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2020 S560 Sedan, 2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, '24 BMW I7 on order...
I just took delivery of a 2019 SL450. I have owned many new SL’s & other cars and this one is just wonderful! I highly recommend the following options:
1. Active Body Control or “ABC.” A must have if you enjoy a smooth, buttoned down ride. Don’t let anyone talk you out of this fabulous option, without experiencing it for yourself. I would not own any new SL without it.
2. Exclusive Nappa interior. A truly amazing near Bentley-like interior and a real deal at only $1,900.00. Here’s a photo of mine. I’d also go for the wood/leather steering wheel.
3. Unless you are a speed demon or a torque junky, I highly recommend the 450 over the 550. $20K less and way more power than you will ever need. And, the lighter 450 is much more nimble and pleasing in the way it drives, IMO. If the SL450, 550 & 63 were all the same price, I’d still take the 450, it is that much better, again, in my humble opinion.
The one, very disappointing thing about this car, is the audio system. The sound is truly crummy as it comes from the factory and will need to be upgraded if you enjoy good music. It is my understanding that a major improvement can be had for under $500.00. I plan on having mine done soon. Other than that issue, the car is just wonderful.
Here, in Southern California, you can rent a new SL from Enterprise. However, it will be a very basic model, definitely without ABC.
Good luck to you!
Last edited by Streamliner; 05-29-2019 at 10:53 AM.
I just took delivery of a 2019 SL450. I have owned many new SL’s & other cars and this one is just wonderful! I highly recommend the following options:
1. Active Body Control or “ABC.” A must have if you enjoy a smooth, buttoned down ride. Don’t let anyone talk you out of this fabulous option, without experiencing it for yourself. I would not own any new SL without it.
2. Exclusive Nappa interior. A truly amazing near Bentley-like interior and a real deal at only $1,900.00. Here’s a photo of mine. I’d also go for the wood/leather steering wheel.
3. Unless you are a speed demon or a torque junky, I highly recommend the 450 over the 550. $20K less and way more power than you will ever need. And, the lighter 450 is much more nimble and pleasing in the way it drives, IMO. If the SL450, 550 & 63 were all the same price, I’d still take the 450, it is that much better, again, in my humble opinion.
The one, very disappointing thing about this car, is the audio system. The sound is truly crummy as it comes from the factory and will need to be upgraded if you enjoy good music. It is my understanding that a major improvement can be had for under $500.00. I plan on having mine done soon. Other than that issue, the car is just wonderful.
Here, in Southern California, you can rent a new SL from Enterprise. However, it will be a very basic model, definitely without ABC.
Check Turo for rentals, but they usually don't rent out for as long as 6 months.
As for options, I completely disagree with those who say get the V6. The 550 sounds amazing when you put your foot down, and it is a total sleeper with more torque than anything else on the road. The v6 sounds a bit obnoxious with the fake sound generator and doesn't make power as low as the V8 does.
As for options, the more the merrier! I'd skip magic sky control and the other gimmicks, but don skimp out on the good ones.
2020 S560 Sedan, 2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, '24 BMW I7 on order...
For me, Magic Sky was worthless, as I will drive my SL with the top down, 99% of the time. Others, who live in colder and much warmer climates, like Magic Sky, as they often drive with the top up.
That's exactly what I was thinking, thanks! I live in DC, but we have an Escalde for the family and winters 4x4. This sl550 would be my retirement toy present to myself!!
Originally Posted by Streamliner
For me, Magic Sky was worthless, as I will drive my SL with the top down, 99% of the time. Others, who live in colder and much warmer climates, like Magic Sky, as they often drive with the top up.
No Magic Sky for me either. It is generally so hot and sunny in my part of Texas I want as much sunlight blocked from the roof area as possible. If it’s cloudy or cool the top comes down.
2020 S560 Sedan, 2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, '24 BMW I7 on order...
Of course, personal preference plays into all decisions. Before this SL450, I had a 2013 SL550 without ABC. I bought it CPO and it's a long story, but I sold that car because it did not have ABC and I felt the ride was so inferior to my 2004 that had ABC. As for power, I have owned 427 Corvettes, Porsche Turbo, 12 cylinder BMW's and other very powerful cars. The SL450 has 362hp. Really, unless you want to really break the law, this V6 is plenty. With the 9-speed transmission, there is no problem needing more torque. As for the sound, it "purrs" rather than "roars," and I am liking it more every day. Anyway, the only way you will be able to decide, it to drive both models and see how you like them.
Yes, there are so few 450 and 550 around here, it's hard to find some to drive. Every one can order me one, but anything close to 2015, 2016, 2017, or 2018 around here just isn't on the lots.
The 2019 and 2020 v8s sl550 seem to have everything loaded, where it would be extra for the 450. Once you compare the fully loaded v6 to a basic v8; the price is reasonable close with a couple % percentages.
2020 S560 Sedan, 2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, '24 BMW I7 on order...
Originally Posted by John Wahoo
Yes, there are so few 450 and 550 around here, it's hard to find some to drive. Every one can order me one, but anything close to 2015, 2016, 2017, or 2018 around here just isn't on the lots.
The 2019 and 2020 v8s sl550 seem to have everything loaded, where it would be extra for the 450. Once you compare the fully loaded v6 to a basic v8; the price is reasonable close with a couple % percentages.
Yes, the dealers usually order the 450's very basic, to keep the price down. I guess they figure if someone is willing to pay the $20K extra for the V8, they will want lots of other options as well, so they load those cars up.
That makes sense. I guess we have to special order one.
There is a one here, what do you think??
https://www.mercedesalexandria.com/inventory/certified-used-2017-mercedes-benz-sl-sl-550-rwd-roadster-wddjk7da9hf043695
Originally Posted by Streamliner
Yes, the dealers usually order the 450's very basic, to keep the price down. I guess they figure if someone is willing to pay the $20K extra for the V8, they will want lots of other options as well, so they load those cars up.
Last edited by John Wahoo; 05-29-2019 at 07:56 PM.
Reason: CPO
Also a 2016 550:
https://www.mercedesbenzofchantilly.com/inventory/certified-used-2016-mercedes-benz-sl-sl-550-rear-wheel-drive-roadster-wddjk7daxgf041372
They offered a 1 year cpo warranty. after 1 year, what do you think the 400 or sl550 would sell for? How much cost of ownership per year?
Also, you think that's a good price on the 2015 sl400 vs 2017 sl550??
Last edited by John Wahoo; 05-29-2019 at 08:01 PM.
I went from a SL550 to the SL450 because I personally thought the SL450 handled better on the curve prone back roads I like to drive. Price makes no difference to me. I pay cash for my vehicles and can afford more expensive cars but naturally buy what I enjoy most. The difference, at the time, in transmissions was a deciding factor for me also. Going from a 7 speed to a 9 speed set up sold me. When you floor a Sl450 it walks up the 9 gears so smoothly it is almost flawless.
Last edited by Utopia Texas; 05-29-2019 at 08:42 PM.
I went from a SL550 to the SL450 because I personally thought the SL450 handled better on the curve prone back roads I like to drive. Price makes no difference to me. I pay cash for my vehicles and can afford more expensive cars but naturally buy what I enjoy most. The difference, at the time, in transmissions was a deciding factor for me also. Going from a 7 speed to a 9 speed set up sold me. When you floor a Sl450 it walks up the 9 gears so smoothly it is almost flawless.
Try this site: https://www.autotempest.com/ . You can probably find a CPO with under 20,000 miles optioned the way you want it and save yourself a bundle. I assume you realize 2020 will be a completely new SL model that will only be available as a soft top convertible; not the hardtop convertible many of us feel is the most important part of the SL experience.
Try this site: https://www.autotempest.com/ . You can probably find a CPO with under 20,000 miles optioned the way you want it and save yourself a bundle. I assume you realize 2020 will be a completely new SL model that will only be available as a soft top convertible; not the hardtop convertible many of us feel is the most important part of the SL experience.
The softop SL will be introduced at earliest as a 2021 model but most likely a 2022.
Also, there have been extended discussions related to the 450 vs 550 models.
I suggest to do a quick search in the forum to find detailed pros/cons with more insight. Good read...
SL550 was my personal choice for a variety of reasons.
If a CPO, the MY17 and up are the facelifted designs sporting an updated look but more important, the 9 speed transmission and a variety of technical improvements that makes this model more compelling than the MY16.
Again, lots of posts discussing these details.
The softop SL will be introduced at earliest as a 2021 model but most likely a 2022.
Also, there have been extended discussions related to the 450 vs 550 models.
I suggest to do a quick search in the forum to find detailed pros/cons with more insight. Good read...
SL550 was my personal choice for a variety of reasons.
If a CPO, the MY17 and up are the facelifted designs sporting an updated look but more important, the 9 speed transmission and a variety of technical improvements that makes this model more compelling than the MY16.
Again, lots of posts discussing these details.
Unless you are 'price constrained', I strongly recommend the SL550 V8 over either V6, (400 or 450)....
IMO the SL Class deserves nothing less than the V8 that it was originally designed to have prior to the introduction of the V6.Engine, (which of course is all about MB gas mileage imrovements and a lower SL Class entry price point)...
The V8 is far more exhilarating to drive compared to either of the SL Class V6 engines, plus it has that wonderful SL 550 Twin Turbo V8 'growl' that either V6 lacks!...
I also recommend the 'Magic Sky' Roof option because it just suits 'the elegant character' of the 231 so perfectly. I detest those sliding transparent roof covers as they tend to develop 'rattles' over time, particularly while in the 'open' position. You'll use and enjoy the 231's Panorama roof a whole lot more with the Magic Sky Option, and you'll likely appreciate the extra headroom it provides as well...
I happen to live in South Florida where it is often just 'too hot' for 'top down' driving, but thanks to A/C, it's never too hot to appreciate the 231's Magic Sky Roof.
In fact, I use it virtually every day and just love it. The 1-touch convenience of 'Magic Sky' quickly spoils you, and once you've experienced it, you realize you would never want to own a 231 without the 'Magic Sky' Roof Option!...
In contrast, I also own and drive a 2006 CL 55 AMG which has 'the more common and conventional' sliding cover for the sun/moon roof, but for some reason it is rarely ever used.... .
I strongly recommend the SL550 V8 over either V6, (400 or 450)....
IMO the SL Class deserves nothing less than the V8 that it was originally designed to have prior to the introduction of the V6.Engine, (which of course is all about MB gas mileage imrovements and a lower SL Class entry price point)...
The V8 is far more exhilarating to drive compared to either of the SL Class V6 engines, plus it has that wonderful SL 550 Twin Turbo V8 'growl' that either V6 lacks!...
I also recommend the 'Magic Sky' Roof option because it just suits 'the elegant character' of the 231 so perfectly. I detest those sliding transparent roof covers as they tend to develop 'rattles' over time, particularly while in the 'open' position. You'll use and enjoy the 231's Panorama roof a whole lot more with the Magic Sky Option, and you'll likely appreciate the extra headroom it provides as well...
I happen to live in South Florida where it is often just 'too hot' for 'top down' driving, but thanks to A/C, it's never too hot to appreciate the 231's Magic Sky Roof.
In fact, I use it virtually every day and just love it. The 1-touch convenience of 'Magic Sky' quickly spoils you, and once you've experienced it, you realize you would never want to own a 231 without the 'Magic Sky' Roof Option!...
In contrast, I also own and drive a 2006 CL 55 AMG which has 'the more common and conventional' sliding cover for the sun/moon roof, but for some reason it is rarely ever used.... .
Totally agree the Magic Sky is worthy of consideration. When I was considering ordering my SL, I was a bit put off by the additional cost of the Magic Sky. Fortunately, I located a 2017 CPO 550SL that had Magic Sky and the wonderful ABC options. The car only a1,800 miles on it and MRSP $130,000. Getting it for $90,000 as a CPO was too good of a deal to pass up. Also avoided the 4-5 month order, build and ship marathon. This was the first "used" car I had ever bought. I'm totally sold on the value & convenience of the CPO program.
2020 S560 Sedan, 2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, '24 BMW I7 on order...
Yes, CPO can certainly be a great way to go, IF you can find the right car and it is something that should be explored. I am very picky about colors & options, so I wanted to order my car just the way I wanted it. In addition, there are some--myself included--who place a high value on having a brand new car. I would never criticize anyone from going the CPO route and have done it myself in the past, but there is something very special about taking delivery of a car that was built to your order. In addition, if the 450 is the car you want, you will be VERY hard pressed to find one loaded up with things like ABC, Magic Sky, Exclusive Nappa, in the exact color combo you want.
Totally agree the Magic Sky is worthy of consideration. When I was considering ordering my SL, I was a bit put off by the additional cost of the Magic Sky. Fortunately, I located a 2017 CPO 550SL that had Magic Sky and the wonderful ABC options. The car only a1,800 miles on it and MRSP $130,000. Getting it for $90,000 as a CPO was too good of a deal to pass up. Also avoided the 4-5 month order, build and ship marathon. This was the first "used" car I had ever bought. I'm totally sold on the value & convenience of the CPO program.
Thank you. that's good to know. I've got 180k in the bank, but I'm not sure I want spend it all at once. So a preowned solution sounds like a good idea, and I don't have to wait 6 months. and in that, I can always order a new one.
I'm in DC, so I'm looking for top down fun but I think I'll see if I can find the ABC and magic sky.
Thank you. that's good to know. I've got 180k in the bank, but I'm not sure I want spend it all at once. So a preowned solution sounds like a good idea, and I don't have to wait 6 months. and in that, I can always order a new one.
I'm in DC, so I'm looking for top down fun but I think I'll see if I can find the ABC and magic sky.
JPG
You still might consider leasing a car instead of burning money on a quickly depreciating asset. Just a thought...
05-29-2019, 09:28 AM
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