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SL-Class (R230) 2003 -- 2012: Discussion on the SL500, SL550, SL600

SL/R230: What does The "R" in my "SL500R" designate?

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Old Jun 23, 2012 | 05:39 PM
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What does The "R" in my "SL500R" designate?
I'm still on a learning curve WRT my 2003 SL. I'd appreciate a clarification -- Is the "R" in registration and title of my "SL500R" something other than just designating the "R230" series or does this designate a sport model or something else?

I have the large MB tri-star in the grill, but no shift paddles. Was there a sport model in 2003? Is this a sport model?

Thanks very much for your help.
Last edited by slk55er; Jun 23, 2012 at 05:44 PM.
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Old Jun 23, 2012 | 06:09 PM
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R on the SL500R stands for
Roadster
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Old Jun 23, 2012 | 06:35 PM
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Old Jun 24, 2012 | 06:38 PM
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Originally Posted by 200MPH
Roadster
Well, duh me. That's logical. Thanks much. Still wonder if there is both a "regular" and "sport" version in 2003.
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Old Jun 25, 2012 | 12:41 AM
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Cuz iz racecar.
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Old Jun 25, 2012 | 06:17 PM
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Originally Posted by B R
Cuz iz racecar.
Mmm -- No. The SL is a great ride, but to paraphrase Walter Mondale, "I know racecars. Racecars are friends of mine. The SL is not a racecar." I'll go with "R for Roadster."
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Old Jun 26, 2012 | 11:35 PM
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Originally Posted by slk55er
Mmm -- No. The SL is a great ride, but to paraphrase Walter Mondale, "I know racecars. Racecars are friends of mine. The SL is not a racecar." I'll go with "R for Roadster."
I think you mean Lloyd Bentsen.
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Old Jun 27, 2012 | 08:42 AM
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I've read that the R stands for the glass roof. If you have this option then that is what the R stands for.
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Old Jun 27, 2012 | 04:50 PM
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Originally Posted by JackStraw
I think you mean Lloyd Bentsen.
Ahh, yes. Thank you. You are correct.
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Old Jun 29, 2012 | 10:55 AM
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R is for Roadster
I had the same inquiry when my insurance and state registrations came to me with SL 500R on them...
I called both places and they both said that the R meant Roadster...

That was the story they both gave to me..

Smile,
Bruce
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Old Jun 29, 2012 | 02:38 PM
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Originally Posted by Tri-Star
I've read that the R stands for the glass roof. If you have this option then that is what the R stands for.
My is designated with an R, I don't have a glass roof. As others have said, the R stands for Roadster
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Old Jun 8, 2015 | 12:47 AM
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2005 SL500
I also have a 2005 SL500R, no glass roof (wish I did, that's a nice option)
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