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I seek your guidance. I have a 2003 SL500 that has been a great car. It has less than 50,000 easy miles, and I don't really have to replace it, but would like to some of the things available on the 2017 and 2018 models. There is a 2017 SL550 I have my eye on, with very low mileage (under 2000) and pretty much every option, including ABC. It's a long way from me - I can't go and look at it and I would have to have it shipped. It does have an extended CPO warranty. With the options, it had an MSRP of almost $130,000. I'm also looking at a 2017 Porsche 911, but while the MSRP's are similar, the resale prices are not, the Porsche being considerably more. I have owned five Porsches and have driven a 2017 911, which was more of a touring car than earlier 911s, but not as comfortable as the SL550. I have owned three Mercedes. I know they are different cars. I'm retired and would use the car for short drives (golf course and grocery store) and for road trips with my wife. At what price do you think the 2017 SL550 would be a good buy? At what price do you think it would be too good to pass up? Are prices likely to go down a lot next fall when the 2020 model year begins and the 2017s are three years old and more of them are for sale?
2020 S560 Sedan, 2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon
Well, as you must know, finding ABC on a non-AMG R231 is quite the rare thing. Seeing as how you have it on your 2003, I truly believe that you would miss it if you got an R231 without it, I know I did. I went from a 2004 SL500, which I had for 12 years, to a 2013 without ABC, and I really missed it. I don’t think we will see the face lifted R231’s drop that much in value, until the new model comes out, which I believe will be as a 2021, in mid 2020. Then, IF the new car is truly amazing, I think many R231 owners will want to make the leap, putting a lot of the 2017-2020 models on the market. One of the big questions, is whether the new car will retain the retractable hard top or go to a cloth top as has been rumored. If they do the soft top, I believe that will turn off a lot of loyal SL owners and should really prop up the prices of the 2017-2020 models.
Speaking of Porsche, as much as I love the current 911, I just can’t get back into the idea of having one, over an SL. I’m an older guy and comfort is WAY more important to me than going fast.
Let us know what you end end up doing and good luck to you.
Thank you, Streamliner. The car in question is loaded with expensive options. I do like the ABC on mine - I find it more fun to drive than many faster cars. When it come to resale, I don't know whether the ABC would be a negative, because many people seem afraid of it. But I usually keep my cars a long time.
I'm 75, and sometimes feeling it, and comfort is important to me too. The Porsche feels smaller and lighter to me, more agile, while not beating me up as much as earlier ones, but still harsher and with more noise than the SL. I don't care for the 911 convertibles, so it would have to be a coupe. That would be OK, I guess, because I drive with the top down less and less. Still, going to taste wines and eat a four star lunch today in Northern California, the top will be definitely be down.
I have sold a car to a remote buyer, but have never bought one I've never seen. I guess that everything is bought online today, but it still doesn't seem quite right to not even kick a tire. I wonder if there is anyone on the forum who would take a look at the car - not a PPI, just a pair of knowledgeable eyes - or who can refer me to someone who would. The car is in Ft. Lauderdale. I'd be happy to compensate.
2020 S560 Sedan, 2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon
You say the car has a “CPO Warranty,” but is it being offered CPO by an authorized M.B. dealer? If so, I would feel pretty good about taking a chance on it. If, however, it is not being sold by an authorized M.B. dealer, I would steer clear of it, especially in Florida. Lots of cars down there have had at least some water/moisture damage and sometimes it can be hidden and the problems don’t show up until later. Of course, this is just my opinion.
You really have nothing to worry about if the SL is a CPO from an Authorized Mercedes-Benz Dealer, and certainly 231 SL's with ABC are rare.
Everything I have read indicates that the next generation SL will feature a 'cabriolet-type soft top model and possibly also a hardtop 'coupe' model as well, so the days of the much-loved folding hardtop on the SL Class appear to be numbered. I suspect than when the new soft top/coupe generation makes it's dubut, (in 2020 as a 2021 model), many SL Class Fans will be very disappointed to learn the folding hardtop was dropped. That will likely make the 2013-2019, (later 2017-2019 models especially), even more popular than they are now. I am therefore expecting demand to increase for the last model years of the SL Class folding hardtop,
SO YES, NOW IS THE RIGHT TIME TO BY ANOTHER (231) SL CLASS IF YOU WANT ONE WITH THE FOLDING HARDTOP!
(Full Disclosure, I just bought a CPO SL 550 with 15K miles in South Florida myself)
Mine is a 2013 model, Palladium Silver over Ginger Beige/Expresso Brown Nappa. It had every option I wanted except ABC, (even the very cool 'Magic Sky' Panorama Roof). It's a super clean SL-550 that appears brand new, both inside and out. Very pleased with this purchase despite the lack of the ABC option.
We seem to have much in common as I am nearing the age of 73 and also previously owned a 2003 SL500. Seems you also golf, just as I do.
FWIW, I parted with that older 2003 SL only because of a 'spontaneous combustion' with the battery control module that resulted in a fire and a total loss. (That occurred April of this year in my garage when the car was sitting in the garage (cold), and I was damn lucky that it didn't burn my house down along with my other two MB vehicles that were in the garage along with it).
I used the insurance settlement from the 2003 SL 500 as the down payment on my 2013 SL-550 CPO
IF YOU LIKE THE COLOR AND THE OPTIONS ON THE 2017 SL 550 CPO YOU ARE LOOKING AT, THEN I SAY GO FOR IT!
FOR THOSE WHO LOVE THE FOLDING HARDTOP AS MUCH AS I DO, THIS IS THE MOST DEFINITELY 'THE RIGHT TIME' TO BUY A 231 SERIES SL CLASS!
Were there any advance warning or symptoms concerning the battery control module?
No, none whatsoever, in fact my 2003 SL with approximately 50,500 miles hadn't even been driven for several days when the trunk fire occurred. Suggest you see the thread entitled '07 SL550 Trunk Fire' in the 230 Forum for full details of not only the fire that occurred with my 2003 SL 500, but other such incidents as well. There is even a youtube video of another such fire incident there, (The youtube video incident happened in Hawaii in 2013 to a 'nearly new' 2012 SL 550). Click on the link below to view that thread...The details of my incident appear in Post #3 while the youtube video of a similar trunk fire in Hawaii appear in Post # 5. of the thread.
Note: The good news is this: To my knowledge, there have no battery control module (trunk) fires with the new 231 Series SL Class.
By the way, twilightround, I wouldn't be at all surprised to see a 2017 SL 550 CPO with an asking price of $90K or more, whereas a clean, low mileage, 2013 SL 550, (like mine), that is essentially the same car, can be purchased for just half that amount!. A great bargain indeed!
As for the 'Magic Sky' Roof, I love it! If you happen to be looking at a 2017 SL 550 with that particular option installed that's a real plus for sure!. There are certainly no 'heating issues' to be concerned with...The exterior of the Magic Sky roof takes on a 'mirror-like' appearance when in 'dark mode', so that sunlight is being reflected away from the SL's Magic Sky Panorama roof.
Although, I may be in the minority, I much prefer the look of the more 'angular',(pre-facelift, 2013-2016) 231's over the newer 2017-2019 models.. The latest 2017-2019 ('face-lifted') 231 models have lower grills that closely resemble far less expensive MB models within the MB lineup, like the GLC. (For me, that resemblance is simply 'too close'...The SL Class should maintain an 'exclusive look' consistent with it''s high retail price tag. While I realize it's completely subjective, the look of the earlier 2013-2016 models did appear somwhat unusual to me at first, coming from a 230 series, but since then, the look of the 2013-2016 231's has really 'grown on me'. Now that I have seen all the 231 model years up close, I definitely prefer the original and more exclusive ,(AMG-inspired), front end to the later 'face-lifted' models with those 'huge holes' on each side of the lower grill. Of course, YMMV will apply here.
I seek your guidance. I have a 2003 SL500 that has been a great car. It has less than 50,000 easy miles, and I don't really have to replace it, but would like to some of the things available on the 2017 and 2018 models. There is a 2017 SL550 I have my eye on, with very low mileage (under 2000) and pretty much every option, including ABC. It's a long way from me - I can't go and look at it and I would have to have it shipped. It does have an extended CPO warranty. With the options, it had an MSRP of almost $130,000. I'm also looking at a 2017 Porsche 911, but while the MSRP's are similar, the resale prices are not, the Porsche being considerably more. I have owned five Porsches and have driven a 2017 911, which was more of a touring car than earlier 911s, but not as comfortable as the SL550. I have owned three Mercedes. I know they are different cars. I'm retired and would use the car for short drives (golf course and grocery store) and for road trips with my wife. At what price do you think the 2017 SL550 would be a good buy? At what price do you think it would be too good to pass up? Are prices likely to go down a lot next fall when the 2020 model year begins and the 2017s are three years old and more of them are for sale?
So twighlightround,...Did you buy the 2017 model you were considering?...
No, I didn't. I'm leaning toward a slightly used 2017 911. I like the agility of it. I did also consider a 2017 AMG GT, which is a terrific car, but found the driver's seat too narrow to be comfortable on long distance drives.
No, I didn't. I'm leaning toward a slightly used 2017 911. I like the agility of it. I did also consider a 2017 AMG GT, which is a terrific car, but found the driver's seat too narrow to be comfortable on long distance drives.
Interesting choice to go with an all-out sports car like the Porsche 911. While I know some people here view the Porsche as a direct competition for the SL Class, but I just don't see that at all. The current SL was never intended to be an all-out sports car like the Porsche, even in in AMG form.
For the time being at least, the SL Class remains a very 'unique' type of car without a true competitor. It stands alone as a luxury 2-Seat Roadster/Cruiser with a very well-engineered folding hardtop. People can attempt to put into the same category as Porsche, Corvette, Jaguar F-Type or something else, but clearly the SL Class doesn't really fit or belong there. The SL still 'has it's own lane' for now, but that may change once the AMG-designed 2021 model makes it's debut in 2020 without the folding hardtop, but with a Cabriolet-type soft top instead. Oh well....All the more reason to love and appreciate the current 231 Series...perhaps the last SL Class of it's kind!...Sigh!
I agree with everything you say. In the garage now are a Lexus 460 (wife’s pick) and an Sl500. I’ve had the SL for many years and it has been a great car. The new SL is in many ways better, but feels bigger to me, maybe because it is, but also because of the height of the front end and the dash. The Lexus is too isolated for my taste. So It may be that I’m looking for a contrast to that and a change from the SL. But I will say that the Porsche 991.2 is a much better “touring” car than earlier versions (I’ve had five of those), and I like both the interior and exterior colors better than those on the current SL. My SL is in a dark green metallic called “everest” with an interior of light and dark beige - a beautiful combination, and one of many Mercedes choices not offered on the current SL. Speaking of choices, it’s nice to have them.
I agree with everything you say. In the garage now are a Lexus 460 (wife’s pick) and an Sl500. I’ve had the SL for many years and it has been a great car. The new SL is in many ways better, but feels bigger to me, maybe because it is, but also because of the height of the front end and the dash. The Lexus is too isolated for my taste. So It may be that I’m looking for a contrast to that and a change from the SL. But I will say that the Porsche 991.2 is a much better “touring” car than earlier versions (I’ve had five of those), and I like both the interior and exterior colors better than those on the current SL. My SL is in a dark green metallic called “everest” with an interior of light and dark beige - a beautiful combination, and one of many Mercedes choices not offered on the current SL. Speaking of choices, it’s nice to have them.
I do remember the 'evergreen color, (called Everest Green Metallic), and there was also another lovely green color which I think MB called called 'emerald green' a the time. Not sure if the latter was an SL color, however. There was also a color known as 'Aegean' Blue offered in 2003 that is one of my all-time favorite MB colors!
I do recall both those green colors were quite lovely when paired with the beige interiors offered by MB back then!
Certainly you have a rare and beautiful combination, so you are wise to hang on to for as long as it serves you well!
No, I didn't. I'm leaning toward a slightly used 2017 911. I like the agility of it. I did also consider a 2017 AMG GT, which is a terrific car, but found the driver's seat too narrow to be comfortable on long distance drives.
WOW, sound like the same car I bought 2 days ago in Melbourne FL. Just curious, did the one you were looking at have Black Nappa with Mars Red exterior?
me: 2015 SL400 & 2015 ML400; wife: 2022 GLC Coupe kid: 2017 GLC SUV
Originally Posted by bob55
(Full Disclosure, I just bought a CPO SL 550 with 15K miles in South Florida myself)
Originally Posted by bob55
I wouldn't be at all surprised to see a 2017 SL 550 CPO with an asking price of $90K or more, whereas a clean, low mileage, 2013 SL 550, (like mine), that is essentially the same car, can be purchased for just half that amount!. A great bargain indeed!
Bob, I'm looking at a 2013 SL550 with 44,000 miles; are you saying you paid $45K for yours? How much less would you think a non-CPO with 44K on it should be?
Bob, I'm looking at a 2013 SL550 with 44,000 miles; are you saying you paid $45K for yours? How much less would you think a non-CPO with 44K on it should be?
You can check Kelly Blue Book, (online), for a price range based on the year, options, mileage, condition, and location, but I personally would not have been willing to pay $45K here in South Florida for a 2013 SL550 with that many miles (44K) on it,
While there are quite a few 231 SL's to pick from in this part of the country right now, there probably aren't that many available for sale in your location. That said, I shopped AutoTrader for six months before finding the perfect SL 550 for me. By perfect, I mean the right exterior/interior colors, the right extra cost options, the right mileage, and the right price from an Authorized Mercedes-Benz Dealer who had done a complete inspection..
Mine had just 15,044 miles on it at the time of purchase, (10/17/2018), and was in absolutely 'pristine' condition, (appearing 'as new').
Take your time and look around awhile before buying one....Patience Pays!
me: 2015 SL400 & 2015 ML400; wife: 2022 GLC Coupe kid: 2017 GLC SUV
Thanks Bob. I know that a 44K mile car must cost less than a 15K one; I was just asking if $45K is what you paid, having inferred that from your "half off $90K" comment. The one I'm looking at is at a Lexus dealer (which has 3 MB dealers in the same family), and they want $40K. Based on my shopping it seems to be priced right, though it will likely get cheaper once there's some snow on the ground. KBB puts Private Party value range at $40,243. I'm currently trying to sell my 2009 CLK550 privately to get more than the dealer offered in trade.
Off topic, but can I ask you a Keyless Go question relative to the 2013 SL550? The car doors unlocked automatically with the key in my pocket, but there was no push-button start. I'm guessing that it's supposed to have a button in the ignition, where the key goes, much like my wife's 2015 C Class (my CLK has the start button on the shifter). Is that accurate? If I do go back and buy this car, I would want them to provide that, along with a second key, which they do not seem to have. Another feature I found odd in the SL was the power trunk button, which only opens the trunk (my CLK has a both open and close buttons). The (Lexus) salesman pointed out that the trunk closes automatically, which is nice, but the door button does not close the trunk, just opens it.
One last off topic point. The SL I'm looking at has an AMG badge, which I find odd. Should I buy it, that comes off (as does the SL550 badge as well).
Thanks Bob. I know that a 44K mile car must cost less than a 15K one; I was just asking if $45K is what you paid, having inferred that from your "half off $90K" comment. The one I'm looking at is at a Lexus dealer (which has 3 MB dealers in the same family), and they want $40K. Based on my shopping it seems to be priced right, though it will likely get cheaper once there's some snow on the ground. KBB puts Private Party value range at $40,243. I'm currently trying to sell my 2009 CLK550 privately to get more than the dealer offered in trade.
Off topic, but can I ask you a Keyless Go question relative to the 2013 SL550? The car doors unlocked automatically with the key in my pocket, but there was no push-button start. I'm guessing that it's supposed to have a button in the ignition, where the key goes, much like my wife's 2015 C Class (my CLK has the start button on the shifter). Is that accurate? If I do go back and buy this car, I would want them to provide that, along with a second key, which they do not seem to have. Another feature I found odd in the SL was the power trunk button, which only opens the trunk (my CLK has a both open and close buttons). The (Lexus) salesman pointed out that the trunk closes automatically, which is nice, but the door button does not close the trunk, just opens it.
One last off topic point. The SL I'm looking at has an AMG badge, which I find odd. Should I buy it, that comes off (as does the SL550 badge as well).
With keyless go, you would have have Start button in the ignition location. If that button is missing, you can buy that for $30 or so.
To test if the car has keyless go (in case you don't have the option sheet - but I think it was stock), lock the door by touching the door handle, etc.
The door button also closes the trunk btw. If it doesn't, it is typically because the trunk divider isn't closed or properly in place.
The AMG sticker comes off easily. Double-sided tape...
Thanks Bob. I know that a 44K mile car must cost less than a 15K one; I was just asking if $45K is what you paid, having inferred that from your "half off $90K" comment. The one I'm looking at is at a Lexus dealer (which has 3 MB dealers in the same family), and they want $40K. Based on my shopping it seems to be priced right, though it will likely get cheaper once there's some snow on the ground. KBB puts Private Party value range at $40,243. I'm currently trying to sell my 2009 CLK550 privately to get more than the dealer offered in trade.
Off topic, but can I ask you a Keyless Go question relative to the 2013 SL550? The car doors unlocked automatically with the key in my pocket, but there was no push-button start. I'm guessing that it's supposed to have a button in the ignition, where the key goes, much like my wife's 2015 C Class (my CLK has the start button on the shifter). Is that accurate? If I do go back and buy this car, I would want them to provide that, along with a second key, which they do not seem to have. Another feature I found odd in the SL was the power trunk button, which only opens the trunk (my CLK has a both open and close buttons). The (Lexus) salesman pointed out that the trunk closes automatically, which is nice, but the door button does not close the trunk, just opens it.
One last off topic point. The SL I'm looking at has an AMG badge, which I find odd. Should I buy it, that comes off (as does the SL550 badge as well).
Eddie,
If you feel you need an exact number, it was $44,995. Buy date was 10/17 of this year! Doubt that info will a help very much in your search, however.
Keep in mind that prices in your location will likely vary quite a bit from my location here in South Florida where there are so many more 231 SL's available for sale.
I see that someone else answered your other questions, so I'll just wish you good luck in your search..
Coming from a a 993 Carrera to a 2013 SL550 was a big change. You know you are not in a nimble sportscar, and there is less useable cabin space. However, at 74, it was time to get something that was little more comfortable and would be a pleasure on long drives. The SL 550 brings it! For me, if I were just doing errands and wanted the drives to be "fun", I'd go with a 2002=2006 911. Lots of fun and very nimble and they will hold more of their value than a MB normally does.
Wolfman the dealership I go to occasionally for service removes the start buttons from their loaners, but why would an SL owner want to remove it?
There have been cases when people failed to 'turn off' the engine, (even througt they actually had), due to the Keyless Go Button. Imagine leaving the engine running in a home garage....That's a major carbon monoxide hazard.
Also, 'when and if' you Valet Park, you mus remember to remove the Keyless Go Button, (and store it in your pocket), while you give your Smart Key to the Valet..
Wolfman the dealership I go to occasionally for service removes the start buttons from their loaners, but why would an SL owner want to remove it?
No reason really. Could be in the glove compartment or in the trunk. I have seen people remove them so they are not stolen (same reason dealers do it). Some 2nd owners don't know the car has keyless and use the physical key for years.
The buttons are not keyed to the car and will work in any previous gen. Keyless Go model. They used that design for at least a dozen years...
There have been cases when people failed to 'turn off' the engine, (even througt they actually had), due to the Keyless Go Button. Imagine leaving the engine running in a home garage....That's a major carbon monoxide hazard.
Also, 'when and if' you Valet Park, you mus remember to remove the Keyless Go Button, (and store it in your pocket), while you give your Smart Key to the Valet..
You would remove the button for a valet? Never removed these unless I cleaned the dashboard. I also find these problem cases you mentioned suspect. Keyless Go has been rock-solid for decades on millions of MB.
Coming from a a 993 Carrera to a 2013 SL550 was a big change. You know you are not in a nimble sportscar, and there is less useable cabin space. However, at 74, it was time to get something that was little more comfortable and would be a pleasure on long drives. The SL 550 brings it! For me, if I were just doing errands and wanted the drives to be "fun", I'd go with a 2002=2006 911. Lots of fun and very nimble and they will hold more of their value than a MB normally does.
Very different car to be sure but the 993 was really bare bone inside, even when new (compared to a R230 SL of the same time). Cruiser vs. sports car
You would remove the button for a valet? Never removed these unless I cleaned the dashboard. I also find these problem cases you mentioned suspect. Keyless Go has been rock-solid for decades on millions of MB.
You wouldn't want the Valet to leave your "Smart Key' in HIS pocket when he brings the car around to you! That could happen if he used the Keylesss Go Button (instead of the Smart Key) to start the car. He needs both items to be in close proximity or the KG 'Butto'n won't start the car!.
10-23-2018, 05:02 PM
So did you buy it?
