SL/R231: Swapped out the 2011 SL with 2013
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Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 137
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From: TX
2013 SL550 Tectite Black
Swapped out the 2011 SL with 2013
Hey guys,
I went there to the local dealer to see the 2013 model up close and maybe test drive it.
What a big difference in performance from the 2011. I just couldn't resist. Came home with the Magnetite Black with brown/black leather. Will post pictures this weekend. 
My only complaint which I discovered last night:the car doesn't come with the cargo nets. I called the dealer thinking they forgot the nets but the sales person informed me that its an add-on accessory. 120k car but no cargo nets!!! 
I went there to the local dealer to see the 2013 model up close and maybe test drive it.
What a big difference in performance from the 2011. I just couldn't resist. Came home with the Magnetite Black with brown/black leather. Will post pictures this weekend. My only complaint which I discovered last night:the car doesn't come with the cargo nets. I called the dealer thinking they forgot the nets but the sales person informed me that its an add-on accessory. 120k car but no cargo nets!!!
Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 142
Likes: 1
From: Bay Area, Ca.
2013 SL63
Hi made the same swap and have the 2013 in the same color.
I like the engine better in the 2013. But I hate the harsh ride from the run-flat tires and I am not a fan of the ECO system.
Would be interested in your comments on these two items.
I like the engine better in the 2013. But I hate the harsh ride from the run-flat tires and I am not a fan of the ECO system.
Would be interested in your comments on these two items.
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AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
It's not expensive, one major cause of aggravation gone and a much better riding car. What gives?
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Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 142
Likes: 1
From: Bay Area, Ca.
2013 SL63
Not happy to drop another $1500 on a tire swap.
I am a paid consultant for MB. I am trying to get them to change there strategy. That will take a while, however.
That said, if I were to swap tires, what tire would you recommend as a replacement??
Also, if MB were to enforce their end of lease turn in requirements, I would have to turn the car in with run-flat tires. Not sure if they would actually check this, but who knows. Yes, I know I could pull the run-flats, put them in storage and then re-install them at end of lease.
I am a paid consultant for MB. I am trying to get them to change there strategy. That will take a while, however.
That said, if I were to swap tires, what tire would you recommend as a replacement??
Also, if MB were to enforce their end of lease turn in requirements, I would have to turn the car in with run-flat tires. Not sure if they would actually check this, but who knows. Yes, I know I could pull the run-flats, put them in storage and then re-install them at end of lease.
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,544
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From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
Not happy to drop another $1500 on a tire swap.
I am a paid consultant for MB. I am trying to get them to change there strategy. That will take a while, however.
That said, if I were to swap tires, what tire would you recommend as a replacement??
Also, if MB were to enforce their end of lease turn in requirements, I would have to turn the car in with run-flat tires. Not sure if they would actually check this, but who knows. Yes, I know I could pull the run-flats, put them in storage and then re-install them at end of lease.
I am a paid consultant for MB. I am trying to get them to change there strategy. That will take a while, however.
That said, if I were to swap tires, what tire would you recommend as a replacement??
Also, if MB were to enforce their end of lease turn in requirements, I would have to turn the car in with run-flat tires. Not sure if they would actually check this, but who knows. Yes, I know I could pull the run-flats, put them in storage and then re-install them at end of lease.
You could go with Bridgestone Potenza S04 Pole Position for $906 a set at Tirerack. Less for Hancock's and more for others.
I personally have Michelin Super Sports, but the rear tire size is not available in 19" (have the SL65 AMG forged 19"/20" set).
Then keep the take off's for the lease turn-in as you mentioned. Having great ride comfort for $1k or so is easily worth it for me, especially given the cost of the car...
BTW. Fat chance you'll get MB to change away from run flats but good luck!
Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 142
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From: Bay Area, Ca.
2013 SL63
I can confirm that the ride in the 2013 SL is much firmer than the 2011 model.
I swapped out the factory run-flat tires because I thought that the ride harshness was from the run-flats. Well, it helped a little. But hardly at all.
My conclusion is that the ride harshness is from the standard springs on the car. My car does not have ABC so I can't make that comparison.
My mistake. I purposely did not buy the SL63 because I thought the ride was too firm. But now I end up with a harsh ride in my standard SL. Go figure.
I swapped out the factory run-flat tires because I thought that the ride harshness was from the run-flats. Well, it helped a little. But hardly at all.
My conclusion is that the ride harshness is from the standard springs on the car. My car does not have ABC so I can't make that comparison.
My mistake. I purposely did not buy the SL63 because I thought the ride was too firm. But now I end up with a harsh ride in my standard SL. Go figure.
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Joined: May 2002
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From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
I can confirm that the ride in the 2013 SL is much firmer than the 2011 model.
I swapped out the factory run-flat tires because I thought that the ride harshness was from the run-flats. Well, it helped a little. But hardly at all.
My conclusion is that the ride harshness is from the standard springs on the car. My car does not have ABC so I can't make that comparison.
My mistake. I purposely did not buy the SL63 because I thought the ride was too firm. But now I end up with a harsh ride in my standard SL. Go figure.
I swapped out the factory run-flat tires because I thought that the ride harshness was from the run-flats. Well, it helped a little. But hardly at all.
My conclusion is that the ride harshness is from the standard springs on the car. My car does not have ABC so I can't make that comparison.
My mistake. I purposely did not buy the SL63 because I thought the ride was too firm. But now I end up with a harsh ride in my standard SL. Go figure.
Since every R230 SL came with ABC standard, I never really thought about the suspension when getting the new one. Even when seeing that ABC became an option I originally thought that the car would have Airmatic as a default instead (like the S-Class).
Then I lowered the car with H&R sport springs and it was riding even firmer.
Now with ABC, even in SPORT, the car is softer than the stock springs, yet absolutely flat with no body roll.
I was surprised however just how few new SL's were available in stock anywhere in the US with ABC when looking for a replacement car (answer: a handful).
Re. the SL63; drove that one too and the ride IS firmer than the SL550 on springs. Due to its low residual value, the lease rates are also unproportionately higher. Great car though
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2002
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From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
Funny how it's easy to complain about minor details. How did another poster call it? First world problems
It is interesting though how the ride has changed in different SL's. We used to drive an R129 SL and thought it was the cat's meow, but that car was blown out of the water by the R230 which did just everything much better.
One always expects the next gen. to do things better and it does so in many ways, except making ABC optional at a higher base price.
It is interesting though how the ride has changed in different SL's. We used to drive an R129 SL and thought it was the cat's meow, but that car was blown out of the water by the R230 which did just everything much better.
One always expects the next gen. to do things better and it does so in many ways, except making ABC optional at a higher base price.
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From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2009
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From: Ontario,Canada
...24 GLE53
In 2006, I traded my 04 SL500 on a Porsche 911 and traded again to another Porsche 911 in 2010.
This Spring I wanted to move back into an auto trans and looked at the SL550. I tried one out with ABC suspension and it was a good performing car. I also tried the 911S cab with PDK and sport chrono.
I could not get used to all that weight. The SL looked like a sport car but it was more like my CLS. Of course this subjective but the SL could not hold a candle to the 911 as far as performance and shear pleasure to drive. I ended up buying the Porsche.
This Spring I wanted to move back into an auto trans and looked at the SL550. I tried one out with ABC suspension and it was a good performing car. I also tried the 911S cab with PDK and sport chrono.
I could not get used to all that weight. The SL looked like a sport car but it was more like my CLS. Of course this subjective but the SL could not hold a candle to the 911 as far as performance and shear pleasure to drive. I ended up buying the Porsche.
Last edited by petee1997; Jul 28, 2013 at 01:24 PM.
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From: Florida
AMG SLS & S coupe
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,544
Likes: 3,676
From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
In 2006, I traded my 04 SL500 on a Porsche 911 and traded again to another Porsche 911 in 2010.
This Spring I wanted to move back into an auto trans and looked at the SL550. I tried one out with ABC suspension and it was a good performing car. I also tried the 911S cab with PDK and sport chrono.
I could not get used to all that weight. The SL looked like a sport car but it was more like my CLS. Of course this subjective but the SL could not hold a candle to the 911 as far as performance and shear pleasure to drive. I ended up buying the Porsche.
This Spring I wanted to move back into an auto trans and looked at the SL550. I tried one out with ABC suspension and it was a good performing car. I also tried the 911S cab with PDK and sport chrono.
I could not get used to all that weight. The SL looked like a sport car but it was more like my CLS. Of course this subjective but the SL could not hold a candle to the 911 as far as performance and shear pleasure to drive. I ended up buying the Porsche.
The actual test numbers are remarkably similar. Here are C&D's numbers of both:
Curb weight: 3486 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS: Zero to 60 mph: 4.0 sec Zero to 100 mph: 9.3 sec Zero to 130 mph: 16.1 sec Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 4.7 sec Top gear, 30–50 mph: 2.9 sec Top gear, 50–70 mph: 2.9 sec Standing ¼-mile: 12.3 sec @ 115 mph
Curb weight: 4138 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS: Zero to 60 mph: 4.1 sec Zero to 100 mph: 9.6 sec Zero to 130 mph: 16.2 sec Zero to 150 mph: 22.5 sec Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 4.6 sec Top gear, 30–50 mph: 2.4 sec Top gear, 50–70 mph: 3.0 sec Standing ¼-mile: 12.5 sec @ 116 mph
Am actually not sure why C&D states the weight as 4138 lb. MB says it's 3935 lb.
Last edited by Wolfman; Jul 29, 2013 at 02:26 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,838
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From: U.K.
SL 63 W/B AMG , S600,C220
I don't know why people in the States buy Porsches or any sports car
set up for high speed cornering, the US is more interested in drag racing
and straight line speed. I have already passed a 911 new, very easily 2 up.
So I imagine the Turbo is not going to bother me, mine has been tweaked
to 650 bhp.
set up for high speed cornering, the US is more interested in drag racing
and straight line speed. I have already passed a 911 new, very easily 2 up.
So I imagine the Turbo is not going to bother me, mine has been tweaked
to 650 bhp.
