SL/R230: How "significantly" will the SL 5 series change?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 123
Likes: 2
From: Allentown, Pa
2011 350 4Matic EClass Sport Edition and 2003 500SL & 2010 Range Rover Sport
How "significantly" will the SL series change?
Mercedes makes subtle changes in their cars, and that helps them, I believe, retain their identity and value to a large degree. I have a 2003 SL500, and even when I look at pics of the proposed '09, I still see the 2003 style there...with changes, but subtle ones. When do you think the next RADICAL body style change will be on the SL series? What I mean is a body style that completely separates it's identity with the current model.
The previous model, pre-2003, had THAT body style for many years, didn't it? Was it 9 or 10 years, I'm not sure.
Look forward to your theories on this.
Stan
The previous model, pre-2003, had THAT body style for many years, didn't it? Was it 9 or 10 years, I'm not sure.
Look forward to your theories on this.
Stan
Last edited by spilok; Dec 29, 2007 at 07:29 PM.
Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 142
Likes: 0
SL500 2003 Designo (sold), SL500 2004, Nissan GT350
Mercedes makes subtle changes in their cars, and that helps them, I believe, retain their identity and value to a large degree. I have a 2003 SL500, and even when I look at pics of the proposed '09, I still see the 2003 style there...with changes, but subtle ones. When do you think the next RADICAL body style change will be on the SL series? What I mean is a body style that completely separates it's identity with the current model.
The previous model, pre-2003, had THAT body style for many years, didn't it? Was it 9 or 10 years, I'm not sure.
Look forward to your theories on this.
Stan
The previous model, pre-2003, had THAT body style for many years, didn't it? Was it 9 or 10 years, I'm not sure.
Look forward to your theories on this.
Stan
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,547
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA
SL/M6
LovinSL600: when do you think the 6 will change? The 08 refresh is minor like the 07 SL refresh was? Will BMW pull a MB?
Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 150
Likes: 0
From: San Diego
'08 SL55
Im over the SL for a while once I get rid of mine in 3 months...I moving on to bigger things: 6 series. I dont like the idea of a 2nd refresh on a $100k+ car which as so much heritage. I think they should have kept the current SL500/550 as is for another year and then brought out an all new SL.
LovinSL600: when do you think the 6 will change? The 08 refresh is minor like the 07 SL refresh was? Will BMW pull a MB?
LovinSL600: when do you think the 6 will change? The 08 refresh is minor like the 07 SL refresh was? Will BMW pull a MB?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,604
Likes: 125
2026 Mercedes CLE53A4 AMG Cabriolet and 2025 MAYBACH EQS680V4
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,604
Likes: 125
2026 Mercedes CLE53A4 AMG Cabriolet and 2025 MAYBACH EQS680V4
In one of my weaker moments I was thinking about a CL and I test drove the new Anniversary Edition CL65 and while the car was hot, I thought even though it had the big 600+ HP engine that in fact on the low end, the M6 felt stronger and faster. I might have bought that car because I thought it looked so great but I just can't imagine any MB worth $300,000.
Hey, what do I know?
Trending Topics
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,547
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA
SL/M6
When my 6-series disappeared in the recent San Diego fires, I though hard about a new one. I eventually decided against it. The SL is a move up from the 6 in my opinion, both in the looks and performance categories. The M6 is saddled by the horribly lurchy SMG tranny, and the iDrive, while a great idea, is infuriating in its slowness. I do miss the head up display and the back seat, but not much else.
Last edited by CY; Dec 30, 2007 at 05:40 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,547
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA
SL/M6
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,240
Likes: 5
From: New Jersey
E550 4MATIC
What's wrong with keeping the R230 for a few more years. Frankly I'm happy to see it stick around with only some front end changes. I'm kind of sick of the car industry having to change everything every few years, I feel like there is still life left in many of the cars when they do completely update it. The R230 will get reworked from the A pillar forward--I read somewhere that every body panel from A forward is new for 2009 MY. I think the R230 is a beuatiful car and I'm sure they will update the electronics a bit, and the car will certainly be ready for several more years.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,547
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA
SL/M6
What's wrong with keeping the R230 for a few more years. Frankly I'm happy to see it stick around with only some front end changes. I'm kind of sick of the car industry having to change everything every few years, I feel like there is still life left in many of the cars when they do completely update it. The R230 will get reworked from the A pillar forward--I read somewhere that every body panel from A forward is new for 2009 MY. I think the R230 is a beuatiful car and I'm sure they will update the electronics a bit, and the car will certainly be ready for several more years.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,547
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA
SL/M6
Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 150
Likes: 0
From: San Diego
'08 SL55
So far as SMG goes.... I had an M3 with SMG, which I loved. Very fast hard shifts, awesome. The M6 version, at least the one I tested, was not nearly as smooth. Very lurch-y.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,141
Likes: 30
From: Texas
M6 Gran Coupe
I saw somewhere they won't be redoing the 6 for several years...2011 or so.
However, the 6 is a very big step down from the SL. I am looking at selling my SL in the next few months, too. I looked at the 6 series with the 360-380 HP or so (650i) but the car is heavier than the SL.
There really isn't much out right now that I like. I like the new S....but there isn't really anything comparable to or better than the SL right now until you get into the Bentley/Lambo cars.
However, the 6 is a very big step down from the SL. I am looking at selling my SL in the next few months, too. I looked at the 6 series with the 360-380 HP or so (650i) but the car is heavier than the SL.
There really isn't much out right now that I like. I like the new S....but there isn't really anything comparable to or better than the SL right now until you get into the Bentley/Lambo cars.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 553
Likes: 221
19 X3, 24 Tacoma Trailhunter, 25 CLE53
I took a serious look at the 650 when I was car shopping last year. The eliminating factors were that I couldn't find a proper driving position and the car felt underpowered. I will also echo an argument that I've read on some BMW boards: Why would anyone want a 650 when the 335 is soo good?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,547
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA
SL/M6
The 6 is most likely my choice mostly because of the bigger size. It is BMW's flagship conv. and a bit more rare then the R230 numbers wise...the only thing that IMO could be considered a "downgrade" is the lack of a conv. hardtop but many cheaper cars have this now and most expensive conv's are still rag-top. I just turned 27 and am now single and really dont need a big 4 door S550...the CL isnt really worth the high Money Factor IMO and the CLS is a bit played out to me. P-cars are too small as my daily driver and the XK8 is a no go. All exotics are pretty much out of the question since this will be my beater/main car... so I am 99% sold on a 650 Cab. What else is there? 
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 950
Likes: 3
From: Maui, Hawaii
CLS63, GLK350
The 6 is most likely my choice mostly because of the bigger size. It is BMW's flagship conv. and a bit more rare then the R230 numbers wise...the only thing that IMO could be considered a "downgrade" is the lack of a conv. hardtop but many cheaper cars have this now and most expensive conv's are still rag-top. I just turned 27 and am now single and really dont need a big 4 door S550...the CL isnt really worth the high Money Factor IMO and the CLS is a bit played out to me. P-cars are too small as my daily driver and the XK8 is a no go. All exotics are pretty much out of the question since this will be my beater/main car... so I am 99% sold on a 650 Cab. What else is there?
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 269
Likes: 0
2003 SL500 2005 G55
If I had to buy another ar besides the SL I would buy the new Audi R8 or the new maserati GT or I really do like the new CL but it has to have the AMG kit on it though. I think the 650 is a nice choice, I always liked them ever since they came out.....I almost bought one before buying my G55
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,141
Likes: 30
From: Texas
M6 Gran Coupe
If I got a 6....I think it would be a coupe. I don't like the ragtop.....
I also think the CLS is played out but alot of people think that about the 6, too. Who knows....maybe there will be a good lease deal on the new SL. I am not buying that car outright, though, knowing that it is changing 2 years later.
I also think the CLS is played out but alot of people think that about the 6, too. Who knows....maybe there will be a good lease deal on the new SL. I am not buying that car outright, though, knowing that it is changing 2 years later.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 950
Likes: 3
From: Maui, Hawaii
CLS63, GLK350
The 6 series was designed as a coupe not a convertible. The way the convertible looks changes the design look of the vehicle and looks like the roof was just cut-off. I agree if your getting a 6 get the coupe with a sunroof.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 553
Likes: 221
19 X3, 24 Tacoma Trailhunter, 25 CLE53
I think the Aston Martin & Masaerati are interesting alternatives, but they will make your wallet lighter.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,547
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA
SL/M6
The new R8 and Maserati are on top of everybodys list but the price is horrible due to mark ups. Also in regards to buying another soon to be "old body style" AMG R230, that is out of the question..I have had this car for too long and want a change, as well as a slightly bigger car....not to mention the main issue which is the 2009 front end rebody. The soft top safetly issue in LA does bother me....good point. Its just that the conv seems to look a bit more expensive to me for some reason, not to mention I live in Southern CA...which is always top down weather.
On the 6'er forum I noticed a lot of SL to 6 conv converts....
On the 6'er forum I noticed a lot of SL to 6 conv converts....
Last edited by CY; Dec 31, 2007 at 07:14 PM.
