Dino333, I was just looking at your "stoked" thread, from before you received the car and I'm surprised none of us noticed the bumper color and fit before:
Thank you for an amazing post -- and an incredibly frustrating and heartbreaking story. So, you asked "what kind of unicorn barn find is this?", which I assume was a rhetorical question. But I THINK I just might be able to tell you. And I'm not sure, if I'm correct, whether the answer will make you happy or sad.
For me the 2015 build date seems, well impossible -- we all know that none of these cars was in the US before early 2016. And yet I'm sure if you look at the door sticker it will confirm your 2015 build date. But HOW is this possible?
Well -- what tipped me off was "Encino." Because I had a dear friend living in Los Angeles in 2015, and over Thanksgiving that year I went for a little visit out to the West Coast. And you know what car geeks do when they can: they go to auto shows. And I have a very vivid memory of a very beautiful designo Gray Magno Matte SL in my head (the first time I'd ever seen that color) that I'll never forget. And you sir, I believe, have that car.
If you refer to Wikipedia, you'll see that the 2015 LA Auto Show (scroll down to 2015 in the Wikipedia article) was the WORLD FREAKING DEBUT of the 2017 SL-Class.
Here's where I don't know if this becomes a good story or a bad story. But I believe you have managed to purchase one of the VERY FIRST 2017 SL-CLASS cars ever produced. What I don't know is how much of that build would have been done "on the line," and how much by hand, nor how many things would have been put in, taken out, removed, adjusted, and every other thing by the time the car was show ready.
So while I definitely encourage you to do what you need to in order to have this made right (I think the $10K off is a good idea), it might be worth contacting the MB corporate archivist in Stuttgart to see if, just maybe, you have the "world debut" 2017 SL-Class. Which might be a pretty cool thing to have, in the grand scheme of things. Good luck!
**UPDATE**
Now that I think about it, the SL550 at that show might have been in the bright blue color; I think the matte Gray Magno was an SL63. BUT I'll stand by the general theory: I can't think of a single other reason that MB ships a *secret* *not-yet-unveiled* 2017 SL to Los Angeles *months* before the car is for sale unless it's for the LA Auto Show. And the fact that it's tricked out with Magic Sky Control and the B&O sound system seems to reinforce that.
**UPDATE**
Now that I think about it, the SL550 at that show might have been in the bright blue color; I think the matte Gray Magno was an SL63. BUT I'll stand by the general theory: I can't think of a single other reason that MB ships a *secret* *not-yet-unveiled* 2017 SL to Los Angeles *months* before the car is for sale unless it's for the LA Auto Show. And the fact that it's tricked out with Magic Sky Control and the B&O sound system seems to reinforce that.
Well I have some very happy news to report about the SL- After calling Mercedes Benz and lodging a formal complaint- then sending a very long letter detailing the problems, Mercedes of Portsmouth have decided to buy the car back. And the transaction is OVER 30 days old.
FYI – the process was that the rep at Mercedes (Who eagerly took my call and complaint then would NOT answer me back for about 10 calls after I heard nothing back for a few days). But MB told me they are Not the referee for problem transactions such as mine. But they will get you in touch with the GENERAL MANAGER of the dealership. And that’s what happened. Called me and asked me for some pictures and I resent him the triage list. I got the call on Friday they are cancelling the loan and sending back my (sizable) down payment. 100% refund!
It was really all they could do, or I would have lawyered up for sure.
But a HUGE THANK YOU For all of your input and assistance. I employed a few things that you all had passed on to me.
My lessons learned (I have literally bought 50+ cars over the last 30 years, but you can always get screwed if your not careful…)
1> GO SEE THE CAR. If the only one you can find is 1000 miles away, you better go 1000 miles away
And lay YOUR eyes on it first… Had I made the trip this never would have happened.
2> Trust but Verify a famous President once said. I trusted an Authorized dealer too much and didn’t verify.
3> Every Picture tells a story- but don’t trust them.
I did drive it for 100 miles, and I do have a quick mini review from my short time in the seat.
The Goods:
1> This car looks SOOO much better in person than in pictures- low, wide substantial and love the “forward” leaning side profile brought on by the roofline.
2> LOVE the quiet when the top is up- so Mercedes, so great.
3> LOVE the old style buttons- buttons are the same as touchscreen “buttons” just easier and more tactile to press.
4> ABC is a must for where I live- not just going over rough roads smoother but we have so many low water crossing dips that being able to raise the car really will keep the front “splitter” from scraping like crazy.
5> Car looks to be lower with ABC?
6> Perfect seating position.
7> Low wind noise with windows and rear diffuser up
8> of course the hard top and Magic Sky just sets this car apart from ANY other car.
9> With the few inches behind the seat for storage- and the way the power hard top sits on the car- you get MUCH more a feeling that your in a more substantial “Coupe” versus a canvas top “roadster/convertible” I LOVE that actually. I have cross shopped a BMW Z4 which is really a DAM nice car and 30k less than a new 450- but inside with the top up you have a different experience as it is “just” a convertible and thinner and noisier. SL all day.
The Bads (Nothing is perfect)
1> Almost a deal breaker for me- the seat bottoms rub against my hip bones. I do not expect this in the SL- in the AMG GT yes- but no need to be so tight in this SL. This isn’t a track car- the back is perfect. My S550 Coupe has a very plush seat- since the SL is more “Sporty” I would expect a more sporty seat- but I just cant get a comfortable position to where I cant the metal frame. A few online reviewers mentioned this also. I know this is a “problem” with many smaller narrower coupes- but the SL is just as wide as my S!
If I get another SL (Which IS the best convertible of all IMO) I have to reconcile with this.
2> The Bang And Olufsen just isn’t worth it. I have had the car for 30 days and have put a lot of time into tweaking the sound and it simply doesn’t have a deep enough bass. SO from what I have heard from other posters, the STANDARD sound system is average at best. I mean in an era when KIAs, MAzdas etc have some REALLY GOOD sound systems in cars costing under 30k, Mercedes should be ashamed (LOL) – the sound system shouldn’t even be an option- it should just be sonically excellent in a car like this and baked into the price. Again kinda have to deal with that too. With the top down I really want a good music experience… Don’t want to have to third party anything with the sound system.
3> While the ABC is a must for raising the car, it does provide a slightly more “wafty” ride at times- I think I would like the car with a bit more road feel- but I have to be able to raise it, as I have mentioned.
I could for sure get used to it but…
4> And is it just me but it seems with ABC, the car is slightly lower because without it, this car just rides to high on the wheels. Maybe just my imagination but with ABC it looked “acceptable” would like it even a bit lower…
But thank you again for everyone for hangin with the story.
Was wondering about any difference in road feel with ABC in Sport vs Comfort
Sport was tighter for sure- but not overly so- I think that others here that have had their cars for a few thousand miles would probably be better at answering..
The engine note again was marginally better for sure but not overly loud...
One area you might want to check when test driving your next SL would be the Comand settings for the seats; side, rear, and seat bottom bolsters. All are adjustable, and it took me a few drives to really figure out what was most comfortable for me; but the adjustments are myriad.
The Bads (Nothing is perfect)
1> Almost a deal breaker for me- the seat bottoms rub against my hip bones. I do not expect this in the SL- in the AMG GT yes- but no need to be so tight in this SL. This isn’t a track car- the back is perfect. My S550 Coupe has a very plush seat- since the SL is more “Sporty” I would expect a more sporty seat- but I just cant get a comfortable position to where I cant the metal frame. A few online reviewers mentioned this also. I know this is a “problem” with many smaller narrower coupes- but the SL is just as wide as my S!
If I get another SL (Which IS the best convertible of all IMO) I have to reconcile with this.
One area you might want to check when test driving your next SL would be the Comand settings for the seats; side, rear, and seat bottom bolsters. All are adjustable, and it took me a few drives to really figure out what was most comfortable for me; but the adjustments are myriad.
The Bads (Nothing is perfect)
1> Almost a deal breaker for me- the seat bottoms rub against my hip bones. I do not expect this in the SL- in the AMG GT yes- but no need to be so tight in this SL. This isn’t a track car- the back is perfect. My S550 Coupe has a very plush seat- since the SL is more “Sporty” I would expect a more sporty seat- but I just cant get a comfortable position to where I cant the metal frame. A few online reviewers mentioned this also. I know this is a “problem” with many smaller narrower coupes- but the SL is just as wide as my S!
If I get another SL (Which IS the best convertible of all IMO) I have to reconcile with this.
Thank you and I will check that - it seems more like the metal frame of the seat but didnt see seat bottom adjustment- I will look tonight- i still have the car until Friday when the transport comes to take it away.
I have the porcelain interior on our CLS and was leery about it before buying, but my brother the car expert said don’t worry. He was right, it wears just fine and still looks great after four years. Every once in a while a little transfer from my wife’s new blue jeans occurs but that comes right off with leather cleaner or even a baby wipe.
I have the porcelain interior on our CLS and was leery about it before buying, but my brother the car expert said don’t worry. He was right, it wears just fine and still looks great after four years. Every once in a while a little transfer from my wife’s new blue jeans occurs but that comes right off with leather cleaner or even a baby wipe.
Thanks for the input- I REALLY wanted this color interior! I have no problem cleaning it if I have to- And since these seats have the coating against sun damage they are a bit easier maybe than just the leather.
I have already called them and put a deposit down- but unlike my last debacle am making plans to go see the car (or get a 7 day return policy?)
Thank you again!!
GO SEE IT! And, don’t skimp on the carrier. Get a first class, enclosed carrier that is accustomed to handling high end cars. Reliable or Intercity come to mind. Good luck!
Thanks for the input- I REALLY wanted this color interior! I have no problem cleaning it if I have to- And since these seats have the coating against sun damage they are a bit easier maybe than just the leather.
I have already called them and put a deposit down- but unlike my last debacle am making plans to go see the car (or get a 7 day return policy?)
Thank you again!!
We had porcelain interiors for 6 years (2 R231's). Leather held up fantastic and one of the best interior options IMHO
Looked at the car and it's nicely spec'd. The black ash might have looked a touch better than the walnut but a low mileage single owner business lease car will have been treated better as well.
Good luck!
Dino333, I was just looking at your "stoked" thread, from before you received the car and I'm surprised none of us noticed the bumper color and fit before:
Eddiie- Thank you for the feedback- I used your pictures to save me a few minutes when I sent to the GM at MB of Portsmouth to show him the anomalies, the I DID SEE but didn't want to believe LOL
Thank you again!
Well, if the Alexandria car turns out to have problems or doesn't suit you after all, I imagine there will be an increasing number of MY 2017 36 month lease returns showing up in the coming months. Still would be lucky to find one with ABC whose other specs are acceptable to you. If you haven't done so already you could do a search on Autotrader - if you save the search they can send you an email whenever a new listing appears meeting your criteria. That's how I heard about this blue one, though actually they have had it listed for about a month. They just reduced the price very slightly and that triggered another email about the listing
skaplan@jakekaplans.com is the president and owner of the dealership; mcollins@jakekaplans.com is the COO and GM; Adam.Chamberlain@mbusa.com VP sales; christian.treiber@mbusa.com VP customer service.
Wow I forgot to comment on this- nice research! - you got the MB AD database? LOL I would add GM of Customer Service is Eddy Allen eallen@jakekaplans.com and he is the one who worked with me to authorize the buy back.
SO many nice ones out there in all color choices. I for one think that canvas tops can be very nice. No doubting the SL is better with a hard top but the Porsche looks (and drives) like a Boss..
Reliability is kind of questionable... but very nice rides. Not as quiet as the SL? I do like the awesome dual personality of the SL- a REAL coupe with the heard top and maybe the best convertible experience of all?
Well again thank you to everyone for the input and assistance. I am on my way to lovely Alexandria to see about buying the Beautiful Blue SL 550 .
Say hello to my friend Richard Eidman, the new car sales manager! (for real) Who knows? He may be able to do something for you. That blue car really is a beauty!! I love the leather and the wheels....
The black ash might have looked a touch better than the walnut but a low mileage single owner business lease car will have been treated better as well.
Good luck!
I thought the same but the sale listing states "REQUIRED OPTION BURL WALNUT WOOD TRIM". I wonder why that is?
skaplan@jakekaplans.com is the president and owner of the dealership; mcollins@jakekaplans.com is the COO and GM; Adam.Chamberlain@mbusa.com VP sales; christian.treiber@mbusa.com VP customer service.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dino333
Wow I forgot to comment on this- nice research! - you got the MB AD database? LOL I would add GM of Customer Service is Eddy Allen eallen@jakekaplans.com and he is the one who worked with me to authorize the buy back.
Glad it helped! It worked exactly as planned: you don't need to find the correct person to handle it, but if you get the attention of someone high enough in the food chain, they will alert that person.
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
