When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Red interior?
First off, I should say that I usually LOVE red interiors, especially on convertibles. Next, I’ll say that I absolutely HATE the current “red” interiors offered on the SL’s. Mixed with so much black, I feel that the Bengal Red looks terrible and the Designo Classic Red looks garrish and horrible. So, today I’m goofing around on Swap-A-Lease and when doing a search for a 2017 or newer SL, I find that NINE out of 17 listings have red interiors. This is amazing to me, since I never see that many “out in the wild.” It might appear that a good percentage of folks who lease new SL’s with red interiors might end up hating them as well.
I guess I have to start by saying that while color choices are completely subjective, we are all free to voice our opinions here.
I think MB was actually quite wise to 'tone down' the RED INTERIOR somewhat by using BLACK in combination with it.
While not a huge fan of RED interiors myself, I do think that particular interior combo can look 'quite sporty' on the 231 when combined with Iridium Silver or Diamond White Exterior colors.
If you are a fanatic for the color RED, you can even go RED both 'inside and out' with a 231. In fact, there's a used 231 like that for sale at a MB Dealer in North Palm Beach right now with just 10K miles!
That kind of RED/RED combo can certainly get you plenty of attention if indeed that is what you want most from an SL.
Like I said at the outset, any color choice mentioned by anyone here is going to be completely subjective, so YMMV must always apply!
LOL....Next time I buy another SL I’ll ask comrade bob55 what color I should get. Talk about arrogant telling folks what is correct to own and what is not.
LOL....Next time I buy another SL I’ll ask comrade bob55 what color I should get. Talk about arrogant telling folks what is correct to own and what is not.
I am not trying to tell YOU or anyone else what is "correct" to own 'Texas Man'...Don't be such a dick!
Obviously color choices are completely subjective, but opinions on color are certainly allowed here!
Perhaps you really have spent too much time in that Hot Texas Sun!...CHILL OUT!
The choice of Interior color and how well it looks on the car is normally influenced to some degree by the Exterior color choice. Hope that's not too 'controversial' for you, gkgeiger...
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Of course everyone here KNOWS that what they may like, others won’t and vice versa. Must we always state this adnausium in every post we make? I know folks out there love those red interiors and that’s just great. I don’t happen to. Big deal. People buy current Lexus models, as horrid as I and many others feel they are. Go figure.
Of course everyone here KNOWS that what they may like, others won’t and vice versa. Must we always state this adnausium in every post we make? I know folks out there love those red interiors and that’s just great. I don’t happen to. Big deal. People buy current Lexus models, as horrid as I and many others feel they are. Go figure.
Then of course one wonders why you posted this in the first place I understand it is yet another post stating your dislike of MB not being Porsche or Bentley in offering countless color variations. While I fully agree with you, (even BMW's individual color options are outstanding) MB has decided to not make this a priority yet. To answer your non-question I will assume that people do not dislike the red, rather a large percentage of SL's are configured by dealers with red interior and a majority of customers buy off the dealer floor instead of ordering. This is still the most popular SL interior next to black. Silver/red has been the classic SL color combo for the last 50 years or so...
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Well, as I mentioned, I found the number of red interior cars for sale, in relationship to the total number for sale to be interesting. And I would have to disagree about red being the second most ordered interior for the R 231’s, as I would put my money on the Ginger Beige/Espresso Brown, based of what I see here in So. Calif. As far as a silver/red combo being classic SL, if only I could order a REAL RED interior, such as MB used to offer, my color problems would be over, as I would jump on it. In 1978, I rented a Signal Red 450SL with a full RED interior and drove it up to Pebble Beach to see the concours. It was a striking car and I would say that the red on red worked great, but when I bought my first new SL, a Signal Red ‘79, I opted for the “Bamboo” interior, which was stunning. Of all the SL’s I’ve had, as far as looks went, my ‘86 560SL in Signal Red with “Palomino” interior had to be my favorite. At any rate, you’re right, I’m unhappy with the color offerings by MB and even though I want a new SL in the worst way, I have an appointment to test drive Porsche models this Tuesday. They say they are much improved over my last Carrera in 2009. We’ll see!
Well, as I mentioned, I found the number of red interior cars for sale, in relationship to the total number for sale to be interesting. And I would have to disagree about red being the second most ordered interior for the R 231’s, as I would put my money on the Ginger Beige/Espresso Brown, based of what I see here in So. Calif. As far as a silver/red combo being classic SL, if only I could order a REAL RED interior, such as MB used to offer, my color problems would be over, as I would jump on it. In 1978, I rented a Signal Red 450SL with a full RED interior and drove it up to Pebble Beach to see the concours. It was a striking car and I would say that the red on red worked great, but when I bought my first new SL, a Signal Red ‘79, I opted for the “Bamboo” interior, which was stunning. Of all the SL’s I’ve had, as far as looks went, my ‘86 560SL in Signal Red with “Palomino” interior had to be my favorite. At any rate, you’re right, I’m unhappy with the color offerings by MB and even though I want a new SL in the worst way, I have an appointment to test drive Porsche models this Tuesday. They say they are much improved over my last Carrera in 2009. We’ll see!
I agree with Streamliner....The Ginger Beige/Expresso Brown Interior does indeed seem to be the color option most often seen on the 231 Series. That's likely because It was designed to look good on almost every exterior color MB has offered on the 231 Series to date
Furthermore a lighter colored interior probably makes more sense over a darker colored interior for a convertible used in a warm climate.
Again, this is a subjective opinion...I recognize and appreciate the opinions off those who may disagree.
The leathers on the SL actually have a heat reflective coating, but darker colors will be a warmer in hot weather. That said, interior color preferences vary by region. Don't see many Ginger Beige interiors here at all. The color info was mentioned to me a several years ago in Bremen where all SL's are manufactured, but that may have changed.
2005 R 230 SL350 (M112 3.7). Sold the 1966 W113 230SL recently
ALERT: personal opinion
MB red SL interiors used to be wonderful. Alas I have to agree that the R230 till current red(/mix) SL interiors are a disappointment. I’d still congratulate the owner with a stunning car, but it just doesn’t do the interior design justice whereas other combo’s do work so very well.
ALERT TERMINATED
Last edited by Frederick NL; Dec 12, 2018 at 12:36 PM.
Reason: Pic added
Mine is Bengal Red (black trim) and Polar White Paint - don't like, beige, lights colours and brownish (interior) colours - reminds me of the MBs my parents had and old fashioned - grey has un it race and black ----- done loads of cars with black leather and wanted something different - I was concerned that I might not like the red it but love it and get many compliments - all in the eye of the beholder - if we all wanted the same thing life would be pretty boring!
Picture taken on an overcast day quite late. The colour of the seat part of the seats and interior trim is probably closest to what the colour really look like.
Last edited by rorywquin; Dec 13, 2018 at 10:32 AM.
Reason: add photos
2019 Dune Silver Metallic E-450 Mercedes Cabriolet NEW Mercedes 2020 GLC300 graphite gray SUV
I have to admit, I do miss see the true red interiors of days gone by. These pastel reds are ok, but nothing sets a car off like a true red interior. I guess people like these more muted red tones, otherwise they wouldn't be selling them.
I have to admit, I do miss see the true red interiors of days gone by. These pastel reds are ok, but nothing sets a car off like a true red interior. I guess people like these more muted red tones, otherwise they wouldn't be selling them.
2005 R 230 SL350 (M112 3.7). Sold the 1966 W113 230SL recently
Originally Posted by rorywquin
Mine is Bengal Red (black trim) and Polar White Paint - don't like, beige, lights colours and brownish (interior) colours - reminds me of the MBs my parents had (...) The colour of the seat part of the seats and interior trim is probably closest to what the colour really look like.
I see what your mean. Besides, the red section on your dash is far less dominant than in an R230.
What’s really wrong with your car is that the steering wheel is on the wrong side
OK - I can see what people don't like - it is a lot of red. Having spent a lot of my life in in LHD and RHD countries, I often find myself going to the wrong side of the car!
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.
I understand it is yet another post stating your dislike of MB not being Porsche or Bentley in offering countless color variations. While I fully agree with you, (even BMW's individual color options are outstanding) MB has decided to not make this a priority yet. To answer your non-question I will assume that people do not dislike the red, rather a large percentage of SL's are configured by dealers with red interior and a majority of customers buy off the dealer floor instead of ordering. This is still the most popular SL interior next to black. Silver/red has been the classic SL color combo for the last 50 years or so...
