SL/R230: Is the SL 320 Comming to the USA?
Is the SL 320 Comming to the USA?
05-08-2003, 04:32 PM
#3
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sl and M-class E320 4Matic SLK350
Probably not
Nothing from MBUSA has encouraged expectation of the 350SL model coming here in the near future. Of course since it shares (I assume) the same engine as the ML350 it may not be that big of a deal to get one federalized as a "grey market" import. Any thoughts on this??
Now that the SL500 has been out for more than a year one might be able to get a Canadian model for the same price as as new SL350 given the exchange rate and apparant policy in Canada that the car has to be there for 6 to 9 months before it can be exported to the US as a "used" vehicle.
Now that the SL500 has been out for more than a year one might be able to get a Canadian model for the same price as as new SL350 given the exchange rate and apparant policy in Canada that the car has to be there for 6 to 9 months before it can be exported to the US as a "used" vehicle.
05-08-2003, 10:26 PM
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In reality, anything that Lexus throws together will be second rate. And I wouldn't consider comparing the SL to anything in Lexus' lineup. Lexus cannot top the SL.....period. It is out of their league, which makes the CLK is a better matchup. The only advantage for the SC430 is the hard top. MB doesn't need to release a 350 SL in the US. That would only make the SL less exclusive than it should be. I wouldn;t want the SL to be a dime a dozen like the S class.
Even is Lexus does come out with a SC330, that wouldn't have a serious impact since we are talking about the same body style. A new engine isn't going to wow anybody from the SL. BTW, how can they justify the cost for that tiny peice of....?
Even is Lexus does come out with a SC330, that wouldn't have a serious impact since we are talking about the same body style. A new engine isn't going to wow anybody from the SL. BTW, how can they justify the cost for that tiny peice of....?
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05-09-2003, 01:21 AM
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BMW 535d Touring
Originally posted by internet_mafia
I think that MB wouldn't want the SL350 stealing customers from the SL500. If people seriously want the R230, they'll have to cough up the cash.
I think that MB wouldn't want the SL350 stealing customers from the SL500. If people seriously want the R230, they'll have to cough up the cash.
05-09-2003, 01:39 PM
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Originally posted by Mustard
And I believe it would. Theres little the SL350 can't do that the 500 does, plus it feels lighter and more lively. Withe price rise of the 500 in the UK the difference is some U$20,000 - enough to concentrate the wallet of even the most generous buyer.
And I believe it would. Theres little the SL350 can't do that the 500 does, plus it feels lighter and more lively. Withe price rise of the 500 in the UK the difference is some U$20,000 - enough to concentrate the wallet of even the most generous buyer.
What matters is HP, torque and 0-60 performance more that gas consumption, which in this price category is never a considering factor. I also remember that the insurance rates were quite different in Europe on the V8 vs. V6 while they being negligible here.
To the best of my understanding, V6 S class and the SL were pulled from the US market because they were generally considered too underpowered for the money and because the there needed to be a more distinct gap between the midrange and the high-end models. When the SL320 was discontinued in 1998, the SL500 was by far the more popular model with twice the sales of the SL320.
In short, I am highly doubtful that the SL350 will make it here...
Wolfman
05-09-2003, 01:52 PM
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BMW 535d Touring
All true - but I thought this car might be a bit of an exception. Its just 0.9 sec slower 0-60, same top out at 155 mph, and just as fast on quick cross country trips, which is important in Europe.
Same spec, same looks, sounds good and all the other benefits. Its a boulevarder too, and believe me it rides and behaves well. With a $20,000 saving, it might interest quite a few more than MBUSA might have got with the SL320 which was altogether a different (slower) beast....
Same spec, same looks, sounds good and all the other benefits. Its a boulevarder too, and believe me it rides and behaves well. With a $20,000 saving, it might interest quite a few more than MBUSA might have got with the SL320 which was altogether a different (slower) beast....
Last edited by Mustard; 05-10-2003 at 06:00 AM.
05-09-2003, 02:34 PM
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There's also the CLK cabriolet which is great looking (better than the coupe IMHO) and neatly fills the space under the SL500, is a 4 seater and it has been very well reviewed here. Mercedes can sell every SL500 they can make in the US and their profit margins are under pressure in the US because of the weak US dollar against the Euro. I don't think it makes sense for them to sell a lower margin car (the SL350) in a market where margins are already under pressure. So, I agree with Wolfman that the SL350 is unlikely to make it to the US. It's a car which will have lots of appeal here in Europe where gas is more expensive and in some countries, tax is linked to engine size, such as Italy.
05-15-2003, 01:14 AM
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mafia, compare the leather interior of the 2003 sc430 to the 2003 s-class. the leather on the dash, seatbelt holders, everywhere is nearly as nice as the seat leather, also the visors are also made of leather, its like one of those soft-leather cloth wipes u can get for 8.99$ to wipe ur car with, the leather in lexus's are unbeleivable, everything else except the nav system cannot match up to benz
05-15-2003, 05:59 PM
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Originally posted by apricotscrub
mafia, compare the leather interior of the 2003 sc430 to the 2003 s-class. the leather on the dash, seatbelt holders, everywhere is nearly as nice as the seat leather, also the visors are also made of leather, its like one of those soft-leather cloth wipes u can get for 8.99$ to wipe ur car with, the leather in lexus's are unbeleivable, everything else except the nav system cannot match up to benz
mafia, compare the leather interior of the 2003 sc430 to the 2003 s-class. the leather on the dash, seatbelt holders, everywhere is nearly as nice as the seat leather, also the visors are also made of leather, its like one of those soft-leather cloth wipes u can get for 8.99$ to wipe ur car with, the leather in lexus's are unbeleivable, everything else except the nav system cannot match up to benz
???? - I've felt Lexus' leather before and it feels cheap, almost a suade-like quality to it. If you've ever felt connolly leather before, then you'll see why I say that Lexus uses cheap leather.
Why are you comparing the leather of a Convertable to the leather of a Sedan?
05-15-2003, 10:50 PM
#16
Originally posted by internet_mafia
In your previous post you compared the SC430 leather to the S class leather. But I guess that was a typo. But in any event, both the SC430 and the LS have inferior leather.
In your previous post you compared the SC430 leather to the S class leather. But I guess that was a typo. But in any event, both the SC430 and the LS have inferior leather.
06-09-2003, 12:29 PM
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CORRECTION: SC430 & SL500 almost identical size
Originally posted by internet_mafia
Even is Lexus does come out with a SC330...
...BTW, how can they justify the cost for that tiny peice of....?
Even is Lexus does come out with a SC330...
...BTW, how can they justify the cost for that tiny peice of....?
Length: 178.5 in.
Width: 71.5 in.
Height: 51.1 in.
Wheel Base: 100.8 in.
SC430
Length: 177.8 in.
Width: 72 in.
Height: 53.1 in.
Wheel Base: 103.1 in.
06-09-2003, 05:21 PM
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Re: CORRECTION: SC430 & SL500 almost identical size
Originally posted by shaady
SL500
Length: 178.5 in.
Width: 71.5 in.
Height: 51.1 in.
Wheel Base: 100.8 in.
SC430
Length: 177.8 in.
Width: 72 in.
Height: 53.1 in.
Wheel Base: 103.1 in.
SL500
Length: 178.5 in.
Width: 71.5 in.
Height: 51.1 in.
Wheel Base: 100.8 in.
SC430
Length: 177.8 in.
Width: 72 in.
Height: 53.1 in.
Wheel Base: 103.1 in.
Yeah, the numbers match up but the way the SC is DESIGNED makes the car look tiny compared to the SL. I don't know how MB does it, but they can make a foot out of an inch. Without knowing the numbers, most would swear that the SL IS bigger than the SC. IMO. Besides, i wouldn't care if the SL was a little smaller than the SC, the SL is still supreme in every other category.
06-09-2003, 07:24 PM
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Re: Re: CORRECTION: SC430 & SL500 almost identical size
Originally posted by internet_mafia
Yeah, the numbers match up but the way the SC is DESIGNED makes the car look tiny compared to the SL. I don't know how MB does it, but they can make a foot out of an inch. Without knowing the numbers, most would swear that the SL IS bigger than the SC.
Yeah, the numbers match up but the way the SC is DESIGNED makes the car look tiny compared to the SL. I don't know how MB does it, but they can make a foot out of an inch. Without knowing the numbers, most would swear that the SL IS bigger than the SC.
Originally posted by internet_mafia
IMO. Besides, i wouldn't care if the SL was a little smaller than the SC, the SL is still supreme in every other category.
IMO. Besides, i wouldn't care if the SL was a little smaller than the SC, the SL is still supreme in every other category.
06-09-2003, 08:48 PM
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I think that the SL should have came with more standard wood and a more plusher interior design. Without the wood steering wheel and shifter, I feel like the car is lacking something.
06-10-2003, 03:10 AM
#21
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The issues of wood steering wheel and shifter are all to do with price. The SL is made in the most expensive country in the world to produce cars and is currently sold in the US and UK on the most razor thin of margins because of the declining value of the dollar and pound. The fact that the SL350 is not yet available (if ever) in the US is also part of this, I doubt Mercedes could sell it at a profit at the current exchange rate.
What's always surprised me is that the SL is not available with the Exclusive Nappa Leather option as it is in Europe. This upgrades the interior with softer leather, more widely applied. It's not as durable though and requires extreme care in use; leaning into the car and supporting your weight on your fingers can permanently over-stretch it, for example. It does however give the impression of a more luxurious car.
What's always surprised me is that the SL is not available with the Exclusive Nappa Leather option as it is in Europe. This upgrades the interior with softer leather, more widely applied. It's not as durable though and requires extreme care in use; leaning into the car and supporting your weight on your fingers can permanently over-stretch it, for example. It does however give the impression of a more luxurious car.
06-10-2003, 03:31 PM
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AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
blueSL, you are right on the availability of the exclusive leather option in the US with the exception (I believe) of the Designo packages which have the leather upgrade. The SL600's also have it.
On the SL's though, I rather have less sensitive leather for three reasons; 1, there is always a risk the leather gets wet (after all it's a convertible), leaving permanent stains and 2, SL's have ongoing wear on the left bolster. I have rarely seen a used SL that doesn't have worn, scratched, ripped or cracked leather from getting in and out of the car. I am certain to see that on the SL55 in time as well. 3, driving top down sucks in road dirt like a vacuum cleaner; delicate leather will suffer from wiping it off regularly.
Maybe I am just too practical
Wolfman
On the SL's though, I rather have less sensitive leather for three reasons; 1, there is always a risk the leather gets wet (after all it's a convertible), leaving permanent stains and 2, SL's have ongoing wear on the left bolster. I have rarely seen a used SL that doesn't have worn, scratched, ripped or cracked leather from getting in and out of the car. I am certain to see that on the SL55 in time as well. 3, driving top down sucks in road dirt like a vacuum cleaner; delicate leather will suffer from wiping it off regularly.
Maybe I am just too practical
Wolfman
06-10-2003, 03:56 PM
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No Wolfman, as ever, you are correct. Here in the UK, it's the right bolster of the driver's seat which takes the wear and that will be more pronounced with the softer leather, you're also correct about the problems of it raining with the roof down. I drove through a rain storm in my 129 with the roof down, it's illegal to stop on the motorway (freeway) to put the roof up and the dirt inside my car had to be seen to be believed. So, maybe the higher quality leather will end up being a problem, I'll tell you in three years, 30000 miles...
