SL/R231: Differences between 2017 SL450/550???
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2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Differences between 2017 SL450/550???
Over the years, there have been so many cars that were marketed in a way that pretty much MADE you go for the bigger engine, since they only allowed the best options on the top model. It would appear, that in the case of the current SL450 and SL550, that is not the case. You can load a 450 up with Designo interiors, ABC, AMG wheels, etc, to the point where I need to ask, is the difference in the 450 and 550 ONLY the engine? Are the brakes the same? The suspension the same? Does anyone know for sure?
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We have the SL550 and have driven the SL450 for a couple thousand miles in Europe recently (same model year), so I can tell you that the car is more or less the same.
Besides the engine the only other difference is the exhaust sound tuning. The SL550 is much quieter while the SL450 sounds more sporty. Quite a bit slower though...
The SL450 with a lighter engine feels a touch more balanced (less front heavy) but I missed power of the larger engine, especially on the Autobahn in Germany.
The SL450 exhaust noise was annoying from time to time due to being so loud.
Naturally some SL550 base options are add-on options for the SL450.
Besides the engine the only other difference is the exhaust sound tuning. The SL550 is much quieter while the SL450 sounds more sporty. Quite a bit slower though...
The SL450 with a lighter engine feels a touch more balanced (less front heavy) but I missed power of the larger engine, especially on the Autobahn in Germany.
The SL450 exhaust noise was annoying from time to time due to being so loud.
Naturally some SL550 base options are add-on options for the SL450.
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From: NorthWest UK
SL400
We have the SL550 and have driven the SL450 for a couple thousand miles in Europe recently (same model year), so I can tell you that the car is more or less the same.
Besides the engine the only other difference is the exhaust sound tuning. The SL550 is much quieter while the SL450 sounds more sporty. Quite a bit slower though...
The SL450 with a lighter engine feels a touch more balanced (less front heavy) but I missed power of the larger engine, especially on the Autobahn in Germany.
The SL450 exhaust noise was annoying from time to time due to being so loud.
Naturally some SL550 base options are add-on options for the SL450.
Besides the engine the only other difference is the exhaust sound tuning. The SL550 is much quieter while the SL450 sounds more sporty. Quite a bit slower though...
The SL450 with a lighter engine feels a touch more balanced (less front heavy) but I missed power of the larger engine, especially on the Autobahn in Germany.
The SL450 exhaust noise was annoying from time to time due to being so loud.
Naturally some SL550 base options are add-on options for the SL450.
but i have a 450hp V8 M3........... and to be fair its a tad quicker
but i would probably use that bit extra performance 1% of the time
which doesnt justify the extra cost, and the roads are too busy to use it most of the time........
the UK cars are fine on exhaust(not too loud) - depends on the mode........... comfort/Eco is nice and quiet........... Sports+ is loud.......... but when you're in the mood for Sports, the extra noise compliments it
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i havent driven a 550
but i have a 450hp V8 M3........... and to be fair its a tad quicker
but i would probably use that bit extra performance 1% of the time
which doesnt justify the extra cost, and the roads are too busy to use it most of the time........
the UK cars are fine on exhaust(not too loud) - depends on the mode........... comfort/Eco is nice and quiet........... Sports+ is loud.......... but when you're in the mood for Sports, the extra noise compliments it
but i have a 450hp V8 M3........... and to be fair its a tad quicker
but i would probably use that bit extra performance 1% of the time
which doesnt justify the extra cost, and the roads are too busy to use it most of the time........
the UK cars are fine on exhaust(not too loud) - depends on the mode........... comfort/Eco is nice and quiet........... Sports+ is loud.......... but when you're in the mood for Sports, the extra noise compliments it
I have really only driven the SL450 is Sport+ as the car is simply too slow in acceleration. It is perceived of course as the car is still quite quick but the Comfort mode starts the car in 2nd gear and coupled with a shift pattern geared for comfort, it is simply too relaxed for me.
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What do we think the possibility is of changing the resonators to quiet the 450's bark a bit? Might modifying the exhaust system cause problems with the turbochargers?
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SL400
Wolfie is painting the wrong picture of it in my opinion
if you want to pootle about its super quiet............ and if you want to get moving, you can do in Comfort mode and use the paddles............
if you want aggressive......... put it in Sports or Sports+ and go for it
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SL400
I think the difference is best explained in torque. The pull of a high-torque engine is just fun at any speed. The 550 has nearly twice the torque of the M3, so it is a very different driving experience.
I have really only driven the SL450 is Sport+ as the car is simply too slow in acceleration. It is perceived of course as the car is still quite quick but the Comfort mode starts the car in 2nd gear and coupled with a shift pattern geared for comfort, it is simply too relaxed for me.
I have really only driven the SL450 is Sport+ as the car is simply too slow in acceleration. It is perceived of course as the car is still quite quick but the Comfort mode starts the car in 2nd gear and coupled with a shift pattern geared for comfort, it is simply too relaxed for me.
you make it sound like you do a 4.0 second to 60 every set of lights and regularly need punchy acceleration from 120 upwards
i think 99% of drivers would be perfectly happy with the 400/450 for 99% of the time...........
the other 1% can spend some more and buy a 550
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2017 SL550 Iridium Silver/Bengal Red, 2017 S550 Coupe Obsidian Black/Crystal Grey
Good comparison of the two models by Wolfman since he has extensively driven both. I think that more than 1% of the SL buyers want the V8. Higher torque just makes the overall driving experience more fun--not that you have to wring it out all of the time. Is it worth the extra money? That is definitely a personal decision.
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you hit the nail on the head there with "for me"
you make it sound like you do a 4.0 second to 60 every set of lights and regularly need punchy acceleration from 120 upwards
i think 99% of drivers would be perfectly happy with the 400/450 for 99% of the time...........
the other 1% can spend some more and buy a 550
you make it sound like you do a 4.0 second to 60 every set of lights and regularly need punchy acceleration from 120 upwards
i think 99% of drivers would be perfectly happy with the 400/450 for 99% of the time...........
the other 1% can spend some more and buy a 550
But if you haven't driven the 550 it makes the comparison for you a bit more challenging.
Torque is fun even if you don't punch it to triple digits or lay rubber on every stoplight. The power of the engine just makes everything you do very effortless and more enjoyable.
This is why you have a choice. Take the car that suits you best.
Btw. In the US more than 60% are 550's
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Good comparison of the two models by Wolfman since he has extensively driven both. I think that more than 1% of the SL buyers want the V8. Higher torque just makes the overall driving experience more fun--not that you have to wring it out all of the time. Is it worth the extra money? That is definitely a personal decision.
I have my dealer searching for a booked order that can still be switched to Mars Red. If he can do it, I'm jumping on it, with Designo Titanium Pearl Gray interior! Wish me luck!
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You should be able to simple have the tech disconnect the flaps without repercussions.
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I love Mars Red--we've had 2 CLK's and an E550 coupe in that color, all 3 with a light gray interior. It's just a classic MB non-metallic color.
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You may have read that I hold the Sl450 in very high regards and consider a better bang for the buck, so I am not trying to diss the model.
But if you haven't driven the 550 it makes the comparison for you a bit more challenging.
Torque is fun even if you don't punch it to triple digits or lay rubber on every stoplight. The power of the engine just makes everything you do very effortless and more enjoyable.
This is why you have a choice. Take the car that suits you best.
Btw. In the US more than 60% are 550's
But if you haven't driven the 550 it makes the comparison for you a bit more challenging.
Torque is fun even if you don't punch it to triple digits or lay rubber on every stoplight. The power of the engine just makes everything you do very effortless and more enjoyable.
This is why you have a choice. Take the car that suits you best.
Btw. In the US more than 60% are 550's
the last was the 335d - which is about 600ft/lbs........ and it IS a different way of driving
i would suspect the % to be WAY lower in the UK..........
in the SLK division........ they are virtually all the 250d(2.2 diesel)
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SL400
i found this quite an interesting article with direct comparison stats to its competitors............
http://www.carscoops.com/2015/04/mer...to-see-if.html
http://www.carscoops.com/2015/04/mer...to-see-if.html
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i found this quite an interesting article with direct comparison stats to its competitors............
http://www.carscoops.com/2015/04/mer...to-see-if.html
http://www.carscoops.com/2015/04/mer...to-see-if.html
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Couple of things:
First, this is a review of a 2015 car, not the updated model. Second, the comments are most likely from clowns who cannot afford an SL and don't have any clue as to what luxury, design and engineering are all about. The same kind of guys who write into magazines, screaming about the magazine picking a Porsche over a Mustang, even though the Mustang was .001 second faster.
First, this is a review of a 2015 car, not the updated model. Second, the comments are most likely from clowns who cannot afford an SL and don't have any clue as to what luxury, design and engineering are all about. The same kind of guys who write into magazines, screaming about the magazine picking a Porsche over a Mustang, even though the Mustang was .001 second faster.
Last edited by Streamliner; Oct 17, 2016 at 11:46 PM.
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SL400
Couple of things:
First, this is a review of a 2015 car, not be updated model. Second, the comments are most likely from clowns who cannot afford an SL and don't have any clue as to what luxury, design and engineering are all about. The same kind of guys who write into magazines, screaming about the magazine picking a Porsche over a Mustang, even though the Mustang was .001 second faster.
First, this is a review of a 2015 car, not be updated model. Second, the comments are most likely from clowns who cannot afford an SL and don't have any clue as to what luxury, design and engineering are all about. The same kind of guys who write into magazines, screaming about the magazine picking a Porsche over a Mustang, even though the Mustang was .001 second faster.
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SL400
and............... for what its worth, i did go and have a test drive of the new 2016 Mustang(5 litre V8)......... which is now available as a genuine UK model with right hand drive for us Brits..............
What a pile of ****
wasnt a patch on my M3.......... nowhere near
felt like a big wallowy underpowered tank.........
What a pile of ****
wasnt a patch on my M3.......... nowhere near
felt like a big wallowy underpowered tank.........
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sure i appreciate the torque thing............ my cars were all bigger diesels before we got the M3 5.5yrs ago..........
the last was the 335d - which is about 600ft/lbs........ and it IS a different way of driving
i would suspect the % to be WAY lower in the UK..........
in the SLK division........ they are virtually all the 250d(2.2 diesel)
the last was the 335d - which is about 600ft/lbs........ and it IS a different way of driving
i would suspect the % to be WAY lower in the UK..........
in the SLK division........ they are virtually all the 250d(2.2 diesel)
Highly regarded in Europe, few would buy a Diesel in the US and even less are available; even before the VW scandal.
Model & engine choices of Mercedes are more limited in the US and bundled with more options. European models are typically more bare bone with many options added a la carte (many of which are already included in the base or not available in the US).
The SL stands out somewhat as the engine versions are the same everywhere now, but other models are very different. For example, the "smallest" S-Class here is the long wheelbase S550.
Btw. the torque on the 335D is 425 ft/lbs
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SL400
Keep in mind that car sales are quite different in the US than in the UK or Europe for that matter. Big models have typically larger engines here. Gas is cheap and not a major consideration.
Highly regarded in Europe, few would buy a Diesel in the US and even less are available; even before the VW scandal.
Model & engine choices of Mercedes are more limited in the US and bundled with more options. European models are typically more bare bone with many options added a la carte (many of which are already included in the base or not available in the US).
The SL stands out somewhat as the engine versions are the same everywhere now, but other models are very different. For example, the "smallest" S-Class here is the long wheelbase S550.
Btw. the torque on the 335D is 425 ft/lbs
Highly regarded in Europe, few would buy a Diesel in the US and even less are available; even before the VW scandal.
Model & engine choices of Mercedes are more limited in the US and bundled with more options. European models are typically more bare bone with many options added a la carte (many of which are already included in the base or not available in the US).
The SL stands out somewhat as the engine versions are the same everywhere now, but other models are very different. For example, the "smallest" S-Class here is the long wheelbase S550.
Btw. the torque on the 335D is 425 ft/lbs
i've just refreshed my memory on the tuners website(it was 6 years ago!!) and i had mine tuned
it was running about 350hp and 550 ft/lb
it had been done by the previous owner
i took it back to the dealers when i bought it as i complained that the trection light kept coming on when the roads were a bit damp.........
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yes, gas is expensive here so most buy diesels..........
i've just refreshed my memory on the tuners website(it was 6 years ago!!) and i had mine tuned
it was running about 350hp and 550 ft/lb
it had been done by the previous owner
i took it back to the dealers when i bought it as i complained that the trection light kept coming on when the roads were a bit damp.........
i've just refreshed my memory on the tuners website(it was 6 years ago!!) and i had mine tuned
it was running about 350hp and 550 ft/lb
it had been done by the previous owner
i took it back to the dealers when i bought it as i complained that the trection light kept coming on when the roads were a bit damp.........
