Both the C and the E will have the NA motor, unlike previously when the E55 had the supercharged version of the 5.4 liter, giving it about 107 more horses than the C55. The new E63 has about 50 hp more than the C63, but is a heavier car. Aren't they both doing 0-60 in about 4.1 seconds (according to R&T)?

[Sorry for the hijack]

 

I wouldn't do it. Right now you have the best of both worlds and having two cars is a nice luxury.

 

As with a lot of other threads like this, things get OT....so I'll start out by asking a few questions.

1) Why the SL63?
2) How were you envisioning your next car accomplishing what both the E and Porsche achieve?
3) What is it about each car (existing) that you don't like?

 

I'm pretty sure Porsche is the hands-down winner in holding resale value. These cars are amazing - 2006 C2S cabs have been selling as high as mid-high 80's. These are 2 year-old cars that are 15-20% off new prices?

The 911 is the car most often named as a "dream car" by consumers and this status helps to fuel demand at the various entry price points where people are able to acquire them.

I've seen automotive/consumer writing on both these subjects recently, but I can't immediately remember where.

But it always strikes me a bit curious how people can be quick to hold up Mercs as alternative products to Porsches. Apples to black-eyed peas afaic. Not to disparage either marque - but the only thing they really have in common (save the SUVs) is the price-range and image of exclusivity.

I suppose that's it. It's more about image than it is about driving. Nothing wrong with that I suppose.....

 

Our household consists of two drivers and three cars: The SUV, the sedan, and the P car. So we clearly think that it's better to have specific cars for specific purposes.

I would not sell the E and the P car for an SL.

For one, I'm not a fan of the re-design. Whereas I think the current SL is a very nice looking car, the new nose on the redesign is too much bling. Moreover, I still think sports cars should have a proper manual transmission.

But that's just me.

 

as of a few years ago, it was possible to buy a new AMG merc off the dealer lot at around $30k discount around labor day weekend. never heard of new porsche's being sold for 33% off, but if you check some of the mercedes forums, this is how AMG rolls... they build way too many of those things to support the prices; otherwise they're great cars (albeit heavy, thirsty ones!). i used to have an E55 touring wagon that was loads of fun. at 10mpg!!!

 

Alf, seems like he wants hp, tq, hardtop, slick machine and wants less raw, but loves the kick in the pants - doesn't care nor need space anymore.

That unit is very refined and it looks as though that's what he wants to move to. No better, no worse, just different - everyone's different. I say if he likes it, loves it, then he should do it.

I'm sure he knows his answer already - as OG or I or you would - you really wouldn't post, you'd already know.

He's just seeing what sort of impressions he'll get, that's all.

Cheers

 

Every once in awhile, I see an MB model that makes me go "wow," so I go and test drive them . . . and invariably hate them.

I think they are aimed at a different market segment. To me, no matter how much power they put in them, they still feel heavy and lumbering. Perfect when I get older, but just too old for me right now. More than half of the enjoyment of a car is how it "feels" when you drive it without regard to the specific numbers listed on the spec sheet. There is more to driving than 0-60 times . . .

When I retire I will buy a MB . . . probably the black series equivalent . . .

 

What you knew of AMG is soon going to be a thing of the past. AMG is pulling it's self away from MB and only a select few dealerships will be authorized AMG Centers. In addition and more importantly, they're developing their own stuff (ie; the 6.3) and will NOT produce nearly as many cars as AMG's in years past.

Big discounts are a thing of the past on new gen AMG. Go to a MB dealer and you'll see what I'm saying.

And FYI- that's a GOOD THING. Less cars, more unique, better built, more exciting, and less discounting yeilds HIGHER resale/residual value.

 

Drive the new gen AMG. C63, SL63, CLK "Black Edition" ect. You'll see the difference.

The current gen E63 is a killer car; but it's not fully integrated into the new AMG persona. Wait until you see the next gen E. As for the current body style S63- That's not like the old S55; but you'll probably not like that car. It's not my cup of tea either. Too similar to the AMG that you probably don't like. IMHO.

 

You wait and see, 65 Black - killer.

And hey, I am "retired" - at least semi since 30.

And yeah your stoppy is ok. I love it when guys walk from hi speed corner drops and slide on leathers. That's nuts. I'll keep my 4 wheelers thank you.

Cheers

 

Why is depreciation on the SL so bad? It seems like it is that way with most Benz's. Why?

 

I have an SL55 with K2 mods, 585hp/628tq. It is fun but often I would rather drive my C2S. Hope to try the new 63 soon but will be keeping my SL for now. You already have an E55 so you know what the AMGs are like. SL is a really nice tanning machine. Also an amazing tire smoker

 

well, i'll believe it when i see it; i'm not convinced. the dealers around here sell AMG's like any other benz, just at a higher price point.

the discounts will be there just like they've always been, when the truck loaded with "next year's model" pulls up around labor day.

unless AMG becomes a strictly build-to-order shop, which is unlikely, they'll continue to build 'em and sell 'em like they've been doing. either that or they'll need to hike the prices even higher, which means they'll sell fewer whether they want to or not!

 

I tend to agree. AMG used to be somewhat unique and special. But since MBZ purchased AMG, they are cranking out AMG badges on every model, making them quite ubiquitous, and quite ordinary here in Orange County. There are many wealthy people who don't necessarily appreciate the AMG capabilities who buy them because they are the best in class, then discard them for the next toy a year or 2 later. I've bought 2 of them that way, each a year old with low mileage and like new, and deeply discounted. Plus, MBZ reliability has been abysmal for a number of years, so people are nervous about purchasing used models, especially with limited or no warranty remaining.