SL/R231: New SL400 owner
10-01-2014, 04:16 PM
#1
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New SL400 owner
Picked her up last night! I know I'll probably get some hate for having the 400, but I thought it was an interesting option, and I'm assuming I can have some fun with the turbos to get a little more power out of it.
I do have a few questions. If anyone has the solutions I'd appreciate it.
1) I'm changing out the wheels so it may be a little early to figure this one out -- how would I lower this thing? I'm assuming it's a spring and strut setup, not bags like my CLS had. Does anyone make springs?
2) Is anyone tuning the 3.0L V6 (yet)? Should I call up Weistec or are they gonna laugh while hanging up on me? lol
Thanks guys!
PS -- I passed on a preowned SLS for this ride. It suits me better, imo.
I do have a few questions. If anyone has the solutions I'd appreciate it.
1) I'm changing out the wheels so it may be a little early to figure this one out -- how would I lower this thing? I'm assuming it's a spring and strut setup, not bags like my CLS had. Does anyone make springs?
2) Is anyone tuning the 3.0L V6 (yet)? Should I call up Weistec or are they gonna laugh while hanging up on me? lol
Thanks guys!
PS -- I passed on a preowned SLS for this ride. It suits me better, imo.
10-02-2014, 12:21 AM
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2015 Z06 with Z07 Performance Package
Congrats
You should post some pictures of your new ride. I have yet to see one in person. I am sure I could always go down to Fletcher Jones in NB and see one.
I am sure some of the tuning guys will have some options for you soon. As far as lowering it, I have no idea.
Congrats on the new ride, Enjoy!
Greg
I am sure some of the tuning guys will have some options for you soon. As far as lowering it, I have no idea.
Congrats on the new ride, Enjoy!
Greg
10-02-2014, 06:48 PM
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AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
Congrats on your ride!
You can lower the car with either H&R or Brabus springs. Expect $300-$500 for the springs and $700 or so for the installation.
The car was too tall (looked like it was on stilts) and I had the H&R springs installed and now is was too low.
Wife hated the install as it was too stiff for her and the front bumper would easily scrape.
I would check if coil-overs are available.
You can lower the car with either H&R or Brabus springs. Expect $300-$500 for the springs and $700 or so for the installation.
The car was too tall (looked like it was on stilts) and I had the H&R springs installed and now is was too low.
Wife hated the install as it was too stiff for her and the front bumper would easily scrape.
I would check if coil-overs are available.
10-03-2014, 07:35 PM
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C280 Sport
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OMG...CONGRATS on your new 400. I was very much interested in the 6 cylinder 400 when I first heard about it. The dealers I contacted acted like they didn't know anything about it. I purchased my 2013 550 instead back in June and absolutely love it. But truth be told I'm sure the 400 would 've been a good/solid fit for me too.
Robin
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10-08-2014, 07:04 PM
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SL
Great pic!
I considered lowering mine (don't have ABC) but since it's a lease I'll just make sure it has ABC on my next one. Plan to do the SL63 or maybe even the AMG GT now that I read it will come in a droptop version in 2015.
If you decide to lower it Brabus in Irvine will do it. Think they wanted $400+parts but it may have been a bit more...I forget. If you have a lease you will have to return it to stock springs before turning it back in.
I considered lowering mine (don't have ABC) but since it's a lease I'll just make sure it has ABC on my next one. Plan to do the SL63 or maybe even the AMG GT now that I read it will come in a droptop version in 2015.
If you decide to lower it Brabus in Irvine will do it. Think they wanted $400+parts but it may have been a bit more...I forget. If you have a lease you will have to return it to stock springs before turning it back in.
Last edited by CartmanSPC; 10-08-2014 at 07:15 PM.
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10-08-2014, 07:37 PM
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AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
Great pic!
I considered lowering mine (don't have ABC) but since it's a lease I'll just make sure it has ABC on my next one. Plan to do the SL63 or maybe even the AMG GT now that I read it will come in a droptop version in 2015.
If you decide to lower it Brabus in Irvine will do it. Think they wanted $400+parts but it may have been a bit more...I forget. If you have a lease you will have to return it to stock springs before turning it back in.
I considered lowering mine (don't have ABC) but since it's a lease I'll just make sure it has ABC on my next one. Plan to do the SL63 or maybe even the AMG GT now that I read it will come in a droptop version in 2015.
If you decide to lower it Brabus in Irvine will do it. Think they wanted $400+parts but it may have been a bit more...I forget. If you have a lease you will have to return it to stock springs before turning it back in.
10-08-2014, 07:43 PM
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SL
"There’s a droptop version of the AMG GT expected for 2015 as well as a coupe version of the new C63."
10-09-2014, 06:42 PM
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AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
https://autos.yahoo.com/news/mercede...203045051.html
"There’s a droptop version of the AMG GT expected for 2015 as well as a coupe version of the new C63."
"There’s a droptop version of the AMG GT expected for 2015 as well as a coupe version of the new C63."
Since AMG has said that there are no plans for a roadster (at least at this time) and there have not been any spy shot sightings, it would not be possible to introduce a new car within 6 months of the regular GT.
In the longer term, it would perfect sense to do a droptop but I think there will be a worry of how that car places with the SL line up. The old SLS roadster was a $200k+ car, this one a $140K+ one. So that would be below the SL63 and just above a loaded SL550.
10-09-2014, 07:41 PM
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Has the price been announced? I expected the AMG GT to come in closer to $90k for some reason 
...if it's going to compete with the 911. From the pics it looks smaller than the SL. I also imagine the droptop version will be made out of fabric instead of a solid roof.
Was just browsing MB Advisors and one of the moderators made reference to a droptop AMG GT without solicitation answering other question...thought that was odd. They said they couldn't comment on future models "like a droptop AMG GT" when someone asked about a future feature on the SL or S line.
I dunno...im torn on the AMG GT...not sure if I like it just yet. Suppose I will have to see it in person to make a decision. It is already stepping on the AMG SL's territory. Seems to be a more purpose built sportscar vs the "GT" feel of the SL...but they went and called it "GT"...heh, kind of a mess
...if it's going to compete with the 911. From the pics it looks smaller than the SL. I also imagine the droptop version will be made out of fabric instead of a solid roof.
Was just browsing MB Advisors and one of the moderators made reference to a droptop AMG GT without solicitation answering other question...thought that was odd. They said they couldn't comment on future models "like a droptop AMG GT" when someone asked about a future feature on the SL or S line.
I dunno...im torn on the AMG GT...not sure if I like it just yet. Suppose I will have to see it in person to make a decision. It is already stepping on the AMG SL's territory. Seems to be a more purpose built sportscar vs the "GT" feel of the SL...but they went and called it "GT"...heh, kind of a mess
Last edited by CartmanSPC; 10-09-2014 at 07:50 PM.
10-10-2014, 01:02 PM
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AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
Has the price been announced? I expected the AMG GT to come in closer to $90k for some reason
...if it's going to compete with the 911. From the pics it looks smaller than the SL. I also imagine the droptop version will be made out of fabric instead of a solid roof.
Was just browsing MB Advisors and one of the moderators made reference to a droptop AMG GT without solicitation answering other question...thought that was odd. They said they couldn't comment on future models "like a droptop AMG GT" when someone asked about a future feature on the SL or S line.
I dunno...im torn on the AMG GT...not sure if I like it just yet. Suppose I will have to see it in person to make a decision. It is already stepping on the AMG SL's territory. Seems to be a more purpose built sportscar vs the "GT" feel of the SL...but they went and called it "GT"...heh, kind of a mess
...if it's going to compete with the 911. From the pics it looks smaller than the SL. I also imagine the droptop version will be made out of fabric instead of a solid roof.
Was just browsing MB Advisors and one of the moderators made reference to a droptop AMG GT without solicitation answering other question...thought that was odd. They said they couldn't comment on future models "like a droptop AMG GT" when someone asked about a future feature on the SL or S line.
I dunno...im torn on the AMG GT...not sure if I like it just yet. Suppose I will have to see it in person to make a decision. It is already stepping on the AMG SL's territory. Seems to be a more purpose built sportscar vs the "GT" feel of the SL...but they went and called it "GT"...heh, kind of a mess
This one is simply designed as a sports car rather than a grand tourer. Sub 4 second car going close to 200mph. Think $130k-$160k. MB wants to go after the 911, but not their base model
That said, from what I heard MB is planning to go with a fabric top also on the next gen SL and dropping the hard top (which would be a real shame). Something like 2019...
10-10-2014, 07:09 PM
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2022 AMG SL63
My concern with a fabric top is noise. Have the fabric tops available now have the noise issue under control? Although I drive 90% of the time with the top-down, and the car is very solid and rigid, I do notice a much more quiet experience when the SL's top is up. Then it is as quiet as a vault. Would the same be true with a fabric top? Or would it be sufficiently quiet for there to not be an issue?
10-11-2014, 02:53 PM
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AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
My concern with a fabric top is noise. Have the fabric tops available now have the noise issue under control? Although I drive 90% of the time with the top-down, and the car is very solid and rigid, I do notice a much more quiet experience when the SL's top is up. Then it is as quiet as a vault. Would the same be true with a fabric top? Or would it be sufficiently quiet for there to not be an issue?
I heard that they want to bring back more of the roadster feel to the SL.
10-11-2014, 06:13 PM
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2022 AMG SL63
Well, the fabric top would feel more like a roadster. They would really have to be showing something special with that top though; otherwise, it could look and feel cheap. Of course a fabric top would lose a whole lot of weight that is involved with the folding hardtop.
12-12-2014, 12:59 PM
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Maybe not my first color choice on the exterior, but I hope is a great deal, or maybe not, feedback welcome.
12-27-2014, 08:35 AM
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Congratulations! I have started to consider the SL400 now! Really, other than the engine, there is no difference between the SL400 and the SL550 - as long as one buys identical options?
On paper, it seems to be about as fast as my Z4. I am not tracking the car or anything close to it, just showing off every now and then from a red light
Since I would not drive it in winter, the $20k difference argument starts winning over the half of my brain that screams 'power!!!!'.
On paper, it seems to be about as fast as my Z4. I am not tracking the car or anything close to it, just showing off every now and then from a red light
Since I would not drive it in winter, the $20k difference argument starts winning over the half of my brain that screams 'power!!!!'.
12-27-2014, 08:43 PM
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Congratulations! I have started to consider the SL400 now! Really, other than the engine, there is no difference between the SL400 and the SL550 - as long as one buys identical options?
On paper, it seems to be about as fast as my Z4. I am not tracking the car or anything close to it, just showing off every now and then from a red light
Since I would not drive it in winter, the $20k difference argument starts winning over the half of my brain that screams 'power!!!!'.
On paper, it seems to be about as fast as my Z4. I am not tracking the car or anything close to it, just showing off every now and then from a red light
Since I would not drive it in winter, the $20k difference argument starts winning over the half of my brain that screams 'power!!!!'.
Past that, though, I've found it to be plenty of power for me and the lighter weight makes for really impressive handling. Much better than I had anticipated.
