SL60 AMG - any opinions

In my search for a 500 SL, I have come across a '94 SL 60 AMG 60k miles - the 6 litre V8 with some fancy AMG parts and 380 horses! In Europe they were around $150,000 new. Does any one have any comments about this car? Has any one driven one? I've got a road test on it which says it has more power and stiff suspension but doesn't really rave about it. Any other thoughts? It's either this car or a 98 500 SL with 30k miles. the SL 60 around $30k and the 500 SL around $34k. Advice appreciated - James.

Only $30K for a used SL60 ?? Since those cars did not come to US maybe you will have some problems bringing it to the US.

I intend to keep it in Europe so shouldn't be a problem, although the steering wheel is on the wrong side for the UK

Well then go for it. It has as much power as a 600, but probably handles better because it less weight up front. And it will be a way better ride than a 500.

It's looking good. If I can get a good deal then I will probably buy it next week. I'll keep you posted once I drive it!

[Kebowers]

I drive a 94 SL600 and it is awsome expreience. The suspension is FAR superior to the 500. I wonder what the AMG is like. Is it just cosmetics? or does it have the fullhouse suspension,brakes, wheels, engine tweaks?

As I understand, it has brakes, suspension, wheels, some cosmetics and of course the engine. Sadly the example I was chasing sold before I could get it. Frustrating but that's life. I've just bought a 96 SL 500 to console myself

[need2speed]

James: Did you happen to get any details on the AMG SL60 engine? You mentioned it was a 6.0 liter V8, but was it a stroked M119 motor or something else, like the earlier 5.6 liter?

This one certainly seemed to be a 6.0 version of the 5 litre V8. To be honest, I was relying for details of the spec on some sites that I found about the car:

http://www.mbbel.mercedes-benz.com/fr/amg/sl60.htm

http://www.theautochannel.com/publications/magazines/sci/aug-sept-97/amgsl60.frame

http://www.schwab-kolb.com/sl60amg.htm

they all seem to confirm the same details.

regards

James

The SL60 is a enlarged version of the 5.0L - its the older 5.0L, the 4 valve per cylinder one, they can only enlarge the 3valve one to 5.5 (which is why U now get a SL55)

The car was great, unlike the V12 SL600, the nose isnt too heavy, and it goes like stonk ;-)

My UK dealer took me out on a track day with most of the MB vehicles there (except the SLK (as that had just been released) at Goodwood.

I had a SL320 at the time, now I have a 3 year old SL500, I would have bought a SL60AMG, but I have a CLK55 for any moments of requiring extra acceleration !

[NEOKEN]

LOTS OF OPINIONS:

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r129-sl-class/1405492-rare-r129-amg-engines.html

[wbrian63]

nominate for "resurrect oldest post" award...

[POS]

No kidding - wow.

[SL60AMG]

Reactivated post? Let's go again then!

A small Hello from France!

Looking into informations about E320 SW as I plan to get mine from Germany next week (11/2004 - Amg - 37000 km) I came to this post, and I can give you some contribution on the SL60 AMG...

I came to MB getting my Father's 230CE around 1985, and I never quit MB since... The following one was 420 SE, then E 420 SW.

With the experience of V8's from the two 420 models, my dream was always to get an SL 500. I was looking occasionally around, without too much conviction, but still keeping the faith it could occur...

I then came to an add from Luxembourg about SL60 AMG, and I looked at the specs as this was less of a common model around here. The car was a demo unit 1995 from the Luxembourg dealer, and he had sent the car to AMG (who were still an independant company at that time) to have it transformed into the famous SL60 AMG version.
The travel to Luxembourg was worth having a look, and here I come to dicover the reality of the AMG design...

The icons are far from what you imagine!
Have a look at the pictures, and you will understand that what I expected as an SL 500 "slightly trimmed" was nothing to do with a trimming!

The 5 liters V8 is taken out from the car, totally disassembled, and rebuilt to a 6 liters V8 engine, made to give the torque, the horsepower, and the reliability even with such specs.
The suspension is also completely changed, with the car staying two inches closer to the ground.
The whole inside is also changed to red leather, including the optional hardtop roofing. (+ wheels, Tires, breaking...etc)

Now, the truth comes when you start the engine and listen to the sound. The car drives like a kart!
I do not know if you had this experience of expecting the car to reach the limit into a curve, and it does not move: Then you tell the experienced driver to show you where the limit is...and he shows you, but by that time you were sure to have lost it! This is the SL 60 AMG guys!

I have it since four years now, and the pleasure is still the same as the first day. 135000 km, with simply the normal maintenance by the dealer.
You cannot hurt this engine if you are not driving on race tracks every Sunday.

Let's give another start to this post!
Who gets one of those?

NB: I am a second hand MB buyer as I cannot imagine to pay the new price for such machine. The nice experience is that you can drive V8's on a daily basis when you just consider the price you get those cars after a few years and a model change!

[NEOKEN]

Originally Posted by wbrian63

nominate for "resurrect oldest post" award...

Hello Everyone!

Honestly I never realized this thread was THAT old until I just now saw the dates! I am new member to this forum, and happened to stumble upon this thread in the quest for more answers in regards to the 'RARE R129 AMG ENGINES'.

Impressive site you guys have here, and keep up the fantastic work!!!

Best Regards,

Ken

neoken79@yahoo.com