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(1) The whole S Class used to have innovative items that the lower priced E and C Class did not have and this made the S Class exclusive.
Mercedes for some reason decided to make many of these innovations available in their lower priced cars so the S Class is no longer as exclusive.
The S Class usually gets all the innovation first and that then trickles down to the lower models. There is probably good stuff currently available in the S-Class that is not available in the others (e.g. those new super high tech digital LED headlights).
My best guess is that the new SL R232 will come out in mid 2020 as a 2021 Model. I think we will still see a 2020 R231 and if MB is smart, they will get a little creative with the last year car, possibly by offering some truly different colors/wheels, etc. Of course, the most likely result will be a “Special Edition” offering, which will probably be some less than appealing color combination at a highly inflated price. Anyway, we can only wait and see.
I was just reading some interesting comments on the new inline six. It sounds really promising...
Originally Posted by pmlnnrt
...I am so glad I got the wheel and tire insurance when I bought my 2018 SL - as I have already
had two tires put on it - both front and rear on the drivers side - Buldges in the side wall - at around 600 a throw ( replaced many on my 2015 SL)
it is well worth the cost of around $2,000.00 for 4 years...
Phil
That $2000 would have solved your problem altogether if you'd spent it toward a set of 18" wheels/tires instead. Please forgive me for pointing this out...I do realize that I'm probably the only gear head in the country who's completely baffled by the current "wagon wheel" craze.
Last edited by Dr. Manhattan; Aug 21, 2018 at 08:11 PM.
I was just reading some interesting comments on the new inline six. It sounds really promising...
That $2000 would have solved your problem altogether if you'd spent it toward a set of 18" wheels/tires instead. Please forgive me for pointing this out...I do realize that I'm probably the only gear head in the country who's completely baffled by the current "wagon wheel" craze.
I have to agree. Why folks take such a elegant Auto and make it look like a clown car baffles me. Same goes with the trend of taking a 80k pick up truck and lifting the front where it looks like it’s butt is dragging......
The 19” AMG wheel on the R231 is pretty much standard, as just about all of them came with the AMG package. The 19” wheel is a better looking wheel vs. the 18”, which is horrid looking in my opinion. As to ride quality, once you trash the Run Flats and install a decent set of tires on the 19’s, the ride quality is right there with the S class. As to wheel size for the S class, you’re talking 19’s and 20’s and it’s been that way for quite some time.
The 19” AMG wheel on the R231 is pretty much standard, as just about all of them came with the AMG package. The 19” wheel is a better looking wheel vs. the 18”, which is horrid looking in my opinion. As to ride quality, once you trash the Run Flats and install a decent set of tires on the 19’s, the ride quality is right there with the S class. As to wheel size for the S class, you’re talking 19’s and 20’s and it’s been that way for quite some time.
Mine was standard with 19" (AMG line) but not run flats. Looks good. The ride is perfect, but I do have ABC.
[QUOTE=Dr. Manhattan;7534929 Please forgive me for pointing this out...I do realize that I'm probably the only gear head in the country who's completely baffled by the current "wagon wheel" craze.[/QUOTE]
Looks fine as long as the disks are big enough to fill the hole. Nothing as stupid looking as massive rims with tiny disks (drums) in the middle - does really look like a wagon wheel.
Nice looking car but I'm not a fan of the BMW interiors these days.
I enjoyed a BMW Z3 2.8L for many years. My favorite car to-date. Although the Z4 is a better car by every objective measure, I've never liked the exterior and serious dislike the interior. Everything on the dash seemed a little out of reach. I thought the dash on the Z3 was perfect.
Had a Z4 for a number of years;really enjoyed the vehicle. In line 3.0 six cylinder; six speed manual; all the bells and whistle. I know I am in the minority, but I really liked the design elements of the Z4. But it's a sports car, not a touring car. Great for back roads and mountain twisty bits, but not a weekend friendly vehicle. It will be interesting to see how the new Z4 and the 'sister' car the Toyota Supra fare in the market. Here is a photo of my Z4 on it's twelfth birthday.
I've had several BMWs over the years (pre 2000), I always thought that they were real drivers cars and loved the driving position. What I don't like now (IMO) is that the BMWs today do not look much different to the last one I had in 1996. Mercedes on the other hand look very different today compared to their 90's models.
Different level vehicle. That car is positioned with the BMW 4 series and the SLC or somewhat between the C/E Class cab. The new model certainly looks better but once again a far cry from the great looking concept car. Same as we had with the 8 series BMW...
Just toured the MB museum. Quite a place. Looked at the latest models, too. There was an SL400, which I assume was a 2019, but I now see that (SL450) was dropped from the U.S. configurator for 2019. Huge bummer for me...
Edit: I panicked needlessly about this...the 450 is back in the SL menu again. I would have deleted this post, but I'm not allowed for some reason.
Last edited by Dr. Manhattan; Sep 21, 2018 at 01:59 AM.
Streamliner,
I'll be ordering an SL450 next month, will be taking European Delivery in early May and have been thinking about the ABC option. I drove one once and didn't notice the big difference I was hoping I would. The videos I've watched are very impressive though. Can you tell me about your experience with ABC. Also I've read about maintenance nightmares and ongoing trouble with repairs... .
Double A
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Originally Posted by aandrews46
Streamliner,
I'll be ordering an SL450 next month, will be taking European Delivery in early May and have been thinking about the ABC option. I drove one once and didn't notice the big difference I was hoping I would. The videos I've watched are very impressive though. Can you tell me about your experience with ABC. Also I've read about maintenance nightmares and ongoing trouble with repairs... .
Double A
I had a 2004 SL500 that I ordered new. I had it for 12 years. The 2003 to 2012 R230's all had ABC as standard equipment. I LOVED the ride of that car vs. the ride of the 2013 SL550 I got to replace it, which did not have ABC. The ABC car rode much smoother & more "buttoned down," where the 2013 seemed to pick up every little bump in the road. When you floor the ABC car, there was no drama, the car just zoomed forward. With the 2013, there was wheel hop and all sorts of drama, as the car--admittedly with more power than the SL500--seemed to have trouble putting that power to the ground. The ABC pump went out after about three years and was replaced under warranty. After that, I never had another ABC problem. Pretty much everything about the 2013 was better than on the 2004, with the exception of the ride quality. ABC is worth every penny and I will not own another SL without it. In addition, it is not a new technology anymore and any bugs that the earlier systems had, have been addressed, so a new car should be pretty much trouble free, as long as the system is maintained as required. Good luck with your new car!
Streamliner,
I'll be ordering an SL450 next month, will be taking European Delivery in early May and have been thinking about the ABC option. I drove one once and didn't notice the big difference I was hoping I would. The videos I've watched are very impressive though. Can you tell me about your experience with ABC. Also I've read about maintenance nightmares and ongoing trouble with repairs... .
Double A
You will love it. Select all the little extras that you want - the extra cost is peanuts relative to the cost of the car and in the long run you will enjoy them.
I'm 18 months into mine and love it every time I drive it. It is also a fairly uncommon car (SLKs are very common in the UK but you rarely see a SL) and it turns heads wherever I go. I have another long trip planned for February - Driving from the UK to Spain via the Miau viaduct (Southern France) and on to Valencia. 3000 miles round trip in absolute comfort.
You will love it. Select all the little extras that you want - the extra cost is peanuts relative to the cost of the car and in the long run you will enjoy them.
... I have another long trip planned for February - Driving from the UK to Spain via the Miau viaduct (Southern France) and on to Valencia. 3000 miles round trip in absolute comfort.
That sounds like an enjoyable road trip to warmer weather in the Winter.
I had a 2004 SL500 that I ordered new. I had it for 12 years. The 2003 to 2012 R230's all had ABC as standard equipment. I LOVED the ride of that car vs. the ride of the 2013 SL550 I got to replace it, which did not have ABC. The ABC car rode much smoother & more "buttoned down," where the 2013 seemed to pick up every little bump in the road. When you floor the ABC car, there was no drama, the car just zoomed forward. With the 2013, there was wheel hop and all sorts of drama, as the car--admittedly with more power than the SL500--seemed to have trouble putting that power to the ground. The ABC pump went out after about three years and was replaced under warranty. After that, I never had another ABC problem. Pretty much everything about the 2013 was better than on the 2004, with the exception of the ride quality. ABC is worth every penny and I will not own another SL without it. In addition, it is not a new technology anymore and any bugs that the earlier systems had, have been addressed, so a new car should be pretty much trouble free, as long as the system is maintained as required. Good luck with your new car!
Streamliner...Just wondering why you didn't replace the 18" Run Flat Tires on your 2013 SL 550 with NON-RUN FLAT 18" TIRES to achieve a smoother, more comfortable ride on your 2013 SL 550. That seems like a logical solution for the ride quality issues on those 231's without ABC installed. (Just need to put have a portable air compressor in the trunk).
Did you consider swapping out your run flat tires for conventional 18" Tires like the (non-run flat) Michelin Pilot Super Sport?
Just a quick note to say I am about to sell my 2014 SL550 with 34,000 miles. Showroom condition. ONE non-lease owner. No accidents. From a moderate-climate state (no excessive heat or road salt).
All service up to date and no issues, and CPO. If a PPI were to find anything, it would 99% likely be covered by M-B warranty.
If anyone is interested, LMK. Car in Washington, D.C.
Also, might consider a deal that includes a W211 wagon.
You hit it right on the head. The only other option I'm not sure about is the premium stereo. I've read a few posts that knock Mercedes for their radios but I've been happy with the Burmeister in my 2016 GLC. I need to do more research.
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Originally Posted by bob55
Streamliner...Just wondering why you didn't replace the 18" Run Flat Tires on your 2013 SL 550 with NON-RUN FLAT 18" TIRES to achieve a smoother, more comfortable ride on your 2013 SL 550. That seems like a logical solution for the ride quality issues on those 231's without ABC installed. (Just need to put have a portable air compressor in the trunk).
Did you consider swapping out your run flat tires for conventional 18" Tires like the (non-run flat) Michelin Pilot Super Sport?
Curious to know...Thanks!
I did put conventional Michelin tires on the 2013 SL550, within days of purchasing the car. It improved the ride, but it was still nothing close to the ride of my ABC equipped ‘04.
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
