SL-Class (R230) 2003 -- 2012: Discussion on the SL500, SL550, SL600

SL/R230: My turn =)

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Old Oct 15, 2005 | 02:46 AM
  #1  
vantage78's Avatar
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2005 SL500
My turn =)

After some years of dreaming, I finally picked up my 2005 SL500 yesterday. Black/black, Comfort, Bi-xenons, Keyless Go. Thanks to all that helped me.

Amazing machine, so much technology in the car, it's just sick. Haven't pushed the car at all....abiding by the 1000 mile break-in. I wish it was a SL600 or SL55, but I still can't wait to floor it. Before using the Keyless Go, I thought it wasn't more than just a gimmick. Having used it for just a day, it's DEFINITELY a MUST-HAVE option.

Now I need to figure out all the features on it!! Navi, setting up the garage door opener, even the ventilation system (no joke).

Some questions:

1) How do you guys keep your flat black clean?
2) Which dealership offers the best price for the Trim package (Wood wheel and shift knob)?

Some pics from delivery:





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Old Oct 15, 2005 | 04:23 AM
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2026 Mercedes CLE53A4 AMG Cabriolet and 2025 MAYBACH EQS680V4
Congratulations. She is an absolute beauty.
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Old Oct 15, 2005 | 04:44 AM
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Congrats, nice one.
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Old Oct 15, 2005 | 11:54 AM
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Very nice! Love those rims, much nicer than the AMG's IMHO.
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Old Oct 15, 2005 | 05:06 PM
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Congrats.. Nice color!
Try some Zaino, there products work great on black.
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Old Oct 15, 2005 | 05:34 PM
  #6  
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2005 SL500, 2015 GLK350 & S63, 2020 C63 & G63 and 2021 GLC63
Congrats, awesome car and pics, great buy. You are so true about the technology. Enjoy !!!
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Old Oct 16, 2005 | 11:50 AM
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2005 SL500
Thanks for the kind words all

Anyone have experience with the clear bra? Worth it?
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Old Oct 16, 2005 | 12:56 PM
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Originally Posted by vantage78
Thanks for the kind words all

Anyone have experience with the clear bra? Worth it?
The clear bra is definitely worth it...but only if you can find a experienced reputable installer. The bumper of the last black car I had looked white after a year of getting sand blasted by road debris. I repainted it only to start getting chips right after repaint. When I picked up my sl55, the first thing I did was get the clear bra. I wouldn't get another car without it.

BTW...great looking car.

Last edited by wily; Oct 16, 2005 at 01:20 PM.
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Old Oct 16, 2005 | 12:58 PM
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Give Premier a call. I'm sure they can answer any of your questions. These guys are the best.https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...ight=clear+bra

Last edited by wily; Oct 16, 2005 at 01:21 PM.
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Old Oct 17, 2005 | 12:39 AM
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Congratulations

I'm very happy you got the car you wanted. I've had mine two weeks now and have no complaints. I thought Keyless Go might be a gimmick too but I'm finding it to be a very good option and worth the money over the long haul. My 2006 came with Sirius satellite radio as a no charge option and I'm really enjoying it much more than I thought I would. Take care and happy motoring!
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Old Oct 17, 2005 | 12:39 AM
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Originally Posted by wily
Give Premier a call. I'm sure they can answer any of your questions. These guys are the best.https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...ight=clear+bra
I understand the clear bra works great but I can't handle the difference in the shine and the lines.

I thought the new Nano paint was doing much better with chips?
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Old Oct 17, 2005 | 12:48 AM
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Whatever there's gas in...
I can't tell the difference in shines on my S...I love the bra..You shouldv'e seen my front before it though!
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Old Oct 17, 2005 | 03:27 AM
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Originally Posted by S-Clusiv
I can't tell the difference in shines on my S...I love the bra..You shouldv'e seen my front before it though!
Sorry to say there is absolutely a difference at certain angles with certain lighting conditions.

Nonetheless, as with you, many love it.
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Old Oct 17, 2005 | 11:56 AM
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Originally Posted by LovinSL600
Sorry to say there is absolutely a difference at certain angles with certain lighting conditions.

Nonetheless, as with you, many love it.
Lovin,
I have to agree with you there is a difference at certain angles in the shine and the line does show especially on dark colors. I had Premier do my black '05 SL 55 and while it does show there is that peace of mind that the chips will not appear. I drove the car for about 3 weeks and picked up a few small chips on the front and this was driving on surface streets.

The nano paint is supposed to be more durable but I have found that the paint is about as susceptible to chips as regular paint on the non metal surfaces such as the front end. This is due to the fact that the paint is much thinner on these surfaces. Other than that the nano paint is harder and a real bear with which to work.

For my $.02 I feel that it is worth the cost and the few negatives.
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Old Oct 17, 2005 | 01:09 PM
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From: san diego
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Originally Posted by So Cal Sam
I'm very happy you got the car you wanted. I've had mine two weeks now and have no complaints. I thought Keyless Go might be a gimmick too but I'm finding it to be a very good option and worth the money over the long haul. My 2006 came with Sirius satellite radio as a no charge option and I'm really enjoying it much more than I thought I would. Take care and happy motoring!
my car has the amg pckg. and the sirius radio. the amg package was really the only deal breaker, the sirius is great for nfl football, but if i'd my druthers the keyless go an distronic would have been options i would've taken. around 5500 mi. and no paint chips so far. knock on wood.
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Old Oct 19, 2005 | 06:27 PM
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Originally Posted by lkirchner
Lovin,
I have to agree with you there is a difference at certain angles in the shine and the line does show especially on dark colors. I had Premier do my black '05 SL 55 and while it does show there is that peace of mind that the chips will not appear. I drove the car for about 3 weeks and picked up a few small chips on the front and this was driving on surface streets.

The nano paint is supposed to be more durable but I have found that the paint is about as susceptible to chips as regular paint on the non metal surfaces such as the front end. This is due to the fact that the paint is much thinner on these surfaces. Other than that the nano paint is harder and a real bear with which to work.

For my $.02 I feel that it is worth the cost and the few negatives.
Can't have said it any better.
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Old Oct 19, 2005 | 11:40 PM
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SL55 AMG
I'm wondering why stone chipping is much more of an issue in the US than in Europe; sure you pick up the odd stone chip but on a recent 2000 mile trip through Germany, I didn't pick up a single one.

So what is it about US road conditions - debris on the road, tailgating the car in front, what?
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Old Oct 20, 2005 | 10:32 AM
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2005 SL500
Originally Posted by blueSL
I'm wondering why stone chipping is much more of an issue in the US than in Europe; sure you pick up the odd stone chip but on a recent 2000 mile trip through Germany, I didn't pick up a single one.

So what is it about US road conditions - debris on the road, tailgating the car in front, what?
I think it is the US road conditions....from what I hear, the roads in Europe are very well maintained!
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Old Nov 2, 2005 | 06:43 PM
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From: Ireland
SL350 R230 and S320Cdi
To Vantage 78

Wishing you the happiest of motoring experiences with you new car but I dont want to disappoint you but I hope you do not have problems with it - if you do may God help you because MB wont!! SLs are smashing while they go but unfortunately the customer service is not being given by MB. I also loved my new SL but with all the difficulties I got from MB made me decide to simply get a better car with a caring customer service team to respond. Now thats where Lexus scores. When I finally finish with my case against MB I can assure they will never see me or my money again. However keep your fingers crossed and hope it keeps going for you . Best wishes, Paddy
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