SL/R231: SL comparison
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SL comparison
Hey guys I currently own 2011 E350 cabriolet (wife's car lol). I am considering a 2013 or newer SL. We love how quite the car is with top up or down. I really like the air deflectors, front and back on the E350 as it makes the air flow great. I was wondering how the SL is with noise and airflow with the top down?
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2015 SL400; 2019 X5M40i
I have owned several convertibles(cabriolets and roadsters) including C7 Corvette, BMW Z4, BMW 3 series, Miata, MG, Triumph. The SL, especially with the windscreen deployed has very little wind buffeting compared to others. With the top up it is quiet and very nice riding vehicle. It is truly like having 2 different cars, a convertible and a coupe.
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From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Top down, windows up is not as quiet as with top up, windows up. But, as Randall said, very little wind gets into the passenger compartment with the windows up and draft screen (or whatever it's called) up. You can have a conversation without yelling at the passenger. When moving, you stay pretty dry in the rain as long as it's not a downpour. But the top goes up or down in 20 seconds. (EDIT: or less)
Last edited by JettaRed; May 8, 2024 at 08:31 AM.
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SL 400
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Hey guys I currently own 2011 E350 cabriolet (wife's car lol). I am considering a 2013 or newer SL. We love how quite the car is with top up or down. I really like the air deflectors, front and back on the E350 as it makes the air flow great. I was wondering how the SL is with noise and airflow with the top down?
In short, the SL will give you a better top-down driving experience but the SL's exhaust will likely be louder.
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From: Franklin, TN
2019 E450 wagon: 2019 BMW 430i: 2013 Chevy Traverse: (departed)2013 SL550 & 2019 E450 cab
We owned a 2013 R231 SL550 and a 2019 A238 E450; SL cited the differences and he is spot on. More blustering in the E450 with the top down, and nosier with the top up. The R231 is a most competent coupe or convertible, that is the beauty of the vehicle.
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From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
The wind turbulence in the cabin of the R231 SL’s, with all windows and the windscreen down is nothing short of SENSATIONAL, even up to 60 or 70mph. The design of the car is absolutely spectacular in that regard and I believe “THE” best ever!
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Come to think of it, I haven't been in a convertible with less wind buffeting than the R231.
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Unless I have a call to make/take I will have all the windows and the rear air-shield down when on the highway. When it is a little chilly out, or I know I will need to take calls I will have the air-shield up, as well as the windows. I cannot say that I am talking at a normal volume when taking a call at those times, but I for sure am not yelling. Just speaking louder than normal. When driving in the city and taking a call, or speaking with my passenger while the top is down I can speak at a normal volume with all the windows, etc. also down. I have never had a drop top prior, so I have nothing to compare the R231 too. I did look at many video reviews of the R231prior to purchase and almost all of them spoke about how quiet the car was top down and how there was not much wind blowing around. The very first time I drove top down I remember my initial thought was "its pretty quiet, not much wind in here"
Hey guys I currently own 2011 E350 cabriolet (wife's car lol). I am considering a 2013 or newer SL. We love how quite the car is with top up or down. I really like the air deflectors, front and back on the E350 as it makes the air flow great. I was wondering how the SL is with noise and airflow with the top down?
