SL/R231: New owner of 2016 SL400
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 257
Likes: 85
From: Newbury Park, CA
2016 SL400 & 2021 C300
New owner of 2016 SL400
Hi all. My wife and I purchased a certified Cardinal Red SL400 on Thursday. For the past 8 years I have participated on the Corvette forum where I learned a lot about my car and how to keep it in top shape. As much as I already miss the Vette, it was time to move on and I have always wanted to own a retractable hardtop sports car like this SL400. I also have been wanting to replace the Corvette with a car that rides better and has all of the newer safety features. My wife's E350 was totalled nearly six months ago and we replaced it with a Kia Stinger GT2 which has all of the bells and whistles that were lacking in my Corvette. It does not take long to get spoiled by heated and ventilated seats, adaptive cruise control, park assist, etc. The only down side of the new technology is having to learn how to use it and I am no longer in my prime so I am hoping to get some sage advice from you all on everything SL400. I will post some pictures soon. Carol has taken the SL400 to the Chumash Casino today so am unable to take pictures yet. I am looking forward to learning and sharing with you all. Ron
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 381
Likes: 29
From: FL
Sold 06 CLS500. SL550 09. SL550 2013. Own C6 Corvette heavily customized garage queen 2005.
Welcome Ron,
Strangely enough I was just on the Vette board and saw you goodbye post. I still have my 2005 C6 with 10,000 miles plus a 2013 SL550 with 65,000 miles and in line for a C8 Convertible and looking forward to see what MB come up with in the next two years. Many experienced posters here so if you have a problem or need some answers fire away and enjoy your car..sure you will.
Strangely enough I was just on the Vette board and saw you goodbye post. I still have my 2005 C6 with 10,000 miles plus a 2013 SL550 with 65,000 miles and in line for a C8 Convertible and looking forward to see what MB come up with in the next two years. Many experienced posters here so if you have a problem or need some answers fire away and enjoy your car..sure you will.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,636
Likes: 522
From: Hagerstown MD
2015 SL400; 2019 X5M40i
Welcome to the Forum. I traded my C7 Corvette for the SL and have not looked back as my wife is now happy and willing to ride with me. She hated the Corvette. That said, I am following the C8 discussion on Corvette Forum. In a few years I might give one a try since they will begin building a hardtop convertible later this year. The SL is under warranty until June 2022 so this would be my timeframe for considering the C8. If the wife feels the same as she did about the C7 we will likely trade for a newer CPO SL.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 257
Likes: 85
From: Newbury Park, CA
2016 SL400 & 2021 C300
Welcome Ron,
Strangely enough I was just on the Vette board and saw you goodbye post. I still have my 2005 C6 with 10,000 miles plus a 2013 SL550 with 65,000 miles and in line for a C8 Convertible and looking forward to see what MB come up with in the next two years. Many experienced posters here so if you have a problem or need some answers fire away and enjoy your car..sure you will.
Strangely enough I was just on the Vette board and saw you goodbye post. I still have my 2005 C6 with 10,000 miles plus a 2013 SL550 with 65,000 miles and in line for a C8 Convertible and looking forward to see what MB come up with in the next two years. Many experienced posters here so if you have a problem or need some answers fire away and enjoy your car..sure you will.
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Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 257
Likes: 85
From: Newbury Park, CA
2016 SL400 & 2021 C300
Welcome to the Forum. I traded my C7 Corvette for the SL and have not looked back as my wife is now happy and willing to ride with me. She hated the Corvette. That said, I am following the C8 discussion on Corvette Forum. In a few years I might give one a try since they will begin building a hardtop convertible later this year. The SL is under warranty until June 2022 so this would be my timeframe for considering the C8. If the wife feels the same as she did about the C7 we will likely trade for a newer CPO SL.
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Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 541
Likes: 158
From: Houston Texas
2023 AMG GLE63s, 2017 AMG SL63, 2024 Sprinter, 1958 Chevrolet Corvette
Congrats on that sharp looking SL. I also moved on from a Corvette (C7) for the same reasons. Am confident you will enjoy the SL.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 257
Likes: 85
From: Newbury Park, CA
2016 SL400 & 2021 C300
After a warm day, Carol and I enjoyed the cool evening last night by taking the new toy out for a little drive with the top down. We got to try out the air scarf feature and used the pop-up wind blocker. With all of the windows up, on the freeway we could easily converse without shouting at 70 mph. While the C6 Vette coupes have a removable roof section, at anything over about 40 mph, the wind noise is unbearable when it is removed. The SL400 is another story altogether. I have owned a BMW Roadster and a few Miatas, also a Sunbeam Alpine, Datsun 2000 and a Fiat roadster in my youth. None of these convertible sports cars come close to the top down driving experience of this Mercedes.
I also am able to get my golf clubs in the trunk with top down, and can even add a four wheel push cart with the top up by removing the wheels. I tried fitting our two carry-on bags in the trunk, and they fit fine with the top up, so it looks like the SL400 will make a good mini vacation car if we should choose to leave the roomier Stinger at home.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 257
Likes: 85
From: Newbury Park, CA
2016 SL400 & 2021 C300
Member
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 131
Likes: 48
2014 sl550
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,336
Likes: 936
From: Brookshire, Texas & Cat Spring, Texas
2019 SL550/2023 EQS 580 SUV
This behind the seats bag will hold a lot of folded up clothing for trips and give a bit more room in the trunk...
https://www.etsy.com/listing/595353057/mercedes-benz-sl-r231-my-2012-rear-shelf?gpla=1&gao=1&&utm_source=google&utm_medium=c pc&utm_campaign=shopping_us_a-bags_and_purses-luggage_and_travel-duffel_bags&utm_custom1=8a7b93be-2868-45fe-8127-b605fc4c9aa6&utm_content=go_304500035_22746253475_ 78727485875_pla-106553044595_m__595353057&utm_custom2=304500035&gc lid=EAIaIQobChMIme_hvLaB6gIVBDiGCh1_Kwb9EAQYAiABEg KAS_D_BwE
Also these bags fit the trunk well quite nicely...
https://www.etsy.com/listing/5053172...active_1&frs=1
https://www.etsy.com/listing/595353057/mercedes-benz-sl-r231-my-2012-rear-shelf?gpla=1&gao=1&&utm_source=google&utm_medium=c pc&utm_campaign=shopping_us_a-bags_and_purses-luggage_and_travel-duffel_bags&utm_custom1=8a7b93be-2868-45fe-8127-b605fc4c9aa6&utm_content=go_304500035_22746253475_ 78727485875_pla-106553044595_m__595353057&utm_custom2=304500035&gc lid=EAIaIQobChMIme_hvLaB6gIVBDiGCh1_Kwb9EAQYAiABEg KAS_D_BwE
Also these bags fit the trunk well quite nicely...
https://www.etsy.com/listing/5053172...active_1&frs=1
Last edited by Utopia Texas; Jun 14, 2020 at 09:49 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,336
Likes: 936
From: Brookshire, Texas & Cat Spring, Texas
2019 SL550/2023 EQS 580 SUV
If anyone is planning on keeping their 231 for any amount of time I believe now is the time to buy this fitted luggage. The 232 will probably require a different design of luggage so once these are sold out might be impossible to find.
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,447
Likes: 334
From: South Florida
2013 SL550 (Lux Sport), 2006 CL55 AMG (Muscle). S550 (Wife's Sedan)
And there's another 'behind the seat' 231 Travel Bag option as well, this one from CKS Performance....
(Wish they also made it in available in Dark Brown instead of only Black as my 231 has the Ginger Beige/Espresso Brown Interior)
Note that CKS also offers a 5-bag 'fitted set' of 231 luggage for those who enjoy 2-person road trips ...
https://global.cksperformance.com/pr...or-accessories
https://global.cksperformance.com/pr...or-accessories
Amazon sells this high quality CKS luggage also, but for some reason, they prices are much higher...
(Wish they also made it in available in Dark Brown instead of only Black as my 231 has the Ginger Beige/Espresso Brown Interior)
Note that CKS also offers a 5-bag 'fitted set' of 231 luggage for those who enjoy 2-person road trips ...
https://global.cksperformance.com/pr...or-accessories
https://global.cksperformance.com/pr...or-accessories
Amazon sells this high quality CKS luggage also, but for some reason, they prices are much higher...
Last edited by bob55; Jun 15, 2020 at 09:47 PM.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 257
Likes: 85
From: Newbury Park, CA
2016 SL400 & 2021 C300
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 417
Likes: 34
From: Everett, WA
14 E63S Wagon, 16 GTS Edition1 (Sold), 17 SL450 designo edition
Welcome Ron, beautiful ride you have. Like others I come from a string of Corvettes and was a mod on Z06Vette in their early years. Love my SL450 but am also following the C8 news.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 257
Likes: 85
From: Newbury Park, CA
2016 SL400 & 2021 C300
I saw one at the golf course and it looked a little odd due to the proportions, but I understand it is a fantastic car and I am sure I will get used to the looks after seeing more of them. Unfortunately I have bought two cars in the last 6 months and the new Corvette is not even an option at this time. I hope you are able to get one if you are in the market, they are amazing performers.
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,556
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From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
I am in 805. We live in Newbury Park and visit Santa Barbara frequently as we have been long time Ensemble Theatre season subscribers.
After a warm day, Carol and I enjoyed the cool evening last night by taking the new toy out for a little drive with the top down. We got to try out the air scarf feature and used the pop-up wind blocker. With all of the windows up, on the freeway we could easily converse without shouting at 70 mph. While the C6 Vette coupes have a removable roof section, at anything over about 40 mph, the wind noise is unbearable when it is removed. The SL400 is another story altogether. I have owned a BMW Roadster and a few Miatas, also a Sunbeam Alpine, Datsun 2000 and a Fiat roadster in my youth. None of these convertible sports cars come close to the top down driving experience of this Mercedes.
I also am able to get my golf clubs in the trunk with top down, and can even add a four wheel push cart with the top up by removing the wheels. I tried fitting our two carry-on bags in the trunk, and they fit fine with the top up, so it looks like the SL400 will make a good mini vacation car if we should choose to leave the roomier Stinger at home.
After a warm day, Carol and I enjoyed the cool evening last night by taking the new toy out for a little drive with the top down. We got to try out the air scarf feature and used the pop-up wind blocker. With all of the windows up, on the freeway we could easily converse without shouting at 70 mph. While the C6 Vette coupes have a removable roof section, at anything over about 40 mph, the wind noise is unbearable when it is removed. The SL400 is another story altogether. I have owned a BMW Roadster and a few Miatas, also a Sunbeam Alpine, Datsun 2000 and a Fiat roadster in my youth. None of these convertible sports cars come close to the top down driving experience of this Mercedes.
I also am able to get my golf clubs in the trunk with top down, and can even add a four wheel push cart with the top up by removing the wheels. I tried fitting our two carry-on bags in the trunk, and they fit fine with the top up, so it looks like the SL400 will make a good mini vacation car if we should choose to leave the roomier Stinger at home.
