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

SL/R231: Grill

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Old Jun 16, 2023 | 10:21 PM
  #26  
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Originally Posted by Cao Black
Hmmm, it does look better on facelifted cars, doesn't it?

Looks ridiculous on the facelift ones too IMO. The Panamerica grill is really best suited to the AMG GT IMO.
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Old Jun 17, 2023 | 04:13 AM
  #27  
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I think the panamerica grill does look good on a black car which is why I have one on mine 😁
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Old Jun 17, 2023 | 11:45 AM
  #28  
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When I first got my 2019, I gave some thought to going with a Panamericana style grill, but never did so. Mt preference is for the all black grill used on the SL63 & 65 AMG models. Perhaps, one day I’ll go that way.



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Old Jun 17, 2023 | 02:37 PM
  #29  
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[QUOTE=Streamliner;8798765]When I first got my 2019, I gave some thought to going with a Panamericana style grill, but never did so. Mt preference is for the all black grill used on the SL63 & 65 AMG models. Perhaps, one day I’ll go that way.


Looks good, I am still undecided. A friend with a GT stoped by today and I had a chance to look closely at both. I like the Panamericana but the look on the SL will be a bit difference. The GT grill is several inches wider and about 1 1/2 higher. One thing for sure, if I don’t like it I can change back!
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Old Aug 10, 2023 | 09:52 AM
  #30  
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An Uldate, I bought the Grill from CKS in the UK. Promptly shipped and I had it installed by a shop specializing in Mercedes body work. I know the people since they did work on my Jag. The owner said it was good quality, fit perfectly (unlike some from China). They charged me $200 labor. It looks great and of course I kept the old grill in the event I get tired of the Panamericana or sell the car who wants it back original.
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Old Aug 10, 2023 | 10:07 AM
  #31  
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Originally Posted by Hornet2CV
An Uldate, I bought the Grill from CKS in the UK. Promptly shipped and I had it installed by a shop specializing in Mercedes body work. I know the people since they did work on my Jag. The owner said it was good quality, fit perfectly (unlike some from China). They charged me $200 labor. It looks great and of course I kept the old grill in the event I get tired of the Panamericana or sell the car who wants it back original.
Pics please or it didn't happen.
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Old Aug 11, 2023 | 07:32 AM
  #32  
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Photos as requested.

As with all things it is a matter of opinion. For me I am very pleased with the results. Although overall I like the looks of the new soft top SL, after owning a hardtop Convertable (Lexus SC 430) and a few Soft Tops, (Audi TT, BMW Z4 and Jag XKR) I prefer the hard top for quiet and security. I was always concerned about where I parked the Jag, too easy for someone to slice top. As well I had to replace a top due to the back window falling out. As a daily driver I like the trunk space, my wife and I went on a golf trip for a week with one set behind the seats, one in the trunk and soft luggage, still able to drive top down. The grill completes the package for me. I take the car over a new one regardless of the price. I will do the calipers in red but that will be it for mods. Ok, perhaps a module to customize some of the functions but no more cosmetics wanted or needed.
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Old Aug 11, 2023 | 08:07 AM
  #33  
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I have to admit, I like it. It does freshen up the car. I have the same color combo and am tempted to buy one as well. I need to contact my go to body shop and ask if they would install it for me. Do you have to remove the entire front fascia for the install?
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Old Aug 11, 2023 | 08:13 AM
  #34  
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Originally Posted by Hornet2CV




Photos as requested.

As with all things it is a matter of opinion. For me I am very pleased with the results. Although overall I like the looks of the new soft top SL, after owning a hardtop Convertable (Lexus SC 430) and a few Soft Tops, (Audi TT, BMW Z4 and Jag XKR) I prefer the hard top for quiet and security. I was always concerned about where I parked the Jag, too easy for someone to slice top. As well I had to replace a top due to the back window falling out. As a daily driver I like the trunk space, my wife and I went on a golf trip for a week with one set behind the seats, one in the trunk and soft luggage, still able to drive top down. The grill completes the package for me. I take the car over a new one regardless of the price. I will do the calipers in red but that will be it for mods. Ok, perhaps a module to customize some of the functions but no more cosmetics wanted or needed.
I liked it immediately! It has a nice clean look about it.
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Old Aug 11, 2023 | 09:29 AM
  #35  
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As someone shows earlier in this post, the whole front comes off but it apparently is not a big deal (too much for me). My body shop charged me $200, I don’t know how long it took but probably about 1 hour with the appropriate equipment (lift, etc.) the body shop said the fit and quality was perfect. Be careful about the eBay units from China.
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Old Aug 11, 2023 | 10:07 AM
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Originally Posted by Hornet2CV
As someone shows earlier in this post, the whole front comes off but it apparently is not a big deal (too much for me). My body shop charged me $200, I don’t know how long it took but probably about 1 hour with the appropriate equipment (lift, etc.) the body shop said the fit and quality was perfect. Be careful about the eBay units from China.
Did you have to pay any customs if yours came from the UK?
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Old Aug 11, 2023 | 10:16 AM
  #37  
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Originally Posted by rmorin49
Did you have to pay any customs if yours came from the UK?
I did not look at the invoice for the Grill from CKS. The total charge was $299.90 which included everything.
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Old Aug 11, 2023 | 10:32 AM
  #38  
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Originally Posted by Hornet2CV
As with all things it is a matter of opinion. For me I am very pleased with the results. Although overall I like the looks of the new soft top SL, after owning a hardtop Convertable (Lexus SC 430) and a few Soft Tops, (Audi TT, BMW Z4 and Jag XKR) I prefer the hard top for quiet and security. I was always concerned about where I parked the Jag, too easy for someone to slice top. As well I had to replace a top due to the back window falling out. As a daily driver I like the trunk space, my wife and I went on a golf trip for a week with one set behind the seats, one in the trunk and soft luggage, still able to drive top down. The grill completes the package for me. I take the car over a new one regardless of the price. I will do the calipers in red but that will be it for mods. Ok, perhaps a module to customize some of the functions but no more cosmetics wanted or needed.
I like it! Very nicely done. Like you, I had several fabric top convertibles. It was always so depressing to watch the top age & deteriorate on an otherwise perfect car. Then, with my ‘79 450SL, someone did slice the top and take the radio. Even though I got a whole new, factory top that was installed by one of the very best shops in L.A., the top was never the same, with squeaks, wind whistling, etc. When the Lexus SC430 came out, I got one, just for the retractable hardtop, but I never really cared for that car. Then I got the R230 in 2004 and kept it 12 years. Now the truly magnificent R231, which is the best of the best and the end of an era. I have zero interest in the R232. They are nice looking, but that’s where it ends for me. Enjoy your beautiful car!
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Old Aug 11, 2023 | 09:56 PM
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GT Grill

I just finished a face lift on my 2013 SL550
I used an AMG front and rear bumper
Bought the GT grill in black on EBay and it fit perfectly
I love the front of this car






Last edited by fscir60; Aug 11, 2023 at 09:58 PM.
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Old Aug 12, 2023 | 12:50 AM
  #40  
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Originally Posted by fscir60
I just finished a face lift on my 2013 SL550
I used an AMG front and rear bumper
Bought the GT grill in black on EBay and it fit perfectly
I love the front of this car
Gorgeous! Congratulations!
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Old Aug 18, 2023 | 02:21 PM
  #41  
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Originally Posted by Keon
Looks ridiculous on the facelift ones too IMO. The Panamerica grill is really best suited to the AMG GT IMO.
I respectfully disagree...

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