SL/R230: Each SL generation run for approx. 12 yrs?
08-02-2006, 03:17 PM
#1
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Each SL generation run for approx. 12 yrs?
Hi guys, visiting from W220 forum,
We’ve looking into SL500 (R230) and noticed that R230 generation started in 2003. Anyone know when will be re-designed?
The R129 runs for 12 years (1990-2002). Is it typical for a SL generation to run that long? most E & S class generation runs for approx. 7 years
As for used R230, can anyone recommend/advise starting what year I should be looking? Generally is to avoid the first year production, has the 2004 work out most of the early bugs?
Thank in advance for the help
We’ve looking into SL500 (R230) and noticed that R230 generation started in 2003. Anyone know when will be re-designed?
The R129 runs for 12 years (1990-2002). Is it typical for a SL generation to run that long? most E & S class generation runs for approx. 7 years
As for used R230, can anyone recommend/advise starting what year I should be looking? Generally is to avoid the first year production, has the 2004 work out most of the early bugs?
Thank in advance for the help
08-02-2006, 03:21 PM
#2
I think Mercedes has moved to a 7 year production cycle, which will probably inevitably be shortened even further due to japanese pressure. You are looking at the new SL to be released in 2009 as a 2010 car (in the US.. Europe gets it one year before us)
Like with any new cars, the earlier models are prone to errors. The early 2003 MY cars (designo editions) had a couple of quirks (gas tank noises, etc), but nothing major. I had a mid-year 2003 SL500 and except for a problem with the roll bar, everything else was perfect.
2005 has the DVD navigation and the integrated keyless go (not the separate card).
edit: corrected info
Like with any new cars, the earlier models are prone to errors. The early 2003 MY cars (designo editions) had a couple of quirks (gas tank noises, etc), but nothing major. I had a mid-year 2003 SL500 and except for a problem with the roll bar, everything else was perfect.
2005 has the DVD navigation and the integrated keyless go (not the separate card).
edit: corrected info
Last edited by jl88; 08-02-2006 at 06:34 PM.
08-04-2006, 11:51 AM
#4
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1988 560SL (sold); 2001 E430 (sold); 2004 SL500; 2009 CL550
Only the 2003 did not have the intergrated key for Keyless Go.
The 2004 was the last model with the CD driven Nav system. While many will disagree with me, I have the CD based and it's fine. I am yet to drive it outside of the range of my local disc so I really don't care how many total discs comprise the United States. There are a couple of features that the earlier bodies do have that were later removed:
2004 has the rearview mirror tied into the memory seat (feature removed in 2005). I believe 2005 was the last year that the heated steering wheel was also available for all SL models.
While MB does seem to be going to a short life cycle for the bodies, the SL, from everything I'm hearing, will remain the exception. At this time my understanding is that the new redesign is due in the US some time around 2011. Others may have better info on that....
The 2004 was the last model with the CD driven Nav system. While many will disagree with me, I have the CD based and it's fine. I am yet to drive it outside of the range of my local disc so I really don't care how many total discs comprise the United States. There are a couple of features that the earlier bodies do have that were later removed:
2004 has the rearview mirror tied into the memory seat (feature removed in 2005). I believe 2005 was the last year that the heated steering wheel was also available for all SL models.
While MB does seem to be going to a short life cycle for the bodies, the SL, from everything I'm hearing, will remain the exception. At this time my understanding is that the new redesign is due in the US some time around 2011. Others may have better info on that....
08-04-2006, 06:21 PM
#5
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Thread Starter
Thank you!
ok sounds good.
Thank you much for the prompt feedback guys!
I've been patiently looking into autotrader.com for used 04 SL in my area.
I certainly will post pics once we pull the trigger.
Thanks again!
Thank you much for the prompt feedback guys!
I've been patiently looking into autotrader.com for used 04 SL in my area.
I certainly will post pics once we pull the trigger.
Thanks again!
08-04-2006, 08:40 PM
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SL55 AMG Black on Berry Red
if you can, go with a 55. like the above person said, the '04s have the keyless go integrated in the key. the '03's had a separate credit card size keyless go card. i personally don't like the CD based navigation. only because the car loads up the screens sooo late. by the time you put in the city, street, etc you missed your freeway exit! 
but if you don't mind the DVD based navi, i would suggest a '04 SL55.
p.s. be very aware of the depreciation costs for SL's 03-05. they drop about $1000-$1200 a month. so if you can, lease the sucker and get rid of it after you're bored.
but if you don't mind the DVD based navi, i would suggest a '04 SL55.
p.s. be very aware of the depreciation costs for SL's 03-05. they drop about $1000-$1200 a month. so if you can, lease the sucker and get rid of it after you're bored.
Last edited by elbowyeish; 08-04-2006 at 08:43 PM.
08-04-2006, 08:48 PM
#7
MBWorld Fanatic!
I agree that the SL will likely be the exception to that 7-8 year production run. As opposed to like the S class, etc., there really is no good competition right now against the SL. There is no reason to change it. I have heard it is one of the most successful models Mercedes has ever built. I mean what competititon does the SL have? The 6 series...which has no retractable hardtop....the SC430, which is $30k less and not even in the same group really. That's it.
