Comparison: Mercedes-Benz SL55 vs SL500 | Episode 138

[@johnmallett4983]

I have owned many cars in my life time including a number of MGs and Tr6s (ohhh the exhaust note from a Tr6 is memorable) thru to High end BMWs and Audis. To the point, I have now owned a 2007 SL 55 P030 optioned rocket ship for some time now and my heart still skips a beat every time I walk into my garage. For me the SL55 is one of the most beautifully designed motor cars of the 2000snd. Driving it is absolutely exhilarating, if not scary. When you ask it to, the 530 ft lbs of torque presses you into your seat and the 510 hp super charged (the last super charged V8 Mercedes made) V8 propels you into car heaven. It is an absolute blast to drive with the top up or down. Even though my car is now 15 years old, it stands the test if time, unlike me. Sure, newer cars now boast a much faster 0-60, but for me I love red lights and take every opportunity to let my little beast roar.

[@LawrenceMarkFearon]

I feel like the AMG R230's are so thoroughly engineered that they represent how an SL was intended to be. Supremely dominant at speed. Thanks for caring enough to shoot in 1080p50HD, it really does justice conveying the details on big screen presentations.

[@mguytv]

Totally agree - thanks for watching!

[@narcissistinjurygiver2932]

@@mguytv change the ABC accumulators or you will have problems

[@bozziewald]

​@@mguytvGreat videos. How do you sync footage from the multiple cameras?

[@markcole1473]

I've had a '04 SL500 (7 speed) as for about 5 years now and generally love the car. I use it as an occassional sunny day, special trip vehicle and like it's combo of style, comfort and performance. However everytime I saw and heard a SL55 I felt a bit, well, inadequate :) Earlier this year I caved in to tempation and bought a '03 SL55. My 55 has a "cross pipe" and centre muffler delete modification which make it pretty loud... too loud in my opinion. I've run both cars for a few months now and at first I actually prefered the SL500 because the 55 is just unnecessarily, stupidly fast but I'm coming around to it as of course you don't have to use the performance if you don't want to. I prefer the look of the 55's additional front and rear bumper grills, the quad exhaust tips and smoked indicator/reversing lamps. The big painted brake calipers a) look nicer than the 500's and b) fill the wheels much better. I plan to return my 55's exhaust to a standard system and enjoy the more subtle but still menacing exhaust note whill not scaring dogs and children ;)

[@itzjdub282]

Yes everyone has different tastes. But most 55 enthusiast would love an upgraded exhaust.

[@Cosmo-ye7em]

SL55 is way better

[@daviddrennan335]

SL500 half the price of a 55, put the saving into repairing them :-)

[@mguytv]

Cynic!

[@mercedesE55AMGMan]

Go find a good 55 AMG with all the bits done on it I did Happy Days

[@daviddrennan335]

@@mercedesE55AMGMan I thought I bought a good 500 ! But still spending 🙄 still love it to bits though 😁

[@popuptoaster]

Supercar performance costs money, German road testers got a de-restricted SL55 to 202mph, not many cars will do that for SL55 money.

[@riccardoatzori4960]

in my opinion the SL 500 is a great car ,but if you are a petrolhead like me, soon or later you want more power which will lead you to upgrade brakes and eventually gearbox /Exhaust. I did own and drove the SL 500 about 30 hours, then I found a dealer with a good SL55AMG and I PX for it , I am also a biker and when I did drove the 55 for the first time I really feel the difference, then if I investigate a little about possible maximum power of the Engine without changing pistons-rods , etc so I am planning to bring it to 650 HP and I am installing the wide body Black Series. my SL 55 amg will look sporty , will run faster (I will eliminate the limiiter after upgrading the engine) and with a better power to weight it might even be better on fuel if I do not go crazy of course ! I pay 6k pounds for the SL55 and later I pay another 6k for the SL55 AMG , 120kmiles. I cannot be happier, with all the videos of good Mechanics and passionate people around the world you can do so many jobs on it by your self, if you have some skills of course. Thank you guys for sharing !!!! So it is down to the question , are you a petrol head or you just love the SL 500 look and you want a car that doesn't go really fast and still enjoy a nice V8 sound with open roof?

[@bobwells1517]

Lol, I'm happy to be an average punter; love my 500. Nice vid, thanks!

[@mguytv]

No disrespect intended! Thanks for watching!

[@robseignior4389]

Excellent comparison if you're in the market for either model.Keep up the good work.

[@sptrader6316]

They're both beautifully designed. I hope to own one someday.

[@danboyle358]

The main body styling difference is the rear lights have a dark stripe across the the lens on the sl55.

[@okeyezeilo6187]

Suspect you'll see (and hear!) the quad tail pipes long before you spot the dark stripe on the lights. Lovely touch though...

[@jeffjones8694]

Am I the only one who noticed the AMG was missing a wheel nut??when I bought my '05 500,I considered the 55,but realized I didn't need to pay double for brake parts,or speeding tickets !

[@mguytv]

Will have to check that - thanks!

[@dennis-br6vr]

and better reliability. the standard m113 engine is bulletproof!

[@Cosmo-ye7em]

Love my SL55 AMG it’s not too loud but not quite its the perfect roadster ( I also have a SL63 2015)

[@REBUKED1]

This Oct 14, 2021, I was blessed to buy a used 2013 SL550. It only had 17k miles. It is my favorite car. And I drive a Tesla Model S!

[@tokyo1469]

Totally get where you are coming from re the power, but the original R230 SL500 body is so much more elegant looking than the SL55. Lovely car though, I think you've understated just what an animal the SL55 can be, I know a guy who has his tuned his to 800 break with torque that flattens buildings as he passes them :)) (don't ask me how he's tuned it, but it's a total lunatic of a machine) Mercedes R230 SL500's (on the original design alone) have now joined the ranks of some of the most elegant & timeless car designs ever produced, ....the likes of the 1950's SL Gulwing, the Aston Martin DB5, the Karmann ghia to name a few. There isn't a massive list of car designs that absolutely nailed it. It's all about how a car ages. Some cars like the Audi R8 look amazing when launched, but if a common body type is produced by other manufacturers around the same time, like the lambo's etc, then an Audi R8 & a Lambo etc all pretty much look the same. Nothing else on the road quite looks like the R230 SL's.....stunning :)

[@mguytv]

Yes they have plenty of headroom for tuning - but not sure what you mean by the SL500 being more elegant - they are almost identical really, aren't they?

[@tokyo1469]

​@@mguytv Just personal preference, the original shape of the R230 SL500 is perfect.....the two cars look very different in my eyes, I'm not a massive fan of the 55 body kit, but man alive, the 55 is an utter beast & still looks amazing :)

[@markcole1473]

I kind of agree about the looks. The SL55's front bumper with the black grills around the foglamps is at the same time agressive and less elegant. I personally prefer it but can see why other would prefer the "smoother" more elegant SL500 version.

[@popuptoaster]

M113k is easy to tune, exhaust manifolds, pulley change and better charge cooling to cure the crappy heat soak will do wonders, none of the standard fit Mercedes cars have a tough enough gearbox to survive for long though, your mate is either exaggerating a bit, he's spent mucho dollar on the gearbox or he's going to be coming home on a flat bed at some point.

[@Cosmo-ye7em]

Mark Cole not really SL55 AMG i would say it’s more elegant

[@daviddrennan335]

I like my 500 just as well stuck in traffic doing 20mph :-)

[@coocool67]

me too ! AMG is more costly too...

[@BenzAddiction]

Great video, appreciate your efforts and keep it up

[@mguytv]

Thanks for watching!

[@kenet-1563]

Very nice presentation. Pleasure to watch. Beautifull cars.

[@MaxReviewss]

Great comparison mate, thank you.

[@miloszbednarz1119]

at 4:11 when you show the wheel. you are missing a lugnut. good day

[@mikimiki195]

I don’t think his missing that lugnut that’s why he took it out Get it 🤣🤣👍🏻

[@watalounge1980]

how does the steering feel compare between the 2?

[@wangdong4903]

The SL500 is very slow, the SL55 is a proper car! I’ve had both,

[@francoisrochette3808]

SL 500 very slow are you mad ?

[@SuperLarryLawyer]

Great channel! I like your collection of cars! It is a pitty you sold the great SL 55 AMG but fortunately you have another AMG in your garage and on the channel :-) Please continue producing videos with your great cars!

[@markcarter9476]

Even the entry level SL350 with its 3.7 or 3.5 litre V6 is a fine car and possesses most of the attributes of its more powerful siblings. As the SL is really a boulevard cruiser I certainly don't feel short changed with the V6. In fact it suits the laid back cruising vibe very well indeed. These cars are beautiful and luxurious making you feel like a million dollars whilst in truth you need to spend very little to gain entry to the SL club.

[@peter455sd]

Nah,V8s rule !

[@ESKATEUK]

Hmm… I think you need to drive the sl500..

[@vlad3d36]

If you wanna get a proper car then go for SL55AMG only. What’s the point to buy a half of the car?? I have it and this is absolutely amazing car.

[@1979mha]

Love My sl500

[@Martin040171]

The SL55 ist the sportscar....Sure, but you can get nearly the same Sound in an SL500 with another exhaust System for € 1.500

[@jaromor8808]

i wish they had done something with the blob-shaped mirrors

[@malcolmgay2206]

Great review and the passion is so evident (as with all your clips I have seen so far) Thank you I agree with you the SLK looks grafted onto the SL R 231 spoilt a beautiful shape and confused people. With low klm, full history, a prize SL55 comes in at $AUD80-90k. A workable alternative for those of us on a budget and desperate to have an SL500, the last 2006-2007 R230 update is an option worth considering. Imagine somewhere between the original launch R230 performance, power, steering & handling and the SL55. Check out the 2006 update specs including bigger brakes, Bishop steering (yes it's an Aussie design I believe was taken by MB to F1 and its on the SL500 update), plus the 5.4 litre engine etc,. With photo happy revenue photographers on the road, excessive extra power is effectively unusable. For the frugal amongst us (is an SL owner ever likely to be viewed as frugal...) the non-AMG parts surcharges do add up Worth evaluating if you cannt stretch to the magical SL55 or the Bonkers SL65 (in a nice way of course)

[@mark4271963]

I'll keep my SL600 thanks

[@mguytv]

Maybe I will get an SL65!

[@Garage_Distinct_Clips]

Nice with the v12

[@theil6]

Great Vid...

[@mguytv]

Thanks mate!

[@grahamtricker4103]

Don't forget the SL350. 320HP (2008>) and very similar performance to the SL500 with a super smooth V6 with a 7200 redline, a 7 speed auto and up to 36mpg.

[@mguytv]

Agreed - possibly a better option than the 500 (if you don't mind missing out on the V8...!)

[@mguytv]

And no ABC either...!

[@Garage_Distinct_Clips]

Bro what the sl 500 2006 is 302hp 😂. Damn Mercedes’ …

[@NoWheelDrive]

Nice video! Please compare SL55 and SL65 if possible. I haven't seen SL55 with "exclusive leather interior" option. I really like those nice leather dashboards in SL600 and SL65.

[@Cosmo-ye7em]

My SL55 AMG is full spec and Full Exclusive Designò Leather

[@NoWheelDrive]

@@Cosmo-ye7em Yeah Designo is a pretty rare option. Enjoy it!!

[@freedomfighter84]

This red interior is best ever made by Mercedes

[@Regulus_key]

Two cars in one.

[@bigboo2097]

sl55 amg > sl550 and sl500 , ive owned 7 Mercedes SLs half non amg and if I ever buy one again it'll be 55AMG only

[@Garage_Distinct_Clips]

Sl 550 have advantages

[@francoisbrice5132]

Amazing cars, but their active suspensions are a money drain to maintain!

[@larslagstrom3243]

I've had my 2003 SL55 since summer 2008 and havent spent a cent on the suspension so far, I will hit 200000km during summer - Cars are made to be used, lot of these cars are low milage and cars that stand still tends to get problems.

[@okeyezeilo6187]

The SL500 is a great car but the SL55 looks much better, sounds much better, accelerates much harder, is much faster etc. etc. The difference is like night & day. Seems like the only basis for buying the SL500 is insufficient funds...

[@sink61]

@4:07 is that a missing lug nut from the wheel!?

[@sputnik8407]

You didn't buy it did you ?? I love my sl500 , but I would trade for the red leather perhaps I can dye it ... Thank's for the videos .

[@mguytv]

I'm afraid I couldn't resist!

[@berndlberndl6054]

When it comes to style, you should think about long trousers and a good shirt

[@dlwst44]

berndl berndl when u drive these cars, you can look damn near homeless and still shitt on everyone.

[@berndl]

We Germans see Mercedes as an elegant brand - drivers should comply 😂

[@Magnum44152]

Sad Mercedes stopped using AMG

[@MrAsgharbukhari]

Like your videos but didn't really get what the different drive experience was about from sound

[@Jim.Thunda]

I'll settle for the SLR McClaran

[@TheHomeExpert5]

Yeah, but what about when it breaks?

[@gened9632]

What about it? The 55's platform is pretty rock solid. As for the other maintenance items like the vario roof or suspension fluid changes... part of ownership. You can't date a super model and complain about the cost of taking her out.

[@mortensenvick5711]

did they sell the SL600 in Australia?

[@mguytv]

Yes there are a few around - even an SL65 Black Series (with the fixed roof) is currently for sale!

[@mortensenvick5711]

@@mguytv nice they are super rare, I guess even more with the steering wheel on the right!

[@cheesedoodle4236]

Sl500 m113 Sl55 m113k Same car with no kompressor basically

[@whal8y]

Did an alright job, gonna wanna know more than bigger brakes and calipers.... such as count of pistons...or it would have been nice to hear the diff in exhaust sounds between the 500 and 55. Just ideas, did appreciate the video.

[@mguytv]

Yes well spotted - there's a gap there I am still trying to find the exact upgrades on the brakes…

[@MrAjtaylor1]

8 piston brembo up front and I think 4 or 6 piston brembo in the rear...

[@benamor8685]

Hi Guys im from France and im about to buy an SL 500 , 2003 with 200000km , for 6000 k, the car is from UK So the driving side is on the right but im ok with that< its one of the reason why its so cheap!! the car looks really really good!! i love it!! But after reading all theses comments im actually a bit confused. I asked the seller about the suspensions and he said that he changed them last year and that the car works fine, no probleme! what else should i ask check before buying ? do you think its worth it for 6k ? thnks

[@mguytv]

Best option is to get a pre-purchase inspection from a Mercedes specialist. Good luck!

[@mrkongsimr]

Well I love the noise and the red leather ,but I don’t need the extra power , not that I would reject the new one . Was there a lot of price difference ? I may have paid a bit much for mine a 04 but it only has 20k on it. But I have to admit I’m a bit jealous , it’s such a great car .My problem is I don’t sell my old cars just keep them. Good luck and have lots of fun ,take me for a ride if I ever make it to England .

[@mguytv]

Australia, not England!

[@craigbmm4675]

awsome cars

[@atom999]

What's the difference in fuel consumption between both?

[@mguytv]

A very good question: SL55 states 13.5 litres/100km, SL500 is 12 litres/100km (combined) - source redbook.com.au

[@okeyezeilo6187]

Night and day...!

[@mrkongsimr]

Oh no sorry , thanks !

[@davorvidovic8335]

You should stop soonest you compare horse power,there is no comparison Sl 55 AMG is 👑

[@bevolkisch4628]

the girl in the background @ 7:49

[@thalo9237]

😂

[@ArjayMartin]

Can someone just tune the SL500 to be the same as SL55?

[@mguytv]

No the SL55 has a bigger engine (5.4L) with supercharger, SL500 is a 5.0L naturally aspirated

[@Downtime_videos]

Definitely not the same 🤨

[@MarkoVukovic0]

4:05, missing a wheel stud?

[@mguytv]

Yes, indeed it was!

[@tzazarizona2676]

What about the non supercharged 550.

[@mguytv]

Not sure - that model was never available in Australia. For a 2006 model, power was 386bhp and 0-100 was 5.4 seconds, so it sits almost exactly in between the '500 (300 and 6-ish) and the '55 (492 and 4.7-ish) of the era.

[@gonzokryllake4587]

In Germany it was still called 500 SL even though it had the 5.5 l engine. It had 388 german horsepower, compared to the 306 the first 500 SL had.

[@Cosmo-ye7em]

MGUY Australia no The stock SL55 does 4,5 seconds

[@Garage_Distinct_Clips]

@@mguytvthere is no sl 550 2006 it’s 500

[@siegfriedbarfuss9379]

Get some pants!

[@mercedesE55AMGMan]

Bang for your buck its a top car my one is a 2003 in jasper blue with glass roof,, Linguatronic also has adaptive cruise control plus Designo Alcantara grey with Exclusive grey leather all this car in England u.k for £13,500 ...Took this car down the strip quarter mile run a 12.4 at 114 mph Stock trim off 1955kg what other car goes and looks better with the roof down this is my second one I had one in silver sold it missed it so much then brought another I am on utube too Graham SL55 AMG NUT ,,, Please check out my videos are nothing like yours Mr MGUY

[@graegor55]

Огонь

[@elizabethscally2610]

What is the difference in the SL55 and the Infiniti q60 convertibles

[@elizabethscally2610]

Q60 slk55

[@pobinr]

Wtf is the hideous music for

[@TheHomeExpert5]

Gee whiz, that is really a terrible looking outfit you're wearing. Come on. Why is it that some British men dress so badly?

[@mguytv]

Haha - good job it's a car channel and not a fashion channel, eh?

[@shaundavenport621]

Did you ever think of reading the name of the channel? and then apologising to us British?

[@TheHomeExpert5]

@@shaundavenport621 you are correct, my mistake. However, every single British guy that I see on KZbin dresses like a total dork. Skinny skinny jeans, idiot looking shoes, bright horribly garish shirts....

[@TheHomeExpert5]

@@shaundavenport621 one other thing, I am American, and us Americans love the British. We are brothers and sisters.

[@shaundavenport621]

@@TheHomeExpert5 Thank you for your kind reply and like you my friend I'm part of the skinny jean hating posse!🤣🤣Cheers mate,have a good one. 👍👍