SLclass

It really bothers me that NADA, KBB, etc. do not show ABC as an option or extra when appraising a used SL, and not even a 2016! I understand this for appraising a 10-year-old car, etc. Lots of automobiles lose extra values for options at a certain age. However, you would think that a 4k option on a one-year-old car would be worth something!

AMG 17GT

Yeah ride height is all wrong and makes car look disproportionate.

ABC is truly magical and will transform car in corners. It's a hydraulic carpet ride lol. Simple links can lower car as desired or not.

Sounds to me that lack of ABC in used market could end up making it a real asset if maintained properly.

Streamliner

+1
I loved my 2004 SL500. I had it for 12 years, since new, but sold it with worries of potential hydraulic problems with both the ABC and the roof. At the time I sold it, I planned on simply ordering a new 2017, but then the idiots in Germany decided that their wonderful SL should no longer be available in RED, if you can believe it. So, I bought a CPO 2013. Right color, but no ABC. Still trying to get the factory to paint a new SL for me in RED, with ABC, of course. Everything about my 2013 is better than on my 2004, except the ride. The 2004 ride was amazing, always buttoned down, composed and very comfortable. The 2013 let's you know you are riding on steel springs.

SLclass

Are you saying that the standard suspension ride height is too low or too high for the 19" wheels, when compared to ABC?

AMG 17GT

Very big gaps on wheel well with non-ABC. Ride is rougher (not as plush) as well.

SLclass

I never get bored with looking at this beautiful, iconic automobile!

AMG 17GT

This is just unacceptable sorry.

SLclass

Here is an ABC SL on Autotrader. I cannot discern any difference, if there is any. And, I did not see any difference with Streamliner's 2004 ABC SL. If anything, there appears to be more clearance over the front wheel of Streamliner's 2004 beauty than the current standard suspension SLs.

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...delCode1=SL550

Wolfman

More like this

AMG 17GT

My last post here. All the photos are at an angle and you cannot discern how bad that stance And suspension is. It ruins the car and you will realize it when it's too late and you can't fix it after thinking about for so long and ordering it will really **** you off that there are NO options. The ABC gives you all sorts of options man. LISTEN to owners of 10 years or more.

Good luck in your decision.

Wolfman

Streamliners car was manually raised when he took the pic, but even with ABC the cars are often too high.

The point being made here that the ABC equipped cars can be easily and inexpensively lowered via software (Star), links or ELM's (electronic lowering modules).
A car on springs can only be adjusted by swapping the springs with different ones (euro AMG ones or third party sport springs - H&R, Brabus, etc.).
At that point the ride gets rougher too.

That said, if the height of the cars you posted don't bother you, you should be fine either way...

SLclass

I took my photos without any regard for wheel well space. I had never even considered or noticed this. I was just a newbie taking photos of SLs for fun, and to dream about being able to purchase one! BTW, I did include an ABC SL for sale on Autotrader that has photos. I am listening to all and do appreciate the experience and knowledge shared within this forum. This is my first SL, and I really want to make the "right" decision for me. I do not like that the big and more frequently used car appraisal sites do not include ABC as an increase in value. But, maybe it could become an added value in a private party sale where the buyer really wants ABC, with the supply of ABC's being limited. And yes, I am thinking that maybe I should not consider the potential resale value of an option as much as how I might enjoy the option.

SLclass

Absolutely gorgeous!

GermanCars

If I were not planing to keep the car past 4 or 5 years, ABC would likely be on the car. That is if cost wasn't a consideration. I realize that not all of us enjoy the same resources, so one persons threshold of pain is quite different than another.
I'm rationalizing the purchase of a 2013 model while others on the site are ordering 2018's. Our decisions are based on different parameters, so naturally we may go in different directions.
No question the ABC option will provide a better ride, which makes the car a better Grand Touring machine. The ability to lower the ride height easily is important to some as well, score another point for ABC. I chose to go with (slightly) less exposure to potential repairs. Which is the same reason I avoided air suspension when purchasing a SUV recently.

WOLFMAN
I have handed out enough V12 repair bills to know not to jump into the deep end of the pool. Mercedes, BMW, Aston, Jaguar, ANY 12 cyl car is gonna cost WAY MORE than their lesser brethren. Nice for some, just not me.

Man, they sure have introduced some purdy colors on the recent SL's!

Wolfman

You will find that at the time of trade-in at the dealer, any type of online bluebook has zero input on what they will offer you. They strictly go by wholesale/auction value and options of any kind (leather, Designo, audio upgrades and the likes add zero value to the offer)


And for a private sale, ABC will make the car more desirable, just like a sport package on an S-Class. That said, don't bank on any expensive options to play a role in resale value.
A quick check on Ebay will show that. The cars simply become a better deal for the next buyer.

My expectation for options is strictly to increase my personal enjoyment/benefit while driving the car, not for a better value at the end.

Good luck!

SLclass

Color combo has a really cool appeal for hot weather! Looks stunning!

Wolfman

Thanks! This is the classic SL color for the last 60 years or so.

The reason I like this color also is because it's practical. You can drive the car through weeks worth of rain and it will still look clean

SLclass

I have always associated MB, in general, with Iridium. It is no doubt a classic color but also a very clean, classy color with a cooling effect. I had never thought about how great it would look with Porcelain interior. I think I'll stick with Cardinal Red with Porcelain, but this is really tempting. Heck, I'm like a kid in the candy store on this forum!

Streamliner

Wolf, some additional exterior photos, please?

TennesseeZ4

Exquisite. Love the combination of colors. Damn nice!

SLclass

As you can see, my order was taken or submitted on 8/7/2017 at 11:48 am. I was contacted today by my sales rep and told that my order was still in a pool of orders but had not yet received a production date and confirmation from MB. Any thoughts?

SteveL1

I'm saying the ride height is too high on springs. ABC gives you the option to lower as much as you dare with a lowering module from Renntech or the like. I personally prefer very little wheel gap. Just looks better to me.

Wolfman

Sure, here are a few more

Streamliner

Wolf,
It's a stunning color combination and since it looks as though I will never get my Mars Red car, IF I get a new one, I'll probably copy yours exactly. However, it looks as though I will roll the dice and hope that a nice, solid red is offered for 2019. Of course, by then, we may hear that more rational minds have prevailed in Stuttgart and that the R232 wil, retain the retractable hard top--I can only HOPE! But, more than likely, all the rumors are true and the next SL will have a cloth top, making it reasonably less desirable to me. Oh well, it's fun to dream and ponder.
Thanks for the great photos! Is there a hint of fall in MN yet? We had a hint of it in CA today and it felt great!

Wolfman

Best of luck with your Mars Red! Thanks for the compliments, I really like our color combo as well. Classic and elegant IMO

We just came back from France and fall is definitely starting to show here in MN.
Had to rent a sedan as we had some guests this time; no convertible is definitely less fun.

You probably would have liked that one; no-sport package with those 18" wheels Actually short-wheel base too...