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Interesting thread. I have a couple comments and questions:
1. I prefer the look of the grille in the pre-facelift models. Really don't like all the shiny stars in the updated grille. Has anyone painted these black to match the rest of the grille?
2. I also prefer the simple 5 spoke AMG wheels. Much easier to clean. Are they available on the later model cars? Mine is a 2015 and has the 5 spoke AMG wheels.
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Originally Posted by rmorin49
Interesting thread. I have a couple comments and questions:
1. I prefer the look of the grille in the pre-facelift models. Really don't like all the shiny stars in the updated grille. Has anyone painted these black to match the rest of the grille?
2. I also prefer the simple 5 spoke AMG wheels. Much easier to clean. Are they available on the later model cars? Mine is a 2015 and has the 5 spoke AMG wheels.
Thanks.
I think someone experimented putting black tape over the stars to see what it would look like. I can’t remember the results. I don’t care for the stars either, but much prefer the design of the newer front end over the pre-facelift AMG design. Once again, I need to bring up the fact that “THE” most lovely front end for the R231–IMHO—was the non-AMG, pre-facelift look that was available in Germany and some other countries, but some idiot decided that in the USA, we should not have it as a choice, see photo. Still thinking of swapping out my grill for the SL63 version. Yes, the 5-spoke AMG wheels are still available on the SL550 and they are beautiful.
If THIS car had been available to buyers in the USA, I would have had one in 2013 and it would probably still be sitting in my garage today. I think that this front end was the original design for the car, that it “WORKS,” that it is lovely, elegant and reasonably aggressive enough. Every design that came afterwards did not work nearly as well, IMO.
Last edited by Streamliner; Apr 20, 2020 at 12:56 PM.
I'd go by the Monroney as that's what you will contract for
Looks just like what you want if you get the right price.
BTW I have the diamond white (now 2'nd 231 with diamond), everyone who sees it compliments me on the color.
As you want a 450 it looks like it checks all the boxes.
Mine is loaded like this one and I would recommend all the options !
Let us know how it goes.
Steve
No, still going to go CPO. I was just scanning the new ones for kicks and thought there were some discrepancies on this one. The car in the photos can't be the same one that belongs with the Monroney that's pictured...I don't think you can't get Piano trim with a wood wheel.
I think someone experimented putting black tape over the stars to see what it would look like. I can’t remember the results. I don’t care for the stars either, but much prefer the design of the newer front end over the pre-facelift AMG design. Once again, I need to bring up the fact that “THE” most lovely front end for the R231–IMHO—was the non-AMG, pre-facelift look that was available in Germany and some other countries, but some idiot decided that in the USA, we should not have it as a choice, see photo. Still thinking of swapping out my grill for the SL63 version. Yes, the 5-spoke AMG wheels are still available on the SL550 and they are beautiful.
If THIS car had been available to buyers in the USA, I would have had one in 2013 and it would probably still be sitting in my garage today. I think that this front end was the original design for the car, that it “WORKS,” that it is lovely, elegant and reasonably aggressive enough. Every design that came afterwards did not work nearly as well, IMO.
What was the difference between this front end and the US version?
Wow! What a car! I figure that one of two things happened: First, and most likely, someone ordered the car and then backed out, probably due to the current crisis. Or, the dealer decided that for one of the very last 231's, they would order a fully loaded car for the showroom floor.
Wow, what a price, my CL 600 new was a little over that....I’m wondering who will pay this amount of money during these times, yeah I know there are people out there with pockets full but also way better options in that range. Maybe there is guy out there waiting for the exact car !
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Originally Posted by tx170754
Wow, what a price, my CL 600 new was a little over that....I’m wondering who will pay this amount of money during these times, yeah I know there are people out there with pockets full but also way better options in that range. Maybe there is guy out there waiting for the exact car !
I imagine that a substantial discount could be had on this car right now. But, even with a $20K or $25K discount, that is still a lot of potatoes! There is also the possibility that this car is not even for sale. It might be a special order, with a buyer waiting, that got automatically posted for sale when it came in. I've seen that
happen before.
That's true, of course, but there are a lot of folks out there, myself included, that don't want that extra power, don't need it and much prefer the softer ride of a non-AMG car.
I don't know how harsh of a ride of a SL 63 with ABC is, but I see your point, one of the reasons of selling my S8 was exactly that, a fantastic Lambo V10 engine car with a very bumpy ride and an almost impossible car to drive in town...
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Originally Posted by tx170754
I don't know how harsh of a ride of a SL 63 with ABC is, but I see your point, one of the reasons of selling my S8 was exactly that, a fantastic Lambo V10 engine car with a very bumpy ride and an almost impossible car to drive in town...
I can't speak for the SL63 either, as I have never driven one. I did, however, drive a nearly new, 2018 SL65AMG and was just astonished at how firm, jarring and uncomfortable the ride was, with the ABC setting in the most "comfortable" mode. I actually ordered my SL as a 450, as I much prefer the ride quality of the car with the lighter V6 than the heavier V8 of the 550. To me, ride quality is pretty much at the top of my list when it comes to things I need out of a car.
They make them like that on purpose ( Porsche is another example ) once you go into a sedan V12 Mercedes, the ride is fantastic and the level of noise is very low, you just drive and the power comes exactly when you need it effortlessly at the enormous torque they have....
The front end on the white car was our only choice.
Opinions about styling are always subjective, but I like the U.S.-only version marginally better. To my eye, the grill on the copper car looks like it's repeating. Though I have to admit that I had to stare at them a moment before seeing the difference.
Originally Posted by bob55
How about a completely loaded 231 SL 550 in Selenite Grey with Exclusive Black Leather Interior and the Carbon Fiber Trim
This was just listed and seems to have every conceivable 231 option including ABC, Magic Sky, B&O Sound etc etc. etc.
If you want to go 'all out' with your 231 purchase, this just may be the right car for you! (it's rare to see a 231 with every option).
The List Price of $138,685 is as high as I've seen for a non-AMG 231
Well, there it is. Whomever ordered this car, with ABC and other nice options and did not pop for one of the deluxe interiors, needs to stand in the corner with a dunce hat on. Knowing what I know about my car, seeing as how ABC is a must have for me, would I buy this car, if I had missed the boat on ordering one when they were still available to order? For me, I would say “NO.” The interior, to me, is just not appealing and has no POP to it. If it had been the all black Exclusive Nappa, with the Burlwood trim, I think it would look way better. Anyway, I’d still hunt for the right car and would definitely consider a gently used one, with a more pleasing color combination, over this odd car. Just my two cents worth.
Well, there it is. Whomever ordered this car, with ABC and other nice options and did not pop for one of the deluxe interiors, needs to stand in the corner with a dunce hat on. Knowing what I know about my car, seeing as how ABC is a must have for me, would I buy this car, if I had missed the boat on ordering one when they were still available to order? For me, I would say “NO.” The interior, to me, is just not appealing and has no POP to it. If it had been the all black Exclusive Nappa, with the Burlwood trim, I think it would look way better. Anyway, I’d still hunt for the right car and would definitely consider a gently used one, with a more pleasing color combination, over this odd car. Just my two cents worth.
Couldn't agree more. I have no problem with the options that are on it...heck, it even has a wood wheel...but I guess I'm no longer the totally-function-over-form guy that I once was. I gotta have a non-black, nicer interior. The '17 that I test-drove had a base Bengal interior that presented better than they do in pictures, so I might have been tempted with that interior. But black...ugh! I still don't mind the way black looks (if Exclusive with appropriate trim), but my first new car was a convertible with a black interior. Never again...and that was in Wisconsin. Now...in Georgia? No.
Every time I see a car like this it just tears my heart out. So close, and yet...
Last edited by Dr. Manhattan; May 7, 2020 at 04:38 PM.
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Originally Posted by rmorin49
Does anyone like the wheels on that car? They look like they should be on a Kia.
Same wheels that came on my car. They are the standard wheels for the SL450. I think them ugly, but got them, because I knew I would be changing them and any others were an extra charge. The black painted rims hide the brake dust, sort of.
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