SL-Class (R231) 2013 on: Discussion on the SL550

SL/R231: Let me introduce myself

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old May 26, 2012 | 07:06 AM
  #1  
Daytona-flyer's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 395
Likes: 1
From: Florida
AMG SLS & S coupe
Smile Let me introduce myself

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.
Reply
Old May 26, 2012 | 07:59 AM
  #2  
Tony007's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 288
Likes: 0
From: Orlando FL
2010 ZR1 2011 JGC Overland 2013 ML63 on order
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.
Reply
Old May 26, 2012 | 04:42 PM
  #3  
RJC's Avatar
RJC
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,061
Likes: 326
From: 2000 ft over the FL coast in a B-17
Various
Congrats and welcome.
Reply
Old May 26, 2012 | 06:33 PM
  #4  
Daytona-flyer's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 395
Likes: 1
From: Florida
AMG SLS & S coupe
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.



Reply
Old May 26, 2012 | 10:16 PM
  #5  
RichardB's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
From: South Carolina
2013 SL550, 2011 E550 4-matic, 2010 S550, 2010 ML350, 2010 BMW X3, 2010 BMW 328i
DITTOS!

Originally Posted by RJC
Congrats and welcome.
Dittos on what Bob said! You ar going to love this car!

Congrats!!!
Reply
Old May 27, 2012 | 05:41 PM
  #6  
Jim A's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
2013 SL550
Originally Posted by 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.



You don't have to wax it? I am soooo jealous!
Reply
Old May 27, 2012 | 06:35 PM
  #7  
Daytona-flyer's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 395
Likes: 1
From: Florida
AMG SLS & S coupe
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.
Reply
Old May 28, 2012 | 08:40 AM
  #8  
BigHat's Avatar
Senior Member
Veteran: Marine Corps
20 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 270
Likes: 11
From: Arlington VA
'24 CLE 53
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.
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 May 28, 2012 | 08:47 AM
  #9  
Daytona-flyer's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 395
Likes: 1
From: Florida
AMG SLS & S coupe
Originally Posted by 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.
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.
Reply
Old May 28, 2012 | 08:43 PM
  #10  
RJC's Avatar
RJC
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,061
Likes: 326
From: 2000 ft over the FL coast in a B-17
Various
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.
Reply
Old May 29, 2012 | 09:41 AM
  #11  
Tony007's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 288
Likes: 0
From: Orlando FL
2010 ZR1 2011 JGC Overland 2013 ML63 on order
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
Reply
Old May 30, 2012 | 10:56 AM
  #12  
Daytona-flyer's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 395
Likes: 1
From: Florida
AMG SLS & S coupe
Here's an interior shot.


Last edited by Daytona-flyer; Jun 6, 2012 at 08:05 PM.
Reply
Old May 31, 2012 | 12:37 AM
  #13  
mjr24's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,141
Likes: 30
From: Texas
M6 Gran Coupe
Gorgeous car....gorgeous color. Enjoy it!
Reply
Old Jun 1, 2012 | 04:51 AM
  #14  
N91K's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 794
Likes: 0
GLK350, G55, AMG GTS, C63 507
Wow amazing car and i really love the exterior and interior colors, congrats!
Reply
Old Jun 3, 2012 | 05:52 PM
  #15  
Miki-SL500's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 122
Likes: 27
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 ...
Attached Thumbnails Let me introduce myself-mikisl.jpg  

Last edited by Miki-SL500; Jun 3, 2012 at 06:01 PM.
Reply
Old Jun 3, 2012 | 06:29 PM
  #16  
RichardB's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
From: South Carolina
2013 SL550, 2011 E550 4-matic, 2010 S550, 2010 ML350, 2010 BMW X3, 2010 BMW 328i
Originally Posted by 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 ...

Well, there ya' have it, guys. Miki's guarantee!
Reply
Old Jun 3, 2012 | 06:42 PM
  #17  
Daytona-flyer's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 395
Likes: 1
From: Florida
AMG SLS & S coupe
Originally Posted by Miki-SL500
I do not see any huge improvements over the prior model .. Aston DBS and F. California way better looking ...

it might look good to a 60 year old
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.
Reply
Old Jun 4, 2012 | 07:51 AM
  #18  
Daytona-flyer's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 395
Likes: 1
From: Florida
AMG SLS & S coupe
Originally Posted by Tony007
Eric, that car looks totally awesome!!
Renntech makes a tune for the M278 in these new 550's that really wakes up the motor. http://renntechmercedes.com/www/node/657
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.
Reply
Old Jun 4, 2012 | 10:28 AM
  #19  
RichardB's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
From: South Carolina
2013 SL550, 2011 E550 4-matic, 2010 S550, 2010 ML350, 2010 BMW X3, 2010 BMW 328i
How Does the Tune Affect Manufacturer's Warranty?

Originally Posted by 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

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?
Reply
Old Jun 6, 2012 | 05:16 PM
  #20  
Helmut430's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 109
Likes: 2
From: Atlanta
2020 S Cabriolet, 2014 SL63, 2002 SL500
Originally Posted by 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.
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.

Last edited by Helmut430; Jun 7, 2012 at 11:27 AM.
Reply
Old Jun 9, 2012 | 04:02 PM
  #21  
BigHat's Avatar
Senior Member
Veteran: Marine Corps
20 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 270
Likes: 11
From: Arlington VA
'24 CLE 53
Originally Posted by 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.
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.
Reply
Old Jun 11, 2012 | 06:39 AM
  #22  
BillyD's Avatar
Senior Member
15 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 357
Likes: 51
From: S. Florida
'12 R197, '17 S63A4, '13 CLS4M, '99 A208 320CLK'99 CLK320A
Ageless

Originally Posted by 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.
Yep! I was 54 when I bought my first SL (R230).
Reply
Old Jun 11, 2012 | 02:56 PM
  #23  
RJC's Avatar
RJC
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,061
Likes: 326
From: 2000 ft over the FL coast in a B-17
Various
Why is this e class in everyone's posts when using quotes?
Reply
Old Jun 11, 2012 | 04:36 PM
  #24  
Daytona-flyer's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 395
Likes: 1
From: Florida
AMG SLS & S coupe
Originally Posted by RJC
Why is this e class in everyone's posts when using quotes?

I see no reference to the E Class. Am I missing something?
Reply
Old Jun 11, 2012 | 08:29 PM
  #25  
RJC's Avatar
RJC
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,061
Likes: 326
From: 2000 ft over the FL coast in a B-17
Various
Originally Posted by Daytona-flyer
I see no reference to the E Class. Am I missing something?
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

Last edited by RJC; Jun 11, 2012 at 08:45 PM.
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


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


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 04:40 PM.

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