SL/R230: SL or CL?
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Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Chicago
2008 SL550
SL or CL?
While at my dealer scoping out possible colors for my on-order SL I found myself admiring a nearby CL as well. I've always admired the CL but never really thought about driving one . . . but to make a long story short wound up going out for a drive and being very impressed, to the point of maybe wanting to change my order. Although larger the CL surprisingly felt almost as nimble as the SL, and I thought the interior quite a bit more elegant. Of course . . . no wind in the hair during summer, but the lack of B pillar and large sunroof might partially make up for that. Also an all-round more practical car, especially for someone who doesn't want the responsibilities of owning more than one (like me). Finally, although no car in this class could remotely be called a value proposition, the fact that the CL has been out a couple of years and is no longer "flavor of the month" means it can be had fairly quickly and for MSRP or less.
I'm still leaning toward the SL and realise that I am really comparing apples to oranges, but wonder what others might think of the tradeoffs here. I followed a similar thread over on the CL forum and it seemed pretty evenly split. Thanks in advance.
I'm still leaning toward the SL and realise that I am really comparing apples to oranges, but wonder what others might think of the tradeoffs here. I followed a similar thread over on the CL forum and it seemed pretty evenly split. Thanks in advance.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 894
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I would get a used CL. Those bad boys depreciate like mad.
However, the CL is a nice car. CL and SL are for 2 different markets. If you only want/have one car, then get the CL because it can sit 5. SL can only sit 2 and ends up being really impractical heh.
However, the CL is a nice car. CL and SL are for 2 different markets. If you only want/have one car, then get the CL because it can sit 5. SL can only sit 2 and ends up being really impractical heh.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: UK
SL55 AMG
If you only want one car and if you ever need more than two seats, an SL will not fit the bill. I could not live without our Subaru Impreza which does duty to the food market, wine merchant (need a truck for that, really) and general load lugging. For the two of us though, the SL provides all the practicality and storage we need for trips away. And then there's the roof...
It's a matter of personal opinion but I find the styling of the CL rather bland and it is one large car. For me, the more sporty styling of the SL and extrovert design touches add visual interest to the car, I think the CL is too slab-sided and I don't like the treatment of the rear window, too bulbous. But, it does seat 4 in comfort but that's not a concern for me.
The CL depreciates like a stone in free-fall, so if that is important to you, a nearly new one could serve you well.
It's a matter of personal opinion but I find the styling of the CL rather bland and it is one large car. For me, the more sporty styling of the SL and extrovert design touches add visual interest to the car, I think the CL is too slab-sided and I don't like the treatment of the rear window, too bulbous. But, it does seat 4 in comfort but that's not a concern for me.
The CL depreciates like a stone in free-fall, so if that is important to you, a nearly new one could serve you well.
MBWorld Fanatic!
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2000 W210 E55->2003 R230 SL500->2004 W211 E55->2007 997TT+2007 E63->2010 GLK350->2012 E550 4matic
SL
I would wait for the SL especially if you already have a spot on the waiting list.
The CL is nice and quiet, easy to get in and out of but I actually find it rather uncomfortable with very limited headroom. I'm 6 foot 1 and the SL fits me like a glove, with lots of headroom.
The SL handles much better than the CL with much less lean although it is definitely noiser (both exhaust and wind noise). I'm not sure about the new COMAND on the face lifted CL but the COMAND on the SL is far better and easier to use. The SL will hold its value much better too.
I say unless you get a killer discount for the CL, go for the SL.
The CL is nice and quiet, easy to get in and out of but I actually find it rather uncomfortable with very limited headroom. I'm 6 foot 1 and the SL fits me like a glove, with lots of headroom.
The SL handles much better than the CL with much less lean although it is definitely noiser (both exhaust and wind noise). I'm not sure about the new COMAND on the face lifted CL but the COMAND on the SL is far better and easier to use. The SL will hold its value much better too.
I say unless you get a killer discount for the CL, go for the SL.
