SL-Class (R231) 2013 on: Discussion on the SL550

SL/R231: A couple of questions, one for cleaning one for paint?

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Old Oct 18, 2022 | 03:25 PM
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Mark Ariganello's Avatar
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2014 E350 Cab
A couple of questions, one for cleaning one for paint?

I have a 2016 SL400 in obsidian black. on the roof in the back between the C.? pillar and the rear window there are panels that have sun faded. I looked at the schematics on a site or two and it has a few rubber gaskets and other trim pieces but the top looks like it's the whole top. Are these replaceable? Should I just cover them with a "wrap"?

Second. I have an SL400 and couldn't find any thing specific. Is the dash leather? Do i need to clean and care for it like leather, or is it plastic and just "looks" like leather. The options on this car didn't include much in the custom department, just the piano black trim and the mid level upgraded seats.
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Old Oct 18, 2022 | 05:32 PM
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I think the dash is leather and I use Meguires leather cleaner to take care of mine. If it is not, the leather cleaner seems to work well anyway. I think I know which black pieces adjacent to the rear window you are referring to, but am not sure if they are painted or just black plastic. You might want to try a product like Mother's Back to Black and see if this works.
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Old Oct 18, 2022 | 05:57 PM
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All SL Dashboards are MB-TEX (not leather) unless you have a Designo interior option or a 2017+ model with exclusive Nappa interior option. Easy to check; the dash with leather is nappa leather and therefore completely smooth. MB-Tex will have the grain look.
Also, the two rear panels can be easily replaced. See this thread:https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...ke-effect.html
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Old Oct 18, 2022 | 07:55 PM
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Originally Posted by Wolfman
All SL Dashboards are MB-TEX (not leather) unless you have a Designo interior option or a 2017+ model with exclusive Nappa interior option. Easy to check; the dash with leather is nappa leather and therefore completely smooth. MB-Tex will have the grain look.
Also, the two rear panels can be easily replaced. See this thread:https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...ke-effect.html
Thanks for the clarification. My 2016 indeed looks like MB-TEX. Are the panels painted or just black plastic?
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Old Oct 19, 2022 | 08:04 AM
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So you're saying if it looks like "leather" it's fake, but if it's smooth it's real. What a world. I'll have to check next time. As for the panels I guess I can check with the dealership when I take my mom there car shopping to see how much they are.
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Old Oct 20, 2022 | 04:31 PM
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Originally Posted by Mark Ariganello
So you're saying if it looks like "leather" it's fake, but if it's smooth it's real. What a world. I'll have to check next time. As for the panels I guess I can check with the dealership when I take my mom there car shopping to see how much they are.
Not really. Nappa is just a step up from regular leather in cars. MB-Tex simulates the standard leather found in Mercedes Interiors and matches the base leather in the SL...

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Old Oct 20, 2022 | 05:46 PM
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So looking at the dash, it's as you describe, very "3d" or grained. But the armrest looks very smooth and feels different.
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Old Oct 20, 2022 | 06:49 PM
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Originally Posted by Mark Ariganello
So looking at the dash, it's as you describe, very "3d" or grained. But the armrest looks very smooth and feels different.
The R231 SL came with multiple interior options:
1. Base leather included in the sticker price.
Seats, armrests and center console cover are leather. The Dash, door and rear panels center console sides are MB-Tex.

2. Nappa leather option ($900 option). Option Code: 800A
Seats, armrests and center console covers are covered in smooth nappa leather. The Dash, door and rear panels center console sides are MB-Tex. This is the most common SL configuration.
Example color codes: 804A (Beige/Brown), 807A (Bengal Red/Black), 815A (Porcelain White, Black), etc.

3. Exclusive Nappa leather option ($1900 option). Option Code: 500A
Seats, armrests and full center console, full dash, all door and rear panels are Nappa leather. No MB-Tex anywhere. Available for the facelift 2017+ models

4. Designo interior options ($4500? option). Designo offered special leather color and trim combinations. Seats, armrests and full center console, full dash, all door and rear panels are Nappa leather. No MB-Tex anywhere. Recognized by the Designo plaque on the ashtray cover and seat backs. Available for all model years.

Sounds like your car has option 2....
Option 3 &4 also included the Alcantara (ultra suede) headliner instead of plastic/fabric. This is now a $1600 option by itself on the new SL...

Last edited by Wolfman; Oct 21, 2022 at 11:55 AM.
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Old Oct 21, 2022 | 08:00 AM
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Very informative information.

I took a quick look at my build sheet and this is what mine says.






Originally Posted by Wolfman
The R231 SL came with multiple interior options:
1. Base leather included in the sticker price. Seats, armrests and center console cover are leather. The Dash, door and rear panels center console sides are MB-Tex.
2. Nappa leather option ($900 option). Seats, armrests and center console covers are covered in smooth nappa leather. The Dash, door and rear panels center console sides are MB-Tex. This is the most common SL configuration.
3. Exclusive Nappa leather option ($1900 option). Seats, armrests and full center console, full dash, all door and rear panels are Nappa leather. No MB-Tex anywhere. Available for the facelift 2017+ models
4. Designo interior options ($4500? option). Designo offered special leather color and trim combinations. Seats, armrests and full center console, full dash, all door and rear panels are Nappa leather. No MB-Tex anywhere. Recognized by the Designo plaque on the ashtray cover and seat backs. Available for all model years.

Sounds like your car has option 2....

Option 3 &4 also included the Alcantara (ultra suede) headliner instead of plastic/fabric. This is now a $1600 option by itself on the new SL...
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Old Oct 21, 2022 | 11:55 AM
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Originally Posted by ThatsMyDawg
Very informative information.

I took a quick look at my build sheet and this is what mine says.



Just updated the text a bit to include the option codes...
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