Streamliner

Hi everyone,

For the past 10 months or so, my wife and I have lived in a home with a two car garage, with her E450 Wagon and my SL in residence. My new, 2022 S580 sat out 24/7, which ended up being OK, since I hated the car and after 18 months, MBUSA is buying it back. I just bought a CPO 2020 S560, which is my new daily driver and I’m tired of driving a dirty car, so something has got to give.

I’ve loved my SL and with the 60 new cars & 33 used ones I’ve owned over my many years, this SL450, in my estimation, is the best one of all. But, I almost never drive it. Most every one of the 4,000 miles it has, were put on driving around Newport Coast, on a loop that I love to drive. I drove the car weekly to semiweekly, just to keep all the juices flowing, battery up, etc., then back in the garage. I can truthfully say that the car has NEVER spent more than two hours in the sun at any one time and most outings were much shorter. I’ve NEVER left the car parked outdoors unattended. I’d fire it up, take it for a drive, then put it back in the garage, almost never stopping anywhere in between. It has never been more than 30 miles from home.

The car is absolutely like brand new. Not one scratch, ding, abrasion—nothing. Never smoked in, no animals, never driven in the rain, and my wife has been in the car maybe three times. The interior and exterior are absolutely pristine. There may be a few SL’s out there with fewer miles, but there is absolutely not a better condition one on the planet.

Should anyone here be in the market, please see the classified in the “Marketplace” section of this site. My car isn’t for everyone and if you are not up for paying a fair price for the forged AMG wheels and the AMG Carbon Ceramic Brakes, I completely understand. These were very expensive additions to the car, but along with the ABC & other options, they really make the car pretty unique and a joy to drive.

$98,500.00. Reasonable offers considered.

hyperion667

chassis

Mighty Mouse! GLWS Looks clean and well taken-care of.

Elemento Tuning

I am surprised that with the issues you faced with the previous S class, you did not spend more time with the SL. Perhaps you need the back seats, and that is why you continue with the S classes?

GLWS.

Streamliner

When you get on in years, getting in and out of 2-door, sporting cars is not the most fun thing in the world. I need a big, cushy sedan as a daily driver. In addition, when my wife & I take road trips, we want the supreme comfort of a big sedan, not the sportiness of an SL.

W205C43PFL

no way... I literally just fell off my seat reading this post, I was shocked. you were just praising how there are zero problems with the car, ZERO that you experienced and that the platform is reliable and therefore low amount of posts/threads in regards to issues with the car. I really hope you don't regret selling :/ either way good luck with the sale hope it ends in a nice home and you get a good price as well.

Streamliner

Everything I’ve ever said about my SL is true. It is an amazing, beautiful car and set up the way mine is, it is “THE” most comfortable convertible I’ve ever ridden in. But I don’t DRIVE the car. I lovingly wash & polish it, take it to the dealer once a year for scheduled service and look at it, as I pass through the garage on my way to driving my S Class, which sits out in the weather. If I still had my four car garage, I would definitely keep the car, but with only a 2-car now—and nothing more on the horizon—what am I going to do?

W205C43PFL

These:
https://alansfactoryoutlet.com/wp-co...ory-outlet.jpg
https://img-us.aosomcdn.com/thumbnai...88d79ae6a6.jpg
or even a car cover might work but probably not enough.

I mean... I understand... I just really don't want you to regret it, that's all. It is reliable, it is German engineering at almost its finest (but then it is still a mass production vehicle I guess...) I mean... after you having to deal with the transmission flawed W222 and then the W223 lemon I want you to be able to enjoy cars again and the SL at least brings you joy which is almost priceless on that fact alone, given how much you love this car, it will be sad to see it go, hopefully you do find your dream W222 soon so you can continue to enjoy cars.

I was also thinking maybe you can keep the vehicle like a "collector's item" and just admire it, you don't have to force yourself to drive it, like you mentioned some joy rides every now and then.

W205C43PFL

My point is, this car brings you immense joy and isn't that the point of spending all this money on luxury cars? To reward ourselves of all our hardwork? You spent all that money on the W223 only to be frustrated about it was not worth it and after going through that ordeal I just feel like you deserved better and this mighty mouse of yours might be worth keeping to keep you company. You said everytime you see it you smile, everytime you wash it, you smile. Everytime you drive it, you smile. That alone is enough to keep this car. My opinion though but I do understand your reasonings. GLWS

Streamliner

I now live in a gated community with a Home Owner’s Association, which will not allow car ports, etc.

W205C43PFL

That is a bummer, any chance you could rent an indoor parking garage nearby that is free from vandalism and crazy parkers that park outside the line that type of thing and there is zero chance they damage your car? If not, I don't know what else to recommend, I am sorry : (

Streamliner

I love where we live, but renting garage space in Newport Beach is crazy expensive. Everyone seems to have a spare car or boat they need space for. In addition, if I don’t drive the car when it’s right under my nose, I’ll drive it less if it’s someplace else. Thanks for the suggestions, but sometimes you just need to move on and that’s where I am at now.

JettaRed

iTrader: (1)

You're insane, crazy, nuts! Do not do this! Drive the car more than once a week--that's your problem. You know, if you do this you will be banned from this forum, don't you? You really need to move out of California. There is something in the air that makes people crazy. How else do you explain your elected officials? (Of course, I don't know if Washington or Oregon are any better.)

Just kidding with all that stuff about your lunatic state government. But getting old should never be a reason to give up your SL. It's low to the ground so you can always open the door and just roll out of the car.

(By the way, I will not defend the lunatics in Maryland, either. But the kids and grandkids keep my wife and I anchored here.)

Streamliner

Funny! Both of our daughters and their families live close by, one 20 minutes south, one 20 minutes north, each with three of our six grandchildren. Unless they move, we ain’t going anywhere!

My wife and I were both born & raised in L.A. We are dedicated “California Sissies,” who think it’s a “heat wave” when the temperature gets above 73 degrees. We hate humidity and even though we sometimes think of getting the whole family to relocate, there is NO PLACE in the USA with weather matching the South Pacific Coast. Insane taxes, cities in distress, idiot woke leadership, it is all absolutely NUTS, but I don’t see us ever moving away.

JettaRed

iTrader: (1)

I definitely feel you! Maybe the wife will give up her station wagon? Probably not a chance. Or, let her drive the SL. Funny how that may change her perspective. Use the S-class for trips to Costco.

Streamliner

She kept saying: ”I’M NOT DRIVING A STATION WAGON!” Then, I bought the wagon for MYSELF, she drove it once and it became HER wagon! She absolutely loves the thing and so do I. Of course, you can still get a new one in Germany but not here anymore, just the ridiculous looking “All Terrain.”

JettaRed

iTrader: (1)

My first wagon was a 1981 Volvo 245DL wagon in newborn-poop yellow. Europeans had strange tastes in automobile colors back then. I absolutely loved that car. It was a tank.

W205C43PFL

Certainly a touch decision. That interior is gorgeous as well.
Hmmm that begs the question I wonder if those who "needs" to buy an SUV and not want a station wagon like your wife would also fall in love with one if they gave it a chance like your wife as well.

Maybe if that is the case, there won't be as many SUVs on the road (well I guess that thinking is kind of a stretch)? As they don't give these vehicle a chance and experience them and be amazed, these vehicles are therefore unpopular in America?

Wolfman

How high is the ceiling in your garage?
Often, low ceilings in the garage can be modified as well if too low. Given the enjoyment you get out of the car I recommend you checking out all options before selling the car.

Good luck!

Streamliner

What is the ceiling height in your garage?

rmorin49

I have a similar issue with MD. TAXES!! I need to move to PA, only 6 miles north.

TennesseeZ4

As shocked as I am that MM will no longer be a part of your garage, your logic is one that I followed a couple of years ago. And your wagon quest drove my similar quest to the E450 wagon that I now enjoy (our 3rd). While I do miss the drop top opportunities, the wagon has become part and parcel to my current life style, and I am sure your S class will do the same. Mercedes has made some very fine automobiles over it's history, however I am firmly in the camp of declaring the R231 SL to be one of the best vehicles they have ever produced. Your example remains my ideal, color, options, brakes, wheels, et al., and while I know you will be saddened to see it depart, let's all hope that MM can find a home where the owner is as discriminating as you have been. Keep the photos, I occasionally pull out photos of my departed R231 every now and then, shed a tear, then load up the wagon and head out. Enjoy the miles and the smiles! All the best!

Wolfman

10' 5"

Given your cars, less than 10' is needed. I have also seen garages where the ceiling is raised only in one stall. If there is no living area above it, it's usually an easy setup.

The garage doors are also very easy to convert to a high-lift door needed for lifts.

Streamliner

Always the "Tennessee Gentleman," I have enjoyed your musings over the years as well. You are right about lifestyles, as a convertible is no longer the "necessity" for me that it once was. My wife is an avid tennis player and has already had a bout with skin cancer and spends way too much time in the sun already. She's not giving up tennis, so rides with the top down, which were never her favorite anyway, are now completely out. Still, more than half the pleasure I get from the SL is just babying it and "having" it. It's been more of a collector's item to me than a vehicle to drive, which is unfortunate, but it is what it is. Glad you are enjoying your wagon. Sure wish we could just order a new one of those these days!

W205C43PFL

That is such a great idea that I didn't thought of, thanks for sharing but I think he already decided it is the best to sell, again GLWS and hope he finds his dream spec W222 sooner rather than later.