SL/R230: How old are the SL drivers here?
Newbie
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: South West Wales
sl 500 2008
The SL came to stay on 1 June 2017. It will be 10 years old in 2018. So that makes me a 'cradle-snatcher' (at very least!) because the driver is 69...!
It's the forth Merc. in the household, preceded by three SLKs; Mk1 (320),2 (350)and 3 (350).
The last SLK was a 'Fire Opal' catastrophe. A back to metal respray, courtesy Mercedes Benz proved (over a twelve month period of 30+ returns to the dealership!!) it is impossible to reconstruct a car to factory standard.
Do not, under ANY circumstances buy a Fire Opal car. You WILL regret it!! Read 'Paint issues on the SLK website (and other sources) for further painful details.
The SL is Iridium Silver, as were the first two SLKs. Merc understand silver (!) and should leave Red to Ferrari....
The SL proves that 'every cloud has a silver lining'. It's a wonderful car and my only regret is we didn't acquire one sooner.
It's the forth Merc. in the household, preceded by three SLKs; Mk1 (320),2 (350)and 3 (350).
The last SLK was a 'Fire Opal' catastrophe. A back to metal respray, courtesy Mercedes Benz proved (over a twelve month period of 30+ returns to the dealership!!) it is impossible to reconstruct a car to factory standard.
Do not, under ANY circumstances buy a Fire Opal car. You WILL regret it!! Read 'Paint issues on the SLK website (and other sources) for further painful details.
The SL is Iridium Silver, as were the first two SLKs. Merc understand silver (!) and should leave Red to Ferrari....
The SL proves that 'every cloud has a silver lining'. It's a wonderful car and my only regret is we didn't acquire one sooner.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 15
Likes: 5
SL 500
Unlike you young "whipper snappers", I am 117 years old! I bought mine a few months ago as my girlfriend, Dew Drop, thought that she would fancy herself in one. I was lucky that I could afford one of these but I have been fortunate in my profession that **** Stars are still in demand. As a Rock Star and a **** Star, I do pretty well and I try to stimulate the economy as much as possible.
My 118th birthday is in September and I am thinking about buying a Aston Martin for me and Dew Drop.
My 118th birthday is in September and I am thinking about buying a Aston Martin for me and Dew Drop.
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Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 306
Likes: 19
From: West Chester, PA - USA
2003 SL55 AMG
I'll throw my hat in the ring for the oldest owner/driver. I bought our Firemist Red 2003 SL55 from an internet acquaintance in Utah in 2014. He and I had become acquainted via the Porsche 928 internet Forum (we both owned Porsche 928 GTS's). I'm the third owner, and it now has 56K miles
I'm NOW 3 months short of my 84th birthday. I drove this R230 for 3 days at a Watkins Glen track event sponsored by a Porsche region in 2014 - age 77 (had driven that track thousands of laps in my 928 S4). I do nearly all my own service and maintenance (have a hobby garage with a 2 post lift). Installed smaller SC pulley and re-flashed ECU with upgrade shortly after I purchased the car. Just a 'bit more' whiplash when I push on the loud pedal!! (DON'T ask why a 77 - 83+ year old needs 550 ft lbs of torque and 500+ HP!).
Second SL I've owned, first was a 1973 450 SL, bought in 1979 which left for it's 3rd owner in 2012.
SO GLAD all you ''young'uns' are helping keep the automotive hobby alive. Ha.
Gary
I'm NOW 3 months short of my 84th birthday. I drove this R230 for 3 days at a Watkins Glen track event sponsored by a Porsche region in 2014 - age 77 (had driven that track thousands of laps in my 928 S4). I do nearly all my own service and maintenance (have a hobby garage with a 2 post lift). Installed smaller SC pulley and re-flashed ECU with upgrade shortly after I purchased the car. Just a 'bit more' whiplash when I push on the loud pedal!! (DON'T ask why a 77 - 83+ year old needs 550 ft lbs of torque and 500+ HP!).
Second SL I've owned, first was a 1973 450 SL, bought in 1979 which left for it's 3rd owner in 2012.
SO GLAD all you ''young'uns' are helping keep the automotive hobby alive. Ha.
Gary
Last edited by kittyandgary; Feb 11, 2021 at 11:07 AM.
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Oliver BC (summer) Yuma AZ (winter)
GL320cdi, 280SL , Yamaha Stratoliner S
I am 82 years old - rode my Honds Goldwing until last year and drive a 1969 Mercedes 280SL, a 2008 Mercedes GL320cdi and a Mercedes Benz Sprinter -Roadtrek RV . Have driven various MBs since 1963 starting with a 1959 Mercedes 190D - loved the Ponton series and the W111 and 112 series of the 1960s. in 1983/84 I missed a chance to buy a 1957 Mercedes 300SL from a retiring prof who had purchased it in Germany in 1975 before returning home from a sabbatical. He had no knowledge of the true value of the car and offered it for sale in Nov 1083 fro $38000. There were no takers so it appeared for sale again in Mar 1984 for $42000. I visited the prof and had a long conversation followed by an offere to buy the 300SL for his asking proice.While he was agreeable to the offere he asked that we finalise the deal in a week or so while he tended to other matters. In the course of time he became aware of the true value of the vehicle and was never heard from again. If only !!!!!
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: North Carolina
2005 SL500
Age 63. I purchased my 2005 SL500 during 2004, when I was 46. My very "babied" SL500 has 11,000 miles on the odometer. I added a Dension Gateway to allow Bluetooth connectivity for an iPod.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 744
Likes: 73
From: PNW Wa State
R230, C5 Corvette Convertible, Audi Allroad, Lexus RX350, AE86 Hachi Roku
My wife says I act like a 12 yr old but my body betrays the age from white hair and crows feet which I have become accustomed to.
We have been married longer than most here are aged but still dance occasionally and party just not like rockstars.
While I’ve survived a massive Heart attack, Colon cancer and Hyperthyroidism my dear wife has had 2 Aortic valve replacements.
We’re leaving for Hawaii tomorrow and I have made plans to go kayaking, snorkeling and Marlin fishing.
After we get back we’re doing an 1100 mile roadtrip to Reno for our annual Hot August Nights trip with our tastefully modified Corvette C5 Roadster. Two other good friends are coming. One has a C7 and my other BFF has a C3 LT1 while my wife’s R230 awaits my return for a ABC fluids flush and detailing. Even though we’ve driven the SL 2x thru the Redwoods to Reno, I’ll take the C5 hands down. Kids dig it. Chicks love Corvettes and fellow owners wave at each other driving by
I know its American which I fully embrace with all of its flaws just like my wife adores me
Best of luck out there.
Be kind to one another in difficult times
Hary
We have been married longer than most here are aged but still dance occasionally and party just not like rockstars.
While I’ve survived a massive Heart attack, Colon cancer and Hyperthyroidism my dear wife has had 2 Aortic valve replacements.
We’re leaving for Hawaii tomorrow and I have made plans to go kayaking, snorkeling and Marlin fishing.
After we get back we’re doing an 1100 mile roadtrip to Reno for our annual Hot August Nights trip with our tastefully modified Corvette C5 Roadster. Two other good friends are coming. One has a C7 and my other BFF has a C3 LT1 while my wife’s R230 awaits my return for a ABC fluids flush and detailing. Even though we’ve driven the SL 2x thru the Redwoods to Reno, I’ll take the C5 hands down. Kids dig it. Chicks love Corvettes and fellow owners wave at each other driving by
I know its American which I fully embrace with all of its flaws just like my wife adores me
Best of luck out there.
Be kind to one another in difficult times
Hary
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
SL600
My wife says I act like a 12 yr old but my body betrays the age from white hair and crows feet which I have become accustomed to.
We have been married longer than most here are aged but still dance occasionally and party just not like rockstars.
While I’ve survived a massive Heart attack, Colon cancer and Hyperthyroidism my dear wife has had 2 Aortic valve replacements.
We’re leaving for Hawaii tomorrow and I have made plans to go kayaking, snorkeling and Marlin fishing.
After we get back we’re doing an 1100 mile roadtrip to Reno for our annual Hot August Nights trip with our tastefully modified Corvette C5 Roadster. Two other good friends are coming. One has a C7 and my other BFF has a C3 LT1 while my wife’s R230 awaits my return for a ABC fluids flush and detailing. Even though we’ve driven the SL 2x thru the Redwoods to Reno, I’ll take the C5 hands down. Kids dig it. Chicks love Corvettes and fellow owners wave at each other driving by
I know its American which I fully embrace with all of its flaws just like my wife adores me
Best of luck out there.
Be kind to one another in difficult times
Hary
We have been married longer than most here are aged but still dance occasionally and party just not like rockstars.
While I’ve survived a massive Heart attack, Colon cancer and Hyperthyroidism my dear wife has had 2 Aortic valve replacements.
We’re leaving for Hawaii tomorrow and I have made plans to go kayaking, snorkeling and Marlin fishing.
After we get back we’re doing an 1100 mile roadtrip to Reno for our annual Hot August Nights trip with our tastefully modified Corvette C5 Roadster. Two other good friends are coming. One has a C7 and my other BFF has a C3 LT1 while my wife’s R230 awaits my return for a ABC fluids flush and detailing. Even though we’ve driven the SL 2x thru the Redwoods to Reno, I’ll take the C5 hands down. Kids dig it. Chicks love Corvettes and fellow owners wave at each other driving by
I know its American which I fully embrace with all of its flaws just like my wife adores me
Best of luck out there.
Be kind to one another in difficult times
Hary
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 744
Likes: 73
From: PNW Wa State
R230, C5 Corvette Convertible, Audi Allroad, Lexus RX350, AE86 Hachi Roku
Thanks
Age is just an arbitrary measure of life which in no way should define the person. Live in the moment and don’t have regrets.
We have 103,000 miles on our SL and always find time to drive it for special occasions and the daily times while not having had much troubles with it. Truly a great car.
Hary
Age is just an arbitrary measure of life which in no way should define the person. Live in the moment and don’t have regrets.
We have 103,000 miles on our SL and always find time to drive it for special occasions and the daily times while not having had much troubles with it. Truly a great car.
Hary
