I am going to be selling my CL500 in the next couple weeks because I have already had it for 2.5 years (I get tired of cars fast) and because I want to sell it before the new CL comes out this winter and really drops the value of the car. I am considering several options....but mainly the SL500, the 645ci, possibly a new 7 series, and maybe even the LS460 (although I would prefer a coupe). I've driven the SC430 but it is a little too small for what I want. The 6 series would be the coupe because I hate the non-hardtop convertible. Thoughts? Opinions?

I hate that Mercedes just came out with the SL550 which basically makes all SL500's in effect old. I heard alot of SL500 owners were angry about that. The SL55 is solid but not sure I want to pay $80k for a car, matter of fact, I don't. I put way too many miles on my cars due to driving to school, for work, etc. I would cut that car's (SL55) value in half in 2 years probably. Not worth it.

The new Jag....not sold on Jag's reliability, especially with the coupe being the first year of that group. Or I could just take what I would pay per month for one of these cars (likely to be $1k) and buy 2 cars...maybe a used SC430 and a new GS (lease it). Thoughts?

well 645ci owners hates it just as much with the 650ci too. even worse i believe the 645ci was pretty short lived.

anyway if i were you, if this is just a car you get through the time until the new cl comes out, i would just get whatever is cheaper. you should be able to get the 645ci for lower price than the sl500 i assume, with similar mileage. and i would probably trust the reliability on the bmw more than the mb myself

if you wanna get something "new", then i dont' think any of those two choices are "new" anymore ;)

That's right, I forgot they changed the 645 too.

Not planning on getting the new CL for a few years, if I even like it. I learned my lesson from this CL that the new one is going to have a ton of bugs. I will keep this next car for another 2-3 years. What is the pricetag going to be on the LS460, do you know rominl?

I've always been a huge fan of the SL... One of my favorite cars on the road infact.

I would suggest BMW M5.

Porsche 911 GT3

beware of the MB 7 speed trannies, lots of problems

I'd wait for the LF-A. Or the next Gen SC. Just the reliability of MB and BMW scares me. If you lease, then that should be less trouble. I'd go for the 645Ci. Hell, go with the M6... :D

That's right, I forgot they changed the 645 too.

Not planning on getting the new CL for a few years, if I even like it. I learned my lesson from this CL that the new one is going to have a ton of bugs. I will keep this next car for another 2-3 years. What is the pricetag going to be on the LS460, do you know rominl?
imho if you are going to wait a couple of yrs, get the sl550 or the 650ci? or you want to stay in the used market?

Id get the Bimmer. The SL500 is too dime-a-dozen for an "expensive luxury coupe" imo. I almost inclined to say its "played out." The SL550 was due in part to the commemoration of the 50th year. The car really did need some type of update though. The 6 series would also offer you two rear seats, although not that useable, though the SL doesnt. Coming from yout current CL you may or may not be concerned with that.

I love both cars, but if I were to chose between the two, I would pick the Sl500. You get the best of both worlds since it is a convertible hardtop. It's lighter on its feet compared to the porky 645. Timeless design that one will not get tired of. The v8 gurgle from the Sl is intoxicating as well :thumbup:

New XK8. It already beat out the SL and the 6 Series in a top gear test.

Tough call mjr since I've been contemplating on getting a CL (while you're getting rid of yours) :p
(or even an NSX :eek2: ????)

Since you already had an mb, go for the 6. Plus maintenance is also covered under warranty.
SL has the hard top and the 6 has a cheesy soft top :sad:

Genearch can tell you more about the 6 ;) :thumbup:

Edit: Here mjr, get this :D

http://response.jp/issue/2006/0430/article81683_1.images/112331.jpg

In this price class, consider the Audi S6........AWD Quattro traction, plenty of power and handling, and more reliability ( if not by much ) than the BMW or M-B. The Audi grilles, though, take some getting used to.

If I could, I would jump in the new XK8 coupe or the Maserati coupe Grandsport.

I had a friend on the MBforums come to our SELOC meet and he was in Germany for some AMG event and they had the new CL there for viewing. He said it was drop dead gorgous, which would be a change from teh pics we see

I love both cars, but if I were to chose between the two, I would pick the Sl500. You get the best of both worlds since it is a convertible hardtop. It's lighter on its feet compared to the porky 645. Timeless design that one will not get tired of. The v8 gurgle from the Sl is intoxicating as well :thumbup:

:agree:

I would definitely get the SL500 with the AMG bodykit, its just a beautiful classy coupe..........I dont like the 6 series at all especially the ugly interior.

Have you considered the CLS55/63AMG?...........Even though its not a coupe, i think its a great car and its still a "fresh" design. :thumbup:

How was ur experience with the CL?............To me that car is perfect in terms of styling.

Both your prospective choices are great looking cars and have power too. I love big coupes and would take the bimmer. The car is just different and gorgeous. The SL ain't chopped liver but the bimmer just makes my heart skip a beat everytime I see one.
Ooh, what about the M6?

the bimmer just makes my heart skip a beat everytime I see one.

thats called atrial fibrillation induced from bangle-itis. cause: shock and horror. remedy: look the other way. :D

btw, +1 on the XK8 coupe

Tough choice between the 2, but I'd take SL500 over the 645ci coupe, mainly for looks.

Tough choice between the 2, but I'd take SL500 over the 645ci coupe, mainly for looks.
I agree. POLL TIME!!!

Our resident BMW hater... time to give it a rest.. your act is getting extremely lame.
you followin me? :hello:
btw i dont start the hate, i just chime in. guess that happens when you're on a lexus forum and try to glorify them bimmers :)

you followin me? :hello:
btw i dont start the hate, i just chime in. guess that happens when you're on a lexus forum and try to glorify them bimmers :)


Hey what's up Tony?? Been thinking about an M3, any reasons as to why I should not consider them besides being unreliable?? I would lease btw since they have the warranty program.

Poll time! Good idea!

My business partner swears by Porsche, but I don't know much about them. I am curious to see the new Cayman though.

MMarshall, what are you hearing on the reliability of Jags these days? You know the old adage....."one needs 2 Jaguars, 1 to drive when the other is in the shop."

My CL has been fun.....an expensive fun though. I've put WAY too much into that car for repairs, etc. etc. etc. I've also had to deal with moron Benz dealers....I mean every single one has been bad (3 or 4 I have tried). Of course, stupid me put close to 60k miles on the car since I bought it 2 years ago...so you know I lost alot there in value. It's definately a rare car around this area...Milwaukee-Chicago.

I AM liking the fact that BMW obviously has ALL service paid for...brakes, service intervals, etc. etc. Benz brakes cost me $1200....services were $400 each time....I easily put $4k down into 2 sets of brakes and maybe service intervals in these 2 years. I looked on leasetrader.com and saw a couple 6's for like 1k/month for 12-15 months. Maybe I will do one of those for that time period. SL's have not dropped much at all in the last 12-18 months pricewise (which is surprising). I don't like the fact that a 2003 SL is about 25k more than a 2002 SL with less miles.

Hey what's up Tony?? Been thinking about an M3, any reasons as to why I should not consider them besides being unreliable?? I would lease btw since they have the warranty program.
e46 m3 :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:
anything else :egads:
ever get any wheels?
pm me dude

I have a thing for the SL so my first inclination is to vote for it ... which I did (in the poll).

But the BMW 650ci is probably going to end up being more reliable than the SL500 so if this will be your only car I'd suggest you take a look at the 650. But if you have a 2nd vehicle that is reliable then it's basically a toss-up contingent upon your personal preferences and budget.
M.

e46 m3 :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:
anything else :egads:
ever get any wheels?
pm me dude
I love the M3 but stories like this just make me :eek2:
http://www.seloc.net/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=5576

CL member Kristalys sold her SC 400, got a not M3 and is now driving this, her loaner as her M3 is ****ting on her
http://www.kristalys.com/seloc/suzuki.jpg

Maybe she can chime in here.

Jaguar is a Ford product.

Is a coupe here mandatory, or are you considering sedans as well?

I love the M3 but stories like this just make me :eek2:
[url]CL member Kristalys sold her SC 400, got a not M3 and is now driving this, her loaner as her M3 is ****ting on her
http://www.kristalys.com/seloc/suzuki.jpg

.

Well, MIke.........If I had to choose between that little Suzuki ( Daewoo ) and something with I-Drive, Hmmmmmm.............. :D

Jaguar is a Ford product.
so is this

Is a coupe here mandatory, or are you considering sedans as well?
We also have to ask if a 2 or 4 seater is a factor.

please please please save urself from headaches and get yourself a LS460!!!! or something lexus-ish hehehe :D

i've always wanted an SL, but just be careful of benz service too - watch where u buy ur benz if u go that route - my parents bought one from carriage house, took it to rbm for service - and they told them "sorry, we have to loan you a honda civic (also later loaned them a mitsubishi diamante, galant, ford focus) cause you didn't buy directly from us" um ok :uh: lexus never cares :uh:
on top of that - within 6 months of buying it brand new - tranny fluid leak, tow out of garage - child safety window lock malfunction led to a broken window, free replacement and a comment from the service guy "yea we see this problem a lot" they ended up not having the original grey interior in stock, they had to replace it with black - so the car was half black, half grey inside - this was a brand new e320 back in 1998/1999 forget - whenever they first became daimler-chrysler, hopefully benz has gotten better since.

hehehhehe but i still love SLs and i love bmw cars... but i don't love their service depts.

i really miss my sc400.

as of now, i'm still in this ongoing dispute with bmw - 1 week, 3 days, make that 4 days with the f*kcing forenza~~~ :woohoo: u would think they'd have enough loaners go around - maybe i have to buy a m5 to get a hyundai elantra next time around hahahaa

ah well - best of luck to you on whatever you decide :)

~k.

so is this
i want an aston!!! hahaha - i'll never learn :D

A coupe is heavily preferred. As I said, the LS460 is a small possibility, but only small at this point.

reading that M3 story, pathetic

Why are people recommending things like the M5/S6/LS460? Do they make those as coupes?

New C&D has artcile comparing expensive sporty convertibles, and SL550 won.

5th. Caddy XLR-V
4th 650i
3rd Jag XK
2nd Cayman S
1. SL550

650i was the slowest (except for Jag) in 0-60, 1/4 mile, etc, and it was dead slowest in lane change.
Seems like MB is beating BMW in mags a lot these days...

I'd just go ahead and get a Rueben sandwich, hold the sauerkraut.

1) SL: still love this body style. Reliability issues, sure, but you get a nice C230 loaner car. If you lease one, it won't be your problem in 36 months. Looks pimp with a lowering module and 20" wheels.

2) BMW 6: this car has grown on me. It's fairly practial with four seats. In terms of looks, doesn't stir the soul the way that a sportier car does. Everybody complains about iDrive, but my guess is that you'd get used to it quickly.

3) E46 M3 (someone mentioned this): still a pretty cool car, but every UCI student here has one.... VERY common, and getting dated, in my opinion. And it's the size of a Civic... just does not have much presence on the road.

4) Porsche 997: I like these a lot, they look more like the 993 version from the late 90s. I'm actually more of a Ferrari fan, but the 997 looks, drives, and goes great. Colrs like silver, black, or white are all but invisible around here... you hardly notice these cars... very subtle.

5) Maserati Coupe. These never turned my crank until I saw one with nice 19" wheels. If you can stretch to $110K, the Quattroporte would be the move. Beautiful, unique car. Most of the quirks of the first-year cars have been sorted out.

6) Aston Martin V8 Vantage: Love this car... it's actually making the Vanquish look dated! You're getting into bigger bucks here. Lease it and make it go away after 24/36 months. V8 engine is pretty stout though...

What were we talking about? :D

You should get a SL65, then call it a day. :D

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i73/kneeshoe00/sl65-amg-12.jpg

You should get a SL65, then call it a day. :D

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i73/kneeshoe00/sl65-amg-12.jpg


Totally agree. :thumbup:

I love the M3 but stories like this just make me :eek2:
http://www.seloc.net/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=5576

CL member Kristalys sold her SC 400, got a not M3 and is now driving this, her loaner as her M3 is ****ting on her
http://www.kristalys.com/seloc/suzuki.jpg

Maybe she can chime in here.


That's the spy'ed pic of the new 400 hp M3 dude disguised a a Suzuki or Daewoo. :p

Cayman listed with convertibles? :egads:
nah, my mistake - it was 911.

You should get a SL65, then call it a day. :D

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i73/kneeshoe00/sl65-amg-12.jpg

for 180k? sounds like a big difference :)

The SL is hot!!!! :thumbup:

What's not to like??????
http://www.berlinauto.ru/img/tuning/4.jpg

CL member Kristalys sold her SC 400, got a not M3 and is now driving this, her loaner as her M3 is ****ting on her

Maybe she can chime in here.


LOL I took the 7 in for a oil change and they gave me a Hyndai Sonata v6!! lol Hey for what its worth that Hyundai was pretty quick and the eshift was big fun! lol

When the lady pulled up with it, I was like "Damn now thats a looonnngg ways off from a BMW 7 series!!! " Talk about a awkward ride home!

Back on topic, I actually like both cars, the one caveat is the 6'er must be modded properly, no 22" wheels and lame lowering springs with a bigger front gap allowed!!

The r230 MB is simply a timeless design IMO you honestly cant go wrong with it, the sexy overall design and the impression of massive width when viewed from the rear take the cake.

BRABUS kit, 20" staggered wheels with 4 or 5" rear lip, aggressive lowering and exhaust.....case closed!

The SL is hot!!!! :thumbup:

What's not to like??????
http://www.berlinauto.ru/img/tuning/4.jpg
the amount of time it's going to stay in the shop? :D

so far i know one guy with his sl55 and no problems. the 3 other with sl500/55, you know the stories :)

I would not ever touch an M3. They are dated and are certainly dime a dozen as some of you said.
I'm still very undecided as to what to do....lease 1 car, buy 1 car, buy 2 cars, lease 2 cars. If I did not drive so many miles my decision would be alot easier.

SL500.

I had one. Not hardcore enough to fit my preferences, but a gorgeous car and surprisingly lively to drive for a slushbox GT cruiser. Decent power, nothing special.

You can pick up a slightly used 05-06 SL500 for a good price these days, because the SL550 has done some damage to resale values.

I should also mention that the R230 (03-current SL) is the only Benz I'd buy. There's a better alternative to every other model they build.

Poll time! Good idea!


MMarshall, what are you hearing on the reliability of Jags these days? You know the old adage....."one needs 2 Jaguars, 1 to drive when the other is in the shop."

.

I'd personally go with the Jag before either the BMW or M-B. Jags are not the world standard for reliability, but neither are the other two, and Jag interiors, with their nice wood and leather and freedom from I-Drive-like joysticks, have always been nice....and the XK8 body is stunning, as XK's always have been.
That said, Jag reliability is on the wane again after some fairly good years in the mid-late 90's. The old joke you quoted about the 2-in-1 Jags was primarily aimed at the pre-1990 cars. Ford ownership after 1989 markedly improved Jaguar build quality, which reached its peak between about 1996-2000, but it's been downhill since then, particularly with the X-Class. Still, today's Jags, even with the quality slide of the last 5-6 years, are not quite the same catch-fire-every time-you-start-them Jags of many years ago.

Bit the bullet and got a SL500 sport today (of course, from a Lexus dealer lol). It is black with gray interior....panoramic roof....etc. etc. Beautiful car. Will post pics soon. I got bit in the ass pricewise with selling my CL (sold for 27,500....which was a deal and a half, even with 79k miles). Bought the SL for 61,900....down from 63,000 (had really wanted to get it to 60k). It has 33k miles. I might have a paid a little high for the mileage....as I could have had another SL500 sport, same colors....for 57,500 and same mileage. That one had no pano. roof though...which is a little rare it seems from what I found...and the SL is really small inside without it IMHO.

yeah i think the extra money for the roof is a big plus, that's so cool

but damn, now it reminds me why i dropped the sl500 choice back then when i got the sc430 :(

post pics for sure! congrats on the car!

the amount of time it's going to stay in the shop? :D

so far i know one guy with his sl55 and no problems. the 3 other with sl500/55, you know the stories :)

Henry,

I have now owned the car for 18 months and still no problems. I just had the Renntech headers installed along with the other Renntech mods and the car is "scary fast."

Lou

Henry,

I have now owned the car for 18 months and still no problems. I just had the Renntech headers installed along with the other Renntech mods and the car is "scary fast."

Lou
i know, you are the guy with the sl55 that i know with no problem! :)

ls460
but speakin of loaners, what kind of loaners does lexus give you?

Bit the bullet and got a SL500 sport today (of course, from a Lexus dealer lol). It is black with gray interior....panoramic roof....etc. etc. Beautiful car. Will post pics soon. I got bit in the ass pricewise with selling my CL (sold for 27,500....which was a deal and a half, even with 79k miles). Bought the SL for 61,900....down from 63,000 (had really wanted to get it to 60k). It has 33k miles. I might have a paid a little high for the mileage....as I could have had another SL500 sport, same colors....for 57,500 and same mileage. That one had no pano. roof though...which is a little rare it seems from what I found...and the SL is really small inside without it IMHO.

Congratulations, please post pics!

ls460
but speakin of loaners, what kind of loaners does lexus give you?
es or rx most of the time

I say go for CLS55... BEAUTIFUL car and a BEAST

Bit the bullet and got a SL500 sport today (of course, from a Lexus dealer lol). It is black with gray interior....panoramic roof....etc. etc. Beautiful car. Will post pics soon. I got bit in the ass pricewise with selling my CL (sold for 27,500....which was a deal and a half, even with 79k miles). Bought the SL for 61,900....down from 63,000 (had really wanted to get it to 60k). It has 33k miles. I might have a paid a little high for the mileage....as I could have had another SL500 sport, same colors....for 57,500 and same mileage. That one had no pano. roof though...which is a little rare it seems from what I found...and the SL is really small inside without it IMHO.


Oh ok, now that SL wheel size PM makes alot more sense!! Congrats bro, as soon as your ready let me know!!