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

SL/R230: Opinions on upgrading from my 2003 Quality of 2006/7 models

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Old Sep 9, 2006 | 02:39 PM
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Opinions on upgrading from my 2003 Quality of 2006/7 models

Ok; are there enough improvments/changes to warrant upgrading my 2003 to a 2007? I have the itch, but not sure if I should scratch it or not.... Only have 21,000 on the 2003 but -----------financial considerations are not a factor. I have had a LOT of quality issues with the 2003 and it now seems to be a stable great car, but I certainly don't want to go through that again. How are the 2006/7 models on quality?

Thanks Guys

Last edited by Tom_E; Sep 9, 2006 at 02:45 PM.
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Old Sep 9, 2006 | 02:46 PM
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2006/7 are just amazing quality wise.
If you already have a 2003 though, just keep it.
Unless your really have money to blow.
But then again, if you have money to blow and enough cash to buy a 2006/7 then keep your 2003 SL, and buy something different, perhaps a Porsche? Something really different, what about a TVR?
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Old Sep 10, 2006 | 12:16 PM
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So Cal Sam's Avatar
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2006 SL 500
Very Happy with the quality of my 2006 SL500

Very little has gone wrong with this wonderful car in one years time. Here's a rundown of what has:

1. Trunk leaked - MB fixed
2. Glovebox wouldn't open - MB fixed
3. Service A reminder came on prematurely twice - MB fixed the first one and second one will be fixed on "real" Service A visit.
4. Light behind the number 9 on COMAND unit does not work - will be fixed on Service A visit.

I'm extremly pleased with this car in every way.
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Old Sep 11, 2006 | 08:20 AM
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2020 S560,14 ml350, 03 sl55, silver, pano, slr cams, evo headers, lsd, 2019 s63 cab.
the only reason to change would be to get a sl55 and really upgrade from the sl500.
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Old Sep 12, 2006 | 10:34 AM
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I just purchased an 07 sl550 and Imo its a different animal. Steering, power exhaust, brakes, and interior all upgraded. Go drive and see for yourself
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Old Sep 13, 2006 | 09:29 PM
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2006 SL55 Blk/Char Parktronic Keyless Go Xenon Lights Vent Seats; 2007 SL 550 (sold); 2001 CLK 430
Originally Posted by Tom_E
Ok; are there enough improvments/changes to warrant upgrading my 2003 to a 2007? I have the itch, but not sure if I should scratch it or not.... Only have 21,000 on the 2003 but -----------financial considerations are not a factor. I have had a LOT of quality issues with the 2003 and it now seems to be a stable great car, but I certainly don't want to go through that again. How are the 2006/7 models on quality?

Thanks Guys
Let me put in my 2 cents in....I test drove both the SL500 and the SL55 in 2005 but decieded to order the extra horsepower that came with the 2007 SL550. It was enough car for me and I can definitely tell the difference in the horsepower from the SL500. Also, I like the exhaust "note" better than the SL500.

If price is no issue.....go for the SL55 because the exhaust "note" on that car is unbelievable. Just my opinion....I'm sure all those who have SL500s like their cars just as much.
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Old Sep 13, 2006 | 11:18 PM
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Smile

Thanks to all for your thoughts and replys; much appreciated........

I took the plunge today for the new SL, and the girlfriend gets the "old" one. I'm just too kind
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Old Sep 14, 2006 | 05:18 PM
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Congrats did you get the 550? what color? Options?
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Old Sep 14, 2006 | 06:45 PM
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Went with the 550
Magna Red
Black interior
Sport Pkg
Wood Kit
Premium 1
Chromed AMG Wheels
Reus Sound System

Pick it up tomorrow night after the upgrades are installed.
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Old Sep 14, 2006 | 07:14 PM
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2005 SL55, 2000 CL500
Thumbs up Congratulations SL550

Originally Posted by Tom_E
Thanks to all for your thoughts and replys; much appreciated........

I took the plunge today for the new SL, and the girlfriend gets the "old" one. I'm just too kind
Yikes. I hope my girlfriend does not read the board.
She has eyes on my CL after I got my SL55. Even my "ex" was telling my
kid. "Bet your dad gives her the CL".
Any Mercedes is a wonderful gift. Especially a SL !

PS. Did you get it at Caliber or FJ ?
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Old Sep 14, 2006 | 07:29 PM
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Got this one at Caliber. They have gone through some sort of attitude adjustment since the last time I was in there and actually "wanted" my business. They gave me a fair price and didn't try to lay me away on the upgrades. But I do love those finance guys..... If I believe him; the car won't make 2 years without LoJak/paint protectant and other misc add ons.

Maybe you should trick the ex and buy a new SL for the girlfriend....
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Old Sep 14, 2006 | 10:03 PM
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Thats great, I knew once u drove the 550 u would be hooked congrats give me details regarding the sound system once u hear the install. Enjoy the weekend!
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Old Sep 14, 2006 | 10:24 PM
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2007 SL550, 2008 S65, Golf cart and a few non-MB vehicles
Originally Posted by Tom_E
Went with the 550
Magna Red
Black interior
Sport Pkg
Wood Kit
Premium 1
Chromed AMG Wheels
Reus Sound System

Pick it up tomorrow night after the upgrades are installed.
Tom_E, congrats on your new ride. Just curious about the options that you ordered....what is the Reus Sound System? and what did they charge you for the chromed wheels?
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Old Sep 15, 2006 | 10:43 AM
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Meegle;

Thanks! Same wheels as your car, $1200. Here is a link to the Reus sound system: http://www.reusaudio.com/
I did do a search here on the forum and found several posts that indicated everyone was pretty happy with it.
The dealer had a car on the showroom floor with it and it just sounded so good I had to have it. I normally never upgrade my sound systems and if I hadn't heard probably wouldn't have this time; but after I heard it, I was just so impressed that I had to do it.
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Old Sep 15, 2006 | 10:57 AM
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Originally Posted by Tom_E
Meegle;

Thanks! Same wheels as your car, $1200. Here is a link to the Reus sound system: http://www.reusaudio.com/
I did do a search here on the forum and found several posts that indicated everyone was pretty happy with it.
The dealer had a car on the showroom floor with it and it just sounded so good I had to have it. I normally never upgrade my sound systems and if I hadn't heard probably wouldn't have this time; but after I heard it, I was just so impressed that I had to do it.

Thanks for the link on Reus. I too am pretty skeptical about having any sound system upgraded due to static noise/butchered wiring issues. My local dealer is clueless about any sound upgrade.
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Old Sep 17, 2006 | 12:04 AM
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2006 SL 500
Congratulations

Really happy you got your new car. I might have to look into getting those chrome wheels too.

Correction on my earlier post: The light behind the #9 on the COMAND is not out - either it has fixed itself or I was mistaken.

Great car either way.
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