SL/R231: In the market for new SL
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,557
Likes: 3,680
From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
Most important is that everyone is happy with what they drive. These cars are a joy to ride 
The issue with certain options is that there is too much hearsay, opinions or urban legends.
If if one doesn’t have a chance to test an option first just see if the functionality it offers would be worth the money. If not, don’t add it.
Couldn’t care less if an option is $4k; if I like it I just have to negotiate the price down a bit more
The issue with certain options is that there is too much hearsay, opinions or urban legends.
If if one doesn’t have a chance to test an option first just see if the functionality it offers would be worth the money. If not, don’t add it.
Couldn’t care less if an option is $4k; if I like it I just have to negotiate the price down a bit more
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 257
Likes: 46
From: southeastern NC
'18 SL 550, '19 1500 Z71 Silverado LTZ, '19 Mustang convertible
[QUOTE=Wolfman;7452860]
Most important is that everyone is happy with what they drive. These cars are a joy to ride
If if one doesn’t have a chance to test an option first just see if the functionality it offers would be worth the money. If not, don’t add it.
You summed it up perfectly, Wolfman!
If if one doesn’t have a chance to test an option first just see if the functionality it offers would be worth the money. If not, don’t add it.
You summed it up perfectly, Wolfman!
Senior Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 381
Likes: 29
From: FL
Sold 06 CLS500. SL550 09. SL550 2013. Own C6 Corvette heavily customized garage queen 2005.
Most important is that everyone is happy with what they drive. These cars are a joy to ride
The issue with certain options is that there is too much hearsay, opinions or urban legends.
If if one doesn’t have a chance to test an option first just see if the functionality it offers would be worth the money. If not, don’t add it.
Couldn’t care less if an option is $4k; if I like it I just have to negotiate the price down a bit more
The issue with certain options is that there is too much hearsay, opinions or urban legends.
If if one doesn’t have a chance to test an option first just see if the functionality it offers would be worth the money. If not, don’t add it.
Couldn’t care less if an option is $4k; if I like it I just have to negotiate the price down a bit more
a
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 1,040
Likes: 234
From: God's County (Yorkshire)
Shanks’s Pony
[/QUOTE]
............ I decided against ABC...............[/QUOTE]
Pity but you will still love the car.
FWIW, my local Indy (worked in MB service for 25 years before opening his own workshop - only does MB) was really surprised when I asked him about issues with ABC. I told him about all the online comments and he has never heard of ABC being a problem. It is hard to imagine MB selling cars (year after year) with a suspension system with known issues
The truth is you only hear about the 1 in 1000 problems on the internet and not the 999/1000 that have no issues.
............ I decided against ABC...............[/QUOTE]
Pity but you will still love the car.
FWIW, my local Indy (worked in MB service for 25 years before opening his own workshop - only does MB) was really surprised when I asked him about issues with ABC. I told him about all the online comments and he has never heard of ABC being a problem. It is hard to imagine MB selling cars (year after year) with a suspension system with known issues
The truth is you only hear about the 1 in 1000 problems on the internet and not the 999/1000 that have no issues.
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
2013 sl550
Right on. If YOU like it, it's all that matters. Looking at the Corvette 2019 ZR1. Think I'm too old for this though and in florida..2.9 seconds for 60 is serious power. However, life is short so why not and would give me a good excuse to do a 5 day schooling(something I have always wanted to do) in one of the driving schools that hopefully I would leave understanding how to really drive a sports car and understand how to handle myself in a tricky situation. But driving in flatland Florida somehow would defeat the object methinks not to mention speeding tickets. Regardless and back onto the recent thread which over the years I think has been flogged to death, never listen to any salesman or others who tells you that ABC is not worth it, because of this or that. You cannot make any statement unless you have actually driven with it and driven without it and as Woolf and others have stated, once you get to experience it, there is no turning back and if you have to pay for it and you want it, good for you.
a
a
Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 171
Likes: 23
From: Marietta, Georgia
2023 AMG sl43
Currently have a 07 SL550 with less than 50K miles. Have only had one issue with ABC replacement and I think it was caused when I let my neighbor test drive it. We were going down a side street with no other traffic when he inexplicably swerved over a recessed storm drain. Two days later I noticed a new noise sounding like a roar which resulted in an ABC issue which at first was not covered by my extended warranty. Seems the independent mechanic was describing the replacement wrong. To this day I still do not know the exact nature of the problem. Point being I felt like I was at the mercy of the warranty company. After owning the 07 for 8 years, putting about 2-3k miles per year, I am replacing it with a 2015 SL400 without ABC because during the test drive I could not tell a difference in the way it rode to that of my 2007. The 2015 has all the bells and whistles, premium 1, driver assist pkg, magic sky, designo leather and 35k miles. Looking forward to traveling to some nice golf outings as the 2015 trunk seems to be bigger than the 2007 to accommodate the clubs. Bottom line is that ever since the ABC issue and after the extended warranty expired I always felt like it was a ticking time bomb cost wise. Don’t think I will be missing the ABC. At this stage of my life (70 yrs) and unlike others, I value my SL driving experience as more luxury and comfort than adrenaline pumping excitement. LOL BTW owned 28 cars in my lifetime including 2 Vettes in my younger days (84 & 96) and feel the SL is the best driving experience I have ever had in an automobile. Just test drove a 2017 Corvette Gran Sport the other day and it cinched my 2015 SL400 buy.
Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 102
Likes: 13
From: Phoenix, AZ
2013 SL550
Currently have a 07 SL550 with less than 50K miles. Have only had one issue with ABC replacement and I think it was caused when I let my neighbor test drive it. We were going down a side street with no other traffic when he inexplicably swerved over a recessed storm drain. Two days later I noticed a new noise sounding like a roar which resulted in an ABC issue which at first was not covered by my extended warranty. Seems the independent mechanic was describing the replacement wrong. To this day I still do not know the exact nature of the problem. Point being I felt like I was at the mercy of the warranty company. After owning the 07 for 8 years, putting about 2-3k miles per year, I am replacing it with a 2015 SL400 without ABC because during the test drive I could not tell a difference in the way it rode to that of my 2007. The 2015 has all the bells and whistles, premium 1, driver assist pkg, magic sky, designo leather and 35k miles. Looking forward to traveling to some nice golf outings as the 2015 trunk seems to be bigger than the 2007 to accommodate the clubs. Bottom line is that ever since the ABC issue and after the extended warranty expired I always felt like it was a ticking time bomb cost wise. Don’t think I will be missing the ABC. At this stage of my life (70 yrs) and unlike others, I value my SL driving experience as more luxury and comfort than adrenaline pumping excitement. LOL BTW owned 28 cars in my lifetime including 2 Vettes in my younger days (84 & 96) and feel the SL is the best driving experience I have ever had in an automobile. Just test drove a 2017 Corvette Gran Sport the other day and it cinched my 2015 SL400 buy.
Last edited by putter; Jul 23, 2018 at 12:22 AM.
Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 171
Likes: 23
From: Marietta, Georgia
2023 AMG sl43
Saw all the rave reviews and thought maybe a C7 was in my future but my dear wife helped change my mind after driving the 2015 SL400. Don’t think I’ll miss the 07’s 382hp but we will see. All the latest creature comforts and the safety features (especially blind spot) convinced me to upgrade to a newer model. Also have the Distronic on the 17 GLC300 and love it in traffic. IMHO once you own a SL it is hard to go back. LOL
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Super Moderator
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,557
Likes: 3,680
From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
Saw all the rave reviews and thought maybe a C7 was in my future but my dear wife helped change my mind after driving the 2015 SL400. Don’t think I’ll miss the 07’s 382hp but we will see. All the latest creature comforts and the safety features (especially blind spot) convinced me to upgrade to a newer model. Also have the Distronic on the 17 GLC300 and love it in traffic. IMHO once you own a SL it is hard to go back. LOL
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,162
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From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Last edited by Streamliner; Jun 14, 2018 at 09:38 PM.
Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 171
Likes: 23
From: Marietta, Georgia
2023 AMG sl43
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,162
Likes: 4,383
From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 442
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From: Ohio/Florida
'10 C300, '15 ML250BT, '22 M850i Vert
I traded a perfect '14 C7 Vert w/2LT pkg. for my '16 SL400. I paid about $42k difference plus tax and service pkg. Today there is Only a $13k difference in trade in value. As the owner of 3 MB's I find this disturbing. By the way, I loved my C7 convertible but at 72 it was just too hard to get in and out of. I'd have to think long and hard about buying another MB.
Last edited by gkgeiger; Jun 15, 2018 at 06:28 PM.
Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 171
Likes: 23
From: Marietta, Georgia
2023 AMG sl43
Just read Streamliner’s msg to my wife and her response was that those were her “exact” feelings toward Corvettes. Well done!
FWIW the sticker on the C7 was $84k but it was a 2017 so they were discounting it to $68k. Just for fun I put it in one of those “what is my car worth” calculators and got a trade in value of $52-$54k.
FWIW the sticker on the C7 was $84k but it was a 2017 so they were discounting it to $68k. Just for fun I put it in one of those “what is my car worth” calculators and got a trade in value of $52-$54k.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 442
Likes: 29
From: Ohio/Florida
'10 C300, '15 ML250BT, '22 M850i Vert
Just read Streamliner’s msg to my wife and her response was that those were her “exact” feelings toward Corvettes. Well done!
FWIW the sticker on the C7 was $84k but it was a 2017 so they were discounting it to $68k. Just for fun I put it in one of those “what is my car worth” calculators and got a trade in value of $52-$54k.
FWIW the sticker on the C7 was $84k but it was a 2017 so they were discounting it to $68k. Just for fun I put it in one of those “what is my car worth” calculators and got a trade in value of $52-$54k.
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
I keep saying things like that and then I keep buying more. When I got my current S560 Sedan, I tried—REALLY TRIED— to go with another brand, but when push came to shove, I just couldn’t do it. There are so many reasons not to spend the money on these cars, but damn—they are just so frigging wonderful!
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,557
Likes: 3,680
From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
I keep saying things like that and then I keep buying more. When I got my current S560 Sedan, I tried—REALLY TRIED— to go with another brand, but when push came to shove, I just couldn’t do it. There are so many reasons not to spend the money on these cars, but damn—they are just so frigging wonderful!
So what.
Safety is priceless and the ride enjoyable. A hotel night or a nice dinner will cost as much as the SL in a month and either will be less memorable
Nice things cost money to own or enjoy...
Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 171
Likes: 23
From: Marietta, Georgia
2023 AMG sl43
Luxury goods and anything tech has become disposable and resale values will show that.
So what.
Safety is priceless and the ride enjoyable. A hotel night or a nice dinner will cost as much as the SL in a month and either will be less memorable
Nice things cost money to own or enjoy...
Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 171
Likes: 23
From: Marietta, Georgia
2023 AMG sl43
Agree that buying a new MB is a great experience having ordered our GLC300 just the way we wanted it. We ordered a 2016 but ended up with a 2017 because it took so long to locate one. It seems you just can’t order one from the factory but instead wait for the one you want to enter the pipeline. Also agree that the “hit” you take on a new SL is not for the faint of heart. When I purchased my CPO 2007 SL550 in 2010 I thought it would be my last one. However, after 8 years and the advances in safety, I decided to upgrade and luckily found one like the one I would have ordered. I find that buying an off lease 3 year old SL is the “sweet spot” in the SL depreciation game although, when visiting the dealer, am tempted to try wrangling a deal on a new one. Who knows maybe that day will come.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 417
Likes: 34
From: Everett, WA
14 E63S Wagon, 16 GTS Edition1 (Sold), 17 SL450 designo edition
I think you guys are right on the money with Corvettes versus MBs. At 73 I have had my share of Corvettes but am now on my third new MB in four years. Still, I like the Vettes and am waiting for the mid motor C8 to roll out. Hope I don't like it too much.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 381
Likes: 29
From: FL
Sold 06 CLS500. SL550 09. SL550 2013. Own C6 Corvette heavily customized garage queen 2005.
And still holding back on a new SL as just hoping to receive some news this year when and if a new model will appear but it doesn't look like it's going to happen.
Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 171
Likes: 23
From: Marietta, Georgia
2023 AMG sl43
Regarding future SL model - Just found an article dated 2014 about the SL and SLK sharing architecture and another dated 2016 about AMG taking over and sharing with the GT. Both refer to “dwindling sales” as reason for 8th gen model.
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Joined: Dec 2010
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From: South Florida
2013 SL550 (Lux Sport), 2006 CL55 AMG (Muscle). S550 (Wife's Sedan)
In older SL 230's ABC had to be activated with a switch otherwise it did nothing that I was aware of. This forum seems to be saying that ABC improves the ride even if not manually switched on..Please explain/elaborate how the new ABC on the 231 is different than the 230. Don't you still have to switch it on for it to do anything?.
Last edited by bob55; Jul 22, 2018 at 06:45 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,162
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From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
In older SL 230's ABC had to be activated with a switch otherwise it did nothing that I was aware of. This forum seems to be saying that ABC improves the ride even if not manually switched on..Please explain/elaborate how the new ABC on the 231 is different than the 230. Don't you still have to switch it on for it to do anything?.
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Joined: Jan 2017
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From: God's County (Yorkshire)
Shanks’s Pony
A car equipped with ABC is ALWAYS using ABC. The button is to change from regular mode to Sport mode. Having owned a 2004 SL500 that came standard with ABC and then getting a 2013 SL550 without ABC, IMO, the difference in ride quality and handling is dramatic, with the ABC car driving much nicer.
.....In mine .....C,S,S+,I and CV are the available modes plus, there is a separate button to raise / lower the car. If the car is raised, it will automatically lower when you hit 80km/h (50 mph). Being able to raise the car is good for parking nose in at kerbs, speed bumps, steep ramps etc and when washing the car (don't need to bend as much.
) and I suppose it will also make it easier to get in and out in the raised position.Besides the obvious things e.g. suspension stiffness in the different modes, ABC reduces body roll, keeps it level during acceleration / braking, leans into bends (CV) reducing the feel of G forces (essentially a modified C mode). Also reacts to sudden cross winds and (I'm not 100 % on this) but I believe, also reads the road surface (I have the full driver assist / safety package) and smooths the ride. The car also lowers further above a certain speed (120mph I think).
Last edited by rorywquin; Jul 23, 2018 at 05:26 AM.
