SL/R230: sl test drive
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Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 40
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BMW 650i Vert, Lexus RX 400h, Honda Pilot
sl test drive
So next saturday, we are planning to test drive an SL 550 and a GL 450 as possibilities to replace our GX 470. I know they are two totally different cars, but we would to maybe get a convertible for fun. If thats the case, I can just get an AWD (S550 4matic, A8L, or LS 600hL) when my 750Li comes due. I wanted to get your opinion on how the SL drives, espcially how it does in the snow. Is there room for anything in the back (dog, child, etc), and can we fit groceries in the trunk if needed?
Please let me know your thoughts. Thanks
Please let me know your thoughts. Thanks
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 424
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From: Space Coast, FL
'14 E350, '03 H-D FXDL
So next saturday, we are planning to test drive an SL 550 and a GL 450 as possibilities to replace our GX 470. I know they are two totally different cars, but we would to maybe get a convertible for fun. If thats the case, I can just get an AWD (S550 4matic, A8L, or LS 600hL) when my 750Li comes due. I wanted to get your opinion on how the SL drives, espcially how it does in the snow. Is there room for anything in the back (dog, child, etc), and can we fit groceries in the trunk if needed?
Please let me know your thoughts. Thanks
Please let me know your thoughts. Thanks
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Ann Arbor
'03 SL55
No adaptive headlights, either.
I would never drive my SL in the snow. Never, ever. It would probably do okay with good snow tires, though.
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BMW 650i Vert, Lexus RX 400h, Honda Pilot
if there is an emergency, and my 4wd cars are out, I may need to take it. Probably won't happen, but you never know.
hows the handling on it. Is it easy. My wife has a bad back, she can't sit for long, and needs a car with easy steering, and one that is very comfortable for her back. Although a convertible is probably not the way to go, we are trying it anyways, so I'd love to hear your opinions on this also.
hows the handling on it. Is it easy. My wife has a bad back, she can't sit for long, and needs a car with easy steering, and one that is very comfortable for her back. Although a convertible is probably not the way to go, we are trying it anyways, so I'd love to hear your opinions on this also.
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Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Ann Arbor
'03 SL55
if there is an emergency, and my 4wd cars are out, I may need to take it. Probably won't happen, but you never know.
hows the handling on it. Is it easy. My wife has a bad back, she can't sit for long, and needs a car with easy steering, and one that is very comfortable for her back. Although a convertible is probably not the way to go, we are trying it anyways, so I'd love to hear your opinions on this also.
hows the handling on it. Is it easy. My wife has a bad back, she can't sit for long, and needs a car with easy steering, and one that is very comfortable for her back. Although a convertible is probably not the way to go, we are trying it anyways, so I'd love to hear your opinions on this also.
The retractable hardtop is the same on both and it is simply marvelous. Top down in good weather. Hard top up in cold or wet weather. With the top up, it feels like a coupe rather than a convertible. It's like having two cars in one.
Steering requires only a light touch, so your wife should have no issues there.
I find the seats outstanding but not everyone does. The AMG seats are more firm than the standard. You'll want try them out to be certain.
My take on winter driving is that the issue is tires. I (and a lot of people) keep high performance summer tires on the car. They're not very effective on snow and ice. You could install all season tires instead but with some reduction in dry road performance. Or you could install snow tires for the winter if you don't mind swapping back-and-forth every fall and spring.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2002
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Steering requires only a light touch, so your wife should have no issues there.
Lexus light, BMW light (lol), Mercedes light?
My dad got my mom an X5 which she hated, way too rough. It became my car and then she got an LS430. Now she's got an LX470 and I drive the LS430.
She can drive the SL fairly easily, haven't heard any complaints from her. Is your wife Lexus soft? Or BMW soft (lol, hard).
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BMW 650i Vert, Lexus RX 400h, Honda Pilot
well thats the thing, we aren't sure what she can handle. she hates bmw's cause of her experience with her x5. the lexus gx 470 is good (actually is easier then the x5 for her to control), and my son and i are hoping she can handle getting in and out of the sl, and that she feels comfortable in it, as then he and I will have a toy in the summer. She's not biased twoards any of the brands. but shes not sure what type of car she wants another suv or a convertible (only hardtop, she refuses softtop so its between the sc 430 and sl 550)
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Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Sacramento, CA
Several MB's Superperformance MK III Cobra
well thats the thing, we aren't sure what she can handle. she hates bmw's cause of her experience with her x5. the lexus gx 470 is good (actually is easier then the x5 for her to control), and my son and i are hoping she can handle getting in and out of the sl, and that she feels comfortable in it, as then he and I will have a toy in the summer. She's not biased twoards any of the brands. but shes not sure what type of car she wants another suv or a convertible (only hardtop, she refuses softtop so its between the sc 430 and sl 550)
MBWorld Fanatic!
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AlabasterWhiteSL ObsidianBlackML
get the SL with the Dynamic Multicontour Seats...which is basically an
automatic pulsation of the central lumbar support within each seat that helps relieve lower back fatigue. In addition, seven pneumatic chambers help with support and comfort.
automatic pulsation of the central lumbar support within each seat that helps relieve lower back fatigue. In addition, seven pneumatic chambers help with support and comfort.
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BMW 650i Vert, Lexus RX 400h, Honda Pilot
dynamic would be a nobrainer, definately... i think the option im not sure about getting is P2, over p1...the pulsating wouldnt be good for her back though due to her situation. im hoping she will like the SL the best. thanks for the advice, ill let u know how she likes it. we r slated for 930 for a test drive of the SL and GL
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Annapolis, MD
'97 RENNtech E60RS
We have an '04 SL 600 with the AMG sport package as my wife's car. She had extensive back surgery (with permanent steel rods) some years ago but has no trouble with the SL seats or ingress/egress. She does use a small back support cushion when sitting anywhere (not just in the SL). These are readily available for around $40.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
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BMW 650i Vert, Lexus RX 400h, Honda Pilot
haha... well i hope its not that way for her...otherwise she will rule out the convertible, and she seems to like the RX 400h cause it has an h, and im not a big fan of it. i love our gx, but not an rx
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2006
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BMW 650i Vert, Lexus RX 400h, Honda Pilot
well the gl is to big. ill start it off by saying that. but we loved the Sl, and theres a very good chance we may get it depending on lease price. we are between capri blue and alblaster white both with stone leather. if anybody has pics of capri blue that would be great. ive seen the white, but pics of that are apprecaited to, but id really like to see what the blue looks like on the car as i dont trust the mb site to accuartely represent it.
