Hello all,

So we love our SL vehicles, but knowing whatever you have learned about your particular model since owning it would you buy it again? Everyone treats their car well and cares for it while they own it, but what if you could go back and stop yourself from buying it, or talk yourself into making a different choice? Model, brand, new, cpo, lower miles, ex warranty whatever, what would that choice be? God forbid a tree falls on your car today (doesn't hurt anyone,) and your SL is totaled then what?

I really love my SL. It has every single option I would want had I ordered it brand new except one. It is almost perfect. If I had to do it over I would still buy an SL, but in the facelift. model.

So what would you do?

 

Definitely a newer R231, and I'd go for ABC this time!

 

Nice. Same here, but ABC doesn't mean much to me, so I could live without it.

 

Had it 5.5 years now and it never gets old driving it.

Mine has ABC & I ticked almost every box for options when I ordered it.

I wouldn’t have one without ABC. Beside definitely improving the ride, it has several other benefits.

I read & watched dozens of reviews about the car before ordering and went back and forth on V6 or V8 (money not being an issue & I’ve had V8s including a Dodge Challenger in the early 2000s).

 

Gee, one more comment about ABC and we could turn this thread into another ABC food fight!
Not wishing to see that happen, I’m not going to say a word—unless someone hits me in the face with a cream pie.

 

I bought a 2013 Lunar Blue SL with about 50,000 a couple years ago. Loved it so much I swapped it when I found a Designo Mocha 2013 SL with only 5,900 miles a year ago. I don't know if I would have paid $120,00 for the car new but for about $45K I got a car that is truly amazing; great performance, awesome tech for its age and, despite the mixed reviews on its looks, the car never fails to draw nods and smiles when I'm driving.

Thanks to the forum I've learned to address some of the minor issues, added Carplay (thanks Dawg) and have an Indy mechanic I trust. While the used market seems to be correcting itself a bit I think these cars are a remarkable used car value IF you do your homework and hookup with the knowledgeable folks on this forum. (I'm looking at you CRConsulting!)
I've not owned any "supercars" but I've had some nice rides- Boxster, M3, 3rd Gen Rx7. The Boxster was great handling but cramped and not very quick, the M3 was a great all around car for when I was in my 30's, and the Rx7 was blazing fast but had a harsh ride and cheap interior. The SL hits the sweet spot for me at this stage of my life (62).

 

Is that because you have never had ABC or, have had a problem with ABC?

I’ve driven both & IIRC all those that have had both would agree that ABC is better.

 

There you go, hitting me with a cream pie!

ABC isn’t just better, it’s a game changer, at least for me. It absolutely transforms the R231 SL’s as far as ride quality goes. I’ve posted my thoughts on this several times, about coming out of a 2004 SL500 with ABC and into a CPO 2013 SL550 without ABC. The 2013 rode like a pickup compared to the 2004. I was so unhappy with it that I ordered a new 2019 SL450 with ABC and every time I drive it, I fall in love with the ride quality all over again. I truly believe that the decline in SL sales since 2013 can be attributed at least somewhat to MB removing ABC as standard equipment on the cars, but that’s just my opinion.

 

Anytime.....

I totally get where you are coming from. These cars are amazing for sure. Every single day I am driving, or parking someone gives me a compliment. Every single day. 10 minutes ago at a gas station a guy gave me props. It happens so often that I feel funny when someone doesn't lol... Partially what made me make this thread was that I saw another black SL for sale online. It looks like it has every option I currently have except magic sky.(which I really like) It also has a red interior, which I have always loved. Everything on paper is the same as my current SL it seems, but with only 28K miles. For a second I was like " woah I should get that," but then I was like oh yeah you have one lol. It would be too much to sale my car and buy the other one and I am not paying for two SLs while waiting until mine is sold. Anyway, it’s interesting to see these poll results and the feedback from the other SL owners. I hope many more will chime in...

 

I absolutely love my SL550 but do miss having a backseat. That is the only thing I could nitpick at. I am considering picking up a second vehicle or possibly selling my SL sometime in the relatively near future. I love this car but didn't realize it is not the most practical car for my lifestyle. But top down these days in Miami now that it isn't so scorching hot is indescribable.

 

Interesting thread:

Mine:
2018 SL550, 28,700 miles, bought new with all options (including ABC, magic sky, soft close, diamond white, wood/leather steering wheel, illuminated door sills, drivers assist pkg).
Did not get full leather (have partial leather as I liked look of MB tex dash better but, now really happy as probably won't have leather dash issues)
Did not get the high end sound system but, installed amp and controls to allow rear speakers to work
Note this is the 2'nd SL550 (original was a 2015 loaded similar to the 2018 with ABC as well)...traded for the 2018 as I like the look of the Face Lift.

Don't like at all what MB has done to the SL with the R232!

In now almost 5 yrs ownership have had "0" issues !...not totally true as I had a slight leak on the RR ABC strut after an impact with a large pot hole @ 6,000 miles; strut replaced under warrantee and no other issues found then or latent that have presented since.

Just into MB for 30K mi service and had looked over top to bottom by the Hd Mech (who is a friend) and no issues found:
Just to be safe checked:
ABC...100% OK, fluid still light green and no issues with pulsation dampener, accumulators or valve blocks
No leakage at cam sensors
ECU OK
Both batteries still check out 100% per batt tests
Top operation as new and no leaks or strut issues
Seat bladders and operation as new.

Bottom line looks like the Extended original factory warrantee I bought from Cassandra was for naught but, still have 2 more yrs coverage so was worth for peace of mind.

Overall>>>>>>I have had many cars including some really interesting ones (original 1965 Shelby Cobra with 427FE, 1966 Ford GT40 again with a 427FE) number of Porsches, and Corvetts.
For me the SL550 is the best overall....doesn't have the oomph of the 427's, or the at the limit of the Porches but, civil all the time and enough of a kick when wanted.....HT/Conv best of all worlds.......styling always gets looks/comments, praise wherever I go.

So...Even though I might get other fun cars in the future the SL550 is a KEEPER.

PS: Long time MB owner: E class every 3 yrs as business car, 1986 560SL bought new now with 32K miles is presently the garage queen), and the 2018 SL550 a keeper as well).

Steve

 

Loved the R231 for all the qualities that makes this car one of the best top down cruisers one can buy.
But after having had 3 of them we were ready to move on. The R232 wasn’t on the horizon at the time and we opted for a more sporty roadster with the AMG GTC.
Inferior in many ways in terms of practicality but much better as a high performance sports car there is no way to get back to the R231.
But then we have never looked back at the R230 after getting our first R231…

We will give the MY23 R232 a good hard look next year but so far the GTC is the car it has to exceed.

 

Purchasing multiple SL models over time says a great deal about the SL and its iconic status. Most models will improve over the prior years, so I can totally see stepping up and up and up. Many people may purchase a car, but I do not know many that buy the next model over and over. That is awesome. One may stick with the brand, but not with the model. I am one that has and would make multiple model purchases. I have never seen a GTC in person and have only seen videos, or pictures. I have read different reviews listing the good and the bad, such as with the SL before my purchase. Based on looks alone I could see one day making that crossover to the GTC, but the SL is my dream car. I do love it so.

 

Yes, over and over and over again. Here’s my SL list:

1972 350SL, used
1979 450SL, new
1986 560SL, new
1990 300SL, new
1991 500SL, new
2004 SL500, new
2013 SL550, used
2019 SL450, new

The 2019 is the best in every way except one: the ridiculous audio system. Unless MB decides to go retro and bring back the retractable hardtop, I will never be buying another SL.

 

Ah !! Good call Streamliner

I should have mentioned in my post 11 that the ONLY thing I did not like about the R231 WAS the sound system...BUT, is an easy fix with addition of an AMP for the rear speakers and controls to adjust same NOW no issues at all !

 

I would buy the same car, but my modification path would be much different.

 

Bill,

Curious ...what would you do differently?

 

We were in Florida when we were shopping. We looked at and drove a LOT of SL models...all the way from Miami to Atlanta. We decided on a facelift model 2017 or later. My wife saw a Brilliant Blue and that was that..... Brilliant Blue was the color she wanted. We finally found one in Atlanta that was a Mercedes lease return with all maintenance records from MB dealerships..

It has been a great car after I got the runflats off of it. We would buy the same car again. The 450 is PLENTY of power. Brilliant Blue with with white Porcelain interior is a head turner anywhere. The last of the TRUE SL ROADSTERS. We have been happy with it. To be truthful though, we may trade because our knees are getting older. It has been a great car to own...just plain fun to drive. And has been trouble free pretty much.