Feedback from SL63 owners

[red308]

Hi Am starting planning process for my next car. Current car is CL63. Have owned SL's in the past; am considering an SL63. Any comments both positive and negative would be appreciated. Also, specifically, any comments on the transmission? Reliability? Thanks

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[Fantasm]

Keep the CL63. Better electronics inside.

[Xeron]

if it isn't broke don't fix it. I've had nothing but problems with my SL63. Curse the day I bought it .

[Al E]

Have both and really enjoy driving both. If you put a gun to my head I would keep the CL63!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[transferred]

Aside from the gearbox, the CL63 is the fresher, better car...

[Fantasm]

If you'd like, we can trade cars for a week or two... I'm in Woodland Hills

[WSH]

Have at least 6 colleagues who each own both CL63 030/65 and SL63 030

Serious, lemon-worthy reliability and daily-driveability (jerkiness vs cold (by CA stds) or steep hills) issues of MCT

Nearly every SL63 owner I know wants to dump it for '10 SL65 and/or '10 CL65 but AMG has stopped production of new AMG SLs (poor sales); may re-start produc in late Fall...or may switch to SLS production, who knows?

Aside from MCT, awful brake pedal feel vs AMG CL; primitive sport seats vs AMG CL (esp lacks deep side bolsters)

Ancient comfort tech (and interior materials) vs CL....hassles like lack of rt mirror tilt down on reversing; inept ventil/massaging func of seats, etc....SL interior (and exterior Parktronic bulletholes, sat radio lump) are vintage '02 tech/cheap plastics (e.g., buttons, switches, door pulls, etc)

[a_Y]

from my experience with my sl63, i love the car. i'd definitely prefer this to the cl63. the car looks better, you can have top up or down when you want, handles better and has the mct. i myself have not had issues with the mct. to me its been really great. shifts are lightning fast and the downshift throttle blips are pure sex. when the car is in comfort or sport mode, you will have a very nice comfy car. when you want it to be more sporty, put it in sport+ and you will be a happy camper. however if you want full control, go for manual mode. i have no regrets in this car.

p.s. my passenger side mirror does tilt down on reverse.

[Xeron]

I guess you are one of the lucky ones.... my 09 SL63 has been a disaster. Continuous MCT problems. Latest "fix" created up shifting problems.. 6 months of B.S. since I bought the car

[a_Y]

can u elaborate on the upshifting problems u are having?

[hdtv22]

An SL63 is what, like $150K nowadays?

This is what I'd do

07 SL55 - $63K
08 S63 - $87K

No sense in buying a new car, at least for me IMO

[photonut]

i had an '04 SL55 and had serious problems with the ABC suspension. the vehicle would lean to one side within hours of turning off the engine and the problem could not be fixed. i took delivery of an SL63 two months ago and after 1,500 miles, i am happy to report there have been no problems whatsoever. i am in love with the SL63. it is vastly improved from the SL55. the mc tranny is FANTASTIC. the rumbling exhaust note is awesome. i always drive with the vehicle in manual mode; the shifting is as quick as my F430!! my only complaint is that the transmission defaults into the automatic mode after the engine is turned off. the car has not required any service so far and i suggest driving one to help formulate your own opinion!!

[Fantasm]

everyone that has had transmission problems hasnt had it start until around 5000-6000 miles i think...

[Xeron]

The latest "fix" was to address the down shifting banging. It appears through driving the car afterwards, that they changed the programming to keep the car out of gear longer between shifts. Now, if you need to accelerate for any reason and the car is downshifting the revs will run way up and the car will drop down 2 gears lower rather then 1 before engaging causing the car to lurch. When the car upshifts now I'm getting some slippage too in the lower gears.

[pterion]

I have about 4500 miles on my Sl63 (have has it since Feb) and I have had no problems with the MCT yet. It shifts lightening quick and I could not be happier. The sound is just amazing. Everyone always comments they know when i am arriving by the awesome sound of my car.
It seems like maybe there is a subset of people with bad transmissions? I hope this is the case and that mine is not going to start having problems soon.

PT

[red308]

OK. Well I am watching this discussion closely.

For me, the jury is still out. It does sound like there might be some mct issues. For me, the 7 speed auto trans is just fine anyway.

What I really would love: A CL63 with a metal folding convertible top.

[OC_AMG]

Go over to the AMG Private Lounge if you are registered.

Lots of ugly comments over there about the SL63 MCT.
Seems like after about 5000 miles the MCT Issue starts raising its ugly head.

Looks like I dodged a bullet when I decided to keep my SL55 for another year.

[Thericker]

Well if Perf? is in your list of reasons to by either SL63/CL63 know this, the added weight in CL63 is def noticable, CL63 from a dig or roll-on is an absolute turd. Not trying to rip on it just stating fact, (I personally love the exterior/interior improvements of the new CL 216, it's just the 63 motor is woefully inadequate for the curb weight, actually same problem w/SL63, just NOT as pronounced. The added exhaust/note/burbles are cool, but only help mask the lack luster acceleration)

Either get the CL600/CL65 SL600/SL55/SL65

[BMWRACER]

MCT problems . Started at about 9000 miles.Took it in twice and did not come out ok. Finally,took it to my SLR mechanic at head office and it is working fine now.
Evrything else about the car is great.