gained weight, lost my approach to life and definately didn't have the edge anymore. So after 9 months I traded that crap away and am back on top, kicking *** and digging life in my 02 C4S.

Lucas, I will be turning 23 in October.

8 cylinders 24 valves BHP - 700@2650-4500 Top speed 155 restricted (Let me get my hands on that chip) Acceleration 0-62.5 mph [secs] 4.7 And above all charismatic and beautiful. If thats being old and heavy, Ill keep the beer belly. How can you not be satisfied.

Hey BJL, thats my point. I too am gonna be 23 in October. October 29th to be exact. I'm telling ya, I felt fifty driving that other stuff. Don't do it man. Stay quick fast and nimble!