BD1

(also posted in SL55 forum...)

Now that pictures of the new SLK with the F1 nose are leaking out:

https://mbworld.org/forums/sh...;threadid=52286

Do you think the earlier rumors of the new front end for the SL are more than rumors?

Some earlier posts on the SL55 and SL500 forums stated that it could changes as early as MY2005 (late 2004).

Are there any other rumored changes?

WannaBeAMG

its all BS! they aint changing the SL face anytime soon, if at all for this generation (R230).

benzosl

I agree in that Mercedes needs to keep a slight degree of individuality in their vehicles and it would not make sense to release the newly re-designed SLK and update the already re-designed SL in the same year. Also, the SL is a classic vehicle that previosly experienced change after several years. I would highly doubt mercedes would change the vehicle within two years of release.

Mercedesfan

take a look at this topic on the SL55 forum. The British publication Autocar in no uncertain terms reports that the 2005 SL will have the new nose. (page and cite with exact quote posted on SL55 fourm.)

internet_mafia

Magazines can and have been wrong before. I've seen some photos of the "supposed" R230 interior before it was release and the pics were dead wrong. There's a lot of disinformation circulating in the air. MB wants us and the competition to think one thing, meanwhile, they are planning for someting else.

Gunther

I'd highly disregard any rumor of a change in the SL...having just remodeled the car and having history of holding a body style for a minimum # of years...

Also, they completely alienate any 2003-2004 models by making such a significant change to quickly. It goes against everything that the SL has stood for for 50 years in design - continuity.

benzosl

There is no way that they would change the SL this early. First, it would send a message that there design was two years premature and the 2005 adjustment was to "get it right," otherwise why would they change a car within just two years; secondly, Benz always keeps a degree of individuality with their cars (there is no model with the S lights and interior, same for the E, same for the CL), and making the SL have the same look as the new SLK would make people question why they would pay so much more for an SL when they could get an SLK with the same look (when you're shelling out $90k + for an SL, you certainly don't want people to mistake it for the $48k+ SLK), not to mention the pricey SLR is hitting the road soon; why would potential buyers drop over $200k on the SLR if they can get a similiar look as the SL????????? Just rumors...if they did make the change, it would be a grave disappointment to several SL owners who would now have an "outdated vehicle" and would have me question purchases in the future: having the latest design of a car is a VERY sensitive issue up here in Tri-State!

HOI-MBZ-SLR

The new SL and face lift is due out between '07-'09. more towards the '09 model year

benzosl

That would make much more sense! Thanks for shedding some light.

Gunther

Have actually heard from several sources that MB intends to keep this basic body style for a minimum of 8 years...which would be '11 or '12 before the complete redo would occur. Probably a minor refresh around '07 or '08.

HOI-MBZ-SLR

Actually since I do work for Mercedes (shhh...) it's model year '08 due out for '09. but what do I know? lol j/k

JackStraw

Well since you work for MB and are privy to knowledge regarding a facelift that will occur 5 years hence, how about enlightening us as to when a DVD navigation system will be available for the SL?

BD1

Autospies says 2005 for new SL:

http://www2.autospies.com/article/in...&categoryId=10


I personally would like to confirm one way or another. I plan to buy a SL500 or SL55 in the next year but will wait a bit if a new version is on it's way.

clkmon

I'm afraid the nose will be added. Don't just go crazy yet. As a sl owner, I'd be pissed too if I become a member of mb's 1st generation who drive a 2nd year model that looks like a 6th year model. But check out the site for the new slk below. It is unbelievable, to me at least. The reason that I say the nose will be added is that if u stop thinking in terms of a current owner's view and start thinking from the view of those who have not bought but decided to buy a sl, then a lot of us could very likely to like their sl to be a little more aggressive like the new slk. I was comparing the sl and new slk photo side by side and could not ignore sl's aging look, as funny as it may sound. Besides if u think about those guys in Germany, how hard is it for them just to change the hood. Wait and see all the used sl sitting at ur dealership when the new sl comes out(?). And again, I for one hope I won't have to see that happen.
http://www.techautos.com/modules.php...article&sid=53

Gunther

I still don't see it happening so quickly. MB has always had a styling distinction between models. That's why the E and S don't resemble each other - if it looks similiar...why spend the extra $30-50K??

If they do...they are shooting themselves in Das Boot.

BTW...BD...on the link you sent...that pic is under the "rumors" category.

clkmon

I can't agree with that. Look at the current clk and sl, or clk and cl. I drive my sl everyday, but still mistake a clk for a sl on the street sometimes. C class and S class also look very alike at night too, especially from the rear end. If an sl had to be made looking like some other model, I'd rather it look like the new slk than clk. You saw the slk pix yourself. Think about Mercedes. If they do the facelift, what do they get? Some complain over the internet, or a lot. But what in return is a long list of custmors racing to be the first ones to get the new sl. It will look better, with the nose or whatever else they add to it. On this point, Mercedes never failed its fans with their new design. Remember how the new clk turned out to be so much better than what people had predicted. Now it's the slk. Sure if they actually add the nose, I would lose some appetite, but I'll get the new one as soon as possible. So would a lot of other upset fans here in the forum. And that's exactly what a producer would want.

sillydriver

I’ve noticed the same pattern you have, clkmon, where in a three model range the high and low models are styled similarly while the middle model, which would otherwise be easier to confuse with the other two, has a different look. As you point out, the S and C had styling similarities, particularly in the last generation, while the E is distinctive. Perhaps Mercedes will do the same with its two-seaters: style the fronts of the SLR and SLK similarly, while retaining the classic look on the SL, its middle model. I bet that’s what we’ll see.

Gunther

I guess I didn't word myself well enough..but that was the point that I was making also. The S and the E, levels of sedans next to each other, don't look alike. Therefore I find it MORE probable that the SLK and SLR will be similar but the SL left slightly different.

I did see the pic...but again it was under the category of "Rumors" and the caption said "could." Both of these things tell me that it's hype.

I also contacted my dealer, who is also a personal friend...who has not received any updates and release pics regarding a new front end on the SL.

I think you have it right, Sillydriver.

I just don't want MB to go the way of Ford and GM where they toss out a new and complete redesign every 2-3 years hoping to create a temporary fervor and antiquate all previous designs.

Wolfman

There is a difference between facelifting the R230 and new next generation SL (R231).
The facelift of the current model will happen in 2005 (Q3) for the 2006 model year in the US.
Either way, I would not give much credence to these "photo-shopped" spypics

Wolfman

Mercedesfan

https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...threadid=60563

MapleOne

Hello, I had mentioned on this forum about the SL getting the new front F1 nose and nobody believed me.

Well I received the news from high up at Mercedes today that the SL is getting the new F1 Nose probably by next year at the latest.

I'm sorry that I can't find my original string where everyone laughed at me.
Bigfoot from Germany broke the news on our forum over 2 years ago and we have steadfast held to our believe that the change is indeed happening.

For those of you who still do not believe me, please don't yell too loud because you will be wrong.

You can also read about and see more spy pics here:
http://www.mbcanada.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=37

Sorry but you'll have to register to view in the "STAR SPY" section.

internet_mafia

Well I received word from a HIGH up executive from MB who told me that the nose is not happening. SO there! It doesn'y make any sense. Every since, you have been proclaiming that the new nose would happen either 2005/2006. The 2005 sl's are already out and there is no new nose. They [MB] just launched the SL65 for 2005 with the current face. Why in the hell would they follow it up with a facial update the next year?

MapleOne

Ah, now I remember

You were one of the guys who argued with me last time.
I mean no disrespect but my source is as high up at Mercedes-Benz Canada as you can go. I was told without a shadow of a doubt that it is coming.

Personally I think they will run with the current nose for 2005 and then change for 2006. The only change on the SL so far has been the SL65, so after 3 years the cars usually get a refreshening. Have no doubt, that is all it is, it is not a new car but just a new bumper and hood.

internet_mafia I hope you will have an open mind to this because I will guarantee you it is happening. Visit the link from my previous post, our member Bigfoot works at MB Germany and he has actually seen the proto types. You cannot get closer to the source than that and now I have two very very reliable sources.

internet_mafia, Remember to leave an open door just in case you're wrong

JackStraw

MapleOne,

I see you are taking full advantage of the low-cost precription drugs in Canada.

Most of the spy shots are photoshopped versions of photos that are all too familiar to readers of this forum. The others come directly from Lotec's website. I am sure they can convert your current SL into the future SL of your dreams.

http://www.lotec-gmbh.de/

MapleOne

Ha Ha funny guy,

So why is it that we sell so many low cost drugs to you guys

I'm fully aware that the shots are chops and conversions, but this does not negate the fact that it will happen. I went for Mercedes training last week and was told outright that the change is coming.

I guess time will tell, and as I said before...

I'm so sure about this I'm willing to bet money on it.
My friend Juergen has actually seen the proto type at Mercedes-Benz Germany. You cannot be more sure than that!!!

All you guys who can't entertain the notion will eventually be proven wrong.
Anyways I will check back here when I get more info, I hope you guys are prepared for the shock.