SL/R231: OKAy here is my build and plans...
Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 195
Likes: 60
From: SoCal
2020 SL550. 2018 E400S4. 2014 CLS550
Hi Streamliner - off topic for this thread but have you found any promising sources for audio upgrade? I checked out SoCalAutoSound but they have no experience with late model SLs.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,163
Likes: 4,383
From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
I called them and when I asked if they knew about the inherent audio problems with the current model SL’s, the guy said he had to “see the car” to determine the problem. I am probably going to let Best Buy install the Alpine amp and see how much that improves things. As much as I like good music, I find that I just love listening to the “purr” that my V6 makes. I love the way the transmission sort of blips the throttle as I decelerate. I want to get the audio upgraded, but I’m not thrilled with someone pulling the entire interior apart.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 349
Likes: 56
From: Massachusetts
1986 560SL, 2017 E300, 2018 Sl550, 2020 E350
Really no big deal:
Storage box behind driver comes out (screwed in), one side panel pops out (real easy)and that's it....All wiring done under the storage box (see my detailed pictures in relevant post). In my case I had the 2 pots to allow variation of F to R volume and the default switch to all default to factory if desired installed in the area rear of the center console on a panel that slips in where the bottle holder goes that can be returned to stock with no alteration to the original structure.
So.....bottom line is if you can find a "good" shop and show my posts they should easily be able to do an install like mine that makes a "WORLD" of difference.
As I have posted elsewhere: When I showed the off the install to my MB dealer Mgmt they were blown away with the difference between the upgrade and the factory default performance that can be easily demonstrated by means of the "default switch" in my install.
BTW: I find it really an advantage to have the F to R pots to allow adjustment and not rely on a set it and forget it of the Alpine amp.
I have an idea for you: Maybe if you tell me where you are in Calif I can get my guy (who is an "Alpine master installer") to contact an Alpine guy in your territory and tell him what is involved.
Your thoughts.
Storage box behind driver comes out (screwed in), one side panel pops out (real easy)and that's it....All wiring done under the storage box (see my detailed pictures in relevant post). In my case I had the 2 pots to allow variation of F to R volume and the default switch to all default to factory if desired installed in the area rear of the center console on a panel that slips in where the bottle holder goes that can be returned to stock with no alteration to the original structure.
So.....bottom line is if you can find a "good" shop and show my posts they should easily be able to do an install like mine that makes a "WORLD" of difference.
As I have posted elsewhere: When I showed the off the install to my MB dealer Mgmt they were blown away with the difference between the upgrade and the factory default performance that can be easily demonstrated by means of the "default switch" in my install.
BTW: I find it really an advantage to have the F to R pots to allow adjustment and not rely on a set it and forget it of the Alpine amp.
I have an idea for you: Maybe if you tell me where you are in Calif I can get my guy (who is an "Alpine master installer") to contact an Alpine guy in your territory and tell him what is involved.
Your thoughts.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 218
Likes: 42
From: San Antonio TX
2015 S550 Coup, 2017 Golf R , 2018 BMW M2 (wifes)
Well I gave it my best shot at buying new, tried to make it make sense and it just didnt- yes the discount off of new was good (I got them up to 11.5% off retail) and Yes I would have gotten maybe the color I really wanted ( Silver or Selenite Gray) but in the end I put a pencil to it every which way and the depreciation hit is just to big to ignore. So i got this warranty until 3/2022 is completely loaded (With ABC) and is STILL 17k less than new. And this is a 550 against a 450! Ill take the V8 every time (thats just me)
Got a 129k completely loaded with every option for 89k titled brand new - too good to pass up
https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...ckType=listing
Got a 129k completely loaded with every option for 89k titled brand new - too good to pass up
https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...ckType=listing
