Getting more difficult to drive my GT3 because of partial paralysis of my clutch leg.. I saw a 2004 AMG 55 (auto trans) that is absolutely beautiful. I might talk to the Porsche/MB store tuesday and see what kind of deal they can come up with.

What say you all. I know they are entirely different cars and I've never tracked my 8200 mile GT3.

Doc

 

Sorry to hear about your leg Doc.

The 55s are great motors, and mod friendly (if that is what you are looking to do). Which 55 are you looking at?

 

Jimbo,
Although they have 3 AMGs the one that I like (love at first sight) was the SL55 AMG with 493 HP, silver in color, like new inside. Its the coupe/convert with the long nose.
Thanks for inquiring.

Doc

 

What year is the SL?

Silver is definitely a great color. If you wouldn't mind, feel free to PM me the VIN, on Monday, I can run the history to see if there was anything extensive done to the vehicle.

 

That is a great car. While certainly heavier and not tossable like the Porsche the power is addictive.

 

Doc, nothing against AMGs per se, but have you test driven a BMW M6 with SMG? Given your present situation (I hesitate to say "predicament"), you might be pleasantly impressed. I was, at any rate (esp for a DD). In northern climes, snow tires transform this beast into a very driveable DD. Plus (and this applies year-round), the S85 V10 lives to rev (8200 redline), which IMO is a near priceless commodity.

Certainly an entirely different experience from the high-torque MB's (which is why I drive an M6 -- and yes, I do speak from experience and have had more than my share of both marques). In any event, best of luck.

 

SL55 AMG is a perfect compliment to any garage. Make sure you get the extended warranty.

 

Hey Wayward Ranger here, on your comments about the M6 I say, +1000.
You know I have the M5 and the thrill of the high revving V10 is a blast.

 

The SL55 is a gorgeous car and offer plenty of power.
And of course there's always the SL63.

 

add a kleeman stage II for $7500 and let the party begin.....

 

friend owned a clk55 amg..great car.. cant go wrong with a amg benz.

 

Hi Juan, (and everyone),

I know from your posts that your modded M5 is a proverbial rocket.

Personally speaking (and in the hope that this perspective is of benefit to at least the OP), I can't fully express the extent to which I am impressed with BMW's V10. Every time I step out of the car, I breathe in deeply with that "wow" feeling (similar to the GT3, but in a DD context). There's nothing like living in the high-rpm band for true car control (I'd guess you'd agree). And the package isn't all bad either, lol. The downside of the M5/M6 is range though, the fuel tanks are simply too small.

I do appreciate AMG Benzes, but they've always imparted something of an "appliance-like" experience, that's to say "driver is optional" (ouch, sorry). Also of note is that the M's are high speed rockets, exhilirating from say, 60 to 200 mph -- read: scary fast.

Just my .02 of course (and no offense to MB fans or those of high twist engines). There's definitely a parallel (in terms of BMW M vs. AMG) to the hammer vs. scalpel metaphor so commonly referred to with regard to Porsches vs. Vipers, Vettes, etc. In the end, it really does amount to personal preference.

Doc, as the OP, this is humbly offered as food for thought, perhaps a few test drives are in order. Again, good luck.

 

I second the M6 w/SMG. The SL55 is a real nice car, but I think it's gonna be a somewhat similar driving experience to your AT Corvette. Whereas, the M6 is a much more unique drive.. exotic V10 sounds and a different shift feel (it really does feel like a manual gear change that's happening itself, and much more interesting than an auto trans gear shift). Plus, it's a real quick car, too.

Beautiful interior, impressive fit and finish, nice ride, etc. Not to mention, there a lot fewer 6 Series in general than SLs.

 

I had an '03 SL55 and the '04 GT3 at the same time. The SL55 was a great cruiser. I thoroughly enjoyed it, the power was impressive, the fit and finish superb, and very comfortable. I found that I didn't have the time to enjoy both cars, and since I enjoy the track, which would go was not in question.

However, if I had kept the SL55, I would not have been disappointed. I'm now considering getting an E55 with that sc motor.

 

If you get a 55, definitely get an extended warranty. No so many issues from the 55 motor itself (outside of intercooler pumps), but the electronics can go really screwy.