MBWorld.org Forums - SL-Class (R231)

SL/R231 Front timing cover reseal

jameson71 — Tue, 12 May 2026 17:32:35 GMT

So my 2016 SL400 front timing cover is leaking. I know there are probably thousands of threads on this but I am having a hard time piecing together all the info.

1) anything else I should do while I am doing this?
2) what are the part numbers for the single use aluminum bolts and where to buy them? I am seeing part number ba05.30-p-1003-01W in my ancient WIS/ASRA but I cannot seem to find that part.
3) I am planning to use Permatex Ultra Grey RTV. Is this a good choice?
4) Any other supplies I will need for this job?
3) Any tips/gotchas to look out for?

SL/R231 Trunk dimensions

TxTim — Tue, 12 May 2026 03:29:46 GMT

I�m considering purchasing an R231 series SL (2017 to 2020). Does anyone have good measurements of the trunk area (width, depth, & height)? I can only find the trunk volume quoted as cubic feet (8.5 ft3 or 13.5 ft3), but that doesn�t really help in determining what size luggage, golf clubs, or other items will or won�t fit.

SL/R231 Struggling�

DBDSL63 — Mon, 11 May 2026 09:11:24 GMT

I love my SL63� but finding it impractical for my needs. I am considering trading it in for a AWD grand tourer with a back seat. I would prefer not to own 2 cars. If I pull the trigger, I�ve been weighing the pros/cons of the E-class, S-class, and comparable BMW�s. Has anyone else faced this dilemma and, if so, what did you conclude?

2013 SL63

SL/R231 Which should I pick?

TxTim — Mon, 11 May 2026 01:28:49 GMT

I�m new to this forum. I�m planning to purchase a Mercedes convertible in the near future. For the past 30+ years I�ve had an SL on my wishlist/�bucket�-list; therefore, I went to a local dealer to take a look at a low mileage 2019 SL-450. I�ve always wanted an SL with a retractible �hardtop�.

However, eager to sell a vehicle, the salesman also wanted me to test drive a 2026 CLE 300 Cabriolet.

I must admit, I was impressed with both vehicles. The soft top CLE was quieter with the top up at highway speeds than I had expected.

Since I have no experience owning an SL, I would appreciate input from members of this forum regarding the PROS/CONS and pitfalls of buying an SL-450 or 550 (likely one between 2017 and 2020) vs a NEW CLE. If there are already posts that summarize common issues with these models or years - please point me to those posts.

SL/R231 DOES the facelift SL450 have an exhaust flap???

Streamliner — Sun, 03 May 2026 17:56:16 GMT

We touched on this in another thread, but it went unanswered, so I thought would start a new thread.

Under hard acceleration, my 2019 SL450 ROARS. At all other times, it is very quiet, which leads me to believe that when you really open the throttle, an �exhaust flap� opens up. Does anyone here know for sure? Might someone have a diagram showing the exhaust system? If it were a simple thing to do�and would not cause any harm�I would consider disabling such a device, as I prefer my vehicles to be as quiet as possible.

SL/R231 Changing main Battery - quick question

JakeS76 — Sat, 02 May 2026 11:17:19 GMT

Do I need to make sure the car is in Sleep mode before swapping the main battery- and would it even go into Sleep mode with the boot/trunk open? I just want to make sure I don't fry the electronics. I've changed other car batteries before so I know how to actually remove and install a battery but as the SL has fairly complex electronics I don't want to mess them up. Thanks for any advice on this.

SL/R231 does the facelift exhaust have a burble on decel?

weeblebiker — Fri, 01 May 2026 01:47:29 GMT

The exhaust sounds like a subtle pops and burbles on decel but not ricey abnoxious on custom +1 setting. I don't remeber hearing this on the other facelift I test drove but maybe I was more focused on traffic to notice.
Is this how it sounds stock?

SL/R231 tire cupping both front inside edges

weeblebiker — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 01:54:08 GMT

I'm looking at a '16 sl450 with 24k miles. it has a wub wub and seems like excessive tire noise from the front with no vibration. I put it on my lift and both tires are slightly cupped at about 2" intervals every other tread block around both inner edges just slightly visible . contisportcontact ssr tires with alot of tread. looks like oe suspension no apparent leaks and feels well damped not ably to get any wiggles out of the suspension on the lift either. car tracks nice and straight and steering feels solid, not twitchey or heavy.
Is there any known common cause for this with the r231 chassis? my gut says a wee bit too much toe out is the issue.
If the alignment is corrected will the wub wub go away eventually? or will I need to replace the tires to get rid of it.
What are good target lignment numbers to not have this happen?
Thanks all!

SL/R231 Suspension creaking and popping

PotatoHeadII — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 20:18:49 GMT

For the past several months, I have a popping and/or creaking sound from the front suspension when driving slowly and turning the steering wheel, such as when backing out of the drive, making a right or left hand turn, etc. For the life of me, I can�t figure this out. The car is 11 years old, almost 63,000 miles, and has original suspension. Any ideas what to check?

SL/R231 Driver window not closing fully

miles@29 — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 18:18:47 GMT

The drivers window does not seem to close fully. I have tried the resetting process that I have found online window, fully down hold the button for 10 seconds window, fully up hold the button for 10 seconds but it is still the same. There is just a slight gap where the front and rear window meets in the corner and lets in Air at motorway speeds.

any advice would be brilliant, thank you

SL/R231 12 V power socket in centre armrest not working

miles@29 — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 18:09:52 GMT

The power socket in the centre armrest is not working. I�ve checked all the fuses all thing good is it the actual socket itself that is failed or am I missing something? Any advice would be appreciated thank you.

SL/R231 2014 SL550 on Cars & Bids

Wolfman — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 13:21:33 GMT

In case somebody is interested in a nice SL550. Auction ends today. Currently less than $22k with 36k miles...

https://carsandbids.com/auctions/301...utm_campaign=e