tisdale

Hello World!!

I'm a new member here. I hope to soon be a new SL550 owner as it's been my dream car for years. However, my knowledge of the vehicle is limited. I've joined this site as way to educate myself. I'm looking to purchase a 2013 or new SL550. So ANY information from current owners would be helpful. I love the body style of the SL550. I am wondering what are the major differences between each year's model starting with the 2013? Also how expensive is the maintenance for this vehicle? I look forward to learning more about the SL550!!

Streamliner

Welcome friend, you came to the right place.

I have a 2013 SL550 that I bought CPO about ten months ago, with only 11,000 miles on it. It’s an amazing car. I don’t know that there are many changes between 2013 and 2016, if any. The face lift occurred in 2017. If the huge torque of the V8 isn’t a priority, I highly recommend looking at 2017 SL450 models, as that is one sweet car, with more than enough power. The big options on these cars are the Exclusive Nappa Leather interiors, the B&O sound system and Active Body Control (ABC), which is an amazing suspension upgrade, but is just about impossible to find. The sound systems have a major flaw and that is the fact that the rear speaker really doesn’t work unless you are playing a DVD-A disc. Many have upgraded their systems with an additional amp that pretty much cures the problem, for around $300.00. I’d go out of my way to buy a car with a factory warranty in place, as these cars can be very expensive to repair. Actually, I would not want to own one without a good warranty. The 2018’s are beautiful cars and ordering a new one, exactly as you want it, is a wonderful thing to experience. Whatever you do, good luck!

JGoergen

FYI - there is a 2013 in Palm Beach and a 2015 in Pompano Beach, both with ABC.....

Streamliner

I don’t mean to step on the toes of any Florida members, but there is NO WAY I would ever consider a car from there. Too many hurricanes and floods. Almost every day, it seems to rain at least enough to get the car wet, then the scorching sun comes out to burn all of those water spots into the paint. Way too much humidity, getting into every part of the car and eating it up from the inside out. I won’t even get into the outrageous drug trafficking and other illegal activities down there. Other places are not great either, including CA where I live, but Florida has to be the worst place in the 48 to buy a used car, AT LEAST IMHO.

greatkoei

I own a fully loaded 13' SL550 only without ABC option, which I regret not getting, but it was too rare to find one.

Correct me if I am wrong, below is a brief summary of changes on SL400/450/550:
New in 2014 Model: SPLITVIEW front-seat entertainment system, Night View Assist PLUS
New in 2015 Model: Introduction of V6 SL400 model
New in 2016 Model: SL550 HP increased from 429 to 449, SPLITVIEW and Night View removed
New in 2017 Model: Minor face-lift, SL450 to replace SL400 and HP increased from 329 to 362, 7-speed to 9-speed shift, ABC with CURVE, Smartphone Integration (Apple/Android), Top down available in motion (under 25 mph), Better locking logic
New in 2018 Model: New color options of seat belts (Red/Silver), this is the only difference I found

Streanliner made all the good recommendations above regarding options. If I were to buy another SL, I'd get one with ABC system for sure.

Wolfman

Good list!
Couple minor things...
Soft-close doors were already available in MY13. MY17 & up has better locking logic (how the car locks while the doors close and the windows move fully up)
Along with Splitview, Night vision was implemented. If I recall both options were removed again for MY16 as nobody bought these.

greatkoei

Thanks! I fixed them in my original thread. I wasn't aware soft-close doors were available in 2013 since it was not in the brochure.

GermanCars

Interesting rationalization coming from the earthquake/fire/people smuggling capitol of the universe. Where is Death Valley, the Mojave Desert, anyone, anyone, Bueller?
There has recently been reports of a newly developed product to combat the effects of the scorching sun on automotive finish's. I believe they are calling it a car WAX. It has been said to even add protection against water spots. What will they think of next?!? Those NASA folks down here are down right clever!

In reality, if you're on the east coast, Florida typically has a very good selection of high end/luxury, low mileage cars available that have not been exposed to road salt/corrosion or other winter hazards. And if you've been paying attention, drugs are everywhere. Watch a couple episodes of A&E's "LIVE PD", it's a real eye opener!

tisdale

Thanks for all the information!!