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I'm looking at a Mars red 2017 SL450. one owner, good records, and generally optioned like I'd want. (P1 and Drivers assistance package) etc. I have questions.
1. Can the top be dropped with the key remotely?
2. Was Magic sky control an option? It does have the sunroof.
3. It will be a CPO car so I'm not too worried but is there anything I should check for?
I'm likely trading in my 14' S550 on this which I'm a little sad about but my boss says I have too many cars already.
As far as I know the standard Smart Key doesn't open the roof, but then again, it's never been anything I needed to do. However, I do know for a fact there are 3rd Party devices you can add to your car that will allow your key to do that. I believe these devices are known as 'SmartTop devices' and require a device to be installed in your car, (which will void the warranty you have if discovered by an MB Dealer servicing the car).. (You can do a web search to find the 'SmartTop' device which apparently people buy primarily for that very purpose..
Yes, Magic Sky was indeed optional, but I recommend it. If the one you are looking at has a sliding panel used to expose the sky, then you have the 'standard' 231 sunroof.
I have to wonder if red color you're looking at is actually Mars Red if indeed it's a 2017 model. I believe Mars Red had to be dropped sometime during 2017 due to clear coat peeling and there are MB Tech Bulletins out for cars painted that color, even some lawsuits over the problems with that color as well, because MB has flatly refused to repaint any cars over this issue, despite the fact that the paint application was clearly flawed by the MB Factory.. As I understand it, the clear coat finishes won't adhere to the paint chemistry of tge Mars Red color and with time and sun exposure the paint surface soon begins peeling off
MB seems content to offer only the Cardinal Red now which is available as an extra cost Metallic Red color. However, it actually has a 'more orange' appearance compared to the Mars Red which was a non-metallic lacquer finish in earlier model year 231's.
On my ‘2008, 2017 and ‘2019 I could open the roof from outside the car with the key fob. The problem is you have to be less than a foot from the sensor on the door handle to make it work so I find it pretty useless. I do use the key fob to open the windows on really hot days before I get into the SL.
I installed the module from http://www.mods4cars.com/. In addition to the ability to open close the roof with the remote control, there are many more nice features. Very easy to install plug and play on your own.
As far as I know the standard Smart Key won't open the roof
And you have SL? You've got to be kidding. Both R230 and R231 can do this (both open and close roof) as well as other MB convertibles. On all non convertible MBs all windows and sunroofs can be closed/opened remotely. Smart key and this functionality started with W210 for MY 1996. Can not believe it even needs to be said after 24 years in use.
A truly original key allows you to open to close the roof. But this is extremely inconvenient, since it is necessary to be near and hold the button until the end of the process. Complete ****. I installed a third-party add-on module and am happy.
Last edited by Alex Kuk; Mar 14, 2020 at 03:42 PM.
A truly original key allows you to open to close the roof. But this is extremely inconvenient, since it is necessary to be near and hold the button until the end of the process. Complete ****. I installed a third-party add-on module and am happy.
The SmartTop module by mods4cars works great, allowing one-touch roof opening and closing with the console lever, or with three taps to keyfob without continuous holding and from a farther distance. It also enables one-touch seat memory adjustment, which I find very convenient. Eco On/Off not so good - it disables at startup but if you change the drive mode out of Comfort the start/stop comes back on. To completely disable on/off required a different module from eBay which works perfectly.
Last edited by allfortheunion; Mar 14, 2020 at 04:41 PM.
As far as I know the standard Smart Key won't open the roof, but there are 3rd Party devices you can add to your car that allow that. I believe these devices are known as 'Smart Top devices' and require a device to be installed in your car which will void any warranty you have if it is discovered by an MB Dealer servicing the car.. (Do a web search to find the 'Smart Top' device.
Yes, Magic Sky was optional. If there is a slider open to expose the sky, you have the standard sunroof.
I doubt the red color you're looking at is Mars Red if indeed it's a 2017 model. Mars Red had to be dropped prior to that due to clear coat peeling and there are MB Tech Bulletins out for cars painted that color, even some lawsuits over the problems with that color as well, because MB refuses to repaint over the issue. Seems the clear coat finishes won't adhere to the Mars Red color and with time and sun exposure you get paint surface peeling off
MB replaced Mars Red with Cardinal Red which is an extra cost Metallic Red color, but with a 'more orange' appearance compared to Mars Red which was a non-metallic lacquer finish.
I'm looking at a Mars red 2017 SL450. one owner, good records, and generally optioned like I'd want. (P1 and Drivers assistance package) etc. I have questions.
1. Can the top be dropped with the key remotely?
2. Was Magic sky control an option? It does have the sunroof.
3. It will be a CPO car so I'm not too worried but is there anything I should check for?
I'm likely trading in my 14' S550 on this which I'm a little sad about but my boss says I have too many cars already.
That is exactly what we bought, except we bought the 017 450 bright metallic blue with porcelain interior. Just beautiful. We love it so far. I have seen your red with a beige interior and it was a real beauty.
We just did 1000 miles back from Florida and if I told you the mpg we got, you would accuse me of making a mistake. Make sure the last scheduled maintenance has been performed. Ours was, but if it had not been, it was a little pricey.
The ONLY thing I have found so far that I think is lacking is the sound system. Whoever designed it must have been deaf. My Expedition has A MUCH MUCH better system by Sony. It is one of the worst sound systems I have ever heard in a newish model car. I have not figured out exactly what I am going to do with it. Something from Radio Shack would be better.
I don't like not having a spare either, but will live with it.
MB replaced Mars Red with Cardinal Red which is an extra cost Metallic Red color, but with a 'more orange' appearance compared to Mars Red which was a non-metallic lacquer finish.
Mars Red was not "replaced" by Cardinal Red. From MY 2018, Mars Red was simply dropped (in the US).
From 2014 MY thru and including OP's 2017 MY, both were offered (in the US).
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Mars Red was available on the 2017, through about November of 2017, when it was dropped. Evidently, MB got a bad batch of the paint and made what I feel was an idiotic decision to drop the color altogether. I imagine that by the time problems with the paint became known, all of the defective paint had been used up already, but that didn’t seem to matter to MB. Obviously, the problem was with a batch of paint, not the color, but some idiot just pulled the plug on it, which was a shame. I had Mars Red on my 2004 SL500, which looked as good the day I sold it—in 2016–as it did the day I took delivery. I also had a 2013 SL550 and that paint was fine as well. It would have been interesting to see what MB would have done had the problem been with BLACK! And, to take this one more step, MB has had Jupiter Red in use for several years now, which is virtually identical to Mars Red, but they wouldn’t take the time to add the glorious “Fire Engine” red color to the SL line up. Sometimes you wonder what they are smoking in Stuttgart.
Last edited by Streamliner; Mar 14, 2020 at 07:22 PM.
You've got to be kidding. Both R230 and R231 can do this (both open and close roof) as well as other MB convertibles. On all non convertible MBs all windows and sunroofs can be closed/opened remotely. Smart key and this functionality started with W210 for MY 1996. Can not believe it even needs to be said after 24 years in use.
I've never seen any need for remote opening/closing of the roof myself, but I suggest you read Utopia's Post #3 with regard to it's 'actual' usefulness before suggesting it is a satisfactory solution for a prospective SL Owner who is looking for a remote opening capability....
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
To the OP: You say you will be replacing a 2014 S550 with this SL. That being the case, for me, “THE” thing I would look for, is an SL with Active Body Control or “ABC.” This will enable the car to have a MUCH more serene, comfortable & buttoned down ride. Finding a 2017 SL450 in Mars Red with ABC will be next to impossible. Way more 550’s with ABC than 450’s. Pretty much ANY color 450 with ABC is a rare car As much as I love the Mars Red color, ABC is way more important to me. Anyway, just my opinion. Good luck.
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Originally Posted by threeMBs
And you have SL? You've got to be kidding. Both R230 and R231 can do this (both open and close roof) as well as other MB convertibles. On all non convertible MBs all windows and sunroofs can be closed/opened remotely. Smart key and this functionality started with W210 for MY 1996. Can not believe it even needs to be said after 24 years in use.
So somebody here doesn’t know every little function on these feature loaded cars. Big deal. I’m sure I don’t know everything my SL will do and probably don’t know half of what my S560 will do. I learn what I need and what I want. That’s enough.
I've never seen any need for remote opening/closing of the roof myself, but I suggest you read Utopia's Post #3 with regard to it's 'actual' usefulness before suggesting it is a satisfactory solution for a prospective SL Owner who is looking for a remote opening capability....
Well, no need to read any post to know every function of the car I have. Had many (many, many) MBs since 1998 and they all had this functionality. Can not believe someone with MBs is not aware of it. It is very useful to open roof (and all windows) from outside before getting in a sweltering car. Same to close roof (and all windows) after getting out.
OP's question was not about if it is useful (to some it is not and its fine). The question was if car/key has this ability. The reply to OP's question was false.
To the OP: You say you will be replacing a 2014 S550 with this SL. That being the case, for me, “THE” thing I would look for, is an SL with Active Body Control or “ABC.” This will enable the car to have a MUCH more serene, comfortable & buttoned down ride. Finding a 2017 SL450 in Mars Red with ABC will be next to impossible. Way more 550’s with ABC than 450’s. Pretty much ANY color 450 with ABC is a rare car As much as I love the Mars Red color, ABC is way more important to me. Anyway, just my opinion. Good luck.
Before going crazy about ABC I would drive one with and one without, I had it and still have it on of my cars and to me it should not be a deal breaker, just my opinion....
So somebody here doesn’t know every little function on these feature loaded cars. Big deal. I’m sure I don’t know everything my SL will do and probably don’t know half of what my S560 will do. I learn what I need and what I want. That’s enough.
Remote hardtop opening/closing is the basics and one of SL's main original selling points. Being oblivious to it while having many other MBs is blasphemy to Mercedes.
I installed the module from http://www.mods4cars.com/. In addition to the ability to open close the roof with the remote control, there are many more nice features. Very easy to install plug and play on your own.
They are excellent - had one on my SLK and now have one on my SL.
Some people don't like them (probably never tried one) but the ability to open close with one press and also from a distance are worth the price alone. As mentioned by others, seat adjustment - mine is set to move the seat back and up when I switch off (easier entry /exit) and move to the driving position when I start up. There are about 15 options on the car that can be set up with the SmartTop
Last edited by rorywquin; Mar 15, 2020 at 03:53 AM.
To the OP: You say you will be replacing a 2014 S550 with this SL. That being the case, for me, “THE” thing I would look for, is an SL with Active Body Control or “ABC.” This will enable the car to have a MUCH more serene, comfortable & buttoned down ride. Finding a 2017 SL450 in Mars Red with ABC will be next to impossible. Way more 550’s with ABC than 450’s. Pretty much ANY color 450 with ABC is a rare car As much as I love the Mars Red color, ABC is way more important to me. Anyway, just my opinion. Good luck.
Not only the ride, the ability to raise/lower the car when parking nose in, steep driveways, speed humps. Keeps the car level accelerating / decelerating, curve tilt, cross wind etc.
IMO a must have if you can get it.
Last edited by rorywquin; Mar 15, 2020 at 03:55 AM.
To the OP: You say you will be replacing a 2014 S550 with this SL. That being the case, for me, “THE” thing I would look for, is an SL with Active Body Control or “ABC.” This will enable the car to have a MUCH more serene, comfortable & buttoned down ride. Finding a 2017 SL450 in Mars Red with ABC will be next to impossible. Way more 550’s with ABC than 450’s. Pretty much ANY color 450 with ABC is a rare car As much as I love the Mars Red color, ABC is way more important to me. Anyway, just my opinion. Good luck.
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Originally Posted by rorywquin
Not only the ride, the ability to raise/lower the car when parking nose in, steep driveways, speed humps. Keeps the car level accelerating / decelerating, curve tilt, cross wind etc. IMO a must have if you can get it.
You are so right! I am just so enamored with the ride quality, I tend to forget about all of those other benefits of ABC.
Again, to the OP: ABC was standard on all 2003 through 2012 SL’s sold in the USA and the cars rode beautifully. For some ridiculous reason, MB made the system a $4K+ option on all non-AMG (SL63 & SL65) SL’s starting in 2013. Since it is not a “flashy” option that a customer can visually see, virtually no dealer ever ordered the option on a car for stock. Since the SL450 was the “bargain” SL, they sure as hell would not order one with ABC, unless a customer specifically, special ordered such a car.
When I ordered my 2019 SL450, I first drove the 550, but found that I actually much preferred the ride & handling characteristics of the lighter V6 over the heavier V8. With ABC, it is an amazing package and I highly recommend it..........IF you can find one.
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