SL/R230: WHats new in the 04 SL 500?
08-01-2003, 11:31 AM
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WHats new in the 04 SL 500?
Hi, Im in the process of getting one of the last 03 SL 500s (full loaded with options).. I just ran into this forum... so wondering if someone could respond asap..
Are there any fixes or changes coming in the 04 model that is not available in the 03 model. How reliable is this car? I have a lexus 4X4 (LX 470) and LS 430 (Sedan), both completely problem free and great cars.....
Are there any fixes or changes coming in the 04 model that is not available in the 03 model. How reliable is this car? I have a lexus 4X4 (LX 470) and LS 430 (Sedan), both completely problem free and great cars.....
08-02-2003, 01:54 AM
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I recently bought my first mercedes. Dec / 02 I bought a 1999 SL 500 (what they call a R129 model). I do not own or have never even sat in the car you are buying (the R230).
The car you have on order evolved from a 11 year line of cars like mine.
I can not begin to think that you have made a mistake in purchasing a SL 500 model R230.
You are buying a piece of automotive history. Few cars have that distinction.
After 8 months, 6,000 miles, of fairly hard driving from a novice ... I can advise that the SL 500 is an excellent car.
When R230 owners say their cars are a quantum leap over mine in technology (although it still has the same motor as mine) ... I tend to believe them.
The service provided by Mercedes through purchase, completing the original warrany and purchasing an extended warranty has been nothing but professional, efficient and pleasant.
These "whats wrong with you SL 500" postings are relatively minor complaints.
Plastic head liners? Yes it is too bad that all companies are tending to cut corners. It is probably practical. Maybe you got the panorama roof.
LS 430s, based on my limited test driving experience do have gobs of tourque, horse power, a smooth transmission, great luxurios appointments on the interior. But they look odd and ugly in my opinion and do not give the same sence of the road when driving.
Once you get your SL 500 ... I bet you will take great pleasure from blowing the doors off the unsuspecting LS 430s you encounter.
Congratulations on your purchase (I'm envious)! Enjoy your car, don't worry.
More on the source and nature of complaints. I ran accross a web page that reports recalls. I have been extreemly happy with my 1998 Jeep Cherokee since purchase new. When checking the recall web site, I was floored by the 3 or 4 page list of recalls and service fixes.
I had no idea that Jeep was likely tweeking the vehicle every time I went for regular servicing. Who cares as long as the company is professional enough to do such things without you even knowing.
The car you have on order evolved from a 11 year line of cars like mine.
I can not begin to think that you have made a mistake in purchasing a SL 500 model R230.
You are buying a piece of automotive history. Few cars have that distinction.
After 8 months, 6,000 miles, of fairly hard driving from a novice ... I can advise that the SL 500 is an excellent car.
When R230 owners say their cars are a quantum leap over mine in technology (although it still has the same motor as mine) ... I tend to believe them.
The service provided by Mercedes through purchase, completing the original warrany and purchasing an extended warranty has been nothing but professional, efficient and pleasant.
These "whats wrong with you SL 500" postings are relatively minor complaints.
Plastic head liners? Yes it is too bad that all companies are tending to cut corners. It is probably practical. Maybe you got the panorama roof.
LS 430s, based on my limited test driving experience do have gobs of tourque, horse power, a smooth transmission, great luxurios appointments on the interior. But they look odd and ugly in my opinion and do not give the same sence of the road when driving.
Once you get your SL 500 ... I bet you will take great pleasure from blowing the doors off the unsuspecting LS 430s you encounter.
Congratulations on your purchase (I'm envious)! Enjoy your car, don't worry.
More on the source and nature of complaints. I ran accross a web page that reports recalls. I have been extreemly happy with my 1998 Jeep Cherokee since purchase new. When checking the recall web site, I was floored by the 3 or 4 page list of recalls and service fixes.
I had no idea that Jeep was likely tweeking the vehicle every time I went for regular servicing. Who cares as long as the company is professional enough to do such things without you even knowing.
08-11-2003, 09:03 PM
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'06 ML500 w/Apperance pkg & '07 SL550 w/AMG pkg
pdxxer,
The only real change that I am aware of it that on the standard non-sport they are going to be using the Launch Edition 5-spoke wheel. This is a definate change for the better and will improve the look of the cars without the Sport Pkg. AMG wheels.
The only real change that I am aware of it that on the standard non-sport they are going to be using the Launch Edition 5-spoke wheel. This is a definate change for the better and will improve the look of the cars without the Sport Pkg. AMG wheels.
08-12-2003, 11:10 PM
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Re: WHats new in the 04 SL 500?
Originally posted by pdxxer
Hi, Im in the process of getting one of the last 03 SL 500s (full loaded with options).. I just ran into this forum... so wondering if someone could respond asap..
Are there any fixes or changes coming in the 04 model that is not available in the 03 model. How reliable is this car? I have a lexus 4X4 (LX 470) and LS 430 (Sedan), both completely problem free and great cars.....
Hi, Im in the process of getting one of the last 03 SL 500s (full loaded with options).. I just ran into this forum... so wondering if someone could respond asap..
Are there any fixes or changes coming in the 04 model that is not available in the 03 model. How reliable is this car? I have a lexus 4X4 (LX 470) and LS 430 (Sedan), both completely problem free and great cars.....
08-20-2003, 05:33 AM
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'03 SL500, '03 S600
I have a '03 Magma Red sl500. It's gorgeous, but I want more power, so I've ordered an '04 red sl600. The dealership tells me that for '04, MB has abandoned the Magma Red and is going to the Mars Red. That's like back to their old red which has a blue base to it. Broke my heart. How can I tell MB that this is the worst color decision they've made in years?
BTW, don't be in too much of a hurry to engage an SC430. I've had both and the Lexus is faster.
BTW, don't be in too much of a hurry to engage an SC430. I've had both and the Lexus is faster.
Last edited by ssssara; 08-20-2003 at 05:39 AM.
08-20-2003, 06:41 AM
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BMW 535d Touring
Thats terrible news. The Magma Red is by far the better - its brighter, more orangy. Looked great on my wife's SLK and the subsequent buyer was over the moon when he saw it.
Mercedes seem a bit confused about their colours - I personally think the best are with Audi.
Mercedes seem a bit confused about their colours - I personally think the best are with Audi.
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08-20-2003, 05:08 PM
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Is this Mars Red the same as Signal Red on the R129? I'm not a big fan of the fire engine[magma] red. In fact, I hate it! Does anybody know if MB will produce a true black interior for the 500? The two-tone treatment on the charcoal interior looks a little tacky, imo.
08-29-2003, 05:32 PM
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09' 335i coupe
Originally posted by ChrisB
I recently bought my first mercedes. Dec / 02 I bought a 1999 SL 500 (what they call a R129 model). I do not own or have never even sat in the car you are buying (the R230).
The car you have on order evolved from a 11 year line of cars like mine.
I can not begin to think that you have made a mistake in purchasing a SL 500 model R230.
You are buying a piece of automotive history. Few cars have that distinction.
After 8 months, 6,000 miles, of fairly hard driving from a novice ... I can advise that the SL 500 is an excellent car.
When R230 owners say their cars are a quantum leap over mine in technology (although it still has the same motor as mine) ... I tend to believe them.
The service provided by Mercedes through purchase, completing the original warrany and purchasing an extended warranty has been nothing but professional, efficient and pleasant.
These "whats wrong with you SL 500" postings are relatively minor complaints.
Plastic head liners? Yes it is too bad that all companies are tending to cut corners. It is probably practical. Maybe you got the panorama roof.
LS 430s, based on my limited test driving experience do have gobs of tourque, horse power, a smooth transmission, great luxurios appointments on the interior. But they look odd and ugly in my opinion and do not give the same sence of the road when driving.
Once you get your SL 500 ... I bet you will take great pleasure from blowing the doors off the unsuspecting LS 430s you encounter.
Congratulations on your purchase (I'm envious)! Enjoy your car, don't worry.
More on the source and nature of complaints. I ran accross a web page that reports recalls. I have been extreemly happy with my 1998 Jeep Cherokee since purchase new. When checking the recall web site, I was floored by the 3 or 4 page list of recalls and service fixes.
I had no idea that Jeep was likely tweeking the vehicle every time I went for regular servicing. Who cares as long as the company is professional enough to do such things without you even knowing.
I recently bought my first mercedes. Dec / 02 I bought a 1999 SL 500 (what they call a R129 model). I do not own or have never even sat in the car you are buying (the R230).
The car you have on order evolved from a 11 year line of cars like mine.
I can not begin to think that you have made a mistake in purchasing a SL 500 model R230.
You are buying a piece of automotive history. Few cars have that distinction.
After 8 months, 6,000 miles, of fairly hard driving from a novice ... I can advise that the SL 500 is an excellent car.
When R230 owners say their cars are a quantum leap over mine in technology (although it still has the same motor as mine) ... I tend to believe them.
The service provided by Mercedes through purchase, completing the original warrany and purchasing an extended warranty has been nothing but professional, efficient and pleasant.
These "whats wrong with you SL 500" postings are relatively minor complaints.
Plastic head liners? Yes it is too bad that all companies are tending to cut corners. It is probably practical. Maybe you got the panorama roof.
LS 430s, based on my limited test driving experience do have gobs of tourque, horse power, a smooth transmission, great luxurios appointments on the interior. But they look odd and ugly in my opinion and do not give the same sence of the road when driving.
Once you get your SL 500 ... I bet you will take great pleasure from blowing the doors off the unsuspecting LS 430s you encounter.
Congratulations on your purchase (I'm envious)! Enjoy your car, don't worry.
More on the source and nature of complaints. I ran accross a web page that reports recalls. I have been extreemly happy with my 1998 Jeep Cherokee since purchase new. When checking the recall web site, I was floored by the 3 or 4 page list of recalls and service fixes.
I had no idea that Jeep was likely tweeking the vehicle every time I went for regular servicing. Who cares as long as the company is professional enough to do such things without you even knowing.
08-29-2003, 07:08 PM
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Originally posted by internet_mafia
Does anybody know if MB will produce a true black interior for the 500? The two-tone treatment on the charcoal interior looks a little tacky, imo.
Does anybody know if MB will produce a true black interior for the 500? The two-tone treatment on the charcoal interior looks a little tacky, imo.
08-29-2003, 10:43 PM
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Originally posted by ssssara
[
BTW, don't be in too much of a hurry to engage an SC430. I've had both and the Lexus is faster. [/B]
[
BTW, don't be in too much of a hurry to engage an SC430. I've had both and the Lexus is faster. [/B]
08-30-2003, 03:03 AM
#13
Originally posted by blueSL
Well, it's fair enough if the SC430 is faster - you need the power to get away from all those people laughing at you...
It's one ugly car.
Well, it's fair enough if the SC430 is faster - you need the power to get away from all those people laughing at you...
It's one ugly car.
Just messin with ya!
