SL/R231: 2022 SL reveal
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2010 E350 4Matic
Plenty of info in the R232 SL forum. And yes, the six cylinder is dead for the SL. 4 or 8 cylinder only. That said, it won't be short on power. The new C63s will feature the same setup as the SL53e although it makes 650hp unlike the SL, more than the largest V8's at the moment (Black Series excluded). Even with the 4 banger, expect a sticker price of $140k if the US models start with the 53e.
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2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
As someone who has mostly had a V8 or V12 in my luxury cars, I was very much anti-6 (with the exception of 911’s), until I drove an SL450 and was blown away with the performance. I’m still anti-4, but I’m quite sure that with modern turbocharging and hybrid technology that these new cars will have plenty of get-up-and-go for most everyone. As for the sound, they will really need to work on that. The first E300 4 bangers sounded like they were ready for the junk yard, but have since been improved. My personal preference would be for heavily muffled exhaust systems on all cars, making them near silent. If a driver feels a need for engine sounds, there should be appropriate sounds available through the audio system. No need to annoy the whole world with all the snap, crackle & pop BS. 
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2015 SL400; 2019 X5M40i
As someone who has mostly had a V8 or V12 in my luxury cars, I was very much anti-6 (with the exception of 911’s), until I drove an SL450 and was blown away with the performance. I’m still anti-4, but I’m quite sure that with modern turbocharging and hybrid technology that these new cars will have plenty of get-up-and-go for most everyone. As for the sound, they will really need to work on that. The first E300 4 bangers sounded like they were ready for the junk yard, but have since been improved. My personal preference would be for heavily muffled exhaust systems on all cars, making them near silent. If a driver feels a need for engine sounds, there should be appropriate sounds available through the audio system. No need to annoy the whole world with all the snap, crackle & pop BS.
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S560
I have never driven a 4cyl car that didn't feel like a 4cyl car. I don't care how much power the engine puts out, there is no magical way to make the engine smooth and refined- it's a flawed design from a luxury standpoint. The 6 in my SL is a first in a long while for me, I literally have not had one since I was a kid playing with 300z's and such. The only reason I went with it is because it's a very refined motor with great power delivery. That should be the baseline, not a 4. Even BMW realized they made that mistake and quickly swapped a 6 for the 4 in the 740e.
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From: Franklin, TN
2019 E450 wagon: 2019 BMW 430i: 2013 Chevy Traverse: (departed)2013 SL550 & 2019 E450 cab
Agree on the 4 bangers, not for me even with all the counter balance engineering. I will add that in the late '70's I had an Audi 5000S with an in-line five cylinder that was such a special motor; smooth, good mileage, and decent torque. But the BMW in-line six cylinders which have been in our garage over the years may have been the best motors we have enjoyed. Our E450 has the V6 and a friend has a newer E with the in-line 3.0 motor (a year newer); both are very solid powerplants IMO.
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I have never driven a 4cyl car that didn't feel like a 4cyl car. I don't care how much power the engine puts out, there is no magical way to make the engine smooth and refined- it's a flawed design from a luxury standpoint. The 6 in my SL is a first in a long while for me, I literally have not had one since I was a kid playing with 300z's and such. The only reason I went with it is because it's a very refined motor with great power delivery. That should be the baseline, not a 4. Even BMW realized they made that mistake and quickly swapped a 6 for the 4 in the 740e.
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R231 SL63 & R129 SL500
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Unfortunately we see the sun setting on ICE engines and this will impact what engines will survive.
The V6 out of the SL450 should not remained in the car as long as it did. The only reason was the re-tooling costs due to low production volume. That engine has been kicked out of other models years ago as its outdated (launched in 2010). It even stayed in the S-Class in the US while it was pulled anywhere else for reasons unknown.
The new SL is AMG only so the engine choices are different. A 4 banger is unattractive for me but at least it is a new engine design and the highest performance 4 cylinder engine in the world. Great rating so far...
We will stay with a V8 until we go electric
The V6 out of the SL450 should not remained in the car as long as it did. The only reason was the re-tooling costs due to low production volume. That engine has been kicked out of other models years ago as its outdated (launched in 2010). It even stayed in the S-Class in the US while it was pulled anywhere else for reasons unknown.
The new SL is AMG only so the engine choices are different. A 4 banger is unattractive for me but at least it is a new engine design and the highest performance 4 cylinder engine in the world. Great rating so far...
We will stay with a V8 until we go electric
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From: Hagerstown MD
2015 SL400; 2019 X5M40i
Unfortunately we see the sun setting on ICE engines and this will impact what engines will survive.
The V6 out of the SL450 should not remained in the car as long as it did. The only reason was the re-tooling costs due to low production volume. That engine has been kicked out of other models years ago as its outdated (launched in 2010). It even stayed in the S-Class in the US while it was pulled anywhere else for reasons unknown.
The new SL is AMG only so the engine choices are different. A 4 banger is unattractive for me but at least it is a new engine design and the highest performance 4 cylinder engine in the world. Great rating so far...
We will stay with a V8 until we go electric
The V6 out of the SL450 should not remained in the car as long as it did. The only reason was the re-tooling costs due to low production volume. That engine has been kicked out of other models years ago as its outdated (launched in 2010). It even stayed in the S-Class in the US while it was pulled anywhere else for reasons unknown.
The new SL is AMG only so the engine choices are different. A 4 banger is unattractive for me but at least it is a new engine design and the highest performance 4 cylinder engine in the world. Great rating so far...
We will stay with a V8 until we go electric
Me too. Plan to trade my '15 for a '19 or '20 SL550 in a couple years.
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From: Franklin, TN
2019 E450 wagon: 2019 BMW 430i: 2013 Chevy Traverse: (departed)2013 SL550 & 2019 E450 cab
Unfortunately we see the sun setting on ICE engines and this will impact what engines will survive.
The V6 out of the SL450 should not remained in the car as long as it did. The only reason was the re-tooling costs due to low production volume. That engine has been kicked out of other models years ago as its outdated (launched in 2010). It even stayed in the S-Class in the US while it was pulled anywhere else for reasons unknown.
The V6 out of the SL450 should not remained in the car as long as it did. The only reason was the re-tooling costs due to low production volume. That engine has been kicked out of other models years ago as its outdated (launched in 2010). It even stayed in the S-Class in the US while it was pulled anywhere else for reasons unknown.
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2015 SL400; 2019 X5M40i
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According to Wikipedia, the 60 degree angle has similarities with the Chrysler pentastar engine but I think this is presumptuous.
There have been tons of engines with that layout decades earlier.
It is a good and reliable engine but technically old school and less efficient compared to anything else that Mercedes has in its lineup.
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The V6 out of the SL450 should not remained in the car as long as it did. The only reason was the re-tooling costs due to low production volume. That engine has been kicked out of other models years ago as its outdated (launched in 2010). It even stayed in the S-Class in the US while it was pulled anywhere else for reasons unknown.
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No more MB:(
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S560
Mostly correct. While the M276 engine was developed in 2010 it went through a substantial revision in 2014 and 2015 where it was dropped from 3.5 to 3.0L and turbocharged making it a mostly new engine...
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^^^ I am referring to specifically 3L V6 TT (the one in SL450 from the post above). For me 3.5L NA V6 is a totally different engine even though 3L TT has its roots derived from 3.5L NA.
Whats next? 157 V8 TT engine is the same as 278 V8 TT because it was derived from it? Of course not!
Whats next? 157 V8 TT engine is the same as 278 V8 TT because it was derived from it? Of course not!
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From: Huntington NY
S560
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Yes you did not say it, unfortunately I took "dropped" out of content - you meant dropped displacement (I re-read it) while I took it as dropped from the lineup.
However, I stand by the rest (not directed at anyone specific): if 276 3.5 NA is the "same base engine" as 276 3.0 TT, then so are 278 and 157. To me 278 and 157 are totally different (roots not withstanding) and so are 3.5NA and 3.0TT (even if both have 276 designation).
However, I stand by the rest (not directed at anyone specific): if 276 3.5 NA is the "same base engine" as 276 3.0 TT, then so are 278 and 157. To me 278 and 157 are totally different (roots not withstanding) and so are 3.5NA and 3.0TT (even if both have 276 designation).
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Yes you did not say it, unfortunately I took "dropped" out of content - you meant dropped displacement (I re-read it) while I took it as dropped from the lineup.
However, I stand by the rest (not directed at anyone specific): if 276 3.5 NA is the "same base engine" as 276 3.0 TT, then so are 278 and 157. To me 278 and 157 are totally different (roots not withstanding) and so are 3.5NA and 3.0TT (even if both have 276 designation).
However, I stand by the rest (not directed at anyone specific): if 276 3.5 NA is the "same base engine" as 276 3.0 TT, then so are 278 and 157. To me 278 and 157 are totally different (roots not withstanding) and so are 3.5NA and 3.0TT (even if both have 276 designation).
I can understand why they kept the engines in the SL (retooling costs) and even in the SUV's as the next gen of SUV's were getting all new engines. As mentioned, it has been unique that they put it into the S-Class facelift for the US only. The same S450's had the inline 6 elsewhere. Maybe to avoid homologation or EPA certification delays.
Last edited by Wolfman; Aug 26, 2021 at 10:02 PM.
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Understood. It is true that the engine was introduced in 2014 on the SL but it is/was still a traditional MB engine as compared to new engines for that were designed to replace it, namely the inline 6 (M256) with 48V. Great engine but at the end of an era (pre 48V).
I can understand why they kept the engines in the SL (retooling costs) and even in the SUV's as the next gen of SUV's were getting all new engines. As mentioned, it has been unique that they put it into the S-Class facelift for the US only. The same S450's had the inline 6 elsewhere. Maybe to avoid homologation or EPA certification delays.
I can understand why they kept the engines in the SL (retooling costs) and even in the SUV's as the next gen of SUV's were getting all new engines. As mentioned, it has been unique that they put it into the S-Class facelift for the US only. The same S450's had the inline 6 elsewhere. Maybe to avoid homologation or EPA certification delays.
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Might have been a cost consideration. Also, personally I don't care at all. I am VERY HAPPY with the engine they used. I don't know if something else could have made us happier. It is a great engine, trans, power combo just like it is in my opinion.
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He is talking about the S450. In the SL, I agree with you and am absolutely thrilled with everything about the V6 in my SL450. What an amazing engine! That said, it might not have enough “oomph” for the huge S Class, at least not for me. Perhaps the new S500 models just coming out now, with the I6 will be a different story.
