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You SAID you wanted a button... Now you want it to work?
Exactly,
I would have expected Gunther to actually hook the button up.
It kinda’ ruins the playful nature of having over 400hp. My tires (and wife) are probably thankful though.
Last edited by crconsulting; Apr 5, 2022 at 09:47 AM.
I want to change my No. 5 (Machine Guns) to where Auto Start is disabled by default. Or, it remembers your last setting. I know they have it start by default to meet EPA mileage requirements, but my daughter's 2018 Honda CR-V requires you to turn it on. But she also has a 1.5 liter turbo (which surprisingly produces 190hp).
I have the smart top module in my car and one thing it includes is a start/stop defeat at startup. I'm very happy about that feature...
I have the smart top module in my car and one thing it includes is a start/stop defeat at startup.
Originally Posted by JettaRed
I want to change my No. 5 (Machine Guns) to where Auto Start is disabled by default. Or, it remembers your last setting
You can do it thru XENTRY, I believe there's also a stand alone OBDII module too.
Amazingly I actually like the ECO feature. I have learned to drive the car with this as an added dimension. It can be controlled thru variable brake pedal pressure. (I also do turn it off depending on traffic conditions)
Last edited by crconsulting; Apr 5, 2022 at 10:39 AM.
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Originally Posted by crconsulting
Exactly,
I would have expected Gunther to actually hook the button up.
It kinda’ ruins the playful nature of having over 400hp. My tires (and wife) are probably thankful though.
Hmmm. When I push the button, the yellow dash light comes on with the car skidding.
Eco Start/Stop and the hardtop movement can be easily fixed via 3rd party modules. Cheap...
The lack of a heated steering wheel was a nuisance as we drove the SL all year but MB has a lot of that. Neither AMG has it either although they are Alcantara wheels.
The lack remote start was only due the SL being a low production-volume car; that option was available on lesser high-volume models at the time.
As for power, just get one with a bigger engine. This whole V6 vs V8 discussed has been addressed before many times and I never found the v6 any better for our needs. The V6 had "slightly" better balance with a bunch of trade-offs, the SL550 was definitely the better fit.
No no, I wasn’t saying that I wanted to buy a tune for $375, I was saying if a tune could get my hp up to 375ish I could live with that number.
Originally Posted by JettaRed
The SL400 is lighter and more nimble than the SL500 (or at least it feels that way). It may have a lot to do with a V6 instead of a V8 up front. The TT is AWD and smaller, so less mass to toss around. So, it is easier to navigate the twisties, but not as nearly as comfortable as the SL.
I've had no problems with the VR tune. I think they are pretty conservative. Using a live scan while driving, I've calculated only about 15 psi, which is fine. Those are tiny turbos and more than that would probably be inefficient and not worth the risk. My TT has a tune (forget now which brand) that pumps the boost to 18+ psi and it has 250,000 miles on it. (Hope I didn't jinx myself!) So, I think you're safe with any of the "standard" tunes. If they say you need (or recommend) an intake and catless exhaust, I'd get one with less requirements. The SL450 engine is essentially the same as the SL400, so running a little higher boost should not be a problem. (Anyone who knows the difference between the two models' engines, please say something.)
Oh, you won't seen the tunes drop to $375 before it's time to sell the car. You can catch tunes on sale from time to time, so I'd sign up with Vivid Racing, Weistec, and any other tuner to get a sale price. My rational was that I wanted to enjoy the car more than save money that could be amortized over a couple of years.
...As for power, just get one with a bigger engine. This whole V6 vs V8 discussed has been addressed before many times and I never found the v6 any better for our needs. The V6 had "slightly" better balance with a bunch of trade-offs, the SL550 was definitely the better fit.
The only reason that you continue to hear the V6 vs V8 argument here is that each camp had good reasons to make the choice they did, and human nature is such that we each think everyone else should agree with us .
For my part, I eventually bought a CPO 450. A 550 would have only meant another $5k or so...not a factor, as I also briefly considered SL63s (tens of $k more) for their standard ABC. Like you, I considered my use case in making my final decision. Enjoyable driving on the TOTD (Tail of the Dragon) type mountain roads here in north GA strongly favors balanced handling over brute acceleration. I know the "slight difference" in handling may be meaningless to most 550 owners, but it matters a lot to me on every occasion that I charge into a blind, decreasing-radius corner while carrying too much entry speed. There have been a good handful of times on my mountain drives where if I'd been in a 550 instead of a 450, I'd have been in a world of hurt. A fair number of the corners I'm talking about have severe, unprotected drop offs at their shoulders. My 450 is, surprisingly, neutral at the limit...in fact, on the one corner where it did break completely loose, it was the rear that let go first. And, it was easily caught with a flick of the wheel. On another thread here about engine tunes and LSDs, the 550 guys were lamenting about their car's understeer at the limit.
In this type of driving, when you punch it in a 450 coming out of a corner, it just goes, rather than melting the right rear tire...as a 550 might. This makes for an overall more enjoyable experience...for me. But that's just me. Obviously, YMMV. The 550's torque and power are awesome; they're just too expensive for my tastes...and I'm not at all talking about money.
The V6 had "slightly" better balance with a bunch of trade-offs
Originally Posted by Dr. Manhattan
type mountain roads here in north GA strongly favors balanced handling over brute acceleration.
Haha I know better than to get involved in one of these debates, but I will say, I'd like to scale a 450/400 to see the actual corner weight difference with 550 weights. So far, everything is subjective without hard numbers. Unfortunately my scales won’t go up that high, but next time I get to Sears Point, I'll see if I can scale my car. It would be interesting to compare....
Originally Posted by Dr. Manhattan
On another thread here about engine tunes and LSDs, the 550 guys were lamenting about their car's understeer at the limit.
This may be a function of type of limited slip (as well as driving technique). It's no accident Mercedes chose a Drexler 2-way clutch type limited slip for the R231 AMG cars.
These are all very difficult things to quantify on the "Internets"
Last edited by crconsulting; Apr 5, 2022 at 05:28 PM.
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Originally Posted by ThatsMyDawg
No no, I wasn’t saying that I wanted to buy a tune for $375, I was saying if a tune could get my hp up to 375ish I could live with that number.
Oops! My bad. You can certainly get 375hp with a tune. Like I said, Vivid Racing claims 392hp with their tune. Weistec claims 438hp, with with "downpipes", which probably means no cats. Otherwise, it's 370hp.
I happen to be happy with the VR Tune. I got it on sale back during Christmas, so I saved some off retail. The hand-held loader works well, too.
Haha I know better than to get involved in one of these debates, but I will say, I'd like to scale a 450/400 to see the actual corner weight difference with 550 weights. So far, everything is subjective without hard numbers. Unfortunately my scales won’t go up that high, but next time I get to Sears Point, I'll see if I can scale my car. It would be interesting to compare....
I'd love to see the results myself. As near as can be determined, the only physical differences between the 450 and the 550 are the actual engine and probably the the front coil springs on the base suspension. They even use the same radiator. I still wonder about the exhaust system...
Originally Posted by crconsulting
This may be a function of type of limited slip (as well as driving technique). It's no accident Mercedes chose a Drexler 2-way clutch type limited slip for the R231 AMG cars.
These are all very difficult things to quantify on the "Internets"
I'd love to see the results myself. As near as can be determined, the only physical differences between the 450 and the 550 are the actual engine and probably the the front coil springs on the base suspension. They even use the same radiator. I still wonder about the exhaust system...
ABC would also add weight vs Coil Spring Suspension.
M276 is listed at 166.3kg
M278 is listed at 220kg
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Just saw this thread. I read ONLY the OP’s opening post, as I don’t want my list swayed by reading other’s thoughts. So, here goes, with No. 1 being most important:
1. I wish my SL had been available with the Burmester 3D sound system I had in my 2020 S Class. Short of that, I wish my SL had an ACCEPTABLE sound system, which none of the R231’s had leaving the factory.
2. It sure would have been great if MB had hired a wonderful, Italian design firm to design the exterior of the R231’s. Can you even imagine what the cars would have looked like and how much better they would have sold if they had been wearing sexy, Italian sheetmetal? The R231’s look as though they were designed by committee.
3. I wish a good, classic, solid color RED exterior paint, such as our dearly departed Mars Red had been available when I ordered my 2019.
4. I wish I found more of the numerous available interior colors to be attractive. To me, the only attractive interiors were the Porcelain/Black and the Ginger Beige/Espresso Brown, which I ordered. How I would have loved an ALL red or ALL saddle tan interior. Most of the interiors had way too many surfaces upholstered or molded in black for my taste. A cost cutting measure in my opinion, on a car where NO corners should have been cut.
5. Lastly, I wish my SL450 was muffled to the point of being as quiet as my S Class. Not a fan of noisy vehicles. Not that my SL450 is all that noisy, but I’d like it close to silent.
Oh well, I still love my Mighty Mouse, warts & all. Now, I’ll go read what everyone else said.
The only reason that you continue to hear the V6 vs V8 argument here is that each camp had good reasons to make the choice they did, and human nature is such that we each think everyone else should agree with us .
For my part, I eventually bought a CPO 450. A 550 would have only meant another $5k or so...not a factor, as I also briefly considered SL63s (tens of $k more) for their standard ABC. Like you, I considered my use case in making my final decision. Enjoyable driving on the TOTD (Tail of the Dragon) type mountain roads here in north GA strongly favors balanced handling over brute acceleration. I know the "slight difference" in handling may be meaningless to most 550 owners, but it matters a lot to me on every occasion that I charge into a blind, decreasing-radius corner while carrying too much entry speed. There have been a good handful of times on my mountain drives where if I'd been in a 550 instead of a 450, I'd have been in a world of hurt. A fair number of the corners I'm talking about have severe, unprotected drop offs at their shoulders. My 450 is, surprisingly, neutral at the limit...in fact, on the one corner where it did break completely loose, it was the rear that let go first. And, it was easily caught with a flick of the wheel. On another thread here about engine tunes and LSDs, the 550 guys were lamenting about their car's understeer at the limit.
In this type of driving, when you punch it in a 450 coming out of a corner, it just goes, rather than melting the right rear tire...as a 550 might. This makes for an overall more enjoyable experience...for me. But that's just me. Obviously, YMMV. The 550's torque and power are awesome; they're just too expensive for my tastes...and I'm not at all talking about money.
The reason I used the word slight is because the difference is 60kg.
My opinion is subjective of course but do have a bit of actual driving experience, having driven both the pre and post facelift V6 R231 SL’s in Europe for several thousand miles through all kinds of terrain. Autobahn runs, crossing the alps in 4 countries and criss-crossing the French Riviera. Point is we had the chance to experience the car on any type of road possible.
It’s a splendid car and a fantastic bargain at that. But it also came across as somewhat underpowered, coupled with an overly sporty sounding exhaust. Much louder sounding than the subdued SL550. As such, it comes across as a bit pretentious
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Originally Posted by crconsulting
You can do it thru XENTRY, I believe there's also a stand alone OBDII module too.
Amazingly I actually like the ECO feature. I have learned to drive the car with this as an added dimension. It can be controlled thru variable brake pedal pressure. (I also do turn it off depending on traffic conditions)
While I have used XENTRY, I'm unfamiliar with how to disable the auto start/stop. Do you have instructions or has it been posted how to do it?
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Oh my! The different desires we all have. Guess that’s what makes the world go round, right? Every time I take my SL out for a spin, I am so tickled with the ride quality, nimbleness, luxuriousness, splendid acceleration and overall driving experience, I would never want for one more horsepower or one less tenth of a second to 60. I have no desire to roar around like so many crazies do in their overpowered macho sleds. I merely wish to channel Cary Grant as I sail down Pacific Coast Highway in search of the perfect martini at sunset. Cheers!
While I have used XENTRY, I'm unfamiliar with how to disable the auto start/stop. Do you have instructions or has it been posted how to do it?
Thanks
You’ll need Vediamo to go thru CGW/SAM/ECU (depending on model). Yes it’s been posted on “other” sites.
Depending on ECU version, you can set ECO to last saved mode or disabled completely. That’s pretty much what is happening with the OBDII modules.
Haha, I think we had this conversation about hosing ECU’s without familiarity in coding though no? 😀
I’m also sure one of the site sponsors familiar with offline coding via Vediamo can probably do it for you if you want to go that route.
I would tell my friends & family to buy the midcity engineering or smarttop module.
Good Luck.
Last edited by crconsulting; Apr 6, 2022 at 01:02 AM.
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Originally Posted by crconsulting
You’ll need Vediamo to go thru CGW/SAM/ECU (depending on model). Yes it’s been posted on “other” sites.
Depending on ECU version, you can set ECO to last saved mode or disabled completely. That’s pretty much what is happening with the OBDII modules.
Haha, I think we had this conversation about hosing ECU’s without familiarity in coding though no? 😀
I’m also sure one of the site sponsors familiar with offline coding via Vediamo can probably do it for you if you want to go that route. I would tell my friends & family to buy the midcity engineering or smarttop module.
Good Luck.
Found a couple of youtube vids on how to do it. I think I'll go with the mid city module. I think I'll check with my ecu tuner first. Vivid Racing did offer an option to remove the start stop but came back and told me they couldn't do it with my car.
The only reason that you continue to hear the V6 vs V8 argument here is that each camp had good reasons to make the choice they did, and human nature is such that we each think everyone else should agree with us .
For my part, I eventually bought a CPO 450. A 550 would have only meant another $5k or so...not a factor, as I also briefly considered SL63s (tens of $k more) for their standard ABC. Like you, I considered my use case in making my final decision. Enjoyable driving on the TOTD (Tail of the Dragon) type mountain roads here in north GA strongly favors balanced handling over brute acceleration. I know the "slight difference" in handling may be meaningless to most 550 owners, but it matters a lot to me on every occasion that I charge into a blind, decreasing-radius corner while carrying too much entry speed. There have been a good handful of times on my mountain drives where if I'd been in a 550 instead of a 450, I'd have been in a world of hurt. A fair number of the corners I'm talking about have severe, unprotected drop offs at their shoulders. My 450 is, surprisingly, neutral at the limit...in fact, on the one corner where it did break completely loose, it was the rear that let go first. And, it was easily caught with a flick of the wheel. On another thread here about engine tunes and LSDs, the 550 guys were lamenting about their car's understeer at the limit.
In this type of driving, when you punch it in a 450 coming out of a corner, it just goes, rather than melting the right rear tire...as a 550 might. This makes for an overall more enjoyable experience...for me. But that's just me. Obviously, YMMV. The 550's torque and power are awesome; they're just too expensive for my tastes...and I'm not at all talking about money.
Yea I agree with that ^^^^ The 60kg is all on the front wheels and people forget that the modern V6 will leave many (not that old) V8s in their dust.
(Sounding like a stuck record now) --- before I ordered my car, I researched reviews across dozens of websites & countries (I was working single status in the ME and had a lot of time on my hands) and without exception, the journalists that drove both cars preferred the handling of the V6.
Like Wolfman, I’ve toured extensively in my car (Autobahn several times - scary when you are doing 155mph and cars are flying past you), and have also spent a day in it with a trainer at Millbrook Proving Ground. Travelling at 100mph with your hands off the wheel on a 2 mile long banked circle is interesting. Did about 45 minutes on the banked track (peripheral vision training) and most of the rest of the day on the handling circuit (rac track) with negative camber and bends that tighten up after you are in them and the SL handled it all beautifully. Wouldn’t swap it for a V8. However I’ve owned V8s and already scratched that itch.
What are smart headlights? I light my current headlights and how they turn to see around corners when the steering wheel turns. I also like the little dances they do when you start the car lol.
Interesting list!
The facelift lights (EU) have many other features eg linked to GPS so f know when you are coming to a roundabout and shine outwards. Know when there is car ahead and put it in a black box while keeping brights on, sensitive to different speeds on motorway / off motorway etc etc.......
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
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