So, I did not see a comparison of this in my search of the forum, so I thought I would ask.

My first SL was an R129 about 10 years ago. I sold it years ago, have had various car since then, but just came back to MB and got a 2009 R230 this spring - here are pictures the day of delivery.

I'm liking the R230 a lot, however the thing that is really disappointing me is the seat. I'm not sure if it's my expectations, the previous owner being a heavier person and the foam being compressed over the years, or just the nature of the beast, but the seat feels very flat to me. I have played with the adjustments and can't seem to get my lumbar correct or really get myself comfortable for a longer cruise. I'm actually thinking of getting a seat cushion to sit on to improve it! That seems very unnecessary and disappointing.

The rest of the car I'm really enjoying, but my vague memories of the R129 did not have any negatives about the seats at all and I also remember the sound system being better too. I just took delivery of a W220 S55 last week and it's seats are astonishing after all these years even though it very obviously has taken a lot of abuse.

So, that's the introduction, and here is the question: did the R231 improve the seat? I've not had the chance to drive one yet, but at least in pictures, it looks like a much more robust seat in a retro/classic design theme. In reference I had the opportunity to drive a early 90's A6 equipped with the S6 Recaro seats this week and those are astonishingly supportive in every way I want a seat to feel. The lower and mid lumbar is just fantastic!

Now, part of me wonders if the problem really is me. I've not hit 40 yet and am a fit 165 lbs 5'10, while cars of the SL class are certainly designed thinking of perhaps a, uh, larger framed person in mind and my size is not the target audience, while a 80's style sport seat does in fact have me in mind as a target as it was my understanding that for that area the sport models were more a Euro/Asian market segment target, which on average has a much smaller framed build person than the North American average.

So, long and short, am I really the SL's target segment? Should I maybe start looking at other cars? My target budget is still $35 or below, so that's certainly limiting a bit. I'm thinking about an F12 6 series, a later model XK, or moving "down market" and getting a 1, 2, or Zed series so I can have 3 pedals. I've also looked at Boxters and had a nice non-S last year that I enjoyed immensely, but if getting another one would want to get an S and they are still outside of budget.

There is a 2013 SL550 for sale in my neighborhood that has me thinking about this subject a lot every time I drive past. Price is in budget and the miles are actually just a smidge lower than my R230, but as a general rule I don't really want to purchase a early production model of anything. Maybe I should look for an R230 AMG and that would be more fitting for what I'm looking for? I don't actually care about the speed though, so it seems kind of dumb to buy an AMG just for the seats.

I appreciate any thoughts and feedback!

Thanks for your time,
Prolix

 

We have a 2014 SL550. I have not driven or ridden in the previous models so I can't offer a comparison on seats. However, I'm 6'0", 195lbs, and I can say the seats in ours are very comfortable on longer drives and I find there is ample adjustments that I think would accommodate about any build. I have spine issues which include lumbar stenosis. The adjustment for lumbar is very good, the seat cushion can expand all the way out to the bend at my knees and the bolsters will relax or fold in for a perfect fit. Ours also has the massage function which is a nice touch on long drives. They are as comfortable to me as my 2021 E63s that has active multi contour seats with massage.

 

I would say that the R231 is the most comfortable of the three, having owned multiple R129, R230 and R231 models. No pics from the R129 interior (pre digital camera), here is one from our SL55 and SL550. Very sculpted and comfortable...

 

Having dealt with multiple complaints on ergonomic issues over the years, I've learned that seats and drivers cockpit layout are a very personal thing.
You're going to have to try it is my advice. And long drives are where you can really tell. I owned an R129 SL600 for close to 20 years. (I skipped the r230 completely, as I took too many Pentosin shampoos over the years under those. ). Even though I have sat in and driven plenty of R230's, I didn't own one. So will let others make that comparison.
So for me, the R231 is a fantastic improvement over the R129. Now that being said, It's a question of getting the "right" adjustment, and it takes a while to get that correct. The massage function for me, is a winner on long drives. And the Active seats are a must have addition, especially on those freeway onramps and offramps. Not to mention all the fantastic creature comforts such as the air scarf and (somewhat) vented seats. The seats (R129 vs R231) are definitely different construction though. But in my time limited experiences with the R230, the seats didn't feel that bad either.
You already know what I'm going to say, ^^^^^^see above ^^^^^^^
Though very subjective, I'm going to "guess" that with your age, size and build your biggest problem will be a seat that is too hard. The R231 seat definitely has more foam on the seat cushions (especially the bottom) . But that foam is supported differently. Especially top of the seat assembly. I think it helps to look at the construction of the seats so have uploaded some pictures to help visually identify the differences. The analogy I would use would be the difference between a sleep number bed (air mattress) vs a traditional Box Spring mattress. If you get it right the box spring will feel the best but there is no range of adjustment. So if you get it wrong, you will be sore in the morning. And its tougher to get right the first time. With an air mattress you're able to dial in the right combination of pressure to make you sleep comfortably. The top bladders in the R231 must be functional in order to get effective fitment . (see pictures below) The bottom is traditional foam and I would rate it as softer than the R129 especially at the front of the bottom cushion (see pictures)

Large people, small people, and medium sized people who get the fit wrong will complain. There is no one size fits all, I've heard people say the R129 seats are way too hard and others love it. Fitment is mostly subjective. Though there are bad and cheap designs, but doubt that is at play here.

Absolutely, if you're looking for a true Grand Tourer (GT)


If you find a good R231 in that price range I would snap it right up That's what I paid for mine (with 32k miles) before the last round of inflation hit.

Though I am big fan of the three pedals, those are different animals than the R231. Cars have different personalities and you'll have to mesh your wants and needs to the right car fit for you. R231 is what I would describe as a "mature" enthusiasts (i.e. white to no hair ) luxury GT. Especially the SL550/SL400. Which is in (or close) to your budget. The SL63 leans more toward the sports car spectrum. Which means its a different drive. Neither is better or worse just different.

What is the mileage? Make sure to have it inspected and codes read, and see if you can get or see the VMI from the dealer as well as the usual CARFAX. $35K is cheap in this market.

13-16 is nearly identical, as far as parts and interchangeability. There are some electronics and mechanical revisions but mostly minor. The 2013's have been pretty reliable. The chain tensioners being the most notable issue with the early M278's. That's one of the reasons to look at the VMI and CARFAX


Though arguable, I would get the R231 over the AMG R230. They are different cars, but first, R231 appears overall more reliable with less minor issues. Though long term is still a question. I do see R231's with over 100k that appear to still be holding up fine, for the most part. Secondly, cost of ownership on the AMG consumables may be a somewhat higher, the fact you aren't after the performance aspect of the car means the R231 SL550/SL400 is your Goldilocks fit.


Good Luck


R129 TOP CUSHION - FRONT

R129 TOP CUSHION - BACK

R129 BOTTOM CUSHION - FRONT

R129 BOTTOM CUSHION SIDE

R231 BOTTOM CUSHION - BOTTOM

R231 BOTTOM CUSHION SIDE

R231 BOTTOM CUSHION - FRONT

R231 TOP - FRONT

R231 TOP - REAR

 

I appreciate the thoughtful replies so far. @crconsulting I especially appreciate the incite with photos of the actual seat foam. I have to admit a certain fondness for the seat cushions with springs, but as you said, the adjustability vs static is a subjective debate. I'll see if I can schedule a test drive of the 2013 that's in my neighborhood. If I can I will also find a 6 series and late XK to drive as well. Historically the BMW v8 is definitely a less reliable powerplant to the MB, but I'm not but so concerned as I'll be getting a 50k-ish mile unit and not putting that many miles on it. I think I would like to try an F-type as well, but I think that's one difficult to find in budget.

I do want to read more about this timing chain issue, but I'll not let that stop me from pursuing the idea. Similar sort of job as the v6 balance shaft repairs for the mid 00's MBs? I'm very familiar with that issue.

Other comments

* I'm curious what I think about the massage feature for the R231. The R230 "Pulse" is a joke IMO, but I've found most massage seat functions to be distracting. That said, I do like it on in my 2021 Volvo wagon. I would be curious to compare a modern German option to see how far the tech has come. I remember reading in the late 00's that the A8 had the best massaging seat, but I've never read a comparison for the current decade.

* I have a Euro shop close to me that I have an excellent relationship with so buying a car that is broken is something I'm fully accustom to and even prefer since I'm well equipped to handle about anything that might get thrown at me. I purchased my R230 on Manheim knowing the top didn't work and there was an ABC leak. Neither repair was trouble for said shop staff and everything proceeded in an excellent fashion. All purchases I make I go into with a PPI down by the aforementioned staff. I'm even quite handy myself with a very very large amount invested in quality tools over the years. I tend to prefer to purchase knowing there is a common failure already present, have the cost of repair rolled into the price of entry, and then I fix it and know it's behind me. I love a besmirched car as long as it wasn't maintained by monkies.

* My driving nature is definitely more on the GT end of the spectrum unless the car has 3 pedals. Primary use cars are Volvo station wagons. The most current one being a 2021 V60 Cross Country, which is an excellent vehicle IMO. Backup cars are a CLK500 (always loved), and a BMW M Clown Shoe for when there is a urge for an analog experience, and a rotating schedule of Volvo suvs. Hah, the Clownshoe seats aren't amazing FYI, but that's rarely taken very far.

 

Random great annoyance: running a search on autotrader for cars within a certain proximity is now spoiled by places like Carvana who are definitely not within visiting range saying they are because they will bring it to me. This will make finding cars to test drive a bit more difficult.