[R129 SL] AMG Package

[Phil Carbone]

Thanks.
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Rob Vonderhaar 
  To: SL Mailing List 
  Sent: Monday, September 11, 2006 3:45 PM
  Subject: RE: [R129 SL] AMG Package


  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




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  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 
    To: SL Mailing List 
    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 
      To: SL Mailing List 
      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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