SL/R231: What are the top 5?
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From: In the minds of others rent free.
SL 400
Ok. Mine are smart enough it seems. Auto on/off, auto high beam on/off, they also turn in direction the SL turns. Yeah, mini are smart enough lol.
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.......
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Shanks’s Pony
Yea had those on my SLK. These on the SL are awesome. Driving at night, it keeps my wife quiet - she sits and watches what the lights are doing. I think they send her into some sort of trance.
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Shanks’s Pony
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From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
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AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
In reality, the discussion here covers too many variables based on what cars members have and everyone looking through the lens of their ownership experience. The V6 varied from 326hp coupled with the 7G-Tronic to a 368hp coupled with the 9G-Tronic. The V8 varied from 429hp coupled with the 7G-Tronic to a 449hp coupled with the 9G-Tronic. Then add ABC to the mix.
The 9 speed transmission makes a significant difference to the driving experience as does ABC.
If my experience would have been with a SL450 with ABC compared to a SL550 on springs, my conclusions might be very different. But we had ABC on the SL550's versus SL400/450 on springs...
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R231 SL63 & R129 SL500
My top 5 wishlist for my pre-facelift SL63, in keeping with the OP’s thread opening post:
- Better looks; alas cannot be fixed
- Better interior tech / nav / sound with larger screen, CarPlay, etc.; ditto (cannot be fixed)
- Front camera(s) like my C7 Corvette had; ditto
- Heated steering wheel; ditto
- Ability to open/close the top in motion - now here that add-on module sounds very interesting, will ask some more questions about that separately.
BTW not sure why folks want to push back or rebut the OP’s (or anyone else’s) wishlist. If there’s constructive info to add (like “you can get this function with this add-on module or that programming”) then that is very helpful. What’s not helpful are all the comments about “did you test drive your car” or “no the car doesn’t need more power” or similar. Everyone has different desires and the OP was just asking about what those might be, not for extensive critiques of his own desires.
- Better looks; alas cannot be fixed
- Better interior tech / nav / sound with larger screen, CarPlay, etc.; ditto (cannot be fixed)
- Front camera(s) like my C7 Corvette had; ditto
- Heated steering wheel; ditto
- Ability to open/close the top in motion - now here that add-on module sounds very interesting, will ask some more questions about that separately.
BTW not sure why folks want to push back or rebut the OP’s (or anyone else’s) wishlist. If there’s constructive info to add (like “you can get this function with this add-on module or that programming”) then that is very helpful. What’s not helpful are all the comments about “did you test drive your car” or “no the car doesn’t need more power” or similar. Everyone has different desires and the OP was just asking about what those might be, not for extensive critiques of his own desires.
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Thread Starter
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From: In the minds of others rent free.
SL 400
I appreciate the mentions. I too found some post not helpful as some seemed to belittle my wish list not being their wish list. However quite a few had interesting lists and or ideas, so you just take the good with the bad I guess.
As for the list you put together you can add a CarPlay option to some models with a dongle of some kind that works with factory radios. I checked and my 15 didn’t have an option, but the 14 did strangely enough. Maybe yours might too. Check with radio shops in your area.
I also agree with you that the module for controlling the top in motion sounds cool. It is also pretty cheap so I will likely get that soon.
Thanks again!
As for the list you put together you can add a CarPlay option to some models with a dongle of some kind that works with factory radios. I checked and my 15 didn’t have an option, but the 14 did strangely enough. Maybe yours might too. Check with radio shops in your area.
I also agree with you that the module for controlling the top in motion sounds cool. It is also pretty cheap so I will likely get that soon.
Thanks again!
My top 5 wishlist for my pre-facelift SL63, in keeping with the OP’s thread opening post:
- Better looks; alas cannot be fixed
- Better interior tech / nav / sound with larger screen, CarPlay, etc.; ditto (cannot be fixed)
- Front camera(s) like my C7 Corvette had; ditto
- Heated steering wheel; ditto
- Ability to open/close the top in motion - now here that add-on module sounds very interesting, will ask some more questions about that separately.
BTW not sure why folks want to push back or rebut the OP’s (or anyone else’s) wishlist. If there’s constructive info to add (like “you can get this function with this add-on module or that programming”) then that is very helpful. What’s not helpful are all the comments about “did you test drive your car” or “no the car doesn’t need more power” or similar. Everyone has different desires and the OP was just asking about what those might be, not for extensive critiques of his own desires.
- Better looks; alas cannot be fixed
- Better interior tech / nav / sound with larger screen, CarPlay, etc.; ditto (cannot be fixed)
- Front camera(s) like my C7 Corvette had; ditto
- Heated steering wheel; ditto
- Ability to open/close the top in motion - now here that add-on module sounds very interesting, will ask some more questions about that separately.
BTW not sure why folks want to push back or rebut the OP’s (or anyone else’s) wishlist. If there’s constructive info to add (like “you can get this function with this add-on module or that programming”) then that is very helpful. What’s not helpful are all the comments about “did you test drive your car” or “no the car doesn’t need more power” or similar. Everyone has different desires and the OP was just asking about what those might be, not for extensive critiques of his own desires.
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
Likes: 3,498
From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
I appreciate the mentions. I too found some post not helpful as some seemed to belittle my wish list not being their wish list. However quite a few had interesting lists and or ideas, so you just take the good with the bad I guess.
As for the list you put together you can add a CarPlay option to some models with a dongle of some kind that works with factory radios. I checked and my 15 didn’t have an option, but the 14 did strangely enough. Maybe yours might too. Check with radio shops in your area.
I also agree with you that the module for controlling the top in motion sounds cool. It is also pretty cheap so I will likely get that soon.
Thanks again!
As for the list you put together you can add a CarPlay option to some models with a dongle of some kind that works with factory radios. I checked and my 15 didn’t have an option, but the 14 did strangely enough. Maybe yours might too. Check with radio shops in your area.
I also agree with you that the module for controlling the top in motion sounds cool. It is also pretty cheap so I will likely get that soon.
Thanks again!
WRT the car top module, most of the features they list can be done already with your fob, such as opening and closing. You do need to be next to the car, though. It takes approximately 20 seconds to open or close the roof; not sure why doing it while the car is in motion is so desirable. $35,000 for a new vario roof would give me pause...
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Shanks’s Pony
I was born in South Africa and spent a large part of my life there. South Africans are very direct and 'say it as it is’. Now living in the UK, people who do not know me find my directness a little disconcerting while if I said the same thing to a South African they’d be fine with it.
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Shanks’s Pony
. I added one to my SLK after that happened to me in traffic in Australia. Sky suddenly opened up, I was going too slowly for the rain to be carried over and could not pull over to stop and close the roof. Got home that night and ordered a ST (after drying the interior).It is also convenient not to have to come to a dead stop if you are travelling and want to open / close the roof.
I like being able to stop the car get out and walk away while the roof closes and the car locks (which you cannot do without a ST) and vice versa. I always felt conspicuous sitting in SLK while opening / closing the roof.
First thing I did after I ordered my SL was to order a ST. Many other features - like disabling ECO.....
Last edited by rorywquin; Apr 7, 2022 at 07:25 AM.
Thread Starter
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From: In the minds of others rent free.
SL 400
Agreed!
I have also been driving top down when a rain shower started without warning. 5 minutes later is was sunny again and dry. Trying to quickly pull over to get the top up can be a PITA.
I have also been driving top down when a rain shower started without warning. 5 minutes later is was sunny again and dry. Trying to quickly pull over to get the top up can be a PITA.
Wait till you are driving along and hit a cloudburst and have to come to a complete stop before you can begin to close the roof....you get quite wet. I added one to my SLK after that happened to me in traffic in Australia. Sky suddenly opened up, I was going too slowly for the rain to be carried over and could not pull over to stop and close the roof. Got home that night and ordered a ST (after drying the interior).
It is also convenient not to have to come to a dead stop if you are travelling and want to open / close the roof.
I like being to stop the car get out and walk away while the roof closes and the car locks (which you cannot do without a ST) and vice versa. I always felt conspicuous sitting in SLK while opening / closing the roof.
First thing I did after I ordered my SL was to order a ST. Many other features - like disabling ECO.....
. I added one to my SLK after that happened to me in traffic in Australia. Sky suddenly opened up, I was going too slowly for the rain to be carried over and could not pull over to stop and close the roof. Got home that night and ordered a ST (after drying the interior).It is also convenient not to have to come to a dead stop if you are travelling and want to open / close the roof.
I like being to stop the car get out and walk away while the roof closes and the car locks (which you cannot do without a ST) and vice versa. I always felt conspicuous sitting in SLK while opening / closing the roof.
First thing I did after I ordered my SL was to order a ST. Many other features - like disabling ECO.....
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From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
MB soft tops can be opened & closed while driving up to speeds of 35mph. Works quite well. If memory serves, our facelift SL could also open/close the hardtop from a slow roll unlike the earlier versions which has to stand.
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From: Clear Lake Shores, Texas
2026 AMG CLE 53, 2026 BMW X5, 1972 Corvette
That makes sense as I could close the top on my 2013 E550 while I was pulling into the driveway. I never tried to do it at 35 MPH!
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Shanks’s Pony
.Another handy feature of a ST is that open/close is “one touch” the lever does not need to be held. Ditto for memory seats if you have them.
Last edited by rorywquin; Apr 8, 2022 at 04:18 AM.
Thread Starter
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From: In the minds of others rent free.
SL 400
It’s another rainy day so I am still driving my SUV, but I can’t wait to try this again. I swear my SL 400 can be operated while moving, although people keep saying that it can. I’ve tried more than once in the past but always get the “slow down” dash message.
EDIT--------->>>>>>> I decided to drive the SL since they say 90% of the day will be dry. Today I will put the top in motion myth to bed once and for all. I will try to grab video....
Edit x2. Confirmed! I cannot operate the top while moving. As soon as I apply any throttle the error comes on saying reduce speed, etc. However if I let the transmission gears move the car I can operate the top at that idle speed, as long as I don’t apply gas.
EDIT--------->>>>>>> I decided to drive the SL since they say 90% of the day will be dry. Today I will put the top in motion myth to bed once and for all. I will try to grab video....
Edit x2. Confirmed! I cannot operate the top while moving. As soon as I apply any throttle the error comes on saying reduce speed, etc. However if I let the transmission gears move the car I can operate the top at that idle speed, as long as I don’t apply gas.
Last edited by ThatsMyDawg; Apr 8, 2022 at 06:18 PM.
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From: Nashville, TN
2019 SL450
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: In the minds of others rent free.
SL 400
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From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
It’s another rainy day so I am still driving my SUV, but I can’t wait to try this again. I swear my SL 400 can be operated while moving, although people keep saying that it can. I’ve tried more than once in the past but always get the “slow down” dash message.
EDIT--------->>>>>>> I decided to drive the SL since they say 90% of the day will be dry. Today I will put the top in motion myth to bed and will try to grab video....
EDIT--------->>>>>>> I decided to drive the SL since they say 90% of the day will be dry. Today I will put the top in motion myth to bed and will try to grab video....
The facelift made it easier also by auto-closing the trunk partition. Less to worry about.
Either way, the Smart Top is a great convenience tool.
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From: In the minds of others rent free.
SL 400
I figured everyone must be talking about newer models (I have a 15-400) as I could never complete an in motion top manipulation, but I am going to try one last time this afternoon. As a side bonus that people with the pre facelift may not know. If you have the rear partition in the access mode (prevents you from putting the top down) You can open all windows with the key fob. With the partition closed you would be putting the top up, or down with the key fob buttons, but with the partition up you can put all windows down without affecting the top. Sometimes the sun is too much mid day for top down, but not too much for windows down. I love putting all for windows down as I walk toward the car. I am easily to please that way.....
FYI I often leave my partition in access mode, so I don't mistakenly start the top operation via something pushing the key fob buttons in my pocket, or whatever.
FYI I often leave my partition in access mode, so I don't mistakenly start the top operation via something pushing the key fob buttons in my pocket, or whatever.
The pre-facelift models were much more restrictive. You can only start from a standstill but then can start rolling but if memory serves you would have to be at 5-10mph or so to complete the opening or closing.
The facelift made it easier also by auto-closing the trunk partition. Less to worry about.
Either way, the Smart Top is a great convenience tool.
The facelift made it easier also by auto-closing the trunk partition. Less to worry about.
Either way, the Smart Top is a great convenience tool.
Last edited by ThatsMyDawg; Apr 8, 2022 at 11:12 AM.
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Joined: Aug 2015
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From: SE Wisconsin
Mustang GT convertible, Porsche 997.2 cab
Here's my list. I don't own an SL yet, but these are all things my Mustang has I'd like to keep:
500 hp (these things are heavy)
Bigger info screen
Automatic navigation updates
heated steering wheel
puddle lights
no ABC (so 6 things... sue me)
500 hp (these things are heavy)
Bigger info screen
Automatic navigation updates
heated steering wheel
puddle lights
no ABC (so 6 things... sue me)
Thread Starter
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From: In the minds of others rent free.
SL 400
500hp? Oh boy, people jumped on me for asking for 400hp, so they are going to kill you lol.
Glad I love You. will e joining e family soon
Navigation updates.- Do you mean software updates for the latest maps, or do you mean if driving and you tun because of and issue it updates and reroutes you? It already does the latter.
We have puddle lights.
Glad I love You. will e joining e family soon
Navigation updates.- Do you mean software updates for the latest maps, or do you mean if driving and you tun because of and issue it updates and reroutes you? It already does the latter.
We have puddle lights.
