My wife loves the SL. Trying to see what help I can get from those of you in the know. Have a great opportunity to buy a used 2005 SL 500 with low miles and in great shape, but trying to see how much better the 07 SL550 may be. Any opinions and help would be greatly appreciated.

 

As I remember, the 550 has 50+ more hp.
That would cinch it for me, ymmv.

 

I believe it is more than that. I think the older SL's had like 302 hp and the new one has 382 so it is like 80 hp more.

 

I will take a look at the specs. I knew it was more HP but didn't think it was that much......Thanks

Any other info or opinions would be appreciated.

 

What is with a used SL600? More power and expensiver than a new SL550.

 

Get her a certified 100k mile SL500 2003+, that way you'll have great resale after b/c of warranty and no expensive repairs, and she'll be happy. I dont think she needs the extra HP...

 

http://www.mbusa.com/pre-owned/index.do
Do a nationwide search, the dealer can ask for the car and they ship it to you.

 

Either get a used SL600 or a New 550 which has a much sportier and enjoyable 4valve engine compared to the older gen outdated 3v.

 

The 07 also has the 7speed gearbox, which is smoother than the 5speed (obviously)

That said, having been in the business I would say that a certified SL500 is the way to go.