SL/R230 My first drive '03 SL500

Mar 4, 2002 | 07:25 PM

MB_MAC

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Joined: Mar 2002

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From: Chicago

1985 MB 500 SEL

My first drive '03 SL500

Alright I had to prep a new 500 today (such a tough job!) and when I drove the car I was impressed by the overall package of this new car. Bigger interior. The 113 engine is nice, the exhaust was on the loud side for a benz I thought, I guess a sports car sound to it more of a hollow sound in the car while driving. Power was great (can't wait for the 55) although it was snowing here today which made it a bit hard to truely test the speed. Felt better than an E-430/ CLK430 but not up with the CLK-55 or E-55. Seats much nicer. Dash layout Very easy to use and see everything. Ride was nicer than 129 bodies. Cup holders SUCK! Do you have any Idea how many command units and ESM (Electronic Shifters) we will be replacing due to spilt liquids? Poor design I thought. The open and close the top feature from remote is really nice, works well. The feature that allow you to load gear in the trunk by hitting a button in the trunk to slightly raise the hardtop is nice.

Then there was the sensotronic brake control... hmmm these are very hard to describe how they feel. They work fantastic but has a slight weird delay to them. When you press the pedal and gradually increase pressure that is when you will feel this system working. I will be curious to see how brakes last in the 230 bodies. Brakes that are automatically activated to avoid film on rotors etc... going to really eat the pads up I bet!

Overall a much nicer car. The retractable hardtop from a techs point of view looks very complex as does this entire car. Many more control units and many new features.

I have complete specs on this car (and 55) if anyone is looking for detailed (MB) information.

-Mac

Mar 4, 2002 | 07:58 PM

RootN4U

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Joined: Jan 2002

Posts: 109

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From: Michigan

2001 S500

Can you tell us what is stardard and what the options are on the SL55?

Mar 4, 2002 | 08:27 PM

Doody

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Joined: Jan 2002

Posts: 237

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From: MA, USA

W126 1991 350SDL

roton4u - your dealer should have brochures at this point. i picked one up on saturday. big stack of them out front at my dealer.

doody.

Mar 4, 2002 | 08:42 PM

RootN4U

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Joined: Jan 2002

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From: Michigan

2001 S500

Doody...brochure does not effectively deliniate standard and optional equiptment for the Sl55 specifically...IMHO.

Mar 4, 2002 | 10:07 PM

eyethink

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From: Chicago

Mac,

Are you with Loeber downtown? If so, any idea how long that car will be there? any more sitting in the showroom or upstairs by chance?

Thanks

Mar 4, 2002 | 10:28 PM

MB_MAC

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Joined: Mar 2002

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From: Chicago

1985 MB 500 SEL

SL55 Options

Options for the 55 are as follows.

Adaptive Cruise Control (Distronic) - Option Code 219
Tire Pressure Control (TPC) - Option Code 475
Bi-Xenon Headlamps - Low/High Beam - Option Code 614
Interior Motion Sensor - Option Code 882
Radio remote control without panic - OC 762
Radio remote control with reduced range - OC 761
Keyless Go - OC 889
Luxury Seats / Seat ventilation & heating - OC 401
Daytime running lamps - OC 236
Partronic parking assist (PTS) - OC 220
Power fold in outside mirrors - OC 500
Garage Door opener in Rearview Mirror - OC 231
Cell-phone various
Cd Changer mounts behind drivers seat n stowage compartment

Please keep in mind these are from my technical training information package. I am not in sales so this is the best I can do. Hope this helps though.

-Mac

Mar 4, 2002 | 10:42 PM

MB_MAC

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From: Chicago

1985 MB 500 SEL

Quote:

Originally posted by eyethink
Mac,

Are you with Loeber downtown? If so, any idea how long that car will be there? any more sitting in the showroom or upstairs by chance?

Thanks

Nadda, but call around they are popping up like crazy. Try Autohaus, Loeber, Knauz, Mark Motors etc...

-Mac