2004 SE & SL
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 76
2004 SE & SL
What are the differences between the SE and SL for the 2004 maxima?? I've been trying to figure it out by looking at the pictures on autotrader but its confusing cause a lot of the options i see on the SE are also on the SL and sometimes they are not?? 
Idk anybody know?
Idk anybody know?
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 569
From: CA
an SE model is always going to be the sporty model with a better handling package, usually beefed-up shocks, springs, sway bars, tires & wheels. The SL or older designations like GXE/GLE are going to be more mainstream and smoother riding with a luxury orientation. Also, manual trans. are generally only available on the SE models. Pricing, with similar equipment, won't be much different.
It all depends on what your prefference is bro.
Hope this helps man..
It all depends on what your prefference is bro.
Hope this helps man..
an SE model is always going to be the sporty model with a better handling package, usually beefed-up shocks, springs, sway bars, tires & wheels. The SL or older designations like GXE/GLE are going to be more mainstream and smoother riding with a luxury orientation. Also, manual trans. are generally only available on the SE models. Pricing, with similar equipment, won't be much different.
It all depends on what your prefference is bro.
Hope this helps man..
It all depends on what your prefference is bro.
Hope this helps man..
Also there are more luxury items that are standard in a SL model that you may have to ask for or find rare in a SE model (Xenon headlights, Dimming side and rear view mirros, Bose audio, etc....)
But the SL has better shocks and springs due to a softer ride, not the SE. Sway bars and endlinks are the same on both models.
Last edited by 2LEET4U; Apr 29, 2009 at 08:35 AM.
The only difference in suspension parts between an SL and an SE is the SL has 17 inch wheels and the SE has 18's. They use the same struts, rear shocks, springs and sway bars. No difference. The difference is in the creature comforts that come standard with the car. You could dress an SE up with all of the options and basically make it an SL with 18 inch wheels.
Newbie - Just Registered
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 6
hey ive been on nycmaximas.org forever
ive ive also had an account on here for a minute i dont normally post here but i will in this case since no one had said the most important thing that sets them apart.
04 SE has 5speed AT with tip,
04 SL has 4speed AT with no tip
other members have said most other diffrences, SL has heated seat option as well...the 04's also have the most standered hp outta the 6th gens, but the transmission is a nightmare.
pm me if you have more questions
ive ive also had an account on here for a minute i dont normally post here but i will in this case since no one had said the most important thing that sets them apart.
04 SE has 5speed AT with tip,
04 SL has 4speed AT with no tip
other members have said most other diffrences, SL has heated seat option as well...the 04's also have the most standered hp outta the 6th gens, but the transmission is a nightmare.
pm me if you have more questions
Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 85
From: Hockessin, DE
These were the differences for 08 (may be the same/similar for 04):
SL - Leather, Bose, Heated Seats, 17" Rims, Wood Trim, Auto Dim Mirrors
SE - Cloth, Standard Stereo, 18" Rims, Aluminum Trim, Spoiler
Xenons are not standard on either SL or SE for 08.
SL - Leather, Bose, Heated Seats, 17" Rims, Wood Trim, Auto Dim Mirrors
SE - Cloth, Standard Stereo, 18" Rims, Aluminum Trim, Spoiler
Xenons are not standard on either SL or SE for 08.
Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 58
SE SL
Well it seems we all have opinions, but for the Guy who said someone missed the big difference of SE-5-sd AT and SL-4-sd AT that isnt correct I have an SL and it has the 5sd AT with tip. Here is the right analogy, SE has 6 spd manual tranny and I assume ya can special order 5 spd AT but 6 spd is standard equip. SE also has 18" wheels and the sky view moonroof, the long one that dont open. Here is what SL has 5 or 4 spd AT with tip shift,HID (blue) headlights,17" wheels,Navigation, sunroof that opens,woodgrain accents on leather interior, power evrything seats,steering column,side mirrors, gas and brake pedals,Bose 6-disc changer,rear sun shade .Now there are other packages for SL mine has an extra winter package which consists of heated seats and a heated steering wheel. I think it is safe to say there is no set SL or SE they can be dealer ordered with different equip. Also one thing SE has that SL dont is the traction control and vehicle dynamic control. That is the only possible option mine does not have. Some models even have only two seats in back seperated by a real nice console that is decked out with lights and stuff. By the way for those who think the SE handles all sporty compared to the SL I have drove both and cant tell much difference if any. However I do like a manual tranny for there dependabillity. I do like all those luxury items like Nav. and heated seats and stuff that the SL have. I also know the SE is cheaper than the real decked out SL,s Ya dont get Nav. and bose for free. maxman7
Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 58
SE SL
Most people add the spoiler to the SL model, first thing I did I hate that stubby short trunk without it,looks too plain. Dont forget when ya buy them used or rebuilt that they could have been altered, a SE hit in the rear may have had a junkyard SL trunk of matching color put on it . Im not saying anything bad bout anyones car, just stating a fact. As I said before it seems there are a million variations on each model, And I suspect it has a lot to do with the area it was dealer ordered from,The dealer probably orders what He or She thinks will sell easiest in their town. Also I know Toyota and Nissan here in somerset,KY put aftermarket mods on their brand new cars,like alloy rims,spoilers,grills,exhuast and ETC. But the bottom line is SL means luxury and SE means sport edition not litterally but you get the point,Nissan says SE is a lead foot Drivers car and the SL is the classy Driver. However there is no difference in Horsepower at all, and I cant be convinced that the 18" wheels make any noticeable difference in handling just a tiny bit less tire roll due to the lower profile tire required but a real good quality 225-55 ,17" tire will roll very little. I have read SE have stiffer struts for more stable cornering but absolutely no difference in any of the major suspension components. I say if Ya can afford a fully equipped SL and add the spoiler,a nice grill and a nice set of custom 18" or bigger wheels Ya will have to replace struts and strut mounts soon enuff (on maxima,s) so ya can install what kind of feel you want stiff or softer.That is to Me the best way to go have the best of both worlds. I dont think ya can get a 6-spd manual tranny in the SL model , but I will take all My bells and whistles over that, In congested areas like most towns are a manual can be annoying to Me. If ya are a street racer or track obviously ya gonna get that 6spd tranny. cause even though the auto tranny,s have tip shift ya cant pop a clutch on that bugger and I cant help but think that it is hard on the tranny and the ECU to have some nut forcing the tranny to shift at unapropiate points. DOES ANYONE KNOW WHAT OPTIONS OR MODELS ARE DESIGNATED FOR THE 2009 MAXIMA? I know only that they share the new 3.7 liter V-6 with the 09 370-Z , quoted as making 320 HP. compared to the claimed 285HP. with the 3.5 liter. I feel like Im in a well fed V-8 in My 04,Max so Id say the 09 is enuff to scare the sh-t outta unsuspecting passengers. I love talking to ya guys about Maxima,s Only Maxima owners realize that they are as powerful and unique as they are. When I tell people I smoked a Mustang,5.0 or something like that they think I dont know anything about cars cuz that just cant register in there Redneck mind,a v-6 family car outrun a light and noisy v-8.well I better shut up no one will read all this crap. I f you have read this far You are a full fledged maxima fanatic like me. maxman7
Newbie - Just Registered
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 8
the SL is the luxury type so ur gona have leather seats moonroof the rim sizes are also diff. the SE has a inch bigger rim also the SE you will see will usually have the spoiler however i put the spoiler on my SL even tho it dint come wit it
and also the SE duznt come wit leather seats but they are optional
and also the SE duznt come wit leather seats but they are optional
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 643
From: Vancouver, Canada
DOES ANYONE KNOW WHAT OPTIONS OR MODELS ARE DESIGNATED FOR THE 2009 MAXIMA? I know only that they share the new 3.7 liter V-6 with the 09 370-Z , quoted as making 320 HP. compared to the claimed 285HP. with the 3.5 liter. I feel like Im in a well fed V-8 in My 04,Max so Id say the 09 is enuff to scare the sh-t outta unsuspecting passengers.
When I drove the 09 it felt slower than my slightly modded 04
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,132
In my book, a spoiler actually has air going under and over it. A lip is just a flip up vanity piece. A lip may provide a small amount of down force, but not like a spoiler would. A wing is something you take off of a plane, and tried to glue it to the back of a corolla.
These terms are obviously open to interpretation, that's just where I stand with them.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 643
From: Vancouver, Canada
In my book, a spoiler actually has air going under and over it. A lip is just a flip up vanity piece. A lip may provide a small amount of down force, but not like a spoiler would. A wing is something you take off of a plane, and tried to glue it to the back of a corolla.
These terms are obviously open to interpretation, that's just where I stand with them.
These terms are obviously open to interpretation, that's just where I stand with them.
Funny how everyone has they're opinions but fact is fact just look around:
Large 18-inch, 6-spoke alloy wheels come standard on the 3.5 SE, while 17-inch wheels are standard on the 3.5 SL.
All 2004 Maxima 3.5 SL models come equipped with a standard 4-speed transmission (Until mid year when they changed them all to 5AT)
The 3.5 SE Model features a standard 5-speed automatic transmission. New to the 2004 Maxima is Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS), which is optional on all A/T models.
For the serious driving enthusiast, a 6-speed manual is optional on 3.5 SE models.
Maxima 3.5 SE models feature a special performance-tuned suspension for maximum handling prowess, while the 3.5 SL models feature a luxury-tuned suspension providing a supple ride and smooth and secure handling feeling.
The driver’s seat is 8-way power and the passenger’s seat is 4-way power (standard on 3.5 SL and optional on SE) with height-adjustable head restraints. Optional to the 3.5 SE and 3.5 SL is a driver seat memory system that adjusts the seat, steering wheel and outside mirrors at the touch of a button
Standard Maxima luxury touches include wood tone trim on 3.5 SL and metallic tone accents on 3.5 SE, automatic front dual zone climate control and outside temperature display, rear air conditioning vents, leather wrapped steering wheel and shift ****, auto on/off headlights, driver’s and passenger’s sunvisors with illuminated vanity mirrors and extenders and a 240-watt 8-speaker AM/FM/cassette/CD with steering wheel audio controls is standard on the 3.5 SE. An 8-speaker 320-watt Bose® audio system with AM/FM/cassette/6CD in-dash is standard on 3.5 SL and optional on 3.5 SE.
Also offered are the Driver Preferred Package (3.5 SE) with Sensory Package contents, plus rear spoiler, memory drivers seat, power tilt/telescopic steering wheel with memory, memory outside mirrors that can also be folded electronically, xenon headlights, driver seat power lumbar support, power entry/exit seat and heated steering wheel; and Driver Preferred Package (3.5 SL) with Sensory Package contents, plus memory drivers seat, power tilt/telescopic steering wheel with memory, memory outside mirrors that can also be folded electronically, driver seat power lumbar support, power entry/exit seat and heated steering wheel. The Maxima Journey Package includes Driver Preferred Package equipment, plus DVD navigation system with 7-inch color display and compass in navigation display (deleted from rear view mirror)
The Elite Package offers all of the Journey Package features, plus 2-passenger rear seating, rear center console, auto up/down rear windows, rear power sunshade with front and rear controls, heated rear seats and rear 12V power point.
Available options include a Power Glass Sunroof (replaces Skyview Roof), Helical Limited-Slip Differential (HLSD), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), full-size spare with alloy wheel and satellite radio capacity.
Just READ it all and you will get everything you need to know!!
BTW this is from Nissan, no opinions or ideas...
Large 18-inch, 6-spoke alloy wheels come standard on the 3.5 SE, while 17-inch wheels are standard on the 3.5 SL.
All 2004 Maxima 3.5 SL models come equipped with a standard 4-speed transmission (Until mid year when they changed them all to 5AT)
The 3.5 SE Model features a standard 5-speed automatic transmission. New to the 2004 Maxima is Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS), which is optional on all A/T models.
For the serious driving enthusiast, a 6-speed manual is optional on 3.5 SE models.
Maxima 3.5 SE models feature a special performance-tuned suspension for maximum handling prowess, while the 3.5 SL models feature a luxury-tuned suspension providing a supple ride and smooth and secure handling feeling.
The driver’s seat is 8-way power and the passenger’s seat is 4-way power (standard on 3.5 SL and optional on SE) with height-adjustable head restraints. Optional to the 3.5 SE and 3.5 SL is a driver seat memory system that adjusts the seat, steering wheel and outside mirrors at the touch of a button
Standard Maxima luxury touches include wood tone trim on 3.5 SL and metallic tone accents on 3.5 SE, automatic front dual zone climate control and outside temperature display, rear air conditioning vents, leather wrapped steering wheel and shift ****, auto on/off headlights, driver’s and passenger’s sunvisors with illuminated vanity mirrors and extenders and a 240-watt 8-speaker AM/FM/cassette/CD with steering wheel audio controls is standard on the 3.5 SE. An 8-speaker 320-watt Bose® audio system with AM/FM/cassette/6CD in-dash is standard on 3.5 SL and optional on 3.5 SE.
Also offered are the Driver Preferred Package (3.5 SE) with Sensory Package contents, plus rear spoiler, memory drivers seat, power tilt/telescopic steering wheel with memory, memory outside mirrors that can also be folded electronically, xenon headlights, driver seat power lumbar support, power entry/exit seat and heated steering wheel; and Driver Preferred Package (3.5 SL) with Sensory Package contents, plus memory drivers seat, power tilt/telescopic steering wheel with memory, memory outside mirrors that can also be folded electronically, driver seat power lumbar support, power entry/exit seat and heated steering wheel. The Maxima Journey Package includes Driver Preferred Package equipment, plus DVD navigation system with 7-inch color display and compass in navigation display (deleted from rear view mirror)
The Elite Package offers all of the Journey Package features, plus 2-passenger rear seating, rear center console, auto up/down rear windows, rear power sunshade with front and rear controls, heated rear seats and rear 12V power point.
Available options include a Power Glass Sunroof (replaces Skyview Roof), Helical Limited-Slip Differential (HLSD), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), full-size spare with alloy wheel and satellite radio capacity.
Just READ it all and you will get everything you need to know!!
BTW this is from Nissan, no opinions or ideas...
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 21
From: Treasure Coast,FL
Funny how everyone has they're opinions but fact is fact just look around:
Large 18-inch, 6-spoke alloy wheels come standard on the 3.5 SE, while 17-inch wheels are standard on the 3.5 SL.
All 2004 Maxima 3.5 SL models come equipped with a standard 4-speed transmission (Until mid year when they changed them all to 5AT)
The 3.5 SE Model features a standard 5-speed automatic transmission. New to the 2004 Maxima is Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS), which is optional on all A/T models.
For the serious driving enthusiast, a 6-speed manual is optional on 3.5 SE models.
Maxima 3.5 SE models feature a special performance-tuned suspension for maximum handling prowess, while the 3.5 SL models feature a luxury-tuned suspension providing a supple ride and smooth and secure handling feeling.
The driver’s seat is 8-way power and the passenger’s seat is 4-way power (standard on 3.5 SL and optional on SE) with height-adjustable head restraints. Optional to the 3.5 SE and 3.5 SL is a driver seat memory system that adjusts the seat, steering wheel and outside mirrors at the touch of a button
Standard Maxima luxury touches include wood tone trim on 3.5 SL and metallic tone accents on 3.5 SE, automatic front dual zone climate control and outside temperature display, rear air conditioning vents, leather wrapped steering wheel and shift ****, auto on/off headlights, driver’s and passenger’s sunvisors with illuminated vanity mirrors and extenders and a 240-watt 8-speaker AM/FM/cassette/CD with steering wheel audio controls is standard on the 3.5 SE. An 8-speaker 320-watt Bose® audio system with AM/FM/cassette/6CD in-dash is standard on 3.5 SL and optional on 3.5 SE.
Also offered are the Driver Preferred Package (3.5 SE) with Sensory Package contents, plus rear spoiler, memory drivers seat, power tilt/telescopic steering wheel with memory, memory outside mirrors that can also be folded electronically, xenon headlights, driver seat power lumbar support, power entry/exit seat and heated steering wheel; and Driver Preferred Package (3.5 SL) with Sensory Package contents, plus memory drivers seat, power tilt/telescopic steering wheel with memory, memory outside mirrors that can also be folded electronically, driver seat power lumbar support, power entry/exit seat and heated steering wheel. The Maxima Journey Package includes Driver Preferred Package equipment, plus DVD navigation system with 7-inch color display and compass in navigation display (deleted from rear view mirror)
The Elite Package offers all of the Journey Package features, plus 2-passenger rear seating, rear center console, auto up/down rear windows, rear power sunshade with front and rear controls, heated rear seats and rear 12V power point.
Available options include a Power Glass Sunroof (replaces Skyview Roof), Helical Limited-Slip Differential (HLSD), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), full-size spare with alloy wheel and satellite radio capacity.
Just READ it all and you will get everything you need to know!!
BTW this is from Nissan, no opinions or ideas...
Large 18-inch, 6-spoke alloy wheels come standard on the 3.5 SE, while 17-inch wheels are standard on the 3.5 SL.
All 2004 Maxima 3.5 SL models come equipped with a standard 4-speed transmission (Until mid year when they changed them all to 5AT)
The 3.5 SE Model features a standard 5-speed automatic transmission. New to the 2004 Maxima is Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS), which is optional on all A/T models.
For the serious driving enthusiast, a 6-speed manual is optional on 3.5 SE models.
Maxima 3.5 SE models feature a special performance-tuned suspension for maximum handling prowess, while the 3.5 SL models feature a luxury-tuned suspension providing a supple ride and smooth and secure handling feeling.
The driver’s seat is 8-way power and the passenger’s seat is 4-way power (standard on 3.5 SL and optional on SE) with height-adjustable head restraints. Optional to the 3.5 SE and 3.5 SL is a driver seat memory system that adjusts the seat, steering wheel and outside mirrors at the touch of a button
Standard Maxima luxury touches include wood tone trim on 3.5 SL and metallic tone accents on 3.5 SE, automatic front dual zone climate control and outside temperature display, rear air conditioning vents, leather wrapped steering wheel and shift ****, auto on/off headlights, driver’s and passenger’s sunvisors with illuminated vanity mirrors and extenders and a 240-watt 8-speaker AM/FM/cassette/CD with steering wheel audio controls is standard on the 3.5 SE. An 8-speaker 320-watt Bose® audio system with AM/FM/cassette/6CD in-dash is standard on 3.5 SL and optional on 3.5 SE.
Also offered are the Driver Preferred Package (3.5 SE) with Sensory Package contents, plus rear spoiler, memory drivers seat, power tilt/telescopic steering wheel with memory, memory outside mirrors that can also be folded electronically, xenon headlights, driver seat power lumbar support, power entry/exit seat and heated steering wheel; and Driver Preferred Package (3.5 SL) with Sensory Package contents, plus memory drivers seat, power tilt/telescopic steering wheel with memory, memory outside mirrors that can also be folded electronically, driver seat power lumbar support, power entry/exit seat and heated steering wheel. The Maxima Journey Package includes Driver Preferred Package equipment, plus DVD navigation system with 7-inch color display and compass in navigation display (deleted from rear view mirror)
The Elite Package offers all of the Journey Package features, plus 2-passenger rear seating, rear center console, auto up/down rear windows, rear power sunshade with front and rear controls, heated rear seats and rear 12V power point.
Available options include a Power Glass Sunroof (replaces Skyview Roof), Helical Limited-Slip Differential (HLSD), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), full-size spare with alloy wheel and satellite radio capacity.
Just READ it all and you will get everything you need to know!!
BTW this is from Nissan, no opinions or ideas...
yea your post just about says it all.. good wright up..
Go out on an open road and lay a patch of rubber 
Actually that's a good question. My Maxima is fully loaded with the driver's preferred package, VDC, Full size Spare, Sat Radio and the elite package...
NO idea about the Limited diff... I should check the original bill of sale.
Actually that's a good question. My Maxima is fully loaded with the driver's preferred package, VDC, Full size Spare, Sat Radio and the elite package...
NO idea about the Limited diff... I should check the original bill of sale.
)
Newbie - Just Registered
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1
i just bought an 04 maxima. the previous owner apparently took off the decal on the back so i cannot tell if it is an SE or SL. i understand the SE is more sporty and the SL more luxurius. mine has the 18 inch wheels, woodgrain, skyview roof, leather seats, no lip or spoiler, heated seats, bose stereo. it seems to have features from both but i just cannot figure it out. what do ya think?
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 53
i just bought an 04 maxima. the previous owner apparently took off the decal on the back so i cannot tell if it is an SE or SL. i understand the SE is more sporty and the SL more luxurius. mine has the 18 inch wheels, woodgrain, skyview roof, leather seats, no lip or spoiler, heated seats, bose stereo. it seems to have features from both but i just cannot figure it out. what do ya think?
Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 147
From: Sacramento
i just bought an 04 maxima. the previous owner apparently took off the decal on the back so i cannot tell if it is an SE or SL. i understand the SE is more sporty and the SL more luxurius. mine has the 18 inch wheels, woodgrain, skyview roof, leather seats, no lip or spoiler, heated seats, bose stereo. it seems to have features from both but i just cannot figure it out. what do ya think?