NJMG

The SL is a beautiful car, but I would like it that much better if two extra seats were present, even if they were occasional seats. I know this was possible on the older style SL-Class (R129) and quite a few owners have done this.

Has anybody done this?

LovinMercedes

This would be a huge task as there are no seatbelts behind there and the space is really limited. Also, what would you do with CD rack?

blueSL

I'm one of those who has had that part of the car apart to fit illuminated door sills (they pick up power under one of the storage bins) and there is absolutely no space for rear seats. They were never much good in the 129 either, OK they looked like seats but only the smallest of kids would fit in them. Mercedes sensibly decided not to even attempt carrying the idea forwards

Aston Martin have yet to learn that same lesson - the seats in the DB9 are just ridiculous.

If you want a fast 4 seat convertible, go for a CLK55 AMG...

BklynBenz

Mercedes 129 european models came with a stock folding rear seat. The rear seat was deleted from US models because of federal safety rules. Mounting brackets and seatbelt brackets with bolts were supplied with all US models thus making it easy to retrofit/install a replacement seat kit that uses the existing brackets and bolts.

i dont know if the euro 230 models have the rear seat and i dont know if the US models coming equipped with the mounting brackets and seatbelt brackets, but if they do, im sure within time some company will make a seat kit.

like bluesl said, rear seats in an Sl are completely impractical but im sure it could be done if you really wanted it.

NJMG

Damn! I really wished it was possible. I love the shape and almost everything about the SL500 but having those extra seats would make it that much more justifiable. I suppose someone could always squeeze back there on if they really needed to.

While I am on the topic, are there any good reviews of the SL500 on the net? What I have come accross so far has been either too short or mostly advertising. These boards are quite good but there isn't much action. I suppose you are just enjoying your cars.

vraa

Enjoying? Take it ten levels higher. This is the BEST all around roadster you can buy. Seeing how you're referencing to the SL500, I don't think you'll be going for the drag's nor interested in gobs and gobs of power (which the 5.0L isn't lacking, but the 55 and 600 do have more of). If you want pictures of anything, just go ahead and post and I'll try to post pictures ASAP. Videos as well. I love the R230 more then any other car I've driven.

Okay the last line was a lie, I love my sedan more then the R230, but don't tell the R230 fanatics that a Lexus beats a SL!

LovinMercedes

A Lexus beats an SL. You're killen me.

vraa

It's just me man, don't worry about it, personal reasons And sentimental value plus who I am.

I'm the most active stu.co and hosa member, so I haul things around. I didn't want a truck or anything, so I got stuck with the family sedan; the LS400. It runs decently fast, has amazing pickup, and a wicked sound system. What more can a teenager ask for? :p

NJMG

Yes Post pictures and lots of them! I love photos, especially detail shots that you might see on Ebay etc. I have broadband so don't go lightly! Can't wait to see them !

LovinMercedes

Life could we worse, they are great cars!

V8_kompressor

If you are make in 2+2, the SL will no longer a roadster.

jasab

When i was waiting for my sl to pass it's pdi, I was chatting to a salesman on the forecourt, he told me that if the sl had had 2 seats in the back they would sell more sl's
It must have been a difficult decision for the designers to lose the back seats on the MkV
I believe they made the right choice. the look of the car would have suffered.

tiggerfink

The Lexus SC430 has back seats. But only a cat can fit in the back seat. I tried to sit back there and gave up.

jasab

The big issue with seats is that if the car has 2+2, we don't feel as guilty.
The seats are a token gesture.
If you own an SC430 it's not quite as bad. You can't fit anything in the back, but people think you can.

As soon as you mention the SL has two seats, it becomes an out and out luxury. Can't fit the family in, its just for him/her.
That why i think it was a risk making the 5th Gen. SL 2 seats only.
It paid of. Now the Astons and the SC's look daft!