SL-Class (R231) 2013 on: Discussion on the SL550

SL/R231: Can You Hear The Turbos Kick In?

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Old 10-17-2016, 09:27 PM
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Can You Hear The Turbos Kick In?

I am taking it easy on my 2017 SL450 for the first 1000 miles as indicated in the manual so I have not really pushed the motor yet. When stepping on the accelerator pedal to the floor in the S+ mode can you hear the turbos kick in on the 3 liter Biturbo engine? Never had a car like this so I do I not know what to expect. My 2008 SL550 was naturally aspirated.
Old 10-18-2016, 06:44 AM
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N0, however, you will feel when the turbos engage.
Old 10-19-2016, 09:53 AM
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no, but if you feel you're missing out..........

you could always get one of those stupid whistling things that all the little ****'s put in the end of the exhaust in their 1.0L chav-mobiles..........


Last edited by ibanezking; 10-19-2016 at 10:07 AM.
Old 10-19-2016, 10:00 AM
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Do the whistles come in Cardinal Red?
Old 10-19-2016, 10:13 AM
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perhaps!?!?

do you see them in the States?? or is it just the youth of England that seem to think they're cool??
Old 10-19-2016, 01:12 PM
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Never seen or heard one here in the Houston, Texas area with population over 7 million, but then again I do not usually frequent the hood where they may exist! There are areas of Houston where the Kia's and Subarus have Mercedes and BMW badges hot glued to the hood!!!

Last edited by Utopia Texas; 10-19-2016 at 01:17 PM.
Old 10-19-2016, 04:43 PM
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Originally Posted by Utopia Texas
Never seen or heard one here in the Houston, Texas area with population over 7 million, but then again I do not usually frequent the hood where they may exist! There are areas of Houston where the Kia's and Subarus have Mercedes and BMW badges hot glued to the hood!!!


got to admire the stupidity of it!
Old 10-19-2016, 10:30 PM
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Originally Posted by Utopia Texas
I am taking it easy on my 2017 SL450 for the first 1000 miles as indicated in the manual so I have not really pushed the motor yet. When stepping on the accelerator pedal to the floor in the S+ mode can you hear the turbos kick in on the 3 liter Biturbo engine? Never had a car like this so I do I not know what to expect. My 2008 SL550 was naturally aspirated.
The first turbocharged car I had was a 1978 Porsche 930 Turbo. When I drove it home from the dealer, I was careful not to hit the accelerator too hard. I had read all of the magazine articles about how HORRIBLY FAST this car was and how the acceleration was mind blowing. I didn't want to lose control of the car.
Then, a few days later, I took it out on Pershing Blvd., the street that runs at the end of the runways at LAX. I came to a full stop and then floored it, up through third gear. It was fast, but the hype was so overblown, that I was disappointed in the real experience. That was over 35 years ago. Today, I think my stock, "old man" S550 could blow the doors off that Porsche.
Old 10-20-2016, 07:49 AM
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I have 700 miles on the engine now so I'll start driving faster, say 1500 rpm, until I get to the 1,000 mile break in period! Would not want the turbos to spin themselves out through the hood......
Old 10-20-2016, 07:55 AM
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I personally have never followed factory recommended break in procedures, other then changing the oil. I just drive sensible. Never had an engine problem and I've owned dozens of new cars and motorcycles.
Old 10-20-2016, 08:10 AM
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Originally Posted by gkgeiger
I personally have never followed factory recommended break in procedures, other then changing the oil. I just drive sensible. Never had an engine problem and I've owned dozens of new cars and motorcycles.
I am just driving moderately and the manual says to keep it under 4500 rpm. In "C" mode at 80 mph it is only turning a bit more than 2,000 rpm so one could drive well over 100 mph and still be following the recommendations. My initial question was more along the line as to whether the driver can feel or hear when the turbos kick in. This is the first road vehicle I have ever owned with turbos. I have 3 diesel tractors here on the farm with turbines on the engines but they are so loud we wear stereo head phones inside the cabs and the turbines are on 100% of the time.


Last edited by Utopia Texas; 10-20-2016 at 08:49 AM.
Old 10-20-2016, 09:27 AM
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Originally Posted by Utopia Texas
I have 700 miles on the engine now so I'll start driving faster, say 1500 rpm, until I get to the 1,000 mile break in period! Would not want the turbos to spin themselves out through the hood......
Go for a test drive in ANY new car. Tell the sales person you want to see how she performs. They show you to a nice, long, freeway onramp or another safe spot. Jam the pedal to the floor. Run the tachometer to the red line. Once, twice, maybe more. THIS is how many cars are test driven. Nobody, and at the very least, any sales person is going to tell you "it's a brand new car and we must drive it gently during the break-in period." These days, the vast majority of high end cars are leased for three years or so. The original lessee never has the car when it is out of warranty. I would venture to guess that the percentage of folks who follow break-in schedules is way down in the low, single digits. Not that I condone such behavior, just sayin.
Old 10-20-2016, 10:22 AM
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I rebuild antique autos for a hobby and realize the older cast iron Pistons and rings needed to be seated in relatively gently and at different speeds and combustion chamber pressures but I believe this started to change in the 1970's. Most Ford Model T engines from 1909 to 1927 were initially broken in at the factory by being spun by electric motors. This is no longer the case for many automotive engines. Currently have 1899 Leggett, 1919 Ford Model T Touring and 1931 Ford Model A Slant Windshield 4 Door Sedan....
Below 1919 Model T with 22 screaming HP.....


Last edited by Utopia Texas; 10-20-2016 at 11:13 AM.
Old 08-11-2017, 12:33 AM
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I hear the turbos kick in on my 550. It is an addictive thing to hear. Especially under an overpass with the top down.
Old 08-15-2017, 03:26 PM
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Originally Posted by Utopia Texas
I rebuild antique autos for a hobby and realize the older cast iron Pistons and rings needed to be seated in relatively gently and at different speeds and combustion chamber pressures but I believe this started to change in the 1970's. Most Ford Model T engines from 1909 to 1927 were initially broken in at the factory by being spun by electric motors. This is no longer the case for many automotive engines. Currently have 1899 Leggett, 1919 Ford Model T Touring and 1931 Ford Model A Slant Windshield 4 Door Sedan....
Below 1919 Model T with 22 screaming HP.....

Cool!

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