Low mileage SL500 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Pete Geither · #1 04-26-2003, 06:57 AM

Am probably going to buy a 95 SL500 I drove yesterday that is PERFECT, with 31,000 miles. The only thing that disappoints me just a bit is the performance. I know my E420 would eat it up. Is there anything that is typically done to these cars to improve performance. I think it has the second gear start feature. It will have the Starmark warranty so problems should not be a concern for a year. Are there any areas of concern with this particular car? This will be my first SL,,,, just gotta have one.

jjrodger · #2 04-26-2003, 01:24 PM

I'm not sure your E420 would eat it up, based on the figures I have for the :

E430 (I don't have figures to hand for the E420)

Max. speed: 155mph
0-60mph: 6.5sec
0-100mph: 15.4sec
30-70mph: 5.4sec
50-70mph: 3.2sec
60-0mph: 2.6sec

SL500 (1989 model--same motor as 95 car)

Max. speed: 157mph
0-60mph: 5.9sec
0-100mph: 14.0sec
30-70mph: 5.2sec
50-70mph: 2.8sec
60-0mph: n/a sec

The SL500 beats the E430 on every count. I doubt the E420 is any different.

The SL500 has very high gearing (35mph per 1,000rpm in 5th) as a result of its higher than usual final drive. This makes it feel slower than it really is. 1st gear is good for 50mph, 2nd gear for 75mph, 3rd for 125mph, and both 4th and 5th will stretch to 155mph.

I would have thought the best performance mod would be to take the lower final drive ratio from a SL320. I don't suppose this is an easy job as you'd have to recalibrate the instruments.

By the way, the SL is a great car (and it looks great in 702 Smoke Silver: see my pics!). Buy it, you won't regret it!

#3 04-26-2003, 03:46 PM

I'm going to guess that you either have an incredibly quick E420 or the SL500 you're looking at isn't running well or---most likely in my mind---it's smooth enough to deceive you. But no matter; you'll love it, so get it!

I'd like to hear you report back after you've got it and tried it against your E420. Maybe I'll be the one who's surprised...

Best,

Travis

Pete Geither · #4 04-26-2003, 06:14 PM

Sincerely appreciate the info folks. Won't be able to compare the two as the E is getting replaced with the SL. As you said,,, the SL is probably smoother and a bit more subtle in going about it's business. Picking the car up Monday,,, will post some pics when I put the wheels on and paint all the lower cladding to match.

Ballroomman · #5 04-26-2003, 08:37 PM

You are going to love the car. i have a 95 sl320 with 385000 miles and it drives like a new car.
the last post was correct. the car is high rpm in 1/2/3 gear butt pulls through smooth in 4/5

spinedoc · #6 04-27-2003, 08:33 PM

No way in hell your E420 would even come close to the SL500. Keep in mind that in 96 they started in first gear, before that they started in 2nd gear making for a bit of a subtle take off. Punch that baby and you will change your mind very fast.

Barring a light foot, maybe the car is out of tune? I drove a SL600 that was out of tune and it did not impress me at all.

joetod · #7 04-27-2003, 10:48 PM

I own a 92 500 SL.I purchased it to replace my 85 Porsche Carrera,I was not disapointed with the performance of my SL and the handeling was quite amazing ,push it ,push it hard !It is totally forgiving,it will make you a better driver it is so smooth.Learn to set up your turns and just point and shoot.It holds any line .911's are really quirky I am 57 and drive like I'm 17.I mostly drive in 3rd gear it's so much more responsive,try it Have Fun ,Joe -92' 500SL, 00' C230K mit Kompressor