SL/R231: If I hate the "star" grille of the 2017s and on, do I have any options?
Thread Starter
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Joined: Apr 2019
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From: Western NY
2016 SL400
If I hate the "star" grille of the 2017s and on, do I have any options?
I have been searching for a few months for a 2015 or 2016 CPO SL400 or SL550 that meets my specs. I really really want ABC, and my better half is telling me to stick to that or I'll be second guessing myself if I compromise and she just does not want to put up with that... :-)
Anyways, the summer is burning away and I don't have my new car and I'm getting antsy. I was thinking about expanding my search to post-facelift cars (2017+).
But, I hate that grille. Any options on something different? Long shot I know, but if anyone has ideas, it will be someone on this forum.
Anyways, the summer is burning away and I don't have my new car and I'm getting antsy. I was thinking about expanding my search to post-facelift cars (2017+).
But, I hate that grille. Any options on something different? Long shot I know, but if anyone has ideas, it will be someone on this forum.
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From: Hagerstown MD
2015 SL400; 2019 X5M40i
I searched for a month for a '15 or '16 with ABC and finally gave up. Test drove without and it rode fine to me. I did come out of a Corvette so not surprising that we found the ride very pleasing. I was also a bit apprehensive about the expense of repairing/replacing suspension components of a car with ABC.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 93
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From: Western NY
2016 SL400
I searched for a month for a '15 or '16 with ABC and finally gave up. Test drove without and it rode fine to me. I did come out of a Corvette so not surprising that we found the ride very pleasing. I was also a bit apprehensive about the expense of repairing/replacing suspension components of a car with ABC.
I'll probably end up doing the same as you - there a a few out there that have everything I want except ABC. What's got me stuck is that pretty much everyone here who has ABC raves about it, and this is a long term purchase for me so I don't want regrets.
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From: South Florida
2013 SL550 (Lux Sport), 2006 CL55 AMG (Muscle). S550 (Wife's Sedan)
It's very unlikely you'll ever find one to your liking with ABC, but if you're just concerned about ride quality, then can look for a 231 with 18-inch wheels and non-run flat tires instead. That was the 231 stock wheel size from 2013-2016.
[Keep in mind that 19-inch or larger wheel sizes make the ride noticeably more harsh, especially when combined with run flat tires which have very stiff sidewalls compared to more conventional non-run flat tires].
If necessary, you can certainly make the switch to 18-inch wheels and tires yourself.after purchasing a 231 that has the larger wheels and run flat tires..
The smaller diameter wheels and softer sidewalls of non-run flat tires enhance the ride quality nicely. Just keep the suspension setting in 'comfort mode', (the default setting), and you'll appreciate your 231's (non-ABC) ride comfort! Furthermore, with 18-inch wheels and tires, you're much less likely to incur damage from road hazards, (i.e. 'potholes')
Click on the link below to see ALL the genuine MB 18-inch wheel options that are available for the 231.
http://www.alloywheelsdirect.net/mer.../all/price_asc
[Keep in mind that 19-inch or larger wheel sizes make the ride noticeably more harsh, especially when combined with run flat tires which have very stiff sidewalls compared to more conventional non-run flat tires].
If necessary, you can certainly make the switch to 18-inch wheels and tires yourself.after purchasing a 231 that has the larger wheels and run flat tires..
The smaller diameter wheels and softer sidewalls of non-run flat tires enhance the ride quality nicely. Just keep the suspension setting in 'comfort mode', (the default setting), and you'll appreciate your 231's (non-ABC) ride comfort! Furthermore, with 18-inch wheels and tires, you're much less likely to incur damage from road hazards, (i.e. 'potholes')
Click on the link below to see ALL the genuine MB 18-inch wheel options that are available for the 231.
http://www.alloywheelsdirect.net/mer.../all/price_asc
Last edited by bob55; Jun 28, 2019 at 03:14 PM.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Apr 2019
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From: Western NY
2016 SL400
Thanks bob. Feels like I'll give up some performance though? Previous sports car was a 2014 F-Type, and I know I am moving more into the luxo realm, but I don't want to lose too much on the performance side of things. Will I with this setup?
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Brookshire, Texas & Cat Spring, Texas
2019 SL550/2023 EQS 580 SUV
I should have put a smiley face on my last post....it was a joke! As expensive as these cars are if I did not like how they looked would not spend the money.
Last edited by Utopia Texas; Jun 27, 2019 at 08:39 PM.
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 93
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From: Western NY
2016 SL400
Too late to take my "ouch" back? 
I think it's the flat ones. I suppose I could have them painted all black to minimize it.
I think it's the flat ones. I suppose I could have them painted all black to minimize it.
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From: South Florida
2013 SL550 (Lux Sport), 2006 CL55 AMG (Muscle). S550 (Wife's Sedan)
Note: My car is a 2013 SL550 with the 18-inch Twin Spoke Wheels, (these ae 'staggered' so the 18" rear wheels are wider than the 18" front wheels). Those were the factory stock wheels for the 231 from 2013-2016, which means for those years, 18" wheels were considered the 'factory standard' for ride quality!
It's worth noting here that prior to acquiring my 231, I had a 2003 SL500, (the 230 Series), which had ABC as 'a standard', and also had the optional 18" AMG 5-Spoke 'Sport' wheels. ABC was proven not to be reliable over time on the 230's and very expensive to repair. The ABC 'horror stories' are well-documented over on the 230 forum!. Seems to me ABC is a bit 'overrated' by many on this 231 forum. I can honestly say that I really don't miss ABC one bit on my 2013 SL 550!.
While I'm happy with my Factory standard 18" Twin Spoke design, I must say that the 18" 15-Spoke wheel design shown on the site linked below looks very nice on the 231 as well! (There are several 'on the car pics' shown once you've clicked on that particular wheel - or you can see those pics simply by clicking on the 2nd link below)
http://www.alloywheelsdirect.net/mer.../all/price_asc
http://www.alloywheelsdirect.net/mer...oke_wheel_3218
Last edited by bob55; Jun 28, 2019 at 06:21 PM.
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From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
I dislike 18” wheels on the SL. Plus the offsets in stock wheels are too high, making the wheels look too far inset on the widebody convertible.
For that reason we got rid of the stock 19” wheels, put on forged 19”/20” AMG wheels and added spacers to widen the stance.
In addition I lowered the car a touch via a software module to bring it down to the European cars which ride lower than US spec cars.
With ABC the car rides proper and looks balanced in terms of stance. Sporty and elegant
That said, I can’t understand the comment re the star. The star has looked like that for 50 years. What gives?
It looks the same on every R231 SL. One for Distronic or one without. Has nothing to do with the years...
For that reason we got rid of the stock 19” wheels, put on forged 19”/20” AMG wheels and added spacers to widen the stance.
In addition I lowered the car a touch via a software module to bring it down to the European cars which ride lower than US spec cars.
With ABC the car rides proper and looks balanced in terms of stance. Sporty and elegant
That said, I can’t understand the comment re the star. The star has looked like that for 50 years. What gives?
It looks the same on every R231 SL. One for Distronic or one without. Has nothing to do with the years...
Last edited by Wolfman; Jun 27, 2019 at 09:15 PM.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Apr 2019
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From: Western NY
2016 SL400
I'm sorry - my original post wasn't clear. It's not the 3 pointed star I don't like. It's the "dots" that make up the grille on the 2017 (I called them stars). Now that I reread it, I realized how unclear I was.
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From: South Florida
2013 SL550 (Lux Sport), 2006 CL55 AMG (Muscle). S550 (Wife's Sedan)
So it's the 'silver bullets' in the 2017-2019 231 grill that he doesn't like, rather than the MB 3-pointed Star!
Now, that, I can understand, because ! don't like those 'silver bullets' grills in the latest 231's either!
Now, that, I can understand, because ! don't like those 'silver bullets' grills in the latest 231's either!
Last edited by bob55; Jun 28, 2019 at 10:39 AM.
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From: Brookshire, Texas & Cat Spring, Texas
2019 SL550/2023 EQS 580 SUV
I re-read the OP’s original post.....have my head up my butt tonight. He does not mean the main star in the center of the hood. He means the multiple mini stars on the whole front of the grill. Am I correct now?
Thread Starter
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From: Western NY
2016 SL400
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From: Nothern Georgia, U.S.A.
'17 SL450, '25 Lyriq, '25 Sonata Hybrid, '96 Corvette GS coupe
The first time I saw those bullets I thought they were a bit over the top too, but now I don’t even notice them. I do still think the three-pointed star is about 50% over sized, though. Come on, who wouldn’t know it’s a Mercedes, even without the front star?
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From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
I share the OP’s feeling about the grill I have on my 2019 SL450. I feel it looks too busy, too glitzy and ill suited for a sporting car. I plan on replacing mine with the SL65 set up, one of these days.
Now, about ABC: having had a 2004 SL500 with it, then going to a 2013 SL550 without it, but with 18” wheels and Michelin A/S3+ tires, I was EXTREMELY disappointed in the ride quality. I loved the ride of my 2004 and hated the ride of the 2013. So, I ordered a new SL450 with ABC and can truthfully say that it is “THE” best riding convertible I have ever owned or ridden in—and I haven’t even dumped the run flats yet! I will admit that I am a bit wacko when it comes to ride quality, and that I am much more critical than most folks.
To the OP: IF you truly appreciate a smooth, buttoned-down, compliant—yet nimble and sporty driving car, BY ALL MEANS NECESSARY, get yourself an SL with ABC. You sound very much like myself, as I have often compromised by buying something less than what I really wanted, only to have it irritate me to the point where I had to make a change, usually losing thousands of dollars in the process. DON’T DO IT! Get what you want.
Now, about ABC: having had a 2004 SL500 with it, then going to a 2013 SL550 without it, but with 18” wheels and Michelin A/S3+ tires, I was EXTREMELY disappointed in the ride quality. I loved the ride of my 2004 and hated the ride of the 2013. So, I ordered a new SL450 with ABC and can truthfully say that it is “THE” best riding convertible I have ever owned or ridden in—and I haven’t even dumped the run flats yet! I will admit that I am a bit wacko when it comes to ride quality, and that I am much more critical than most folks.
To the OP: IF you truly appreciate a smooth, buttoned-down, compliant—yet nimble and sporty driving car, BY ALL MEANS NECESSARY, get yourself an SL with ABC. You sound very much like myself, as I have often compromised by buying something less than what I really wanted, only to have it irritate me to the point where I had to make a change, usually losing thousands of dollars in the process. DON’T DO IT! Get what you want.
Last edited by Streamliner; Jun 28, 2019 at 06:16 PM.
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From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
I much prefer the look of the Ferrari Portofino over the R231. I love the way you can customize the interior and I love the interior & exterior colors that are available. However, it is overly noisy, has none of the electronic safety systems that my SL450 has and the SL is way more comfortable, so going with the MB was a no brainer for me.
I believe the feeling from behind the wheel is more important and longer lasting than the feeling you get walking up to the vehicle.
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From: South Florida
2013 SL550 (Lux Sport), 2006 CL55 AMG (Muscle). S550 (Wife's Sedan)
I share the OP’s feeling about the grill I have on my 2019 SL 450. I feel it looks too busy, too glitzy, and ill-suited for a sporting car. I plan on replacing mine with the SL65 set up, one of these days.
I will admit that I am 'a bit wacko' when it comes to ride quality, and that I am 'much more critical' than most folks.
I will admit that I am 'a bit wacko' when it comes to ride quality, and that I am 'much more critical' than most folks.
Last edited by bob55; Jun 28, 2019 at 03:05 PM.
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From: North Carolina
SL550, E350
I too looked for a CPO '14 to '15 low mile ( my price range ) with ABC but really could not find anything that met my liking. There are so many non ABC cars out there in so many different colors & options. Don't get me wrong, I drove an SL w/ABC and it drove really well. I would spend the extra $ for it if ordering new or if I found one with the colors & options I desired. The 19" AMG wheel & brake package compliments the sporty appearance of the SL.
I had 2 different Corvettes with run flats so a non ABC SL and 19 AMG wheel package and run flats rides just fine for my taste. I guess it's also the type of roads you are on every day. Here in the south there are 90% fewer pot holes and bad roads as compared to the north. I was recently in NY with a rental car and the roads were horrible!
Either way it is a fabulous car
I had 2 different Corvettes with run flats so a non ABC SL and 19 AMG wheel package and run flats rides just fine for my taste. I guess it's also the type of roads you are on every day. Here in the south there are 90% fewer pot holes and bad roads as compared to the north. I was recently in NY with a rental car and the roads were horrible!
Either way it is a fabulous car
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From: North Carolina
SL550, E350
Just went back and reread the original post .
Funny how this took a right turn and went from comments about the updated grill to ABC vs. non ABC to 18" wheels vs. 19 run flats
3 threads for the price of 1
Funny how this took a right turn and went from comments about the updated grill to ABC vs. non ABC to 18" wheels vs. 19 run flats
3 threads for the price of 1
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2013 SL550 (Lux Sport), 2006 CL55 AMG (Muscle). S550 (Wife's Sedan)
Last edited by bob55; Jun 28, 2019 at 03:20 PM.
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SL550
A) V8 bad V6 good
B) ABC
C) 18 in rims + RFT's
D) All of the above
