mbguy

I would appreciate all comments as to which options are "must haves" and which are not worth the money. Thanks.

Mercedesfan

Panoramic roof, DVD Nav, Drive Dynamic Seats, Parktronic - get

Distronic, AMG package, keyless go, tire inflator - not necessary

MarcusBenz

Panoroof, Comfort Pkg., Keyless Go, Parktronic and Trim pkg.

I really like the new standard wheel and that is why I would pass on the Sport pkg., but would upgrade the front bumper only!!

Gunther

ABSOLUTE MUSTS:

Keyless Go
Pano Top
Comfort Package

Would be nice:

Heated Steering wheel
Bi-Xenons

Useless:

Distronic
Parktronic (learn to look when you park/drive)
Wood/Leather Trim package
Sport Package
Tire Pressure Monitoring

mbguy

For my 2003 SL500, I had the AMG sports package as the only option (because I didn't like the standard wheels) but am now in the process of ordering a 2005 and am trying to figure out what options to get. Does anyone know what the standard wheels wil look like on a 2005 or what the AMG wheels will look like (my dealer does not know)? If they will not change from the 2004 versions, I agree with MarcusBenz' comment that the sports package is no longer necessary. Also, several of you have commented that the comfort package is a "must have." Do the ventilated seats actually work well? Does the "multicontour" seat that comes with the comfort package make much of a difference? Lastly, is the keyless go essentially a neat gimmick or does it truly come in handy? Thanks for all your input.

Gunther

It's really all a matter of perspective.

A/V Seats - I live in GA. It is ungodly humid here (already). I am completely into the A/V seats because I can ride around with the top down and not get out with my shirt stuck to me. It does NOT a/c the seats but circulates air through. Some people confuse this function with "but it doesn't get cold" - it won't. But it does do a lot to get rid of humidity.

Pano top - Love it. Makes the car feel bigger inside. It's like having a sunroof when you don't want to put the top down (heat) or can't (rain).

Keyless go - not the first complaint. I have had my car almost 3 months. I have yet to put the key in the ignition or use the clicker function to open the car. Just a great convenience to walk up and open it up.

Comfort Package - love the seats. Have used the massager on trips. Multicontours really make you feel like you are "in" the seats. I used to love the seats in our 2001 E430 - now they feel huge and lacking in lateral support.

My .02

theitalianjob

Keyless go, bi-xenons, comfort package and pano top..

blueSL

I think Tyre Pressure Monitoring is a must, not expensive, works well and gives you early warning of a tyre problem.

Twinturbo

I think that there all good if you have the money. Panaroma roof is good on dark cars, alright on lighter cars, but great in the interior, but I am not sure how much weight it adds.

Definitely the seats, the blow-up bolsters will hug you around the corners and will be very comfortable on long journeys.

TPM, worth it, especially if you travel at high speeds, and also a cool little gadget.

Parktronic, just in case you miss some short poles or parking in tight spaces, but is also a safety feature if there is a small object or person behind the car.

Distronic, dont know why people dont like it, but have never experienced, but in theory sounds like it could make congested highway travel easier.

Keyless Go, another cool feature that I like. Bi-xenons? Without a doubt worth it.

Heated steering wheel, well depends if its cold where you are, up to you really. AMG kit is worth it if you like driving too. Cant think of any others...

Twinturbo

Actually, changed my mind. If your getting a 350 then forget about any options and get a 500. Oh, and if your getting a 500 then get a 55 or 600. Couldn't be easier.

mbguy

Unfortunately, a 55 or 600 is not in the cards--just the 500! Wish I knew what the 2005 wheels will look like--the dealer wants me to order now and choose either the standard wheels or the sports package wheels sight unseen (it would seem that the dealer ought to have information on the 2005 but they apparently don't).