Daytona-flyer

Hi,

I'm Eric, I live just north of Daytona Beach Mercedes-Benz. It was there, on May 8th that I first saw the new SL roadster in person.

The car is Matte Shadow Grey with a red interior. Options include the premium package, sport wheel package, driver assist and dash clock.


They took my 2008 Z06 in trade. I drove home that day with my first Mercedes.


Mercedes has made me a big fan with their new roadster.

Tony007

Your post is very coincindental!! I went into my local benz dealer in Orlando and saw an SL550 launch car and just can't get it outta my mind. What an awesome machine! I also have a ZR1 and now I'm contemplating dumping it for the new SL63

Hey congrats on the new ride!!

Lets see some pics of that beauty.

RJC

Congrats and welcome.

Daytona-flyer

Here are two photos of my new pride and joy. I love the Matte Grey metallic finish. Did you guy's know that this color should never be waxed! Wow, no more waxing.

Tony, I remember seeing a new black with black interior SL on MB of Orlando's web site about a month ago.

RichardB

Dittos on what Bob said! You ar going to love this car!

Congrats!!!

Jim A

You don't have to wax it? I am soooo jealous!

Daytona-flyer

The wide angle lens really makes the front look bigger than it is. The photo makes it look bulbous, almost cartoonish. The profile view is more representative. It shows the overhangs as being not as large as some have written.

It's a great ride. It is exactly what it claims to be on the Mercedes web site. "A leaner, stronger and quicker icon... the 6th generation of the quintessential sports car".

Anyhow, I'm very happy with it. It's quite luxurious, more so than I thought it would be. It seems to handles well, has good grip and when it breaks free it is progressive, unlike the Z06 which was a bit tail happy. It has more than adequate power.

BigHat

Daytona,
Can you share a bit on how they told you to maintain the finish aside from no wax? I like these "frozen" paint jobs, but don't know too much about them.

Daytona-flyer

No maintenance at all. Just wash using Mercedes car shampoo or some other brand. When they washed it for me at the dealer, they used a high pressure wand. I don't know what soap if any was used.

You must not ever wax it. It will leave glossy blotches on the finish. It's in the manual.

RJC

Be careful with oils from your hands and during any service or maint I'd make sure the techs wear clean gloves at all times.

Tony007

Eric, that car looks totally awesome!!

Did you happen to snap any pics of the interior?

Renntech makes a tune for the M278 in these new 550's that really wakes up the motor.

http://renntechmercedes.com/www/node/657

Daytona-flyer

Here's an interior shot.

mjr24

Gorgeous car....gorgeous color. Enjoy it!

N91K

Wow amazing car and i really love the exterior and interior colors, congrats!

Miki-SL500

I was looking forward to the new SL, now so disappointed... I do not see any huge improvements over the prior model .. I will definitely NOT get a new SL, Aston DBS and F. California way better looking ..

Designo havana EU SL500 (550) '08, new model better ? i don't think so ..

New model will NOT last 10+ years i guarantee that, it might look good to a 60 year old but it lost all appeal to us 30 year olds and most probably 40 year olds as well ...

RichardB

Well, there ya' have it, guys. Miki's guarantee!

Daytona-flyer

I remember now, it was at age sixty when I lost my sense of taste. It happened right after I lost my memory.

I don't think we buy German cars for their looks. We buy Italian cars for that.

Daytona-flyer

I'll pass on the tune for now. After all, I went from a Z06 to the new SL not for acceleration but for it's outstanding engineering, handling and get this, I like the looks of the car.

The truth be known, I was not safe with the Z06 on the streets. The manual transmission made it just too tempting.

This is my fourth German car. I also have owned five German motorcycles. American and British Iron have also graced my garage over the years.

RichardB

Just curious as how the tune affects the Mercedes Benz Warranty? I mean, if there are turbo problems, valve problems, engine electronic problems, etc.? Also, is the tune legal relative to emissions compliance and testing?

Helmut430

Thank you for making me smile today, Daytona Flyer! I guess the fact that the average age of SLbuyers is 57 is lost on the "young ones" BTW, former Daytona guy here.

BigHat

Last I checked the person that buys it is the one that needs to be pleased and it sounds like you're pleased. I think it's a great looking car too. Congrats.

This is on my short list along with an M6. I may just have to wait until they're a bit more flexible on the price. I'd want at least 6% off sticker and really need to see how they're selling in the DC burbs.

BillyD

Yep! I was 54 when I bought my first SL (R230).

RJC

Why is this e class in everyone's posts when using quotes?

Daytona-flyer

I see no reference to the E Class. Am I missing something?

RJC

It appears (pic of a black w212) when viewing on an iphone and using the quote button...at least it did earlier today, must be some kind of conflict