Yes, the ABS can be very costly to repair.
SL/R231: Known issues?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2019
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2013 SL 63
Known issues?
Hello all:
New to the forum after years of BMW ownership. Had two three-series that were amazing cars and then made the huge mistake of buying a 650i cabriolet. I am now looking to move on from the brand and have had quite a few friends and clients recommend MB. I am looking for another cab: preferably a SL, but I'm also interested in the E-class. As for the SL, are there any known issues I should be looking for? Coming from a car that needed $27,000 in repairs at 105k kms (I'm an American living in Canada), I really want to make sure I'm not bitten again. Any helpful suggestions?
TIA
New to the forum after years of BMW ownership. Had two three-series that were amazing cars and then made the huge mistake of buying a 650i cabriolet. I am now looking to move on from the brand and have had quite a few friends and clients recommend MB. I am looking for another cab: preferably a SL, but I'm also interested in the E-class. As for the SL, are there any known issues I should be looking for? Coming from a car that needed $27,000 in repairs at 105k kms (I'm an American living in Canada), I really want to make sure I'm not bitten again. Any helpful suggestions?
TIA
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 398
Likes: 135
SL550
The ABC suspension system is known to have some faults, but usually on models with high mileage (over 70,000 KMs)
I'd recommend having the car inspected by a mechanic who specializes in MB. Also, 105,000 KM is pretty high for cars like this, so if you are driving a lot, I'd recommend getting a CPO car with a warranty that will last for a long while.
I'd recommend having the car inspected by a mechanic who specializes in MB. Also, 105,000 KM is pretty high for cars like this, so if you are driving a lot, I'd recommend getting a CPO car with a warranty that will last for a long while.
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Joined: Oct 2010
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From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
I’m assuming you are thinking of a later model SL, 2013 or later, which would be the MB R231 designation. If so, these cars are highly dependable, IF properly maintained. The Active Body Control or ABC is a $4K+ option on these cars and VERY few have it, so you can easily avoid that, should you wish to, but it is, IMO, a truly amazing system. About the only other thing that may be an issue, many (10+) years down the line, could be the hydraulically operated, retractable hardtop, but I would not worry about that either.
In 2017, the car was updated with a nicer front end and some other items, so if you can, I’d go with a 2017 or later. You can get a great deal on a new SL, or as the other fellow mentioned, a low mileage CPO is a great way to go as well.
Lastly, I would highly recommend the SL450 over the 550. Exact same car, with two fewer cylinders, that is still very quick, handles better, IMO, and cost $20K less. I’d also try to stay away from cars with wheels larger than 19”, but that’s just me, as I value ride quality.
Good luck!
In 2017, the car was updated with a nicer front end and some other items, so if you can, I’d go with a 2017 or later. You can get a great deal on a new SL, or as the other fellow mentioned, a low mileage CPO is a great way to go as well.
Lastly, I would highly recommend the SL450 over the 550. Exact same car, with two fewer cylinders, that is still very quick, handles better, IMO, and cost $20K less. I’d also try to stay away from cars with wheels larger than 19”, but that’s just me, as I value ride quality.
Good luck!
Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 75
Likes: 11
From: Las Vegas
2017 SL450; 2012 Porsche Cayenne Turbo; 2005 Lexus SC430
I second Streamliner’s recommendations. I own a 2017 SL450 with ABC and have around 8,500 miles on it. Hands down, this is the finest car I have ever owned — and over the past 50+ years, I’ve owned a lot of cars.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 9
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2013 SL 63
Thank you all for the informative feedback! I am, indeed, looking at 2013 or newer. I am quite interested in the 450, but they are hen's teeth here in Ontario. I am not in a large hurry, but expect the prices might rise the closer we get to summer. I have heard wonderful things about MB ownership; I have to say I shied away a bit b/c of the Chrysler merger a few years back. I am not a huge fan of Dodge/Chrysler and was worried their poor quality may have affected MB. Glad to see I was wrong!
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From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Wow! Another 450 with ABC! You must have ordered your car? When mine arrives in May, you and I will be members of what must be a very small club.
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2019 Dune Silver Metallic E-450 Mercedes Cabriolet NEW Mercedes 2020 GLC300 graphite gray SUV
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From: Connecticut, USA
2017 SL450
There's one other major known issue, that no one here has talked about, but that is quite important nonetheless. And that issue is the *****-eating grin that's always on the faces of drivers lucky enough to be driving their SL. That and the feeling of satisfaction with owning such a wonderful, easy-going automobile.
Good luck with your purchase.
Good luck with your purchase.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,194
Likes: 4,422
From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
There's one other major known issue, that no one here has talked about, but that is quite important nonetheless. And that issue is the *****-eating grin that's always on the faces of drivers lucky enough to be driving their SL. That and the feeling of satisfaction with owning such a wonderful, easy-going automobile.
Good luck with your purchase.
Good luck with your purchase.
But, there is one other problem: The sound systems, either one, are hampered by poor design and if you are a music person, chances are that you will be unhappy with the performance of the units in the R231’s. This shortfall can be corrected, at least to an acceptable level, with the addition of an aftermarket amplifier, and there are numerous threads here, outlining what needs to be done. Just sayin.
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From: God's County (Yorkshire)
Shanks’s Pony
I honestly do not understand the fuss about the sound system in a SL.
With the roof down, having a fancy system is pointless (engine, road & wind noise) and if you are getting a bit older you will not get the benefits of a fancy system even with the roof up.
My ears are wrecked from gunfire and other loud noises before we knew about long term hearing damage and I'm not getting any younger ...so extra money on a sound system is a waste of money for me.
With the roof down, having a fancy system is pointless (engine, road & wind noise) and if you are getting a bit older you will not get the benefits of a fancy system even with the roof up.
My ears are wrecked from gunfire and other loud noises before we knew about long term hearing damage and I'm not getting any younger ...so extra money on a sound system is a waste of money for me.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 661
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From: Franklin, TN
2019 E450 wagon: 2019 BMW 430i: 2013 Chevy Traverse: (departed)2013 SL550 & 2019 E450 cab
So true jetjok! 2013 SL550 here, over 35,000 miles, no issues other than a couple of cracked rims, and 15,000 mile tire life. But that is quite expected. Great cars to own and to drive.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 398
Likes: 135
SL550
I’m assuming you are thinking of a later model SL, 2013 or later, which would be the MB R231 designation. If so, these cars are highly dependable, IF properly maintained. The Active Body Control or ABC is a $4K+ option on these cars and VERY few have it, so you can easily avoid that, should you wish to, but it is, IMO, a truly amazing system. About the only other thing that may be an issue, many (10+) years down the line, could be the hydraulically operated, retractable hardtop, but I would not worry about that either.
In 2017, the car was updated with a nicer front end and some other items, so if you can, I’d go with a 2017 or later. You can get a great deal on a new SL, or as the other fellow mentioned, a low mileage CPO is a great way to go as well.
Lastly, I would highly recommend the SL450 over the 550. Exact same car, with two fewer cylinders, that is still very quick, handles better, IMO, and cost $20K less. I’d also try to stay away from cars with wheels larger than 19”, but that’s just me, as I value ride quality.
Good luck!
In 2017, the car was updated with a nicer front end and some other items, so if you can, I’d go with a 2017 or later. You can get a great deal on a new SL, or as the other fellow mentioned, a low mileage CPO is a great way to go as well.
Lastly, I would highly recommend the SL450 over the 550. Exact same car, with two fewer cylinders, that is still very quick, handles better, IMO, and cost $20K less. I’d also try to stay away from cars with wheels larger than 19”, but that’s just me, as I value ride quality.
Good luck!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,194
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From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Well sir, yes and no and I certainly do stand corrected. I certainly do not profess to be an expert on such things, especially beyond the U.S. borders, but a quick look at the MB Canada website shows that ABC is standard on the SL550 and not even available on the SL450. Amazing! You learn something every day!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,194
Likes: 4,422
From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Do you have the B&O sound system? Would you order it again?
Sorry, this was supposed to be a new thread. Please ignore it.
Last edited by Streamliner; Jan 28, 2019 at 12:15 PM.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 9
Likes: 6
2013 SL 63
There's one other major known issue, that no one here has talked about, but that is quite important nonetheless. And that issue is the *****-eating grin that's always on the faces of drivers lucky enough to be driving their SL. That and the feeling of satisfaction with owning such a wonderful, easy-going automobile.
Good luck with your purchase.
Good luck with your purchase.
I honestly do not understand the fuss about the sound system in a SL.
With the roof down, having a fancy system is pointless (engine, road & wind noise) and if you are getting a bit older you will not get the benefits of a fancy system even with the roof up.
My ears are wrecked from gunfire and other loud noises before we knew about long term hearing damage and I'm not getting any younger ...so extra money on a sound system is a waste of money for me.
With the roof down, having a fancy system is pointless (engine, road & wind noise) and if you are getting a bit older you will not get the benefits of a fancy system even with the roof up.
My ears are wrecked from gunfire and other loud noises before we knew about long term hearing damage and I'm not getting any younger ...so extra money on a sound system is a waste of money for me.
Well sir, yes and no and I certainly do stand corrected. I certainly do not profess to be an expert on such things, especially beyond the U.S. borders, but a quick look at the MB Canada website shows that ABC is standard on the SL550 and not even available on the SL450. Amazing! You learn something every day!
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 563
Likes: 171
From: Nothern Georgia, U.S.A.
'17 SL450, '25 Lyriq, '25 Sonata Hybrid, '96 Corvette GS coupe
I bookmarked three different auto sites for CPO 2017-2018 SL450s several months ago, and I check them all two or three times each week. I have yet to find a car in the U.S. with ABC, and I'm getting discouraged. I've watched everything I could find on YouTube regarding ABC maintenance/repair, and the impression I get from all of that is: if the system is properly maintained, it'll outlast its extended stay with me. Yes, it's complicated and parts can be expensive, but I do all my own work so it would just be parts. Also, buying a car this new will allow me to maintain the system on schedule...rather than buying an older car that will possibly not have had any ABC maintenance.
A guy on YouTube bought an R230 SL63 with around 120k miles on it that had quite obviously been "ridden hard and put away wet" every day of its miserable life. He only paid $8k US for it. He had it scanned at a dealer, and got back 8 pages of repairs totaling over $30k US. Even the top had quit working (turned out to be a cheap limit switch). The only system on the car that was still working properly...was the ABC! And he then proceeded to remove the entire system and replace it with a conventional handling kit, because he had "heard how unreliable ABC is"!
Frankly, when I started looking at R231s, I found the top mechanism a far more frightening proposition than ABC, but admittedly, I'm new to SLs in general, so I may just be filled with poo. Like ABC, you generally only hear about top failures on older cars that haven't been maintained. I no longer fear the top mechanism like I used to, as I have rarely seen any complaints on here about the top, and this is where complaints would show up if it was a problem. Someone said something negative about these tops "after ten years". MB is apparently going to replace this car with a soft top version in order to reduce weight. The mechanism for a soft top will probably be nearly as complex as this one is, so other than weight, what's the overall advantage? Personally, I can't see a soft top lasting ten years without giving grief of some kind, and I'd rather have the current hard top. It's quieter and more secure. It may be heavier too, but I won't have to carry it around, so what do I care?
A guy on YouTube bought an R230 SL63 with around 120k miles on it that had quite obviously been "ridden hard and put away wet" every day of its miserable life. He only paid $8k US for it. He had it scanned at a dealer, and got back 8 pages of repairs totaling over $30k US. Even the top had quit working (turned out to be a cheap limit switch). The only system on the car that was still working properly...was the ABC! And he then proceeded to remove the entire system and replace it with a conventional handling kit, because he had "heard how unreliable ABC is"!
Frankly, when I started looking at R231s, I found the top mechanism a far more frightening proposition than ABC, but admittedly, I'm new to SLs in general, so I may just be filled with poo. Like ABC, you generally only hear about top failures on older cars that haven't been maintained. I no longer fear the top mechanism like I used to, as I have rarely seen any complaints on here about the top, and this is where complaints would show up if it was a problem. Someone said something negative about these tops "after ten years". MB is apparently going to replace this car with a soft top version in order to reduce weight. The mechanism for a soft top will probably be nearly as complex as this one is, so other than weight, what's the overall advantage? Personally, I can't see a soft top lasting ten years without giving grief of some kind, and I'd rather have the current hard top. It's quieter and more secure. It may be heavier too, but I won't have to carry it around, so what do I care?
Last edited by Dr. Manhattan; Feb 2, 2019 at 09:48 PM.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 9
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2013 SL 63
One of the issues I'm ditching my 650 for is that the top doesn't work properly. It leaks over the driver and the top "time's out" halfway up or down about every 10th use. BMW can't track it down and pretty much told me to live with it since it works 90% of the time!
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 563
Likes: 171
From: Nothern Georgia, U.S.A.
'17 SL450, '25 Lyriq, '25 Sonata Hybrid, '96 Corvette GS coupe
Ouch! That's just rude and unreasonable. "Live with it" is a universal fallback position when they don't know how to fix something. I got the same thing recently when my Chevy dealer was doing a "routine" module update and all of my NAV info and map updates disappeared. Eventually, after I'd made quite a nuisance of myself, GM told them to replace the offending module, and all was well again. A leaking/intermittent top should be absolutely unacceptable to your dealer, and BMW. Switching to an SL will only have maximum impact if you return to your BMW dealer with it and thank them for forcing you into "a better car". They always love that sort of thing...
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 9
Likes: 6
2013 SL 63
Ouch! That's just rude and unreasonable. "Live with it" is a universal fallback position when they don't know how to fix something. I got the same thing recently when my Chevy dealer was doing a "routine" module update and all of my NAV info and map updates disappeared. Eventually, after I'd made quite a nuisance of myself, GM told them to replace the offending module, and all was well again. A leaking/intermittent top should be absolutely unacceptable to your dealer, and BMW. Switching to an SL will only have maximum impact if you return to your BMW dealer with it and thank them for forcing you into "a better car". They always love that sort of thing...
