Gullwings and Pagoda's

[finally_retired]

Hi, I'm fairly new to these forums, but I have more time now, I can try stuff like this.
I have 3 SL's, a '64 230SL Pagoda, a 300SL Gullwing, and a new style SL600.
I wondered if anyone else is as in love with these cars as I am, or if people would share their oppinions and views on these, or any other SL's.

(PS. I have photographs of the cars, but I don't know how to post them, can anyone help me?)

[wings700]

Hi: I have a 04 SL600 and find it very comfortable and very powerful. I have recorded 4.3 0-60 and 12.5 quarter mile. I have ordered an SL65 but probably will not see that car for a year here in the US.
On another note, when driving your car at speed do you notice a tendency for the car to drift to the right?

[finally_retired]

I know what you mean. It's similar in that respect to a 911. Its got the power of the gods, but is still refined and comfortable when you need it to be.
I don't have a pull to one side, the car is perfectly balacned, but I did have a friend who had an ML350 which pulled. Its more than likely the tracking. When my friend took his car in, they found that the tracking was all over the place, and that it was mercedes that had set it up. Thats all I can think of...
I recieve my SL65 AMG in 10 weeks. Its going to be one of the first and I cant wait!
Is the SL600 your first SL?

[wings700]

Hi Finally Retired: I have a 03 S55 AMG but this was my first SL. I wanted the extra power of the TT V12 but realy like the AMG product. That is why I am looking forward to the SL65 AMG. Someone in Miami, FL just took delivery of the first one to arrive in Florida. It is black and he tried to auction it off on EBAy. Bids got to $201000 but the "Reserve was not met". The car had a MSRP of $186K.
My SL does not pull to the right but has a tendancy to drift that way on a level road. Mercedes checked out the suspension and made a slight change including giving me 2 new front tires but it did not fix the problem. It did seem to make it slightly better.
PLease post your observations when you get your SL65. I will be anxious to see what you say, especially comming out of the SL600. Are you in the UK?

[finally_retired]

Yes, I'm in in the UK. That is a most strange problem on the 600. I would keep pestering mercedes untill the problem is sorted. I have no such problem, but as yours is a left hooker, and mine right, there could be room for differentiation. A ex-business partner of mine has just reciever her CL65 AMG, and I am going to drive it on saturday. I will let you know what I think.

[wings700]

Great! Look forward to your report!

[finally_retired]

I have driven the CL65 AMG, and it is incredible. Totaly gob smacking at just how much power it has. I'm used to the 600 being fast, but I think with the addition of the AMG suspension, and thoes two high compression turbos, it somehow manages to be so much faster!

It has this outstanding ability to accelorate at phonominal pace, from just about any speed. If you are doing 120mph, the acceloration to yet another mindwarping speed is just as good as if you were traveling at 60.
The size and weight of the CL did blight the handeling, but I would think that when its in my SL, thoes problems will have been sufficiently addresed. This engine is the stuff of dreams. It drained the blood from my feet when I had finished the drive.

My only complaint is the dark 'carbon look' colour to the AMG alloys... Didn't think they suited the car somehow.

[wings700]

Thanks for the report F.R. My dealer just received his first CL65 but it is a sold car. I may go look at it though. Still in the hunt for an SL65.
BTW, are you familar with a web site called mbworld.org? You might want to check it out. Lots of good stuff there. Fred