SL/R230: Am I the only one not yet feeling the look of the new 09 SL?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2008
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From: Sacramento, CA
SL500
Am I the only one not yet feeling the look of the new 09 SL?
I not sure I really like the look of the new front end they put on the SL. I just dont feel the lights and bumper treatment flow as well as the older setup did. Am I the only one? I still think its a amazingly beautiful car, but not quite as nice as the 03-08. What do you guys think?
Member
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: San Diego
'08 SL55
this subject has been beat to death. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I happen to agree with you. The '08 and earlier were more curvaceous and artistic. I think it's change just for sake of change. The previous SL was one of the greatest designs in automotive history and likely will not be repeated,
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 132
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From: Sacramento, CA
SL500
this subject has been beat to death. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I happen to agree with you. The '08 and earlier were more curvaceous and artistic. I think it's change just for sake of change. The previous SL was one of the greatest designs in automotive history and likely will not be repeated,
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Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Vancouver, B.C.
02ML320, 04SL500, 65SL230
The 09 design is not just to change for change's sake - its redesigned to raise the height of the hood to conform to European standards for the protection of pedestrians. Now when they get hit they will have a bit more room to cushion the body before hitting the solid engine block. As a result it has lost the streamline beauty of the original design. Its will have to wait for a redesign of the next model to get back some of the fluidity of lines. On the other hand, look at the new SL65 AMG Black series coming soon, it looks a lot better due to the wider front with the flared fenders, thus reducing the appearance of height.
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Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Bay Area
2020 GTR Roadster, 2020 GT63S
I agree that the 03 - 08 was one of the most beautiful cars ever designed. Thanks to bureaucrats, MB had to make changes to the design. Given the new regulations, I think MB did a great job. The '09 maintains the design themes and most of the lines, while adding just a little "sharpness" to the classic shape.
Senior Member
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.
Well I disagree....I would, wouldn't I, as I have one
However, trying to be as impartial as possible and as I have never owned an Sl series before, when I compare previous years I just feel that it's still basically the same great design, just slightly sharper and more agressive looking and so far since last May, nothing has gone wrong.....
However, trying to be as impartial as possible and as I have never owned an Sl series before, when I compare previous years I just feel that it's still basically the same great design, just slightly sharper and more agressive looking and so far since last May, nothing has gone wrong.....
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 132
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From: Sacramento, CA
SL500
Branmin, I agree its still a great looking car! Maybe I am just jealous because I can't afford the 09. 
I have a 03 SL500.
Also, I didn't know about the standards being the reason for the update. I am sure in time I will fall in love with the new design and probably own one in a couple years.
I have a 03 SL500. Also, I didn't know about the standards being the reason for the update. I am sure in time I will fall in love with the new design and probably own one in a couple years.
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Newbie
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1
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sl 350 clk200 kompressor
I agree whit your opinion.Also I prefer the model 03-06 in fact just two months ago I have buyed a new car sl 350 AMG line, one of the last of old version. In my opinion all the new versions of MB cars are not so beautiful such as the oldest(see C class etc.)
Ciao
Roberto
p.s. Sorry for my not correct english!
Ciao
Roberto
p.s. Sorry for my not correct english!
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2006
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Silver CLS550, Blk M45, Lexus GX470 & an endless fleet of Avis Premium Rental Cars
It might grow on you over time, but for now… the 03-08 body looks more refined and though through while this new SL got stuck with a not so great face lift job. The new r230 (2009) was simply put together to meet the demands of a “new body style” 
Maybe they should’ve turned the speed up in the wind tunnel when creating this new front end.
Maybe they should’ve turned the speed up in the wind tunnel when creating this new front end.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 61
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From: Austin, TX
2005 Silver SL 500
yea, but look at this one that is coming out soon...
http://www.rsportscars.com/mercedes-.../pictures/7454
http://www.rsportscars.com/mercedes-.../pictures/7454
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Las Vegas, NV
2011 E350 Cabriolet..White and Almond Mocha
[QUOTE=DeLorean00;3263927]I not sure I really like the look of the new front end they put on the SL. I just dont feel the lights and bumper treatment flow as well as the older setup did. Am I the only one? I still think its a amazingly beautiful car, but not quite as nice as the 03-08. What do you guys think?
I tend to agree with you. I just cannot get the feel of the new SL... if fails to flow from the front end. I am partial but even if I didn't own an '08, I think I still prefer the classic look of the '03 - '08 models. I prefer the new technology and interior changes in the '09 but the exterior does not do it for me.
I tend to agree with you. I just cannot get the feel of the new SL... if fails to flow from the front end. I am partial but even if I didn't own an '08, I think I still prefer the classic look of the '03 - '08 models. I prefer the new technology and interior changes in the '09 but the exterior does not do it for me.
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Joined: Feb 2007
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R230 W124 W212
I like mine better 
Hehe sorry, Its been a while since i have been on MBworld. Fchat has been drawing me in lately.
Edit: Nevada Jack, you got lucky! You got the best year of any SL! just because i think they got it all wrong for 09. Sure they brought back the early 80's look but still..
Hehe sorry, Its been a while since i have been on MBworld. Fchat has been drawing me in lately.
Edit: Nevada Jack, you got lucky! You got the best year of any SL! just because i think they got it all wrong for 09. Sure they brought back the early 80's look but still..
Last edited by Gasdrinker; Jan 12, 2009 at 10:58 PM.
Member
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From: Long Island, NY
'09 SL550; '09 GL550; '11 E550
add me to the list of preferring the '07 vs the '09 body style. I do prefer the techupgrades and the head rest of the '09, but the front and rear just dont work for me. I do love the new steel grey paint however!
The head rest in my '07 550 has always been something that i wish was different. I simply can not get it close enough to the back of my head/neck so that it rest comfortably while driving. I actually have to either have the seat almost vertical or rest my head back too far for it to be effective. I think it was a bad design. The new headrest while bulky looking and kind of gimicky with the heat blower, is certainly more effective at resting the head in a good position while still being able to drive. Also the new Command unit is superior to the one in my '07, night and day diference.
No idea what the next gen of the SL will look like but I plan to keep my '07 550 for many years.
The head rest in my '07 550 has always been something that i wish was different. I simply can not get it close enough to the back of my head/neck so that it rest comfortably while driving. I actually have to either have the seat almost vertical or rest my head back too far for it to be effective. I think it was a bad design. The new headrest while bulky looking and kind of gimicky with the heat blower, is certainly more effective at resting the head in a good position while still being able to drive. Also the new Command unit is superior to the one in my '07, night and day diference.
No idea what the next gen of the SL will look like but I plan to keep my '07 550 for many years.
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Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Long Island, NY
'09 SL550; '09 GL550; '11 E550
oh yeah, forgot to mention I hate the steering wheel in the '07 vs the new wheels. In fact I want to replace it with the same wheel that is now in my '09 E350 sport. Its thicker and much sportier. Does anyone have expereince with that?
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Silver CLS550, Blk M45, Lexus GX470 & an endless fleet of Avis Premium Rental Cars
yea, but look at this one that is coming out soon...
http://www.rsportscars.com/mercedes-.../pictures/7454
http://www.rsportscars.com/mercedes-.../pictures/7454
That's the body style in question here. Plus that thing is minus the folding roof.
What!
