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I previously owned a very nice 09 SL 550 which I had to sell for a family emergency. I am at a point where I will be purchasing another SL in the next couple of months. I am looking at 13-14 SL 550's and also considering 11-12 SL 550's the swing on price is about 10-15K. I am looking for some information on what to look for, problem wise, in a 11-12 R230. I had no issues on my R230 except for motor mounts showing wear, but I didn't have it long enough to see how it progressed with added mileage, I only got to enjoy about 10k miles. I am just looking for a sporty convertible to drive around the beach, Should I seriously consider spending the extra $$$ on the R231????
Attached is my 09 R230 which I had to sell ---- very sad
Some of the benefits of the R231 SL550 is a much more powerful turbocharged engine, plus a more modern infotainment system, and, if ABC maintenance is a concern, you can find them without that option (it was standard on all USA R230's).
I am not aware of any specific problems with the new engines or the chassis, but just remember that a turbocharged engine may not be as reliable as a NA engine, int he long run. Also, some people prefer the looks of one R230 vs R231) over the other. Personally, I like the MY2009 facelift R230 much better than the R231, but that's just a personal preference.
2009 SL550 Roadster Diamond White, 2008 CLK550 Coupe Obsidian Black
The R231 interior is definitely leagues ahead of the R230 in my opinion (even the 09 refresh), but that's expected after a 10 year model production. The twin turbo engines are very nice especially the V8, the thing can really pull off the line thanks to the low-end torque. I test drove a 2012 S550 once and wow it could move for such a heavy car. Note is more attention involved with forced induction engines, but Mercedes jumped on the turbo bandwagon pretty late in the game (minus the V12s) so hopefully means they figured a lot out beforehand versus the likes of Audi and BMW. However, I personally do not like the pre-refresh R231's exterior and would rather have the R230 09+ refresh (but that's all personal taste). And there would be a reliability plus with no ABC on some R231s, but you do sacrifice some handling/performance.
Btw, your 09 was very nice. Honestly it could be a twin of my car minus mine being red/black interior (I also have a black AMG style spoiler now).
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
