SL/R230: Responsiveness
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Joined: Aug 2023
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2007 MBZ SL550
Responsiveness
Let me start with this statement so I don't step on anyone's toes. I'm not here to criticize or bash the MBZs. I'm only here to ask questions and learn. So, with that said, let's move forward. As some know, (not many since I'm new to this site), I was driving a BMW Z4M Roadster until someone thought they could fit their car into my lane and totaled my BMW. Also, many have told me that comparing BMWs to MBZs is like comparing apples to oranges. So here is my question. Is there (I should have asked this question before I went out and purchased a MBZ) any line of MBZ that are very responsive? Meaning feeling the road, acceleration in the definition that I can regulate tiny aspects of speed (a feather touch) instead of guessing because the accelerator needs a pretty heavy touch before it engages. Or just an overall feeling that the car becomes an extension of you, the human driving experience?
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Joined: Mar 2018
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From: Netherlands
2005 R 230 SL350 (M112 3.7). Sold the 1966 W113 230SL recently
Which one did you buy? There's V8's and V12's and a V6 in European countries. AMG's are seriously pepped up versions and there's several serious tuners. But the R230 will always be the much heavier car compared to the Z4. By chance I drove a Z4 last week and the difference is obvious as soon as you open and feel the door - so much smaller and lighter.
Personally I see no point in rivalry between the two series, you've bought a very different car and either you start liking the opulence or you don't. I guess the massive torque and power of the SL65 V12 still doesn't make it an über sports car that you can throw around lightheartedly. That was the feel the Z4 displayed.
Personally I see no point in rivalry between the two series, you've bought a very different car and either you start liking the opulence or you don't. I guess the massive torque and power of the SL65 V12 still doesn't make it an über sports car that you can throw around lightheartedly. That was the feel the Z4 displayed.
Last edited by Frederick NL; Sep 28, 2023 at 04:49 PM.
Joined: Nov 2016
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From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
You haven't given us much to go on. Your car has 382 hp from a 5.5 liter engine. The car is heavy. 0-60 is estimated to be 5.5 seconds. Not sure what you paid for it or how many miles are on it or what maintenance records exist.
Let me start by saying that the SL is an amazing car. You will get more looks than you probably ever did with the Z4. So, I'm not sure what you are looking for. You obviously know something about performance automobiles, so what made you go from a Z4 to an SL550?
When everything works, you'll never want to drive another car and you look forward to running to the store for milk and eggs. The downside is when the advanced technology of these cars starts to break down. The ABC suspension will make that heavy car feel like most others, but not a Cooper Mini, a Mazda Miata, a Z4, or an Audi TT. The suspension automatically lowers the car at highway speeds, keeps it level in turns, keeps the front end up when stopping and down when accelerating. All-in-all, the ABC suspension is hard to match. But, when things start to go on it, it can be a pain to fix and maintain.
Then you have the Vario roof. Again, a super cool feature and makes owning a hardtop convertible a pleasure...until something breaks.
The SL is a grand touring car, not a sports car that you take on twisties. If you want that, get an Audi TT quattro. The SL is a different beast.
Having had both the R230 and R231, I prefer the R231 for its newer technology, lighter weight, tunable turbo engines, and improved reliability. That said, I miss the ABC suspension of my SL500.
Let me start by saying that the SL is an amazing car. You will get more looks than you probably ever did with the Z4. So, I'm not sure what you are looking for. You obviously know something about performance automobiles, so what made you go from a Z4 to an SL550?
When everything works, you'll never want to drive another car and you look forward to running to the store for milk and eggs. The downside is when the advanced technology of these cars starts to break down. The ABC suspension will make that heavy car feel like most others, but not a Cooper Mini, a Mazda Miata, a Z4, or an Audi TT. The suspension automatically lowers the car at highway speeds, keeps it level in turns, keeps the front end up when stopping and down when accelerating. All-in-all, the ABC suspension is hard to match. But, when things start to go on it, it can be a pain to fix and maintain.
Then you have the Vario roof. Again, a super cool feature and makes owning a hardtop convertible a pleasure...until something breaks.
The SL is a grand touring car, not a sports car that you take on twisties. If you want that, get an Audi TT quattro. The SL is a different beast.
Having had both the R230 and R231, I prefer the R231 for its newer technology, lighter weight, tunable turbo engines, and improved reliability. That said, I miss the ABC suspension of my SL500.
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95 SL600
It’s a heavy pig low engine displacement car. The only ones that are responsive are the m113k cars and possibly the m156 cars. You went from a car that could be road raced with minimal changes, to a car that typically parks in the handicap parking spot.
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From: Melbourne Florida
SL500
Just last week I was getting thing tingly up my leg thinking; Do I want to sell the 04 Sl500 and get a Lotus Elise. Lotus whew! Growing up on Bugeyes and Midgets. And the ss" on the Bronx River Parkway still there to this day. Much more fun in a BugEye than a Sl500. Imagine what the Lotus would be like! But aah those were the days. Yet I proceeded to look at ones for sale and reading a few reviews of the Lotus Elise. One sentence stood out ," if you are 50 you are not going to enter and exit the Elise to go get for a loaf Bread or diapers. I will be 77 in November. Even the R230 requires some exertion. Which also answers why so many SL500s R230 are in the Handicapped Spaces. But I still travel on I95 and FL528 at speeds in excess of 120 miles per hour and if I i have to do some lane changing I am not running out of car to do. Imagine a SL55 or SL65. I probably again should start looking for one of those AMG models instead of Lotus. So it this car is not for you. Chalk it up to doing better research next time. If I were you. I would check out that Elise.
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From: North Carolina, USA
2004 SL500AMG, 2003 SL500 USA
Let me start with this statement so I don't step on anyone's toes. I'm not here to criticize or bash the MBZs. I'm only here to ask questions and learn. So, with that said, let's move forward. As some know, (not many since I'm new to this site), I was driving a BMW Z4M Roadster until someone thought they could fit their car into my lane and totaled my BMW. Also, many have told me that comparing BMWs to MBZs is like comparing apples to oranges. So here is my question. Is there (I should have asked this question before I went out and purchased a MBZ) any line of MBZ that are very responsive? Meaning feeling the road, acceleration in the definition that I can regulate tiny aspects of speed (a feather touch) instead of guessing because the accelerator needs a pretty heavy touch before it engages. Or just an overall feeling that the car becomes an extension of you, the human driving experience?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 230
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2007 MBZ SL550
Thank you all for your feedback. Yes, I understand the AMG models are preferred. As a matter of fact, I was looking for a 2004-2006 SL55 AMG because I drove a few in the past and fell in love with them. I need to understand and accept that the car I purchased is, first and foremost, a "Luxury" car. Nothing wrong with that at all. I post some of these threads to learn from all of you who have driven these cars for quite some time. Like I said before. I drove the BMW for eight years and have been driving a SL class MBZ for just about one month. That tells the story right there in a nutshell.
Thank you all once again.
Thank you all once again.
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Joined: Jan 2007
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From: PNW Wa State
R230, C5 Corvette Convertible, Audi Allroad, Lexus RX350, AE86 Hachi Roku
So here is my question. Is there any line of MBZ that are very responsive? Meaning feeling the road, acceleration in the definition that I can regulate tiny aspects of speed (a feather touch) instead of guessing because the accelerator needs a pretty heavy touch before it engages.
You are asking two different questions.
A; Feeling the road which encompasses steering, suspension tires and weight bias
B; Throttle Input ( distinct but also separate from overall acceleration due to HP and gearing) But; since everyone's idea of responsive throttle inputs regardless of power output from HO, NA to SC, Turbo'd
Try looking into ETEC Electronic Throttle Enhancement Control.
I've used one for over 10 years
You are asking two different questions.
A; Feeling the road which encompasses steering, suspension tires and weight bias
B; Throttle Input ( distinct but also separate from overall acceleration due to HP and gearing) But; since everyone's idea of responsive throttle inputs regardless of power output from HO, NA to SC, Turbo'd
Try looking into ETEC Electronic Throttle Enhancement Control.
I've used one for over 10 years
Last edited by Hary Gahtoe; Sep 29, 2023 at 08:12 PM.
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From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
https://pedalcommander.com/products/mercedes-sl-class
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 744
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From: PNW Wa State
R230, C5 Corvette Convertible, Audi Allroad, Lexus RX350, AE86 Hachi Roku
I have an AFE Sprintbooster that also works in conjunction with SDS throttle input adjustments.
I used an older model with success on our W208 430 and a Pedal Commander on our ML500.
The advantages of electronic throttle enhancements are real and noticeable without causing any problems.
Let me clarify that you won’t make the HP/TQ rating numbers any higher but;
you can access the entire amount of power the factory ECU steals from the car so you can use the full amount of power at lower levels of speed and power by giving the (ECU)!motor an earlier/ higher level of throttle input it needs and responds to
I used an older model with success on our W208 430 and a Pedal Commander on our ML500.
The advantages of electronic throttle enhancements are real and noticeable without causing any problems.
Let me clarify that you won’t make the HP/TQ rating numbers any higher but;
you can access the entire amount of power the factory ECU steals from the car so you can use the full amount of power at lower levels of speed and power by giving the (ECU)!motor an earlier/ higher level of throttle input it needs and responds to
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 449
Likes: 129
From: Melbourne Florida
SL500
Thank you Hary for the explanation of how these devices work. Thank you as well JettaRed for the link to a device you already used. Can you say what this module did to that SL500 in regular driving. Thanks Gene
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 744
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From: PNW Wa State
R230, C5 Corvette Convertible, Audi Allroad, Lexus RX350, AE86 Hachi Roku
“*****”
In normal driving situations the car behaves like original. Nothing wrong with that however stab the throttle and you notice the extra umph
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
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From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
I will look for mine in my tool chest. I'll send it to you. If you like it, send me $100. If not, just send it back. Just send me a private message if you are interested.
