after months of waiting, its finally here!

iridium silver on black with high gloss laurel wood.
options: premium, trim and lighting packages with keyless go (way cool) and parktronic.

congrats, time to update your signature!!!

so is it better, about the same, or worse then you expected?

sig edited...thanks for the reminder.

it is much better than i expected! after hearing some negative views on this forum, i was a little concerned. but after driving and getting used to it, it really is a remarkable benz. its the first non-AMG benz i've ever driven which compares to that of any bmw. its a nice and solid ride with some added comfort IMO.

the keyless go is a must in my opinion and really adds to the wow and coolness factors. i'm a big guy and i find the car very comfortable and roomy for the most part. i haven't sat in the back and probably never will, but my friends found it to be just fine (one is 6' tall).

parked next to my lowered m3, the roofline on this car was still lower! all i can say is that it's different and will take some getting used to, but i dont find it uncomfortable or unsafe in any way.

what i dont like is the transmission and the brakes as of now. i read in someone else's thread in this forum that they felt the transmission was a little rough while downshifting into 2nd and 1st, and i'm experiencing the same issue. i dont know if it needs to be broken in or if this is some kind of recall waiting to happen. and the brakes...the feel and stopping power is good, but i get this strange noise when releasing the brake once the car comes to a stop (kind of like a deep moan which you can also feel the vibration for). i'm sure these are little things and perhaps may go away after a few hundred miles or so. i'll drive it over the weekend and if it doesn't get better, i'll take it back in.

Mine is still not completely break in too (150 miles so far) but I never experienced the transmission and brake concerns that you are having (knock on wood). One thing I notice though is that when the transmission is in S mode or Sports mode, the 1 st to 2nd to 3rd is a little jerky, but probably its just me coz I used to drive a Lexus. Comfort C mode eliminates it. Guess thats the meaning of agressive shifting on sports mode.

What bugs me is that I can't I turn off CD or radio without turning off the Map screen. Push the Map button and the CD or radio is on again. I always ended up using the "mute" button if I want to use the map only and not listen to any audio source. However, the CD keeps on playing to the end. Manuals didn't do any good.

Is yours the Launch Edition?

see this thread: https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...3&page=2&pp=15 , i just posted the same exact comment, before seeing yours!

it is DEFINITELY better then i expected, looks and performance, coming from an AMG myself. keyless go is great, i agree 100%, its a must!

do u plan on dropping your CLS? i just ordered the Carlsson C-Tronic module, should shave about an inch.

I agree to both of you. Much better than I expected. Yes there are few small issues to consider but thats no biggie at least to me. The overall package and experience is awesome. I park my car in front of a restaurant and when I got out..theres like 10 people sorrounding my car. Not that I like to brag about it but sometimes it feels nice when people actually notice it

BTW..Wheres a good place to order this Carlsson C-Tronic Module? Will it affects the ride quality?

ive always been skeptical about lowering luxury cars, i did not want to affect my warranty, and did not want to sacrifice the ride. this module is a dream come true! see the press release below, it is good info.

i ordered mine from Haute Auto (www.hauteauto.com 312.932.0300) in Chicago. these guys are great! while their site still says grand opening, they have some EXTREMELY experienced guys working for them that have been in the business a long time. They have an SL55 with the module installed right in their showroom. Im not sure where youre located exactly, but even though they are in Chicago, im sure they can work with you, give them a call.


Press Release, February 2005

Carlsson C-Tronic® SUSPENSION
Intelligent lowering

• Intelligent adaptation of spring travel
• Sporty look by lowering up to max. 30 mm
• Improved driving dynamics through reduced roll
• For Mercedes Benz models with Airmatic and ABC suspension

The Carlsson C-Tronic® product range includes electronic control modules for a variety of applications, such as engine control and supercharger or turbo control, as well as the control of active and semi-active suspension systems. The solution offered under the Carlsson C-Tronic® SUSPENSION brand has been improved in several important respects and thus meets the high expectations of an intelligent electronic suspension control system.

Maximum ride comfort in all situations
As a rule, conventional systems for lowering vehicles with electronic sus¬pension systems do no more than lower the centre of gravity. By contrast, the Carlsson C-Tronic® SUSPENSION lowers not only the centre of gravity but also, thanks to its sophisticated technology, reacts intelligently to the changing road conditions. On poor surfaces where the suspension jounces continuously, the vehicle height is automatically raised to ensure sufficient spring travel for even ride comfort. This demand-responsive system is controlled electronically and automatically so the driver enjoys a high level of ride comfort in all situations. The permanent data synchronisation with pre-set values ensures split-second adaptation to the road conditions prevailing.

Sufficient spring travel guaranteed at all times
The Carlsson C-Tronic® SUSPENSION also ensures that the vehicle is not further lowered at speeds of over 120 km/h as programmed in the standard system. This guarantees sufficient spring travel and that the ride height does not fall below the minimum level.


Quick and easy installation
Thanks to the tried and tested C-Tronic® connection technology for the wiring harness, installing and removing the Carlsson C-Tronic® SUSPENSION is not only reliable but quick and easy. For customers, this means only a short fitting time and, therefore, low workshop costs. Furthermore, the vehicle can be returned to its original condition at any time.

mine is not a launch edition vehicle. i just placed my order for one back in august when i first heard that it would be coming out.

i do have one question: what is Nappa Leather? how do you know if you have it? is that optional?

a lot of people have posted that Nappa is also a must but the dealer never even mentioned that to me as an option when i ordered the car. i'm very happy with what i have, whatever it is nonetheless.

Beautiful ride....Your a lucky guy.

About your brake noise... This is the SBC brake pump... The sound and slight vibration your are experiencing is normal... My E did this about every third or fourth brake application. It was more noticable when at a stand still but was never heard or felt when in motion... On the E class cars there was an update that was done if you complained to the dealer about the noise or vibrations.... This noise never really bothered me, but after reading of the upgrade I decided to get it done and it made the world of difference. It consists of a "pulsation damper" that is installed on the SBC pump located on the front right side of your engine compartment (brake lines attached to it). This will be done free of charge by the dealer.... Hope this helps and happy trail with that bad *** ride.

thanks for the info bud!