I had a 2004 SL500 that I bought new. I sold it in 2016 with only 20 something thousand miles on it and bought a CPO 2013 SL550. The newer car is better in most every way, BUT, the R230 models all came with ABC standard and rode BEAUTIFULLY! With the R231 models, ABC became a $4,000.00+ option, so you will find VERY FEW with it and a car without it does not ride nearly as nicely as the older cars. Also, the sound systems on the R231 models do not work properly (see several threads here on the subject) when not playing special DVD-A discs. Other than those two things, the R231 SL’s are magnificent cars. The SL450 is a true bargain and has a lightness to it that is quite enticing. Good luck to you.
P.S. I believe that most dealers will give a reasonable discount on a new SL450 or 550.

I would reword that: A huge part of buying nice cars, is the fun of ORDERING the car and having it exactly as you want it. It does take 8 weeks or so, but what’s 8 weeks compared to how long you will have the car? AND, to get ABC—which might be in 5% (probably less) of the SL450 or 550 models that have been built—you pretty much must order a car to get it. By the way, with the 2018 models, ABC includes the “Curve” feature, which I have on my S560. Driving a car with this feature is a truly amazing and enjoyable experience.

I mean no offense to anyone here, but for anyone to say that an ABC equipped SL rides no better than a standard suspension SL is just plain wrong. For a 2-seat, sporty type car, the standard suspension SL has a decent, fairly comfortable ride, when compared to similar types of cars. However, when Active Body Control or ABC as it is commonly known is added, the car is transformed into a car that rides incredibly smooth over uneven roads and handles significantly better, removing virtually any and all “drama” one might encounter with the standard suspension. The very powerful SL550’s, without ABC, tend to experience “wheel hop” and other crazy gyrations when stomped on from a standing start. ABC does away with that. With the face lifted 2017 model, the “Curve” feature was added to the ABC package, which makes the car slightly lean into curves, sort of like a motorcycle. I have it on my S560 and I can tell you that it is nothing short of SPECTACULAR! That one feature alone is worth the price of the ABC option IMO.

As for possible maintenance problems with ABC, it’s a complicated system and over many years, it will require repairs, some of which can be very expensive. However if you are ordering a new SL, with the idea of keeping it for 3 to 5 years and maybe even up to 10 years, I would not anticipate any problems arising, if the car is maintained properly. All of the R230 SL models, produced between 2003 and 2012, came with ABC as standard equipment. I had my 2004 SL500 for 12 years and never had an ABC problem, except early on and that was fixed under warranty. The current ABC systems have been enhanced, refined and better engineered, to the point where they are very reliable. To this point, know that all SL63 & SL65 models come with ABC as standard equipment.

Dealers will poo-poo ABC, because they want to sell you a car that they have on the lot, or one they can easily obtain. New non-AMG SL’s with ABC are virtually impossible to find, as dealers refuse to order them for stock with the $4K+ ABC option that very few folks know about, let alone understand. To me, buying most any new MB, without specially ordering the car just the way you want it, is a great pleasure and an exciting experience lost. Ordering a new SL without ABC, IMO, is just plain NUTS!

We all tend to defend choices we have made. If you bought your new R231 without ABC and are happy with it, I think that’s great. If you are thinking of buying a new one, go for the truly fabulous ABC. If you value ride quality and drama free handling, you will be so glad you did.