SL-Class (R230) 2003 -- 2012: Discussion on the SL500, SL550, SL600

SL/R230: Pictures of my customized 2005 SL600

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Jan 4, 2005 | 03:17 AM
  #1  
LovinMercedes's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,604
Likes: 125
2026 Mercedes CLE53A4 AMG Cabriolet and 2025 MAYBACH EQS680V4
Pictures of my customized 2005 SL600

Attached is a link that will take you to 42 pictures of my new customized 2005 SL600.

I have done the following to this car.

1. Ordered the all black option which turned out to have many upgrades in trim as per the pictures.
2. Replaced the light gray Alcantara headliner, sunvisors and A-pillars to black.
3. Replaced the light and mirror assembly from light gray to black.
4. Replaced the standard Burlnut wood trim to the Black Ash wood trim. This included replacing the steering wheel, center console and shifter knob and both wood trim pieces on the doors.
5. Upgraded carpeting and floor mats as a result of the option of the black interior.
6. Installed the AMG tail lights.
7. Installed illuminated door sills - white
8. Installed new upgraded wheels.
9. Installed SIRIUS radio with TERK antenna in the front windshield grate on the drivers side.

See the heading on the pictures for descriptions. Hope you enjoy the pictures.

I love my new 2005 SL600. Thanks for all the encouragement from many of you. It has been a long wait but well worth it.

Please see link below:

http://community.webshots.com/user/matthewschoenberg

Again, many thanks. Below is one of the pictures. Please go to the link above for additional exterior and interior pictures.
Attached Thumbnails Pictures of my customized 2005 SL600-angle-left.jpg  

Last edited by LovinMercedes; Jan 4, 2005 at 11:11 PM.
Reply
Old Jan 4, 2005 | 05:16 AM
  #2  
Chris 45971's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 256
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey ~ Monmouth County
2005 SL 500
Very sweet Lovin.

Exceptional detail in your pictures. One of a kind.

Thanks for sharing.
Reply
Old Jan 4, 2005 | 05:41 AM
  #3  
vraa's Avatar
Out Of Control!!
 
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 28,933
Likes: 12
I'm feeling it man! I love the new leather. Much much better look then what I have in the SL500.
Reply
Old Jan 4, 2005 | 06:55 AM
  #4  
blueSL's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,447
Likes: 14
From: UK
SL55 AMG
Looks good, the black interior is a welcome change from ash and berry red.

Anyone care to speculate why the blue and red air buttons have been removed from the top centre console? I think this was done in MY2005, maybe they were found to be redundant.
Reply
Old Jan 4, 2005 | 10:21 AM
  #5  
MBAMGPWR's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,023
Likes: 1
From: Chicago, IL
W215 CL600
You need some 19" HRE's for the car. After all you've done to the car, the wheels would be the 1st thing I would change IMO.
Reply
Old Jan 4, 2005 | 12:53 PM
  #6  
CASL55's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 287
Likes: 0
From: Central California Coast
2004 SL55, 2005 E500 Wagon
I like the wheels

On an SL55, they'd not be sporty enough. On an SL600, they look just right.

Jim
Reply
Old Jan 4, 2005 | 03:56 PM
  #7  
VinceB's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area, CA
'08 E63 - P 30, 66GT 350 (sold)
Congrats...

It all came together beautifully! Question for you, I checked out your photo album and is seems like you changed a lot of trim, buckles, etc. Wondering if Charcoal is std, how did you get headliner, etc in black Alacantara as well as leather around console, doors, dash with nice pattern and in black?

Also, I think you mentioned you have a great independant mechanic, it appears from pictures you maybe in the Blackhawk area, if your wrench in in the east bay, I'd love to get a referal.

Been watching, as thinking up upgrading the ole CE...

Cheers,
Reply
Old Jan 4, 2005 | 04:25 PM
  #8  
LovinMercedes's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,604
Likes: 125
2026 Mercedes CLE53A4 AMG Cabriolet and 2025 MAYBACH EQS680V4
Originally Posted by VinceB
It all came together beautifully! Question for you, I checked out your photo album and is seems like you changed a lot of trim, buckles, etc. Wondering if Charcoal is std, how did you get headliner, etc in black Alacantara as well as leather around console, doors, dash with nice pattern and in black?

Also, I think you mentioned you have a great independant mechanic, it appears from pictures you maybe in the Blackhawk area, if your wrench in in the east bay, I'd love to get a referal.

Been watching, as thinking up upgrading the ole CE...

Cheers,
Thanks. I am not sure if you know this but in 2005 Mercedes Benz added an option for an all Black interior at a cost of $3,750. Everyone thought it was just for the black color.

As you can see, the black interior option came with many upgrades. All the trim changes that you see in the pictures came with the black interior option. All the trim changes that you mention in your post also came with the black upgrade for the $3,750. The instrument cluster cover which is usually plastic came with leather on the outside and alcantara on the inside. In addition, the mats are upgraded.

As for the black alcantara on the headliner and sunvisors, the car did come with a light gray headliner and surnvisors but I had all that changed at the Dealership to the Black alcantara. I also had to change the light and mirror assembly as they came in gray and needed to be black.

You can see from my original post above what changes I made to the car including changing all the wood. Everything else you see came standard as a result of the black interior upgrade.

My mechanic works at Mercedes Benz of Pleasanton and he is incredible. If you wanted to e-mail me I could give you his name.

Hope this answers your questions, if not let me know.

Last edited by LovinMercedes; Jan 4, 2005 at 04:32 PM.
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jan 4, 2005 | 04:37 PM
  #9  
BklynBenz's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 6,328
Likes: 1
From: NYC
CL500
very nice, i especially like the black alcantara
Reply
Old Jan 4, 2005 | 06:52 PM
  #10  
jasab's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
From: England
SL500 '05
The car looks fabulous.
Really like the look of the 600. You're choices are impressive and its great to see the car finally delivered.

Hope it lives up to your expectations!

Jasab
Reply
Old Jan 4, 2005 | 08:14 PM
  #11  
StephenK's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,875
Likes: 4
From: Tallahassee, Florida
2006 SL600, 2001 S500, 1996 SL320
Very Nice

Enjoy your new car, it is very nice, and very unique too!
Reply
Old Jan 4, 2005 | 08:18 PM
  #12  
FIXEDupW209's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,488
Likes: 0
A bucket on wheels
aaahhhb long awaited pictures of the beauty. Nicely done man
Reply
Old Jan 4, 2005 | 09:02 PM
  #13  
fahad's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Qatar
SL55 AMG,BMW 760il
A very nice car with a very nice detailes, about the rims what is the brand? looks amazing man!!
Reply
Old Jan 4, 2005 | 09:16 PM
  #14  
LovinMercedes's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,604
Likes: 125
2026 Mercedes CLE53A4 AMG Cabriolet and 2025 MAYBACH EQS680V4
Originally Posted by fahad
A very nice car with a very nice detailes, about the rims what is the brand? looks amazing man!!
Thanks a lot. Those rims are Mercedes Benz rims. Go to the website and "build your own" and they are under accessories.
Reply
Old Jan 4, 2005 | 09:33 PM
  #15  
tiggerfink's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,111
Likes: 0
From: Memphis
SL500 and A-CLASS
You are an artist LOVINSL600. I am in aw. My hats off to you! My wife is in love with that color. Next time we will fly to Germany to look at colors.


I have some questions.

1. Where did you get the TERK antenna?
2. How is the sirus sound quality?
3. Do you have great reception with Sirus?
4. Is that all leather in the rear compartment?
Reply
Old Jan 4, 2005 | 09:58 PM
  #16  
LovinMercedes's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,604
Likes: 125
2026 Mercedes CLE53A4 AMG Cabriolet and 2025 MAYBACH EQS680V4
Originally Posted by tiggerfink
You are an artist LOVINSL600. I am in aw. My hats off to you! My wife is in love with that color. Next time we will fly to Germany to look at colors.


I have some questions.

1. Where did you get the TERK antenna?
2. How is the sirus sound quality?
3. Do you have great reception with Sirus?
4. Is that all leather in the rear compartment?
Hey tigger, thanks for the support. Much appreciated. Let me answer your questions.

1. I got the TERK antenna from Crutchfield.com. Make sure you get the new mini antenna as they increased the length from 14 feet to 21 feet and the antenna now reaches from the front to back without an extension.
2. The SIRIUS is incredible. The sound quality is great. I am very happy with this and truthfully, mostly listen to SIRIUS now where I always played my CD's.
3. The location of the antenna works great. The only place where I have not had reception is in my garage. While I drive and I live in an area with a lot of trees, I have had no interruptions at all.
4. The rear compartment is all leather. It is just that there is a lot of the new textured leather there so it reflects the light differently but it is all the exclusive leather. The compartment doors are also this textured leather to match the trim up front and on the back panel. It looks great because it took an area that had nothing going on and spruced it up to look sportier.

Hope this helps. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Reply
Old Jan 4, 2005 | 10:07 PM
  #17  
tiggerfink's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,111
Likes: 0
From: Memphis
SL500 and A-CLASS
Thanks Lovingsl600, I have some more.

Is it all leather in the rear compartment a new option in the 2005 SL600 or all 2005 SLs? Is the lower dash all leather?

I am so disappointed in my mb-tex in my rear compartment and lower dash.

Last edited by tiggerfink; Jan 4, 2005 at 10:12 PM.
Reply
Old Jan 4, 2005 | 10:14 PM
  #18  
LovinMercedes's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,604
Likes: 125
2026 Mercedes CLE53A4 AMG Cabriolet and 2025 MAYBACH EQS680V4
Originally Posted by tiggerfink
Is it all leather in the rear compartment a new option in the 2005 SL600 or all 2005 SLs? Is the lower dash all leather?

I am so disappointed in my mb-tex in my rear compartment and lower dash.
You get the better leather and more of it when you order the SL600 and it has been that way since 2004 when the SL600 came out. It is not new for 2005. What is new for 2005 is the all black interior and with that you even get more leather, different trim patterns and other upgrades.

When you get the all black option everything in the entire car is all exlusive leather. Even on the door where the rest of the cars have plastic SRS emblems, mine are leather. The instrument cluster is also very special. It is the exclusive leather on the top and the alcantara on the inside. All the other cars are either all plastic or all alcantara but I have yet to see one that is half exlusive leather and half alcantara. It is very cool.

Most of this comes from the fact that I paid the $3,750 for the black interior option and along with this color you get an upgraded interior for your money.

If you want to completeley change the feel of your car inside, change the A-pillars, the headliners and the sunvisors to the Alcantara. I did that on my last two cars and there was no comparison. It does cost some money but it completely changes the look and feel of the interior. You won't even notice the rear compartment anymore.

Last edited by LovinMercedes; Jan 4, 2005 at 10:36 PM.
Reply
Old Jan 4, 2005 | 10:35 PM
  #19  
vraa's Avatar
Out Of Control!!
 
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 28,933
Likes: 12
I just noticed your leather again now that you've mentioned it. I have to say, it looks AMAZING!
Reply
Old Jan 4, 2005 | 10:59 PM
  #20  
LovinMercedes's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,604
Likes: 125
2026 Mercedes CLE53A4 AMG Cabriolet and 2025 MAYBACH EQS680V4
Originally Posted by ricky.agrawal
I just noticed your leather again now that you've mentioned it. I have to say, it looks AMAZING!
Thank you Ricky and thank you everyone for your positive comments.
Reply
Old Jan 5, 2005 | 12:39 AM
  #21  
jeffreyy's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 372
Likes: 0
From: Honolulu, HI
06' E500 Estate, '08 S65, '05 S430
LovinSL600

WOW! Great car. I especially like the interior. I ordered the X11 package as well for my SL55 due in a month. I hope it has all the upgraded panels like yours. Way cool! First X11 pics on the net too as far as I can tell.

J
Reply
Old Jan 5, 2005 | 12:52 AM
  #22  
LovinMercedes's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,604
Likes: 125
2026 Mercedes CLE53A4 AMG Cabriolet and 2025 MAYBACH EQS680V4
Originally Posted by jeffreyy
WOW! Great car. I especially like the interior. I ordered the X11 package as well for my SL55 due in a month. I hope it has all the upgraded panels like yours. Way cool! First X11 pics on the net too as far as I can tell.

J
As you know the SL600 has the exclusive leather and the SL55 has the AMG leather. The exclusive is smoother than the AMG leather and has no texture. The AMG leather has some texture. It will be very interesting to see with the SL55 and the X11 package, what type of leather you will get.

In order to get the X11 code as an option you had to order the base color as charcoal. Do you remember your charcoal code? Mine was 501 which is the code for charcoal exlusive leather.

My bet is you will still get the AMG leather which is a little more textured and then the other textured upgrades that you can see from my pictures.

The regular SL600 comes with a plastic instrument cluster cover and with the X11 package it came with an exclusive leather outside and a alcantara inside. The AMG comes with an all alcantara instrument cluster cover. Again, it will interesting to see what your cover looks like.

On the AMG SL55, the headliner will be black, not the ash that my car came with and I had to change to black. On the Netstar report it will tell you the headliner code and it should say Y83 if it is going to be black.

Keep in touch and let me know what was the code of your charcoal leather was. Also, what did you order for your wood package?

Last edited by LovinMercedes; Jan 5, 2005 at 01:01 AM.
Reply
Old Jan 5, 2005 | 01:07 AM
  #23  
jeffreyy's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 372
Likes: 0
From: Honolulu, HI
06' E500 Estate, '08 S65, '05 S430
X11

Well, yes, I ordered charcoal and then it was upgraded to "all black" with the $3750 X11 package. I got the burl walnut which is what I want although I do think your darker wood came out very nicely. I wanted a little bit of warmth and contrast, so I oped fr the walnut.

As long as I get the patterned leather I will be happy although I REALLY like the smooth look of the leather in your car.

I believe the headliner was actually not black but a lighter color. I got the pano roof option as well.

I don't have a NetStar printout. I should go and ask the dealer for it. I basically got everything except for distronic.

Jeff
Reply
Old Jan 5, 2005 | 01:13 AM
  #24  
LovinMercedes's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,604
Likes: 125
2026 Mercedes CLE53A4 AMG Cabriolet and 2025 MAYBACH EQS680V4
Originally Posted by jeffreyy
Well, yes, I ordered charcoal and then it was upgraded to "all black" with the $3750 X11 package. I got the burl walnut which is what I want although I do think your darker wood came out very nicely. I wanted a little bit of warmth and contrast, so I oped fr the walnut.

As long as I get the patterned leather I will be happy although I REALLY like the smooth look of the leather in your car.

I believe the headliner was actually not black but a lighter color. I got the pano roof option as well.

I don't have a NetStar printout. I should go and ask the dealer for it. I basically got everything except for distronic.

Jeff
Ask the Dealer for your Netstar Vehicle Information Report. It will show the charcoal leather on the top with a code and then the X11 on the bottom under options.

What happens is the charcoal code tells the computer what type of leather because with charcoal you get a black upper environment and a charcoal lower environment. When you choose the X11 code, it changes the lower environment from charcoal to black and matches the code from the charcoal to tell what kind of leather you are getting.

I would also check the headliner code. I am almost sure your color will be black. If it is light, the code is Y85. The black, like I said is Y83 and I am pretty sure that is what your Netstar report will say. It will actually say after the Y83 code Charcoal alcantara but that color is the same as mine which is basically black.

Once you look at this report you will know for sure exactly what leather you are getting. It will also tell you the exact status of your car. Has it been shipped yet?

Last edited by LovinMercedes; Jan 5, 2005 at 01:16 AM.
Reply
Old Jan 5, 2005 | 01:21 AM
  #25  
jeffreyy's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 372
Likes: 0
From: Honolulu, HI
06' E500 Estate, '08 S65, '05 S430
Status

Thanks for the info. Not yet. It is scheduled to be built on the 6th. I can't wait!

Jeff
Reply


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 09:37 AM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
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.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE