We are not driving the SL as much
 

Since October when we bought the 2011 E550 ... I drive the E Class daily. I like the power - a lot!

Now my Wife likes the ease of getting in and out of the E Class, likes the Media player, the ride, the styling, certain tech advances.

The E Class we now own will never accommodate top down driving.

As the driver - I feel the solid & strong nature of the R129.

Would a R230 or higher version make the SL experience more comfortable or engaging?

Should we look for a convertible E Class?

New cars are out of the Budget.

Thoughts?

Both.

I currently own 5 R129s. I can barely stand to drive any of them after 13 years of being spoiled by an ABC-equipped R230 ('03 SL500).

So it is not the power you crave ... since you have resisted the SL550 and bi-turbo motors.

The E Class we have does not have Active Body Control. ABC must make the R230 feel more sporty?

Get outta here you traitor! LOL

I would like at least a bit more power than an SL500 offers, and in fact I recently got an SL55.

It's a bit sportier. I think the skidpad numbers are very slightly better than an R129, and there is less body pitch and roll. But the biggest improvement is in ride comfort -- particularly with the top down.

R129s have been noted to suffer from cowl shake and jitteriness over imperfect pavement due to a relatively stiff suspension. In contract the R230 has a remarkably soft, compliant suspension as demonstrated in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHsD...ature=youtu.be.

Pitch and roll have never bothered me ... although I have not had a chance to really put a R230 ABC through its paces..

I have occasionally read references to cowl shake over the 16 years we have owned ... and have most likely experienced it in the 130,000 miles we have driven. The reference to jitteriness over rough roads brinks back memories. But those factors would not have influenced me, till now you mentioned the R230 being better. Now I am curios.

i know the R230 auxiliary audio input and Nav system would be important - now that we have experienced those in the E Class.

Loss of trunk space is a big concern - the R239 has been on many Long road trips and was surprisingly capable at hauling stuff.

I really enjoy the 550 power. The SL55 has even a bit more torque. You are going to have a lot of fun!

I like the 55, but I'm pretty sure I'd rather have a 600 or 550.

In 2004 I drove a 500, a 600, and a 55 one afternoon at my local Mercedes dealer. I didn't like the sound the 55 made and liked the 600 better, though I didn't like the V-12's turbo lag. Overall, I liked the 500 as much as the 600. All these years later I want a little more power, however.

Three times I've driven a 550 briefly and found nothing to dislike -- it's got the same character as my 500 with 80 horsepower added.