SL/R230: Pleasantly Surprised
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2007 MBZ SL550
Pleasantly Surprised
I was out today taking the SL550 through some power cornering to see how well the MBZ could enter and exit turns (I have four-month new Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires, which helps) without sliding and keeping its composure, and I was pleasantly surprised in its performance. The only two aspects of the car I (present observations) would like to have would be "kick down" feature and a tighter gear ratio. But then again, maybe the higher-end AMG and SLS classes most likely have such features. I'm beginning to enjoy my MBZ much more as time goes on since I first picked it up.
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 may want to contact @BenzNinja to see if your car can be coded to add Agility/Sport+ to your transmission selections. You have the same basic 7-speed tranny that I have and he was able to make those changes on my car. He also tweaks the accelerator pedal response and sets the tranny to remember the last mode to start in either C/E or S. The difference is amazing!
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From: North Carolina, USA
2004 SL500AMG, 2003 SL500 USA
I was out today taking the SL550 through some power cornering to see how well the MBZ could enter and exit turns (I have four-month new Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires, which helps) without sliding and keeping its composure, and I was pleasantly surprised in its performance. The only two aspects of the car I (present observations) would like to have would be "kick down" feature and a tighter gear ratio. But then again, maybe the higher-end AMG and SLS classes most likely have such features. I'm beginning to enjoy my MBZ much more as time goes on since I first picked it up.
It is good to hear of you getting pleasure from our incredible performance luxury sports car. Performance driving of an SL is like magic. It is almost heaven to take some curves in … say West Virginia mountains.
I bought my 7 speed to restore and sell and have not done too much fun driving in it. IIRC it seems that when you tap the touch shifter left and downshift she jumps down from 7th to 5th. Another tap takes you down to 3rd. So you can then punch it in the curve for incredible traction. I looked behind the gas pedal and saw what appears to be a kickdown switch. So, I think, normally when you punch it, it will kickdown a couple of gears. In my SLK, I wired a toggle switch to the kickdown switch. I could tap the toggle and get instant kickdown, However, in the SLs I just use the touch shifter.
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Joined: Apr 2023
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2014 S63 2010 ML350 Bluetec 2009 SL550
Can't agree more. For street use the Sl550 with AMG 19s and Pilot Super Sports is a force to be reckoned with in the corners. The R230 platform never seems to get a lot of praise for handling in print or in online reviews . Not sure why this is, as the weight distribution is a nearly perfect 50/50 and with 255s up front and 285s in back there is a lot of rubber under the car. My guess is the purists don't like the slightly disconnected feeling of the variable ratio rack or the ABC suspension. Once you get used to it though, it is supremely capable and inspires a lot of confidence. I have yet to find the limit on dry pavement and I've tried hard enough to question my own safety and sanity in pushing harder. So like I started with, I will close by saying that for a street car there is more handling capability than most will ever need or use.
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)
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From: My house
SL55AMG, GL450, SLK, S550, Maserati Coupe
To add perspective, a 1972 Buick Riviera, weighed 4,368 pounds, and a 07 SL550 weighs 4,220 pounds.
So it is a lot of weight to have to push around! How they were calling the SL "sport light" is
a mystery. I think a 2008 S-Class S550 curb weight is 4,465 pounds and that's a big 4-door sedan. Just 245 pounds more than the SL550.
But one of the features I love about Mercedes is how they are tanks, you can almost drive them thru a bank vault.
I've owned three R230s, an SL600, SL550, and SL55 AMG, and they're all phenomenal cars.
Before those., R107, R129, and others.
I never want to be without an R230 until the day I die, unless they outlaw them for not being electric.
So it is a lot of weight to have to push around! How they were calling the SL "sport light" is
a mystery. I think a 2008 S-Class S550 curb weight is 4,465 pounds and that's a big 4-door sedan. Just 245 pounds more than the SL550.
But one of the features I love about Mercedes is how they are tanks, you can almost drive them thru a bank vault.
I've owned three R230s, an SL600, SL550, and SL55 AMG, and they're all phenomenal cars.
Before those., R107, R129, and others.
I never want to be without an R230 until the day I die, unless they outlaw them for not being electric.
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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)
What does that have to do with wanting one? Just because you may not be allowed to own something doesn't mean you don't want it.
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From: Netherlands
2005 R 230 SL350 (M112 3.7). Sold the 1966 W113 230SL recently
Up to a date (that I am now too lazy to look up) the R230 had a physical kick down switch. After that, kick down became an electronic affair with a placebo feel in the pedal.
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From: PNW Wa State
R230, C5 Corvette Convertible, Audi Allroad, Lexus RX350, AE86 Hachi Roku
Judging by the embarrassing comments made above the level and depth of driving skills are seriously lacking
An overweight touring class R230 chassis is not a world beater.
My lowly tuned C5 Corvette will make a 550 look like a Fiat 500. In terms relatable to neophytes; you might want to get out and drive other cars.
A real performance car also has a manual transmission not an automatic slushbox. I would recommend anyone interested in driving a real performance coupe try a C6 Z06 before you throw an SL 550 out there as a winner
FWIW; I think a 997 Carrera is probably a much better choice than an R230-231 overall
An overweight touring class R230 chassis is not a world beater.
My lowly tuned C5 Corvette will make a 550 look like a Fiat 500. In terms relatable to neophytes; you might want to get out and drive other cars.
A real performance car also has a manual transmission not an automatic slushbox. I would recommend anyone interested in driving a real performance coupe try a C6 Z06 before you throw an SL 550 out there as a winner
FWIW; I think a 997 Carrera is probably a much better choice than an R230-231 overall
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2019
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From: My house
SL55AMG, GL450, SLK, S550, Maserati Coupe
These SL R230's are not really a sports car, although Mercedes sells them as such. "Sport Light"... Pretty heavy indeed. But they are nice to drive, otherwise we wouldn't be here. My SL55 feels better on turns and corners than my Maserati, though, and that has their Skyhook suspension. I think that more weight actually helps the SL to stick to the road. Maybe I need more G forces? LoL.
I think if you want to do the twisties at high speed, a Porsche or Audi might be more suited to your needs. R230 is more of a Grand Touring. They are better handling than a 1953 Buick, though.
I mostly just cruise and enjoy the car, I'm not doing slalom tests. LoL But the R230 is a fine car for what it is. There's no better convertible, and few safer vehicles out there, and few that are more beautiful IMHO.
I owned a Porsche 944 turbo, and a very fun little car that was, but to me the car door was like an eggshell, if you get hit by nearly anything in that car, good luck staying alive. Are newer Porsches more robust in build? I know they are made to be very light... Mercedes is at the opposite end of this spectrum. I've seen enough stupid drivers to know that I want a tank to feel safe in, and almost any Benz foots the bill.
I don't "want" an R230, I "have" one, and I want to have one as long as I can drive. Does this make sense? I am also not selling my Maserati any time soon!!! If the scumbags hoarding power ever make it illegal to drive an R230, because they use gasoline, or because they aren't automated and driving themselves, I'll think of something else at that time, I guess, but I would still be "wanting" my R230. LoL
I think if you want to do the twisties at high speed, a Porsche or Audi might be more suited to your needs. R230 is more of a Grand Touring. They are better handling than a 1953 Buick, though.
I mostly just cruise and enjoy the car, I'm not doing slalom tests. LoL But the R230 is a fine car for what it is. There's no better convertible, and few safer vehicles out there, and few that are more beautiful IMHO.
I owned a Porsche 944 turbo, and a very fun little car that was, but to me the car door was like an eggshell, if you get hit by nearly anything in that car, good luck staying alive. Are newer Porsches more robust in build? I know they are made to be very light... Mercedes is at the opposite end of this spectrum. I've seen enough stupid drivers to know that I want a tank to feel safe in, and almost any Benz foots the bill.
I don't "want" an R230, I "have" one, and I want to have one as long as I can drive. Does this make sense? I am also not selling my Maserati any time soon!!! If the scumbags hoarding power ever make it illegal to drive an R230, because they use gasoline, or because they aren't automated and driving themselves, I'll think of something else at that time, I guess, but I would still be "wanting" my R230. LoL
Last edited by tonylinc; Jan 16, 2024 at 06:49 PM.
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From: PNW Wa State
R230, C5 Corvette Convertible, Audi Allroad, Lexus RX350, AE86 Hachi Roku
OMG
“It is good to hear of you getting pleasure from our incredible performance luxury sports car. Performance driving of an SL is like magic”
When drivers overtly trash talk about their cars and driving skills it tends to give a false impression that in front of others especially those who really drive a car at true performance levels.
Don’t forget that other people truly know how to drive at 10/10ths and, generally those who repeatedly brag about it are not that good at all
Tony; It’s not you OK?
“It is good to hear of you getting pleasure from our incredible performance luxury sports car. Performance driving of an SL is like magic”
When drivers overtly trash talk about their cars and driving skills it tends to give a false impression that in front of others especially those who really drive a car at true performance levels.
Don’t forget that other people truly know how to drive at 10/10ths and, generally those who repeatedly brag about it are not that good at all
Tony; It’s not you OK?
Last edited by Hary Gahtoe; Jan 17, 2024 at 02:41 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2019
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From: My house
SL55AMG, GL450, SLK, S550, Maserati Coupe
What the F'ing hell Harry? I do not come on this forum to be insulted. You say you are a pastor of a church, and you lecture me about decency? I thought we were all friends on here. Guess I was wrong? Tell me, where was I exhibiting a lack of decency? Really. I am never going to your church. Maybe get a haircut too, you look ridiculous. Maybe that's the cause of your problem
Last edited by tonylinc; Jan 16, 2024 at 08:22 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2019
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From: My house
SL55AMG, GL450, SLK, S550, Maserati Coupe
I don't race Porsches with my R230 but if I did I could smash the *******s right off the road, that's a good show of decency for ya. Meet me on Hiway 61 at midnight
Last edited by tonylinc; Jan 16, 2024 at 08:21 PM.
Super Member
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From: My house
SL55AMG, GL450, SLK, S550, Maserati Coupe
WHY do people come on these forums who actually apparently hate the cars? Sell the damn thing if you don't like it. Why are you even here? Maybe harry took offense that I observed the Porsche 944 door being very light, well that was my observation, I owned that little red 944 for two years and it was a great car. Porsches are wonderful. If you like them, please don't feel insulted. A R230 door is like a bank vault door in comparison. That's good, or bad, however you want to feel about it. This is why they make both those brands of cars. People like 'em. What is "bourgeois" about talking about these cars? I don't get it. People have problems, I guess, but Harry is a Pastor of a church, and as such I would think he would not be a guy insulting members of this forum. I come on this forum thinking that we are all friends here united in our passion for the cars. Sometimes folks have a bad day and wanna start something? Just go out and enjoy your car. Or sell it and go to a Porsche forum. I bet you find some bourgeois people on there
Last edited by tonylinc; Jan 16, 2024 at 08:13 PM.
Super Member
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Posts: 622
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From: My house
SL55AMG, GL450, SLK, S550, Maserati Coupe
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 744
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From: PNW Wa State
R230, C5 Corvette Convertible, Audi Allroad, Lexus RX350, AE86 Hachi Roku
If you’re offended that’s not the intention.
However; if you were upset about the person being quoted that is a bit of a stretch. Anyone who thinks they are all that and a bag of chips should be ashamed
However; if you were upset about the person being quoted that is a bit of a stretch. Anyone who thinks they are all that and a bag of chips should be ashamed
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 744
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From: PNW Wa State
R230, C5 Corvette Convertible, Audi Allroad, Lexus RX350, AE86 Hachi Roku
"Why are you even here? Maybe harry took offense that I observed the Porsche 944"
Not at all. Tony I value anyone who has a "valid" opinion. I apologize if you misunderstood the post. I drove a 944T and really liked the overall experience. I've driven a 996, 997 Cerrara S, 968, 718 S and the drive is so much more visceral.
The post I made was only to mention when people; whatever the platform expound the flatulence that they are peaking the limits of driving experiences and I apoligize if I poke holes in the over zealous posts but it is does no one any well.
Not at all. Tony I value anyone who has a "valid" opinion. I apologize if you misunderstood the post. I drove a 944T and really liked the overall experience. I've driven a 996, 997 Cerrara S, 968, 718 S and the drive is so much more visceral.
The post I made was only to mention when people; whatever the platform expound the flatulence that they are peaking the limits of driving experiences and I apoligize if I poke holes in the over zealous posts but it is does no one any well.
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Joined: Dec 2005
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From: NJ
2009 SL63 AMG
Judging by the embarrassing comments made above the level and depth of driving skills are seriously lacking
An overweight touring class R230 chassis is not a world beater.
My lowly tuned C5 Corvette will make a 550 look like a Fiat 500. In terms relatable to neophytes; you might want to get out and drive other cars.
A real performance car also has a manual transmission not an automatic slushbox. I would recommend anyone interested in driving a real performance coupe try a C6 Z06 before you throw an SL 550 out there as a winner
FWIW; I think a 997 Carrera is probably a much better choice than an R230-231 overall
An overweight touring class R230 chassis is not a world beater.
My lowly tuned C5 Corvette will make a 550 look like a Fiat 500. In terms relatable to neophytes; you might want to get out and drive other cars.
A real performance car also has a manual transmission not an automatic slushbox. I would recommend anyone interested in driving a real performance coupe try a C6 Z06 before you throw an SL 550 out there as a winner
FWIW; I think a 997 Carrera is probably a much better choice than an R230-231 overall
The R230 is very heavy for what it is, and yet it still has an ability to be driven aggressively with stability.
As for the comments, people are surprised that a heavy luxury car can actually handle when pushed. Nothing exaggerated or embarrassing about that...unlike your rambling attempts at tilting windmills.
Plenty of folks here have experience with some very fast cars, so perhaps random assumptions and accusations isn't your best course of action to establish your opinion as valid.
And while I do love a 6MT (what my current and former daily drivers have), the fastest times at the track are from flipping paddles so let's not get too idealistic on what a "real" performance car is.
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From: Netherlands
2005 R 230 SL350 (M112 3.7). Sold the 1966 W113 230SL recently
Meh, my R230 is a shining and heathy 3.7L and to me it's totally satisfying. Burning rubber doesn't interest me at all, its 'souplesse' and tranquility are what attracts me to it. Topless on a highway at 130kmh with the NTG1 easily coping (I'm going to add tweeters), cruising along a shoreline with an inaudible engine, all of it just as intended by the design team. Just saying - there's are as many reasons to want one, as there are owners and those who can only wish for one.
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From: PNW Wa State
R230, C5 Corvette Convertible, Audi Allroad, Lexus RX350, AE86 Hachi Roku
Power Cornering! What’s Next ? Power Braking?
I know of three methods to improve shifts and another three ways of improving throttle response I share with respected colleagues.
Good Luck
