SL/R231: R231 Modifications Thread
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
R231 Modifications Thread
I've noticed that there is a lack of information regarding mods for the R231. So I thought that I'd start a thread on documenting some of the possible modifications that can be done, along with what mods we have done to our cars. The mods on this list may not be possible on some models of cars, such as those with or without the AMG styling package, or with different motors.
My SL has had a pre-facelift SL63-style lip spoiler, 295's in the rear, and the middle mufflers deleted. But I know that a ton of other mods are possible too.
Exterior:
My SL has had a pre-facelift SL63-style lip spoiler, 295's in the rear, and the middle mufflers deleted. But I know that a ton of other mods are possible too.
Exterior:
- Spoiler and lip spoilers
- Wrapping
- Front lip
- SL63 OEM grille
- SL63 rear valence (may require SL63 tips as well)
- 3rd party grilles
- Various bodykits
- Phone mount https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...o-you-use.html
- Floor mats/trunk liners
- Steering wheel
- Paddle shifter extensions
- Amplifier to fix rear speaker sound https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...ispreloading=1, https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...7-sl-r231.html
- 300SL gearknob umbrellas in umbrella holders
- 3rd party e.g. Brabus or others
- 295-section tires fit https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...fort-r231.html
- 305/35/R19, 295/35/R19 rear
- 265/35/R19 front
- 20"s fit without issue on the rear https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...-fit-ride.html
- 20"s may fit on the front, although a 255/35/R20 tire is too big.
- Center caps
- Spacers https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...s-2017-sl.html
- Michelin Pilot Sport 4S for non-runflats to improve ride
- Michelin Pilot Sport A/S for soft ride and all-seasons
- H&R lowering springs https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...rt-number.html, https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...015-sl400.html
- Brabus lowering springs
- Euro Spec lowering springs
- Renntech ABC lowering module (requires Android device to use)
- Renntech tunes https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...ispreloading=1
- Eurocharged tunes
- Brabus tunes
- OETuning tunes
- VividRacing tunes
- Kleemann tune
- AMS Alpha tune (SL63 only, fit NOT confirmed)
- Weistec tunes
- Weistec meth injection (not on SL500 or SL550)
- Racechip
- Renntech transmission upgrade (pre-facelift only)
- BMC air filters
- Ultimate Performance & Development intake (SL63 only)
- Ultimate Performance & Development air filters (SL63 only)
- Various other intakes
- Renntech Intercooler kits (AMG only)
- SprintBoost (adjusts throttle response)
- Transmission "Agility" mode programming
- Weistec transmission pan
- Delete resonators for minimal increase in sound
- Delete middle mufflers for noticeable increase in sound and some burbles
- Delete rear mufflers if you want a LOT of noise! https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...er-delete.html
- Renntech rear mufflers (just delete the middle mufflers instead!)
- Disconnect exhaust noise generator (facelift cars) https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...generator.html
- MEC Design exhaust https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...ml#post8085596
- FI-Exhaust valved system
- Capristo exhaust
- Meisterschaft exhaust
- Speedriven exhaust (LOUD)
- Weistec downpipes (AMG only)
- Less dust with pads from Racingbrake
- AMG brakes (plug-and-play) https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...ml#post8790367
- AMG carbon ceramic brakes (plug-and-play) https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...e-upgrade.html
- Renntech LSD (AMG only, not sure if non-AMG models compatible)
- Renntech adjustable links (AMG only, not sure if non-AMG models compatible)
- Smarttop
Last edited by Keon; 02-08-2024 at 10:31 PM.
#2
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: God's County (Yorkshire)
Posts: 1,040
Received 233 Likes
on
189 Posts
Shanks’s Pony
You omitted the most useful mod.
Smarttop.
I have
1) SmartTop
2) Boot lip spoiler (facelift version).
I purchased my car new and specified everything else that I wanted so (for me even 4 years on) no other mods needed (although I do like the Panamerica grille).
Smarttop.
I have
1) SmartTop
2) Boot lip spoiler (facelift version).
I purchased my car new and specified everything else that I wanted so (for me even 4 years on) no other mods needed (although I do like the Panamerica grille).
#3
SPONSOR
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: WWW.BENZNINJA.COM
Posts: 2,662
Received 838 Likes
on
649 Posts
WWW.BENZNINJA.COM
You forgot the most easy/cheap and HP booster and incomparable cooling kit, the water/meth injection kit, to me the best upgrade overall on a turbo car, I got mine from Weistec (also a No1 tuner) because all has been prepared for your engine type
You totally forgot Kleemann to me one of the 3 best tuners
SprintBoost (adjusts throttle response) is JUNK
Eurocharged tunes not really good
OETuning tunes a joke
VividRacing tunes a joke
Racechip a joke
You totally forgot Kleemann to me one of the 3 best tuners
SprintBoost (adjusts throttle response) is JUNK
Eurocharged tunes not really good
OETuning tunes a joke
VividRacing tunes a joke
Racechip a joke
Last edited by BenzNinja; 03-22-2021 at 02:17 PM.
#4
Senior Member
Thread Starter
You forgot the most easy/cheap and HP booster and incomparable cooling kit, the water/meth injection kit, to me the best upgrade overall on a turbo car, I got mine from Weistec (also a No1 tuner) because all has been prepared for your engine type
You totally forgot Kleemann to me one of the 3 best tuners
SprintBoost (adjusts throttle response) is JUNK
Eurocharged tunes not really good
OETuning tunes a joke
VividRacing tunes a joke
Racechip a joke
You totally forgot Kleemann to me one of the 3 best tuners
SprintBoost (adjusts throttle response) is JUNK
Eurocharged tunes not really good
OETuning tunes a joke
VividRacing tunes a joke
Racechip a joke
#6
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Trending Topics
#8
On my 2014 sl550 i have as follows
oetune
mec design earthquake exhaust
sl63 diffuser with tips
bootlip spoiler
Eco mode delete/amg menu activated/transmission agility mode enabled.
no issues with the above mods in 1 year, happy camper
oetune
mec design earthquake exhaust
sl63 diffuser with tips
bootlip spoiler
Eco mode delete/amg menu activated/transmission agility mode enabled.
no issues with the above mods in 1 year, happy camper
#9
Super Member
Does anyone make headers for any of the R231 cars?
#10
Senior Member
Thread Starter
I don't think so. I also don't see any reason at all you'd want to upgrade the stock manifolds. Headers aren't going to be worth it, especially considering that the downpipe will be the most restrictive part of the exhaust system.
#11
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Yes, they do have them for the V12 - I mentioned it on my list that the AMG motors are compatible. As for the 4.7, I entered 2014 SL550 and it didn't show any meth kits, but it did when i put 2014 SL400 - so I will not add the 4.7 to the list since according to the website, they don't make a kit for it.
Last edited by Keon; 03-23-2021 at 10:21 PM.
The following 3 users liked this post by ZCARGUY:
#14
Senior Member
Thread Starter
#15
Senior Member
Thread Starter
I've updated the list with some new stuff. I'd also really appreciate if this gets stickied so it's easily accessible for new R231 SL owners.
#16
Super Member
It would be more helpful if there were links to everything, even though most or all of it could be googled
Some additional items:
UPD sells an intake, and also some lightweight pulleys FWIW: http://ultimatepd.com/air-intakes/mercedes.html
Wavetrac LSD (part 48.309.185WK) ... not sure if only for AMG
AMS has tunes, intakes, and cooling mods.: https://www.amsperformance.com/produ...mercedes-benz/
VRP has several different items: https://www.vrpspeed.com/product-cat...mg-m157-5-5tt/
Some additional items:
UPD sells an intake, and also some lightweight pulleys FWIW: http://ultimatepd.com/air-intakes/mercedes.html
Wavetrac LSD (part 48.309.185WK) ... not sure if only for AMG
AMS has tunes, intakes, and cooling mods.: https://www.amsperformance.com/produ...mercedes-benz/
VRP has several different items: https://www.vrpspeed.com/product-cat...mg-m157-5-5tt/
Last edited by billvp218; 03-27-2021 at 08:03 PM.
The following users liked this post:
MJR2 (01-17-2022)
#17
Modifications
Keon, I appreciate your post. It says a lot but doesn’t tell me much. I have a 2014 SL550 and I cannot get a clear answer on what fits and what doesn’t. From what I have found all mods fits the SL63 model. I’d like to get a rear spoiler, possibly mods to the front clip but when I go to various sites and put in my model it comes back as doesn’t fit vehicle. I also need a front spoiler scrape guard, any thoughts?
#18
Keon, I appreciate your post. It says a lot but doesn’t tell me much. I have a 2014 SL550 and I cannot get a clear answer on what fits and what doesn’t. From what I have found all mods fits the SL63 model. I’d like to get a rear spoiler, possibly mods to the front clip but when I go to various sites and put in my model it comes back as doesn’t fit vehicle. I also need a front spoiler scrape guard, any thoughts?
all sl63 spoilers fit sl550s
The following users liked this post:
Nemrosim (06-06-2023)
#20
MBWorld Fanatic!
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Maryland, United States
Posts: 4,731
Received 1,708 Likes
on
1,263 Posts
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
#21
Need LED emblem for new GT grill
I am about to purchase a new grill for my 2014 R231 (below). Does anyone know which emblem will fit this grill without me purchasing multiple stars?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/185388409956
https://www.ebay.com/itm/185388409956
#23
Super Member
#24
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2021
Location: Nor-Cal
Posts: 955
Received 443 Likes
on
304 Posts
2020 GLC300 -2013 Sl550 - 1997 SL600
wiki/Limited-slip_differential
Some more basics, more formula car oriented, but same 1.5/2 way LSD (ramp)concept…
https://murmotorsports.eng.unimelb.e...the-difference
https://murmotorsports.eng.unimelb.e...rence-part-two
You can find them more abundantly in E63’s and CLS63’s, but they came in SL63’s too. I believe AMG has spec’d. 35/40 lock on these 2-way Drexler’s. 35% under acceleration and 40% under deceleration. I believe the Black Series HAG215 diffs are set at 40/50.
I found a very low mileage unit for $700. You can swap the carrier if you like, but the diff itself is a bolt in if you find a low mileage unit and don’t want to bother swapping carriers. (probably cheaper that way just make sure the gear ratio is the same). Installation is easy. You don’t have to drop the exhaust or the driveshaft. Just pull the half shafts, unbolt the rear flex coupler, front diff mount and the 2 large bolts on the rear cover holding the rear diff. case in place. Can do it all In one day.
Good Luck
Mercedes HAG215 Drexler/AMG Rear Differential assembly (option 471)
Drexler LSD AMG part number.
AMG Rectifier
Last edited by crconsulting; 12-13-2022 at 08:00 PM.
#25
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: OutWest
Posts: 645
Received 137 Likes
on
104 Posts
2015 ML350+2021 E350
I am about to purchase a new grill for my 2014 R231 (below). Does anyone know which emblem will fit this grill without me purchasing multiple stars?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/185388409956
https://www.ebay.com/itm/185388409956
Include pictures please if you have.