SL/R231: Pulled the trigger and ordered an SL 450 today
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 83
Likes: 14
From: Virginia
2020 SL 450
Pulled the trigger and ordered an SL 450 today
For five years I have been looking forward to this day. In 2014, I leased a BMW 428i Cabriolet and in 2017 I leased a Mercedes C300 Cabriolet. In both instances, I had wanted to purchase an SL. In 2014, I couldn’t afford an SL and in 2017 my wife wanted a back seat. Now, I have the money and it’s my turn to make the choice. I ordered a 2020 SL 450 today. It will be delivered next spring. This will not be my first Mercedes. I previously owned a 1959 220S Coupe and a 1960 220SE Cabriolet, but sold them to pay for my daughter’s education. These two cars introduced me to the quality of one of the world’s finest automobiles and I vowed to, one day, have another. That day is coming.
I chose the 450SL for many reasons, but primarily because I like the concept of a convertible/coupe with a panorama roof and, having dealt with soft tops in the past, have no intention of having another one. Additionally, Streamliner’s praise of the SL 450 over the SL 550 was a motivating factor. I saw no reason to pay an additional $20,000 for two cylinders which would give me more torque than I needed. I have reached the age where getting from point A to B is more about the drive than the thrust and, as both the Sl 450 and SL 550, have the same interior and exterior, I opted to put $20,000 towards a holiday with my wife.
There has been a great deal of discussion about the merit of ABC in this forum. I have been, primarily, influenced to the positive by Streamliner and Wolfman and became convinced that this was an option which was worth the $4,000 option price. I, finally, located a CPO SL 550 for sale in Alexandria, VA. This is the same car Dino333 eventually purchased. See his post, OK HERE IS A CAR BUYING DISASTER STORY YOU HAVE NEVER HEARD BEFORE.
I drove to the dealership with my wife in our C300. It has run flat tires. I was hoping to discern a difference between the C300 and the SL’s ABC ride comfort to confirm the accolades I had read about the ABC system. Sadly, my wife and I were not convinced that the ride was any more comfortable than our C300. In fact, my wife’s Lincoln MKX offers a more comfortable ride. I was disappointed that I wasn’t wowed, but I was delighted that I could save $4,000 to put towards our holiday. Needless to say, I did not include ABC in my order. The fact that I intend to keep the car forever also gave me pause when considering ABC. Eventually, the system will fail and money will have to be spent. The question is, will the parts be available in 10-15 years after Mercedes has moved on to another suspension dampening system? The same can be asked of the retractable hardtop, but as it is more integral to my driving enjoyment, I am willing to deal with that issue when it occurs.
However, I recognize the shortcoming of ride comfort with run flat tires and will be following the advice of this forum to switch to the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3’s.
For those of you interested in what I ordered here is my build summary:
Note: I plan on switching out the wheels and I selected Magic Sky because my wife likes the feature.
2020 SL 450
775 Iridium Silver
R97 19" 10 spoke wheels
515 Porcelain/Black Exclusive Napa Leather
736 Black Ash Wood
DP1 Premium Pkg.
DA2 Driver’s Assistance Pkg.
L5D Wood/Leather Steering Wheel
412 Panorama Roof w/ Magic Sky Control
U25 Illuminated Door Sills
I chose the 450SL for many reasons, but primarily because I like the concept of a convertible/coupe with a panorama roof and, having dealt with soft tops in the past, have no intention of having another one. Additionally, Streamliner’s praise of the SL 450 over the SL 550 was a motivating factor. I saw no reason to pay an additional $20,000 for two cylinders which would give me more torque than I needed. I have reached the age where getting from point A to B is more about the drive than the thrust and, as both the Sl 450 and SL 550, have the same interior and exterior, I opted to put $20,000 towards a holiday with my wife.
There has been a great deal of discussion about the merit of ABC in this forum. I have been, primarily, influenced to the positive by Streamliner and Wolfman and became convinced that this was an option which was worth the $4,000 option price. I, finally, located a CPO SL 550 for sale in Alexandria, VA. This is the same car Dino333 eventually purchased. See his post, OK HERE IS A CAR BUYING DISASTER STORY YOU HAVE NEVER HEARD BEFORE.
I drove to the dealership with my wife in our C300. It has run flat tires. I was hoping to discern a difference between the C300 and the SL’s ABC ride comfort to confirm the accolades I had read about the ABC system. Sadly, my wife and I were not convinced that the ride was any more comfortable than our C300. In fact, my wife’s Lincoln MKX offers a more comfortable ride. I was disappointed that I wasn’t wowed, but I was delighted that I could save $4,000 to put towards our holiday. Needless to say, I did not include ABC in my order. The fact that I intend to keep the car forever also gave me pause when considering ABC. Eventually, the system will fail and money will have to be spent. The question is, will the parts be available in 10-15 years after Mercedes has moved on to another suspension dampening system? The same can be asked of the retractable hardtop, but as it is more integral to my driving enjoyment, I am willing to deal with that issue when it occurs.
However, I recognize the shortcoming of ride comfort with run flat tires and will be following the advice of this forum to switch to the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3’s.
For those of you interested in what I ordered here is my build summary:
Note: I plan on switching out the wheels and I selected Magic Sky because my wife likes the feature.
2020 SL 450
775 Iridium Silver
R97 19" 10 spoke wheels
515 Porcelain/Black Exclusive Napa Leather
736 Black Ash Wood
DP1 Premium Pkg.
DA2 Driver’s Assistance Pkg.
L5D Wood/Leather Steering Wheel
412 Panorama Roof w/ Magic Sky Control
U25 Illuminated Door Sills
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,336
Likes: 936
From: Brookshire, Texas & Cat Spring, Texas
2019 SL550/2023 EQS 580 SUV
Congratulations! My instant gratification meter would be pegged out waiting until next Spring. Keep us informed on the order progress.... 
Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 100
Likes: 10
Mercedes SL 450
Get Wheel and Tire Insurance before they deliver the car to you - I have had many bent rims, and tires with buldges in the side wall -
You cant get the insurance after the car is delivered - You might even try to have them throw in the insurance - and maybe even some prepaid Maintenance - on a 2014 SL, i had multiple tire failures - and had to pay myself - also bent rims - they were selling the tires to me for 600 + dollars -so when I bought my 2018 SL, I had them throw in the wheel and tire Insurance - and also got 3 years prepaid Maintenance - all because I ordered the car in May, and finally got it in November - It does pay to ask !
Do not worry about a hard ride with the run flats - the suspension is great and absorbs most of the normal potholes. I had a 2014 BMW Z4, which came only with Run Flats - so before I took delivery,, I had them put on normal tires - afrter having a 2009 Z-4 that had run flats and ran like it did not have springs. When buying the 2014 SL - I too was very concerned - but the suspension proved to be fine - only problem was I did not get the Wheel and Tire Insurance on the 2014 SL - but for sure I got the Wheel and Tire Insurance on the 2018 SL which now just turned 10,500 miles - My daily driver is a Lincoln Aviator Black Label - really great too and loaded with air bag suspension and all the extras -
Best of Luck !
Phil
You cant get the insurance after the car is delivered - You might even try to have them throw in the insurance - and maybe even some prepaid Maintenance - on a 2014 SL, i had multiple tire failures - and had to pay myself - also bent rims - they were selling the tires to me for 600 + dollars -so when I bought my 2018 SL, I had them throw in the wheel and tire Insurance - and also got 3 years prepaid Maintenance - all because I ordered the car in May, and finally got it in November - It does pay to ask !
Do not worry about a hard ride with the run flats - the suspension is great and absorbs most of the normal potholes. I had a 2014 BMW Z4, which came only with Run Flats - so before I took delivery,, I had them put on normal tires - afrter having a 2009 Z-4 that had run flats and ran like it did not have springs. When buying the 2014 SL - I too was very concerned - but the suspension proved to be fine - only problem was I did not get the Wheel and Tire Insurance on the 2014 SL - but for sure I got the Wheel and Tire Insurance on the 2018 SL which now just turned 10,500 miles - My daily driver is a Lincoln Aviator Black Label - really great too and loaded with air bag suspension and all the extras -
Best of Luck !
Phil
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 83
Likes: 14
From: Virginia
2020 SL 450
Get Wheel and Tire Insurance before they deliver the car to you - I have had many bent rims, and tires with buldges in the side wall -
You cant get the insurance after the car is delivered - You might even try to have them throw in the insurance - and maybe even some prepaid Maintenance - on a 2014 SL, i had multiple tire failures - and had to pay myself - also bent rims - they were selling the tires to me for 600 + dollars -so when I bought my 2018 SL, I had them throw in the wheel and tire Insurance - and also got 3 years prepaid Maintenance - all because I ordered the car in May, and finally got it in November - It does pay to ask !
Do not worry about a hard ride with the run flats - the suspension is great and absorbs most of the normal potholes. I had a 2014 BMW Z4, which came only with Run Flats - so before I took delivery,, I had them put on normal tires - afrter having a 2009 Z-4 that had run flats and ran like it did not have springs. When buying the 2014 SL - I too was very concerned - but the suspension proved to be fine - only problem was I did not get the Wheel and Tire Insurance on the 2014 SL - but for sure I got the Wheel and Tire Insurance on the 2018 SL which now just turned 10,500 miles - My daily driver is a Lincoln Aviator Black Label - really great too and loaded with air bag suspension and all the extras -
Best of Luck !
Phil
You cant get the insurance after the car is delivered - You might even try to have them throw in the insurance - and maybe even some prepaid Maintenance - on a 2014 SL, i had multiple tire failures - and had to pay myself - also bent rims - they were selling the tires to me for 600 + dollars -so when I bought my 2018 SL, I had them throw in the wheel and tire Insurance - and also got 3 years prepaid Maintenance - all because I ordered the car in May, and finally got it in November - It does pay to ask !
Do not worry about a hard ride with the run flats - the suspension is great and absorbs most of the normal potholes. I had a 2014 BMW Z4, which came only with Run Flats - so before I took delivery,, I had them put on normal tires - afrter having a 2009 Z-4 that had run flats and ran like it did not have springs. When buying the 2014 SL - I too was very concerned - but the suspension proved to be fine - only problem was I did not get the Wheel and Tire Insurance on the 2014 SL - but for sure I got the Wheel and Tire Insurance on the 2018 SL which now just turned 10,500 miles - My daily driver is a Lincoln Aviator Black Label - really great too and loaded with air bag suspension and all the extras -
Best of Luck !
Phil
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Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 83
Likes: 14
From: Virginia
2020 SL 450
No doubt mine will be as well. However, the lease on my C300 doesn't terminate until the end of Sept. 2020 making me ineligible for MB's pull-ahead program until June. I don't want to pay for two cars at the same time (to say nothing of not wanting/being able to drive the SL in the winter); so I'll drive the C300 until the SL is delivered in May (delivery may be earlier or later depending on MB's production schedule in Germany). I'll still have to pay out of pocket for a month or two, but this is better than missing out on getting the SL altogether if I wait any longer to order. Remember MB is closing its order book on December 15. Patience comes with age...hopefully. At least, I have something to which I can look forward....sort of like waiting to get the bicycle you knew you'd be getting at Christmas.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,199
Likes: 4,425
From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Congratulations! Now the wait begins!
As for ABC, I have come to realize that many people are not nearly as critical or even conscience of ride quality as others are. My wife doesn’t notice any difference between the way my non-ABC SL550 rode compared to my SL450 with ABC & run flats, compared to the 450 with the A/S3+ tires, but to me, the differences are huge and noticeable. Oh well. I assume that you have also test driven a non-ABC equipped 450 and that you liked the ride quality and if so, that’s all that really matters.
As for ABC, I have come to realize that many people are not nearly as critical or even conscience of ride quality as others are. My wife doesn’t notice any difference between the way my non-ABC SL550 rode compared to my SL450 with ABC & run flats, compared to the 450 with the A/S3+ tires, but to me, the differences are huge and noticeable. Oh well. I assume that you have also test driven a non-ABC equipped 450 and that you liked the ride quality and if so, that’s all that really matters.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,199
Likes: 4,425
From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Just kidding, of course.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,336
Likes: 936
From: Brookshire, Texas & Cat Spring, Texas
2019 SL550/2023 EQS 580 SUV
Last edited by Utopia Texas; Nov 21, 2019 at 08:54 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,846
Likes: 291
From: Dallas TX
2013 650i Coupe, 2010 IS250 AWD, 1999 S500
Price clearly isn't the issue. There is so much money here in North Dallas and Houston it isn't even funny. The audience for this car has dried up. The new G550 and G63 are flying out the door and vastly outselling the SL YTD and it starts well over 100K. The S-Class isn't cheap either.
M
M
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,336
Likes: 936
From: Brookshire, Texas & Cat Spring, Texas
2019 SL550/2023 EQS 580 SUV
Price clearly isn't the issue. There is so much money here in North Dallas and Houston it isn't even funny. The audience for this car has dried up. The new G550 and G63 are flying out the door and vastly outselling the SL YTD and it starts well over 100K. The S-Class isn't cheap either.
M
M
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 83
Likes: 14
From: Virginia
2020 SL 450
Congratulations! Now the wait begins!
As for ABC, I have come to realize that many people are not nearly as critical or even conscience of ride quality as others are. My wife doesn’t notice any difference between the way my non-ABC SL550 rode compared to my SL450 with ABC & run flats, compared to the 450 with the A/S3+ tires, but to me, the differences are huge and noticeable. Oh well. I assume that you have also test driven a non-ABC equipped 450 and that you liked the ride quality and if so, that’s all that really matters.
As for ABC, I have come to realize that many people are not nearly as critical or even conscience of ride quality as others are. My wife doesn’t notice any difference between the way my non-ABC SL550 rode compared to my SL450 with ABC & run flats, compared to the 450 with the A/S3+ tires, but to me, the differences are huge and noticeable. Oh well. I assume that you have also test driven a non-ABC equipped 450 and that you liked the ride quality and if so, that’s all that really matters.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,199
Likes: 4,425
From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Price clearly isn't the issue. There is so much money here in North Dallas and Houston it isn't even funny. The audience for this car has dried up. The new G550 and G63 are flying out the door and vastly outselling the SL YTD and it starts well over 100K. The S-Class isn't cheap either.
M
M
They ignored it. They refused to fix things that were problems, such as the audio system. I know that sounds petty, but try
telling your girlfriend that her car stereo is going to sound like SHxT. All this, while Porsche and others were lavishing development
Euros on their SL competitors. When rich guys brought their little tootsie girlfriends into the MB store to buy a new toy, the SL
looked tired and old fashioned, while the 911 Cabriolet next door looked fun and exciting. The G Wagen phenomena is a true
mystery to me, especially since the previous model was nothing more than a rough riding TRUCK, but every little affected housewife
out here in Newport Beach had to have one. There was a time when trendy, hot women LUSTED after the SL. It could still be
that way, if MB had not dropped the ball. The SL used to be sexy. It's not anymore. Just my opinion, but just sayin.
Had to add one more. Her SL is parked, just out of the photo.
Last edited by Streamliner; Nov 24, 2019 at 02:58 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,199
Likes: 4,425
From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Many years ago, we built a new house. The entry opens into a two-story gallery, with large, exposed beams in the ceiling. Late one day during construction, I was meeting with the general contractor, when I looked up at the beams and told him that one was not quite plumb. He said it was an optical illusion and it just “looked” crooked. I insisted and he got hot under the collar, went storming out to his truck, came back with a big extension ladder and a level. He climbed the ladder, KNOWING he would prove me wrong, but when he placed the level on the beam, his only words were “we’ll fix it.”
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,846
Likes: 291
From: Dallas TX
2013 650i Coupe, 2010 IS250 AWD, 1999 S500
Yes, G-Class has increased sales every year (except one) since 2009 and it now outsells the SL quite easily:
2019 Jan-Oct
G - 5223
SL - 1450 which is down 18.9% from last year.
For the previous generation the G63 outsold the G550. One quick look at the G-Class section will clear up any doubts. They're selling at sticker or more in some cases. The SL isn't and hasn't in many years.
https://media.mbusa.com/releases/mer...19-sales-chart
It's been a trend for years that the G63 outsells the G550:
https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/review...g-g63-preview/
M
Last edited by Germancar1; Nov 22, 2019 at 12:28 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,199
Likes: 4,425
From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Yes, G-Class has increased sales every year (except one) since 2009 and it now outsells the SL quite easily:
2019 Jan-Oct
G - 5223
SL - 1450 which is down 18.9% from last year.
For the previous generation the G63 outsold the G550. One quick look at the G-Class section will clear up any doubts. They're selling at sticker or more in some cases. The SL isn't and hasn't in many years.
https://media.mbusa.com/releases/mer...19-sales-chart
M
2019 Jan-Oct
G - 5223
SL - 1450 which is down 18.9% from last year.
For the previous generation the G63 outsold the G550. One quick look at the G-Class section will clear up any doubts. They're selling at sticker or more in some cases. The SL isn't and hasn't in many years.
https://media.mbusa.com/releases/mer...19-sales-chart
M
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,579
Likes: 3,690
From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
They are selling extremely well all over the country. Try to ask for a discount on a 19/20 G63; they will laugh you out the door... Here, every car coming in is pre-sold and used flipped cars go for around $50k over new (as our dealers don't markup new cars).
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,579
Likes: 3,690
From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
Other than that I congratulate you a fine configuration. It feels oddly familiar
You will love that car...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,336
Likes: 936
From: Brookshire, Texas & Cat Spring, Texas
2019 SL550/2023 EQS 580 SUV
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,447
Likes: 334
From: South Florida
2013 SL550 (Lux Sport), 2006 CL55 AMG (Muscle). S550 (Wife's Sedan)
Congrats to you PHSWOOD! Look forward to hearing more when it arrives; next Spring! I'm sure both you and your wife are going to love it!
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,579
Likes: 3,690
From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
Yes, you must be living in an alternative universe
This car sells very well anywhere in the world, it is also the most expensive model-line Mercedes makes. Starting price is higher than the S-Class and AMG GT line and tops out in Maybach form well above a $1M (previous model but there will be a new one)
Key is that they are selling the cars faster than they are making them and it is a low production car. It is largely hand built in Austria.
You can state the same about the Lamborghini Urus sales numbers; that it only sells in the thousands yet it is a high demand car. Quite the opposite of the SL and while I can see the Urus demand cool off well I can see the G-Wagon continue to sell well.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 83
Likes: 14
From: Virginia
2020 SL 450
It should. Your old SL was the inspiration. I had tried to get MB to build me a Diamond White Metallic car with a Silk Beige/Black interior (instead of Silk Beige/Espresso Brown) with the quilted leather seats from the discontinued SL65. They said no problem EXCEPT that the steering wheel and column would have to remain Espresso Brown. When I asked if they would, instead, change the order to Porcelain/Black with the quilted seats they said no, Silk Beige/Black with an Espresso Brown steering column and wheel was the only possibility. You'd think that for $14,000 they could manage to accommodate me. I suspect, because the R231 is on the way out, they didn't want to clog the production schedule. In light of the fact that they popped my bubble, I opted for what I consider to be the next best thing...Iridium Silver with a Porcelain/ Black interior. So, thank you!
