500sl - newbie questions

[mikemac]

Hi guys,

Im thinking of getting a 500sl (around 1998 reg) and have a couple of questions please.

Does the V8 sound like a V8 should or are there a couple of mods to get it sounding sweet?

Is the feeling of speed/acceleration of these good, or as its quite heavy a solid build, is it a case of, "Im doing 150 mph already and I didnt even notice".

Whats the 0-60 of these? I have read a couple of posts they are about 6 seconds, true?

Are there mods to the engine to make it a any quicker? ie, more breathable exhaust/cats, ECU Remap, etc....

Thanks for any advice/experience shared

 

[Mark300SL]

Its very civilised and quiet - exhaust mods are required to get the V8 rumble
They are quick enough
0-60 - who cares in an SL - again its sufficient
as with all engines they are tuneable to a point - but it really isnt the point of an SL as they are much more of a sedate style of car. hardcore acceleration just doesnt suit the car IMO


I am a die hard modder - but my SL is for doing what it does best and thats a really nice cruiser. I have considered a TT Twin turbo conversion for my SL just because I can and its easy to do. But then I keep thinking even my 12v 3.0 is quite sufficient for what I use it for.

 

[BTB 500]

What Mark said. The official 0-62 is 6.5 secs ... plenty of torque available for overtaking.

Easy exhaust mod is to remove the centre muffler and replace with straight-through pipe ... I have done this on mine. The increase in sound is surprisingly mild, but just about enough. Obviously this has to be declared to your insurers and may affect the premium and/or excess.

Incidentally, all cars from late '93 onwards are SL500 rather than 500SL.

 

[mikemac]

Great, thanks for the help chaps....

 

[IanA2]

Where are you mikemac, I've got a '91 500 that's a bit surplus to requirement....it really should go.