The vast majority of 2013/14 SL550s I'm seeing for sale do not have the 2 center buttons (between ABC and ECO) in this picture. What are these for? When i'm ready to buy, I know I want one with Distronic cruise, are either of these buttons related to that?

 

They aren't related to that, but the ABC option is imperative as it makes the SL a great GT car. I wouldn't buy an SL without it.

 

THis might help:
https://www.mbusa.com/content/dam/mb...L_Operator.pdf

2014 SL owners manual from MB website.

 

Thanks. Here's what the book says:

So does that mean if there are no buttons here then the car does not have ABC? Can anyone confirm?

 

These buttons simply mean that the car has ABC. SL's on springs have blanks.

Left button raises the car for steep driveways, etc.
Right button brings ups the suspension screen on Comand which visualizes the suspension dynamics (ride height, brake and gas pedal pressure, G-Force, strut pressure and wheel position)

 

Thanks Wolfman. That was exactly what I was wanting to know. Looks like 13/14s with ABC and Distronic are hard to find in the used market. But, I don't have to be in a hurry as I already have my 11. I'll hold out to find exactly what I'm looking for.

 

No worries about Standard Distronic, (i.e. Cruise Control), all the 231's will have that! However if you want the upgraded Distronic 'Plus' (Active radar with full braking), that is part of the optional Driver Assistance Package.)

 

Distronic = adaptive cruise, is this right? If so, I don't believe it is a standard feature. Are you sure?

 

Nice one Distronic Plus is not a standard feature of the SL. It's part of the Drivers Assistance Package which cost $2950. On the MY19 it is reduced to $2250.

You can easily tell by the star in the grill if the SL has it. A smooth plastic dish with the star on it has it. Without it's a star insert on top of mesh.
On the facelift models (MY17+) you can tell easily by the windshield. Two cameras vs one in the top center...

Good luck in your search!