Florida Joe

I had a prior SL and I notice the trunk partition of the 2013 is a bit flimsy compared to the older model. Cost cutting?

One side of the trunk partition does not always seat correctly into the slots. The roof then stops mid stream.

I have had an issue where the top was half up and half down and stopped working. I was considering how I was going to drive home with the top pointing up in the air and the trunk partially open.

I ended up sticking my hand into the trunk on the side and push one side of the partition back into the slot.

I probably need to have it checked out but in the prior model it firmly closed into the grooves. This car the partition is very fussy.

Daytona-flyer

I too noticed that the partition needs to be finessed into position when closing. Now that I'm in the habit of doing it, I've had no issues.

Tim1048

This is my first SL, so no previous experience, but the partition is a bit loosey-goosey. I hit a pot hole that bounced the partition out of place, and the top wouldn't operately until I checked the partition and reset it correctly.

BillyD

I have to agree. When I compare it to my R230's partion, it is very flimsy.
This is another example of what cost cutting has done when I compare my R230 to my R231.
Fortunately, the engine is amazing, which helps me overlook other unfavorable comparisons.

Daytona-flyer

A weight saving effort gone awry?

BigHat

Probably. I suspect weight is a bigger driver in making changes than cost.

BillyD

I disagree. I don't think MB is much concerned with weight on the SL, unless it provides them with a some type of cost advantage. This is not a Formula 1 car.

I believe it's all about cost cutting.

When I compare my R231 with my R230, I see cost cutting even where the weight is identical, e.g. wheel lug bolts - black steel vs. chrome plated.

BigHat

So they spend a small fortune on an all AL body to drop 300 lbs, but then opt to save a few dollars with a flimsy partition? I disagree.

Daytona-flyer

I too disagree.

Look at my '08 Z06, lots of small stuff to save a pound here and another there. Total savings over a base coupe was less than four hundred pounds. The majority of it coming from the extensive use of magnesium, carbon fiber and an aluminum chassis instead of steel.

However they went on to do stuff like having a manual seat for the passenger and no automatic trunk pull-down. The little stuff was not for cost savings. When it comes to weight, it all adds up.

eckerson89

Weight???....

I was also a R230 owner that traded for a R231. Got home, opened the trunk....where the H___ is the spare, jack, roll-stop, lug wrench, etc?

And-so-it goes.
Don

BillyD

Cost-savings ???

Daytona-flyer

Run Flats = less weight, no spare so no jack! It was the same on my C6 Z06.

BTW, I keep a tire inflation kit in the trunk. If for no other reason, to top off a tire with a slow leak until I get to a dealer. One came with my first Z06, a C5 which had non-run flats and no spare. Just the re-inflation kit which included some type of fix-a-flat. I bought one off ebay for $40 instead of $200 at the dealer. The sealant is expired but, I won't be using it on run-flats.