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What does your 'dream car' SL look like? (231 Series only) look like? Colors?
The title says it all...If you could have ANY SL Class 231 from 2013-2019 in any of the exterior colors and interior options offered during those years, what colors and options would you select?
I'll start it off....
I would choose the SL550 model in Palladium Silver Metallic with Ginger Beige/Expresso Brown Nappa Leather Interior and Burl Wood trim (including the matching Burl Wood/Leather steering wheel).
I actually prefer the more angular, (AMG-inspired), styling of the original 231 front end to the new 2017-2019 face lifted' version, but both look good.
The Extra Cost Options that are 'must haves' for me include:
- Premium Nappa Leather
- Wood/Leather Steering Wheel
- Premiium 1 package (Now standard on SL550's)
- Driver Assist package
- Illuminated Door Sills
- Magic Sky Roof
Aside from those above, I don't consider any other extra cost options 'essential' for me.
So, would anyone else care to share what their particular choices would be?...
You may find the below links to the MBUSA 'Build Your Own SL Class' helpful in deciding what you would choose, and I have also included links to the brochures (pdf files) from 2015 to 2018 to show the colors and options that were available for those years of the 231 Series. The brochure .pdf files will be particularly helpful to those shopping for a pre-owned 231!..
I have this 2019 beauty on order. SL63 AMG in Selenite Grey metallic with Bengal Red/Black leather interior and Carbon Fiber trim, 19/20-inch AMG cross-spoke forged black wheels, Exterior Carbon Fiber Package and Red Brake Calipers.
I had actually been shopping since April 2018, so it took 6-months to find the 231 of my dreams, (i.e. the model, colors and options I wanted). However, I was finally able to find it!.
It's a 'like new' 2013 model with just 15K miles - Palladium Silver Metallic with Ginger Beige/Expresso Brown Nappa Leather and Burlwood Trim. It has the options that I mentioned were 'must haves' for me in Post #1 shown above.
So very happy to have finally found the 'perfect' 231 SL Class for me!
Congratulations! It can be a real challenge to find the right used vehicle, especially for those of us living in areas that are not very conducive to top down driving as opposed to southern states where you have a larger selection of SLs to choose from.
You are, of course, quite correct about the limited availability for SL Class vehicles in the colder (Northern) U.S. states.
Fortunately here in South Florida there is a large selection of pre-owned SL Class vehicles to choose from. I suspect only Southern California has as many pre-owned SL's available for sale.
My advice is this: If you live in a cold climate state, and interested in an owning an SL Class, don't be shy about shopping outside of your home state. I suggest that you begin by shopping online....I strongly recommend using the AutoTrader website for your initial search!.
Once you have found at least (3) SL's worthy of consideration in one of the areas mentioned above, go ahead and take a mid-winter SL 'shopping vacation' to that warmer climate. The trip will be well worth the money, not only for a much better SL Class selection, but because there are also so many more MB Dealers with SL inventory competing for your business, you'll likely get a much better deal too. You may even save enough $$$ to pay for that mid-winter 'shopping vacation' to South Florida or Southern California.
As an example, there are at least (10) Authorized MB Dealerships within 100 miles of me here in South Florida, and that's not counting the many other 'independent' Luxury Car Dealers and Private Sellers with pre-owned SL Class inventory for sale.
Go to www.autotrader.com to begin your search for your 'dream car' 231 SL Class!
'17 SL450, '17 Volt, '17 Malibu Hybrid, '96 Corvette GS coupe
Man, that's a really nice blue! I like it even better than the only current blue, which is also quit nice. They've killed too many nice colors, just over the last few years, too. In '17, there was a light metallic blue that was good, and Mars red as well. The current palette is a bit on the bland side...
2020 S560 Sedan, 2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon
Originally Posted by TennesseeZ4
Like my Lunar blue with the grey interior. Only made for the first few years; love the combo, looked for about six months before we found it.
The two-tone light gray/dark gray was a beautiful interior. So, of course, MB had to change it and go with light gray and black instead, which I do not find nearly as attractive. Regardless of what others may say, the move screams out COST CUTTING MEASURE, which is pathetic, seeing as how we are talking about a $100K+ car. Today, the only interior tha does not have a black dash and black as the contrasting color is the Silk Beige/Espresso Brown and its a miracle that they didn’t cheapen that one.
'17 SL450, '17 Volt, '17 Malibu Hybrid, '96 Corvette GS coupe
Originally Posted by SLclass
Very happy with combo of designo Cardinal Red metallic and Porcelain/Black!
Stunning Car! I've been considering this combination myself. If you don't mind me asking...how well does Porcelain hold up to clothing dye migration? I've been wondering about this dye "issue" (long term) in regard to Porcelain, Platinum, and Deep White interiors...
I love those Designo Editions, with the additional chrome trim on the front bumper and those wheels are just gorgeous!
Agreed. It gives you most of the trim you have been looking for.
The only issue I saw in the past was the special leather steering wheel. I just really like it in a wood combo...
2020 S560 Sedan, 2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon
Originally Posted by Wolfman
Agreed. It gives you most of the trim you have been looking for.
The only issue I saw in the past was the special leather steering wheel. I just really like it in a wood combo...
Well, I was only giving my positive thoughts on the car. My real problem with it, is the Designo Champagne White Piano Lacquer wood trim and, like you, the unavailability of the wood/leather steering wheel.
Stunning Car! I've been considering this combination myself. If you don't mind me asking...how well does Porcelain hold up to clothing dye migration? I've been wondering about this dye "issue" (long term) in regard to Porcelain, Platinum, and Deep White interiors...
Thank you, Bob! I have had my car for about 14 months. I have not had any issues with clothing dyes, stains, etc. As was recommended to me by Wolfman, when I changed my order from black to Porcelain, I simply use a wet, white cloth followed with a dry cloth. I am so glad that I went with Porcelain! The following should be the link to the thread regarding advice I was given: https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...a-leather.html
I hope this helps with your decision. Go for it!
Sold 06 CLS500. SL550 09. SL550 2013. Own C6 Corvette heavily customized garage queen 2005.
Originally Posted by Streamliner
The two-tone light gray/dark gray was a beautiful interior. So, of course, MB had to change it and go with light gray and black instead, which I do not find nearly as attractive. Regardless of what others may say, the move screams out COST CUTTING MEASURE, which is pathetic, seeing as how we are talking about a $100K+ car. Today, the only interior tha does not have a black dash and black as the contrasting color is the Silk Beige/Espresso Brown and its a miracle that they didn’t cheapen that one.
I hate a black dash and don't much care for brown either but what can one do?
I hate a black dash and don't much care for brown either but what can one do?
I personally think the Ginger Beige/Espresso Brown Nappa Interior is absolutely stunning, especially with Burl Walnut Trim and the matching Burlwood and Leather steering wheel.
2020 S560 Sedan, 2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon
Originally Posted by bob55
I personally think the Ginger Beige/Expresso Brown Nappa Interior is absolutely stunning, especially with Burl Walnut Trim and the matching Burlwood and Leather steering wheel.
Yes, it’s my favorite out of all the current interiors. Would have much preferred the Saddle, if it had been ALL Saddle, or Saddle and a contrasting, COMPLEMENTARY color, but when paired with all that black, it is not appealing to me. Same for the reds, grays, etc. I just loved the MB interiors of the 1970’s as pictured below:
Last edited by Streamliner; 02-18-2019 at 11:11 PM.
10-03-2018, 05:42 PM
