SL/R230: No wow factor
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Joined: Jun 2004
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From: the sane part of MA
2025 E450 4Matic
No wow factor
Wondering if any SL owners have the same impressions that I did.
I went to the local dealer to look at the new 09 SLs. I currently own a 2007 SL550 50th, and had owned both a 05 and 03 SL500.
But the car did nothing for me. The new style wasn't ugly by any means, but in my mind it was NOT an improvement. After a test drive, I told the saleman that I just wasn't interested.
For me, my 2003 and the 2007 SL550 50th both had me say "I gotta have it". The 2009s just didn't.
Any prospective buyers feel the same way??
I went to the local dealer to look at the new 09 SLs. I currently own a 2007 SL550 50th, and had owned both a 05 and 03 SL500.
But the car did nothing for me. The new style wasn't ugly by any means, but in my mind it was NOT an improvement. After a test drive, I told the saleman that I just wasn't interested.
For me, my 2003 and the 2007 SL550 50th both had me say "I gotta have it". The 2009s just didn't.
Any prospective buyers feel the same way??
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 950
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From: Maui, Hawaii
CLS63, GLK350
Wondering if any SL owners have the same impressions that I did.
I went to the local dealer to look at the new 09 SLs. I currently own a 2007 SL550 50th, and had owned both a 05 and 03 SL500.
But the car did nothing for me. The new style wasn't ugly by any means, but in my mind it was NOT an improvement. After a test drive, I told the saleman that I just wasn't interested.
For me, my 2003 and the 2007 SL550 50th both had me say "I gotta have it". The 2009s just didn't.
Any prospective buyers feel the same way??
I went to the local dealer to look at the new 09 SLs. I currently own a 2007 SL550 50th, and had owned both a 05 and 03 SL500.
But the car did nothing for me. The new style wasn't ugly by any means, but in my mind it was NOT an improvement. After a test drive, I told the saleman that I just wasn't interested.
For me, my 2003 and the 2007 SL550 50th both had me say "I gotta have it". The 2009s just didn't.
Any prospective buyers feel the same way??
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Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Dallas TX
2013 650i Coupe, 2010 IS250 AWD, 1999 S500
That is only part of the story, the other reason was to bring the SL's style in line with the rest of the lineup, as the peanut headlamps are being phased out across the lineup.
Mercedes doesn't spend money on car mags for their opinions, otherwise some of them wouldn't be calling the facelift worse looking than the original. Some like it, some don't.
M
Mercedes doesn't spend money on car mags for their opinions, otherwise some of them wouldn't be calling the facelift worse looking than the original. Some like it, some don't.
M
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 950
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From: Maui, Hawaii
CLS63, GLK350
That is only part of the story, the other reason was to bring the SL's style in line with the rest of the lineup, as the peanut headlamps are being phased out across the lineup.
Mercedes doesn't spend money on car mags for their opinions, otherwise some of them wouldn't be calling the facelift worse looking than the original. Some like it, some don't.
M
Mercedes doesn't spend money on car mags for their opinions, otherwise some of them wouldn't be calling the facelift worse looking than the original. Some like it, some don't.
M
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Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: the sane part of MA
2025 E450 4Matic
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 367
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From: Scotland
2004 SL500, 2007 R350 Sport
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From: Memphis
SL500 and A-CLASS
The new grill reminds me of my younger days when I got wings for flying on Delta and American Airways. I am saddened that MB is trying to make the car gaudy and stand out in the crowd by having a macho look.
The old R230 has an elegance factor to the car. It was beautiful and elegant. Now the new modal is trying to portray a macho image.
The old R230 has an elegance factor to the car. It was beautiful and elegant. Now the new modal is trying to portray a macho image.
Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 83
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From: Outside of Providence, RI
05 SL500
09 SL550
I agree, it does nothing for me. MB has made it too busy and have tried to morph angles with curves. To me the 03-08 has it all. It just flows; looks like it is going fast when parked.
BTW, I saw a new Chrysler convertible and I was mistaken for a few seconds and thought it was a a new SL, HA
As with most changes, we will get used to them, but classic styling as with this model, 03-08, will continue to wow them, imho
BTW, I saw a new Chrysler convertible and I was mistaken for a few seconds and thought it was a a new SL, HA
As with most changes, we will get used to them, but classic styling as with this model, 03-08, will continue to wow them, imho
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From: Blasting off!
CLS63 Designo Edition, Hyundai Genesis 3.8 , Veloster Turbo, CLS500(Sold), E320 (SMOKED) R500 (Sold)
I think the comments speaks for themselves. It sucks. The cheap plastic black grille and the airplane wing in the front will make you go from wood, to limp asparagus.
What is up with all of this cheap plastic coming on cars (especially MB's, BMW's, Aston's and others) these days?
What is up with all of this cheap plastic coming on cars (especially MB's, BMW's, Aston's and others) these days?
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From: Boston, MA
'06 SL600
Having said all that, I just went to the dealer with my wife and a friend and they both liked the '09 ten times better. Personally, I like both stylings. I definitely think the side view of the '09 portrays exactly what MB was trying to do, which is make the car look "tougher".
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From: NE USA
2009 SL550
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From: the sane part of MA
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Two totally different cars
Two totally different buyers
Usually, if you like one, you will not appreciate the other.
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doesnt modt of the new MB cars have plastic grills?
when i was messing around in the dealers i noticed that the GL had a cheap plastic grill....
also whats this gov't regulation redesign?
when i was messing around in the dealers i noticed that the GL had a cheap plastic grill....
also whats this gov't regulation redesign?
Last edited by peacemf; Jun 24, 2008 at 09:24 AM.
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[QUOTE doesnt modt of the new MB cars have plastic grills?
when i was messing around in the dealers i noticed that the GL had a cheap plastic grill.... QUOTE]
On the older SL design the plastic grille was mostly descreetly hidden. On the new design it is quite prominent. Does not make a good first impression, as it looks like a $10 item. Even my Honda Pilot's grille looks better, IMO.
when i was messing around in the dealers i noticed that the GL had a cheap plastic grill.... QUOTE]
On the older SL design the plastic grille was mostly descreetly hidden. On the new design it is quite prominent. Does not make a good first impression, as it looks like a $10 item. Even my Honda Pilot's grille looks better, IMO.
Last edited by tomd; Jun 24, 2008 at 09:37 AM.
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SLK55AMG
I saw my first 09 (an SL63) on the road the other day. While I don't think the car is particularly photogenic or a head-turner on the showroom floor, it has considerable road presence.
I also believe that current owners of the 03-08 tend to lose their objectivity. When I look at the car, for example, I look at it in the context of the older model and just see where MB replaced certain parts (body panels, dials, etc.) so it gives me the impression of a kit-car enhancement. A non-owner wouldn't see it that way so it works better as a whole for the general public.
I don't mind the front grill, although it looks like they ripped off Acura:
The parts I don't like are the side gills (they just like retarded) and I think the old sport package rear diffuser looks much nicer than the new one.
I also believe that current owners of the 03-08 tend to lose their objectivity. When I look at the car, for example, I look at it in the context of the older model and just see where MB replaced certain parts (body panels, dials, etc.) so it gives me the impression of a kit-car enhancement. A non-owner wouldn't see it that way so it works better as a whole for the general public.
I don't mind the front grill, although it looks like they ripped off Acura:
The parts I don't like are the side gills (they just like retarded) and I think the old sport package rear diffuser looks much nicer than the new one.
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From: Memphis
SL500 and A-CLASS
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From: Woodland Hills, CA
Whatever there's gas in...
I saw my first 09 (an SL63) on the road the other day. While I don't think the car is particularly photogenic or a head-turner on the showroom floor, it has considerable road presence.
I also believe that current owners of the 03-08 tend to lose their objectivity. When I look at the car, for example, I look at it in the context of the older model and just see where MB replaced certain parts (body panels, dials, etc.) so it gives me the impression of a kit-car enhancement. A non-owner wouldn't see it that way so it works better as a whole for the general public.
I don't mind the front grill, although it looks like they ripped off Acura:
The parts I don't like are the side gills (they just like retarded) and I think the old sport package rear diffuser looks much nicer than the new one.
I also believe that current owners of the 03-08 tend to lose their objectivity. When I look at the car, for example, I look at it in the context of the older model and just see where MB replaced certain parts (body panels, dials, etc.) so it gives me the impression of a kit-car enhancement. A non-owner wouldn't see it that way so it works better as a whole for the general public.
I don't mind the front grill, although it looks like they ripped off Acura:
The parts I don't like are the side gills (they just like retarded) and I think the old sport package rear diffuser looks much nicer than the new one.
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 381
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From: FL
Sold 06 CLS500. SL550 09. SL550 2013. Own C6 Corvette heavily customized garage queen 2005.
