When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
For years I had a CLK 230Kompressor and loved it for 8 years until some idiot went into the back of me.
I then bought an Audi A4 Cabriolet with a 1.8T engine and had it mapped and lowered, the cars performance was very good and I had this for 3 years.
Now I am coming back to Mercedes with a lovely SL350 and hope to pick her up in the next few days. Attached is a photo let me know your thoughts and what I could tweak at all?
You're in the right place. That's a nice looking car! i don't think you'll find much in performance modifications for the V6. You might find some other mods like a single-fin grille or even a SmartTop controller for the roof.
2005 R 230 SL350 (M112 3.7). Sold the 1966 W113 230SL recently
A1EK ::CAUTION - OPINION FOLLOWS:: take a long hard look at that automobile. Whats wrong with its looks? Nothing. It possesses a well balanced and remarkably graceful design that needs no tinkering. The driving characteristics of my 350 are spoiling me rotten, the car does not evoke an aggressive ride, while power is not lacking. My Pagoda is much lighter and drehfreudig (revving). With incomparably less power and torque, it definitely has a more sporty feel. The R230 is a hell of a lot better cruiser than a sports car.
Last edited by Frederick NL; 02-12-2019 at 04:52 PM.
2005 R 230 SL350 (M112 3.7). Sold the 1966 W113 230SL recently
Question if I may - I notice theres an NTG1 head unit in that car. Theres endless discussions about the latest navigation DVD that will actually work with it (the player is in the trunk). MB says V12 is the latest version that will work on NTG1 in an R230 (2015 I think) but especially on German forums folks report that everythings just fine with the latest V18 or V19 versions. (I am in NL so I can read that, plus French).
.
Id be very interested to find out if you can strike a deal in the U.K. with a DVD that actually works in our cars. Someone in your country on the internet says he can deliver. I hesitate to buy something abroad that doesnt work.
. https://www.commandonline.co.uk/http...rope-NTG1.html
Last edited by Frederick NL; 02-12-2019 at 04:51 PM.
2005 R 230 SL350 (M112 3.7). Sold the 1966 W113 230SL recently
...and finally - you might want to have that door pocket looked at (if youre still negotiating). The lid seems off spec. There have been a few complaints on this forum about defective/rattling closing mechanisms on those, seemingly impossible to really fix.
The COMAND unit is NTG2, which uses a single DVD in the head unit. There's an eject button on the row of buttons at the bottom of the screen. The screen then slides down to access the DVD slot, and a CD slot for music. It's the same one I had in my 2007 CLK550. I don;t know about the UK, but for the USA, the last map updates for NTG2 were for 2017.
Yes, the door pocket look loose. It seems to be a common issue. I recall one forum member took his apart and found a broken hinge. I don't know if he was able to fix it, but I have found few things I can't repair with JB Weld epoxy.
2005 R 230 SL350 (M112 3.7). Sold the 1966 W113 230SL recently
Now youve got me confused - thought I have NTG1. Like the unit on the photo, I have a slot in the head unit which plays CD and MP3 and an eject button. CD-changer behind seat, nav DvD drive in the trunk. No SD slot in head unit, like photo above.
What do I have..? Can the screen display its own model code? (MBs model coding is sooo confusing).
(I got a green-marked DVD cover with the car).
Last edited by Frederick NL; 02-13-2019 at 04:04 AM.
There may be differences between USA and other markets. NTG1 was the original COMAND unit used through MY2004. It had a smaller screen, CD-changer based NAV discs behind the passenger seat, D2B fiber, and older-style buttons, like this:
NTG2 used DVD NAV and a larger screen, MOST fiber, (and you are right - on the SL, the DVD is in the trunk, and the screen down, it did this in other MBZ models, though): It was used from MY2005-MY2008:
And NTG2.5, used from MY2009-EOP looked similar to NTG2, but added many features, like built-in Bluetooth hands-free, iPod interface, internal hard drive (for both NAV data and owner's music), an SD card slot and a 6-disc DVD changer:
A1EK ::CAUTION - OPINION FOLLOWS:: take a long hard look at that automobile. Whats wrong with its looks? Nothing. It possesses a well balanced and remarkably graceful design that needs no tinkering. The driving characteristics of my 350 are spoiling me rotten, the car does not evoke an aggressive ride, while power is not lacking. My Pagoda is much lighter and drehfreudig (revving). With incomparably less power and torque, it definitely has a more sporty feel. The R230 is a hell of a lot better cruiser than a sports car.
Thanks and I agree that the car is already perfectly engineered so why tweak it ! Its good to know that its a nice cruiser as I do a fair commute each week from Glasgow to Straford which is 350 miles (6hrs) so i'm looking forward to enjoying the ride !
2005 R 230 SL350 (M112 3.7). Sold the 1966 W113 230SL recently
A1EK sorry for meddling in your thread like this (but at least you may notice some activity going on here :-)
.
Rudeny, would you recognize the head unit in my 2005 SL as an NTG2? That would indeed change my quest for recent maps as I always thought I have an NTG1. Grrr Benz typology is rocket science.
A1EK sorry for meddling in your thread like this (but at least you may notice some activity going on here :-)
.
Rudeny, would you recognize the head unit in my 2005 SL as an NTG2? That would indeed change my quest for recent maps as I always thought I have an NTG1. Grrr Benz typology is rocket science.
no problem Rudeny, its refreshing to get back to MB World and this level of forum talk, something I did not find the same on the Audi Forums ! There is a lot of extras that these SL have and I am looking forward to learning and finding out more !
PS my car is a 2004 reg although the plate says 2003
Frederick, that's NTG2, but your car is a 2003 build? That's odd because NTG2 was not used until the MY2005 facelift, when they switch from D2B fiber to MOST. Post (or PM) your VIN. I'd like to see what the datacard says.
2005 R 230 SL350 (M112 3.7). Sold the 1966 W113 230SL recently
First registration July 2005
VIN via pm
data card:
527 comand dvd aps mit navigation
5xxl europa
.
To add to the confusion.... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comand_APS
First registration July 2005
VIN via pm
data card:
527 comand dvd aps mit navigation
5xxl europa
.
To add to the confusion.... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comand_APS
PM replied! Your car is a Model Year 2005. The things to note on the datacard that define it as a MY2005 are (1) the delivery date of 18-04-2005. That is the date it exited the assembly line. That actually makes yours a very lat build MY2005. For the most part, the new model year begins production in the spring for the next year's cars. This is done so they have have new model year cars delivered to the USA by August as that is when we expect the new models to arrive in our showrooms over here. There are a few exceptions, such as when they are retooling for an entirely new chassis, or like when the A209 was delayed a year behind the 209, but for the R230, this was the case . Well, except for MY2010, which for some reason they skipped, and sold as MY2011. (2) The 800 SA code defines the model year. Yours is "805", and that "5" means MY2005.
I have never understood the whole "plate year" concept in Europe. I guess it makes sense to track it back to the date it was sold, but honestly, in terms of identifying a car, model year is it. Even though they were being sold in 2004, a model year 2005 SL is different from a MY2004 because it has the newer COMAND unit, MOST fiber, and the revised CAN bus protocols. Same goes for MY2009, which had a revised front end. And then you can even look at complete changes, like a MY2013 SL which is an R231, but were on sail in 2012. So a "plate year" 2012 R231 and "plate year" year 2012 R230 are two totally different cars. Model year is a much better designation.
Since your car is a MY2005, it has the MOST fiber and the updated COMAND system with DVD NAV. Now, is it "NTG1" or "NTG2"? Referring to your Wikipedia link, what they call COMAND 2.5 and 2.0 using D2B fier and CD NAV is what I always called "NTG1". I guess that is wrong and NTG1 and NTG2 look the same but with slight nuances? I know with the W203/W209, there was only one difference int he MOST COMMAND units, which was whether it had a "SYS" or "SERV" button. I think they all accepted the latest NAV update through 2017 but there were some compatibility issues with the instrument clusters between the two version.
Another good place for help is over at *******. They have lots of resources on NAV updates.
2009 SL550 Roadster Diamond White, 2008 CLK550 Coupe Obsidian Black
The small older Comand units were known as Comand 2.5 due to the DIN height and used regular CDs (usually say DX, older models say D, and really old ones on W220 say C; I think). Only the 03 version of CL and S came with a widescreen unit Comand 2.0 (still used CDs for navigation). The differences between NTG1 (such as for CL, CLS, E, S, SL) versus NTG2 (such as for C, CLK, G) are that the NTG2 is a more watered-down Comand unit with the DVD nav disc reader built into the head unit as well as some other components (based on what I've read online, it is actually easier to upgrade a NTG2 to a NTG2.5, from a similar model vehicle, for example because more of the components are all-in-one versus lets say an 08 E class with an 09 E class head unit). The NTG1 also has a birds eye map view which was not available on the NTG2, along with some other extra features.
Fun fact: Early model US NTG1 head units (only for E class models) from 03-04 actually came with the DVD reader built into the units (all they lack is the decoder or something for video viewing) so you can burn a dual layer DVD with 8 gigs of music and have steering wheel controls with great quality audio (I was able to do this on my 04 E320). This would not apply on the SL for example since they did not come with NTG1 until MY05.
The NTG2.5 in my MY2011 SL550 has a 6-disc DVD changer (only for user's media - NAV is on the internal hard drive) so I could use that for a massive music player. But it's much easier to use the SD card, or download form the card to the internal hard drive, or to plug in an old iPod (all of which I have in place). That, and the built-in Bluetooth hands-free calling are one of the reasons I specifically went for a MY2009+ to get NTG2.5. As for retrofitting NTG2.5, that would be a challenge because they are SCN coded for theft prevention. I am sure someone has "found a way" around that, but it would not be plug and play. Oh, and one more tidbit on this subject...if you want to stream music, and yo have a 30-pin iPod connector, the CoolStream device works quite well. For iPhone users, you get full track, playlist, title, info, just like a connected iPod. For Android users, you don;t get that, but it will stream and change tracks from the steering wheel controls.
So, now, back to the thread topis: @A1EK , you say this is a "MY2004" but it has the updated COMAND unit from a MY2005. If you'll post the VIN, I can give you the datacard and you'll know for sure.
I have to disagree with that. ABC adds some additional complexity, but traditional suspensions still need maintenance. Shocks, control arms, and bushings generally last 60K-80K miles before needing replacing, much like ABC parts. It's just that the ABC parts tend to be more expensive and complex to maintain. Also, you still have concerns with the SBC system (though it has a 25-year warranty, at least in the USA), vario roof hydraulics, and the PSE system (like the trunk latch). And then add other possible issues like KeylessGo, battery drains, oil leaks, broken hat shelf flaps, etc. and ABC problems tend to become just another thing to add to the maintenance list.
Okay, so this evening I did the deal and amazed to say that I am now the proud owner of a lovely SL 350 as per the first photos I sent....
Lots to learn and ask questions on although I have a 6 hour commute so plenty of time to get to grips with things !!
First questions:
How does the engine start button work on the auto gear shift?
I have the bluetooth adaptor built in, does this play music from my phone too?
How do you adjust the headlight height, or can you?
Can you set the central locking to unlock all doors at once, or only just the drivers then passenger?
The car was a joy to drive home and I felt very proud, there's a few bits of trim broken such as one of the vent handles, the under-seat drivers catch, the armrest catch but as i'm an engineer, I am sure this wont be any drama to resolve. The engine bay was spotless and the cam belt has also been changed too.
Attached are a couple of photos of many to the petrol station !!
How does the engine start button work on the auto gear shift?
It's part of the KeylessGo system. The SmartKey fob has a radio transmitter in it. As long as it is within a meter of the car, you can keep in in your pocket, bag or purse and operate the vehicle. Just grab the door handle to unlock it, or press the square black button on the door handle to lock it. Also, you can open the trunk by squeezing its handle. On the edge of the trunk lid, there will be a lock button you can press to lock the car before closing the trunk. Once inside the car, if you depress the brake pedal and then press the start/stop button on the gearshift, then engine will start. Pressing the button with the shifter in park with shut off the engine. If you do not depress the brake pedal, then the first press of the start/stop button puts the igntion into "accessory" mode, the second into "on" mode, and the third back to off.
I have the bluetooth adaptor built in, does this play music from my phone too?
No, it's only for hands free calling. If you have the optional 30-pin Apple iPod interface, there is an aftermarket "dongle" you can buy that plugs into that for Bluetooth streaming.
How do you adjust the headlight height, or can you?
Assuming you have the bi-xenon HID headlights, they adjust automatically based on vehicle load. You can, however, adjust the baseline height like any other headlights using an Allen wrench on the adjusting screw on top of the housings under the hood.
Can you set the central locking to unlock all doors at once, or only just the drivers then passenger?
Yes. Simultaneously press and hold the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons on the SkartKey fob for about ten seconds. If your key fob has a red LED indicator light on it, hold until it flashes. If not, just hold and count to ten.
350 SL, R230 - 300 SL, R129 - 1964 Corvette Sting Ray Sport Coupe - Porsche 911 Twin Turbo (sold)
Originally Posted by Rudeney
I have to disagree with that. ABC adds some additional complexity, but traditional suspensions still need maintenance. Shocks, control arms, and bushings generally last 60K-80K miles before needing replacing, much like ABC parts. It's just that the ABC parts tend to be more expensive and complex to maintain. Also, you still have concerns with the SBC system (though it has a 25-year warranty, at least in the USA), vario roof hydraulics, and the PSE system (like the trunk latch). And then add other possible issues like KeylessGo, battery drains, oil leaks, broken hat shelf flaps, etc. and ABC problems tend to become just another thing to add to the maintenance list.
Sorry but i can not agree with you on this topic Rudeney Have you not seen all the threads about ABC suspension problems here on this forum? there are several SL members here on the forum that are replacing the ABC suspension with coil overs
The reason i bought a SL 350 and not the SL 500 is because of the ABC suspension problems.
I had to loose some power going for a SL 350 but it is not a "race car" and neither are the SL 500
I have 4 cars with regular suspension and i have always had cars with regular shock asorbers/coil springs and only once did i have to swap a spring. Note that i broke the coil spring myself whhen driving ino what i thought was a puddle of water but actually was a big hole filled with water
But i have replaced the shock absorbrs on some of my cars off course So yes you have to replace the shocks some times but that is easy work and not very often
But comparing regular suspension with ABC suspension i will say that reguĝar suspension is problem free
02-12-2019, 01:56 PM
Have you not seen all the threads about ABC suspension problems here on this forum? there are several SL members here on the forum that are replacing the ABC suspension with coil overs
