[R129 SL] AMG Package

[Rob Vonderhaar]

Phil,
We may be getting confused here.  There are true AMG SLs like the SL55
or SL65, and there is also the so-called 'SL Sport' option for a regular
SL.  The former is the real deal -- much more powerful engines, upgraded
suspension, etc (and prices to match).  The latter is what George
described in his post, and consists of upgraded wheels/tires plus some
exterior trim cosmetics; it's always been about a $5k option if I
recall.
 
If we're talking about the SL Sport package, there are pros and cons.  I
also added the AMG wheel/tire setup to my '95 SL500 (18" monoblocks with
staggered 245/275 widths, identical to what comes on the SL Sport).
This is a +2 upgrade over the original 16" wheels.  Since I first put
them on in 1996, I've run Dunlop SP9000's which were again exactly what
MB used at the time.  Have always been happy with the performance of the
9000's, but recently went to Toyo Proxes T1R's as a slightly
less-expensive replacement.  Personally, I can't tell the difference --
first Toyos I've owned, but so far very happy.
 
The pros:  Car handles like it's on rails.  Much less body lean, no tire
squeal, etc. in hard cornering.  Also, much better wet-weather handling
(the OEM Pirellis hydroplaned like crazy).  The cons:  Very harsh ride.
You feel every single pebble on the road, and at least on my car, the
whole suspension doesn't seem all that compliant.  Even on a smooth
interstate, the ride is pretty 'busy'.  It also tends to tramline a bit,
especially on worn or crowned roads - so keeping the car from wandering
takes more work sometimes.  (And yes, I just had it aligned - it's smack
on specs in every regard.)  Finally, the staggered setup means you can't
rotate tires.  This is a really big deal, because the SL is very hard on
the outer edges (especially in front), and the fronts always wear a lot
faster than the rears.  With a new set of these tires running
$1200-1500, and usually only lasting about 10-15k miles, being able to
rotate would sure be nice!
 
So there are days that I love the change, and others where I wonder
whether it's worth the tradeoffs.  Choose wisely, grasshopper!
 
   Rob Vonderhaar
   Leesburg, VA
   1995 SL500
 

________________________________

From: r129list-bounces at mbcoupes.com
[mailto:r129list-bounces at mbcoupes.com] On Behalf Of Phil Carbone
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2006 3:08 PM
To: SL Mailing List
Subject: Re: [R129 SL] AMG Package


Thanks for your help. Are the Riken Raptors better than the Pilots?

	----- Original Message ----- 
	From: George Jenner <mailto:gjenner at nc.rr.com>  
	To: SL Mailing List <mailto:r129list at mbcoupes.com>  
	Sent: Monday, September 11, 2006 12:50 PM
	Subject: Re: [R129 SL] AMG Package

	Phil, from what I have seen and read on the subject the AMG
package was offered as an option on the 129 series cars.  This included
both the SL500 and the SL600.  The package was a dress up add on and
included Xenon headlights (headlamp wiper delete), 18" staggered width
wheels with z rated low profile tires, a front body trim and grille
change, side (under the doors) body trim with a aerodynamic shape and a
rear body trim (under the trunk) panel change.  That is the entire
package.  The wheels and tires alone gave the entire car a more
aggressive look and wider stance which I like.  I have recently added
the AMG wheels, and I fitted these with Riken Raptor (Michelin) tires to
my 1996 SL500.  Very happy so far.
	 
	Happy Motoring - George

		----- Original Message ----- 
		From: Phil Carbone <mailto:philcarbone55 at comcast.net>  
		To: SL Mailing List <mailto:r129list at mbcoupes.com>  
		Sent: Monday, September 11, 2006 10:35 AM
		Subject: [R129 SL] AMG Package

		Does anybody own an SL600 with the AMG package and is it
worth the extra money? What is included?

		
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