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I am in the market for a used R231. There are some great deals to be had on 13-15 SL550 models near me. However, I really love the new 2017+ facelift by Mercedes. The curvaceous front end gives the car a nicer look in my opinion. Now I understand that the 2017+ cars are generally identical as far as bodylines and what not, and I presume there may be issues in upgrading to new headlights (connectors etc) but I was wondering if anyone on this forum has undertaken the facelift conversion. What parts are required, what modifications if any, total cost, etc.
I finished my conversion after 4 months i kept the original sideskirts I like them better gives them a more aggressive ground affects look.bought the car for 42k from the general manager at braman motorcars in palm beach he gave me a great deal and I invested over 25k doing the conversion but it was well worth it. My car looks like 120k car.
I finished my conversion after 4 months i kept the original sideskirts I like them better gives them a more aggressive ground affects look.bought the car for 42k from the general manager at braman motorcars in palm beach he gave me a great deal and I invested over 25k doing the conversion but it was well worth it. My car looks like 120k car.
Kind of amazing to me that anyone would actually want to do that...
Some of us much prefer the more angular look and headlights of the original 2013-2016 231 SL Class to that of the 2017+ face-lifted SL's.
Spending $25K to change to the 'new front end' certainly will not increase the actual value of the car, in fact, it will most likely decrease in value due to that body work.
However, that said, a car's look, (and the owner's financial choices), are highly subjective, YMMV applies....:..
Kind of amazing to me that anyone would actually want to do that...
Some of us much prefer the more angular look and headlights of the original 2013-2016 231 SL Class to that of the 2017+ face-lifted SL's.
Spending $25K to change to the 'new front end' certainly will not increase the actual value of the car, in fact, it will most likely decrease in value due to that body work.
However, that said, a car's look, (and the owner's financial choices), are highly subjective, YMMV applies....:..
It's a personal choice to be sure but I feel the same way about cosmetic upgrades. Most conversions look worse because most upgrade only some and not all components. It's not a huge list of parts but still significant given the cost of each.
Off the top, it's a new front clip with grill and all parts, new hood, new fenders, headlights, side skirts, rear bumper, tail lights, exhaust tips, diffuser. Along with paint work. Interior biggest change is the steering wheel. Easily over $25k.
In the end, the MY17+ has more power than earlier models and a much improved 9 speed tranny. Also different exhaust. I do like the MY17's softer look better. Had them both and configured with the exact same options so it was an easy comparison
You could spend approx $70,000 for a good used 2013/17 facelift (about $45,000 plus the $25,000 conversion, plus 4 months time), or for $80,000 buy an actual 2017 and get a more powerful engine, upgraded 9 speed automatic, firmer chassis, and much lower miles. The 2013 cars I've priced have mileage around 40,000, whereas the 2017's will probably be around 15,000 and still under warranty.
I own the shop and I’ve always bought cars mainly for the looks. Cars are ****ty investments and I have 3 daughters I’d rather put the money away for them. I’ve converted a few cars and I’ve never lost value I’ve actually made money off each one I’ve done. I’ll post pix
At the time I purchased the car the sl550 was no less than 100k and I did not want the 6 cylinder there’s nothing like the sound of a V8 biturbo and 25k also included my 3 piece forged wheels I forgot to mention. I paid 42k for the car and 25k for everything a lot of the parts were factory takeoffs and had 31k miles when I bought it. It’s a weekend car that doesn’t break the bank.
I have a SL350 2012,
I have replace the control unit dor Lhs Head Light but i am stuck at the QR codes,
Using xentry tech in progress while putting codes it gives error although i double checked the QR codes
There are two of them
May be i am putting it in the wrong sequence
Can anyone help me out which code to put and where,
Thanks is Advance
I agree with you on the new look of the SL. It is stunning! Not so much on the XK. I went through three XKs before going for the more aggressive look and power of a 2010 XKR.
I realy like the old style better usally but DAMN that looked good. Just about to fix a front on my R231 but now Im leaning to that... Headlights was a straight swap??