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

SL/R230: Actual Build Time

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Old Jan 20, 2004 | 10:27 AM
  #1  
Gunther's Avatar
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From: Atlanta, GA
1988 560SL (sold); 2001 E430 (sold); 2004 SL500; 2009 CL550
Actual Build Time

Does anyone know the actual time it takes to create an SL from start to rolling out of the factory?

There is an MB website on the M-Class out of AL. It states that an M-Class takes roughly 4.4 hours, including paint.



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2004 SL500 Blk/Charcoal - being built today - -01/20/2004!

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Last edited by Gunther; Jan 20, 2004 at 10:32 AM.
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Old Jan 20, 2004 | 12:26 PM
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From: Orlando, Florida
2006 SL 550
I am going to Bremen February 1st to actually watch my SL come down the line. At this point they are unable to pinpoint the exact day that will be. So, I will remain in Germany for the week. I will find out the time required to assemble the car. From what I have learned so far, I believe it to be a several day process. I will give you details after my visit. If you have any other questions, let me know.
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Old Jan 20, 2004 | 01:13 PM
  #3  
dswildfire's Avatar
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From: Encino
2002 C230K
Re: Actual Build Time

Originally posted by Gunther
Does anyone know the actual time it takes to create an SL from start to rolling out of the factory?

There is an MB website on the M-Class out of AL. It states that an M-Class takes roughly 4.4 hours, including paint.



___________________

2004 SL500 Blk/Charcoal - being built today - -01/20/2004!

Panorama Top
Keyless Go
Comfort Package
Heated Steering Wheel
from first stamp, to final roll off is 7-8 days. it's quite an interesting process to see.

flkp, enjoy the bremen tour, it really is wonderful.
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Old Jan 24, 2004 | 09:50 AM
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SL55 AMG
The body production and painting is a completely separate process from the assembly. Painted bodies are stored in what looks like a multi-storey car park until needed. Effectively, they are painted 5 at a time in the same colour and put in storage and then a body shell of the correct colour is removed to start the assembly process.

Significant sub-assemblies come from elsewhere - engines, the roof, wiring loom and join the production line on a just-in-time process. When I visited, they were making 155 SLs a day and my guess is that there's a couple of days from start to finish, beginning with a finished body shell.

The body manufacture, paint and final assembly each occupy buildings of comparable size, so again that would suggest similar times in each process and the total of 7 - 8 days. The body shell takes about 16 - 18 hours to make with more than 300 stamped components.

Oh, and just to remind you, a marginal SL costs MB about $15000 to make.
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