SL/R231: Off Topic R232
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2015
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From: Hagerstown MD
2015 SL400; 2019 X5M40i
Off Topic R232
I was perusing the R232 forum and was rather surprised to read multiple posts about CELs, engine shutdown and various other issues related to loss of power.
Have also been reading about the drop in reliability over the entire line of Mercedes vehicles. I guess we should be pleased that the R231s are relatively reliable compared to the current model. Sad.
Have also been reading about the drop in reliability over the entire line of Mercedes vehicles. I guess we should be pleased that the R231s are relatively reliable compared to the current model. Sad.
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Joined: Feb 2021
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2013 SL550
I have noticed that myself. Other than my dynamic/massaging seats not working my car has been amazing. While I'd like everything on my SL to work perfect, the cost, even by my indy, to diagnose and fix it is not worth the few occasions I'd use it. Everything else has been pretty rock solid. Not bad for a going on 14 year old car.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,636
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From: Hagerstown MD
2015 SL400; 2019 X5M40i
I have noticed that myself. Other than my dynamic/massaging seats not working my car has been amazing. While I'd like everything on my SL to work perfect, the cost, even by my indy, to diagnose and fix it is not worth the few occasions I'd use it. Everything else has been pretty rock solid. Not bad for a going on 14 year old car.
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From: DFW
SL63
I have my seat settings fixed, and I don’t change them. I haven’t even set them as a preset. I have no use for the massage setting. I believe that is just a breakdown waiting to happen if I do use it.
The seat motors will have the longest lifespan if they are activated only when they are at ambient temperature, and not allowed to heat substantially.
I don’t know if not using seat motors extends their lifetime, or reduces it. They could, over time, freeze in their current position, due to lack of use.
I don’t use seat warmers, even on the coldest days. I suspect powerful electromagnetic fields close to human bodies causes short and long term physical degradation. Studies have shown this effect.
I have used the seat ventilation though, and so far I like it, maybe because of the novelty effect from it being the first vent seats I have had.
The seat motors will have the longest lifespan if they are activated only when they are at ambient temperature, and not allowed to heat substantially.
I don’t know if not using seat motors extends their lifetime, or reduces it. They could, over time, freeze in their current position, due to lack of use.
I don’t use seat warmers, even on the coldest days. I suspect powerful electromagnetic fields close to human bodies causes short and long term physical degradation. Studies have shown this effect.
I have used the seat ventilation though, and so far I like it, maybe because of the novelty effect from it being the first vent seats I have had.
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
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From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
I have noticed that myself. Other than my dynamic/massaging seats not working my car has been amazing. While I'd like everything on my SL to work perfect, the cost, even by my indy, to diagnose and fix it is not worth the few occasions I'd use it. Everything else has been pretty rock solid. Not bad for a going on 14 year old car.
2013 to 2024 is only 11 years. Or at least that's what the calculator on my Mac says.
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Joined: Oct 2010
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From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
I was perusing the R232 forum and was rather surprised to read multiple posts about CELs, engine shutdown and various other issues related to loss of power.
Have also been reading about the drop in reliability over the entire line of Mercedes vehicles. I guess we should be pleased that the R231s are relatively reliable compared to the current model. Sad.
Have also been reading about the drop in reliability over the entire line of Mercedes vehicles. I guess we should be pleased that the R231s are relatively reliable compared to the current model. Sad.
MB has bought back my last TWO S Class sedans in a row! The last one, a loaded 2022 S580 was such a mess that I came to really hate the car. Finally one day, it just completely died right in the middle of bumper to bumper traffic on a busy highway.
I love my 2019 SL450 and our 2019 E450 Wagon. They are rock solid and I so lament that when the Wagon—which my wife drives—becomes too long in the tooth, that there isn’t a Mercedes-Benz that I would even consider as a replacement, as I no longer have faith in the brand. For my next daily driver, which is on order as I write this, I’m going electric and it’s a BMW—first one for me since 1995. Wish me luck!
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From: In the minds of others rent free.
SL 400
I actually love the dynamic seat function as well as the massage function. This is the first vehicle I have owned that had those features. As soon as I am in our SUV I miss the dynamic functions.
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From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
I love my 2019 SL450 and our 2019 E450 Wagon. They are rock solid and I so lament that when the Wagon—which my wife drives—becomes too long in the tooth, that there isn’t a Mercedes-Benz that I would even consider as a replacement, as I no longer have faith in the brand. For my next daily driver, which is on order as I write this, I’m going electric and it’s a BMW—first one for me since 1995. Wish me luck!
Last edited by JettaRed; Jun 11, 2024 at 03:18 PM.
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Joined: Nov 2016
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From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
I too love the dynamic seats. At first I thought they were to compensate for cars without ABC, but now I am not sure. My R230 did not have them (though it did have massaging seats), but it did have ABC.
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SL550
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From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
I'm not sure what long in the tooth means for a car you enjoy. Why the hell would you get rid of a comfortable, reliable automobile that is "rock solid" and that you "love" because it gets old? The styling of the R231 is timeless. Even the R230 is a beautiful car. I only traded my 2004 SL500 because upkeep was going to get expensive. Otherwise, it was a wonderful car. But something like your SL and wagon should serve you well until they stop refining oil.
The wagon is a spectacular example, a reasonably rare “Luxury” model with the traditional grille, AirMatic, Designo interior, Acoustic Comfort Pkg., 18” wheels and WITHOUT the Panoramic Roof, which I personally hate. That said, as time goes by, there will be needed repairs and to me, once the repairs start, they never seem to end. And, these days, finding a shop that will do quality work is just about impossible and they almost always seem to screw something else up in the process.
As I see it, the days of mechanics taking pride in their work and adhering to a strong work ethic are nearly gone. The younger generation are all about getting the vehicles out the door and getting paid, not seeming to care how well the job was performed. I’m sure there are exceptions to this, but they are few & far between and in California especially, it all seems to be going down the toilet.
I have been addicted to new cars for many decades now, so if I like my incoming BMW electric, we will probably get the wife something a bit smaller but similar, keep it through the warranty period, then get a new one. I know we pay for the convenience, but new cars with full factory warranties are the way to go, at least for me.
It is such a shame that these wagons are no longer available like this:
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From: DFW
SL63
Those "powerful electromagnetic fields" you are talking about are transformers and high-voltage power lines that have been possibly linked to adverse effects. Those studies were mostly done in third-world countries where homes are built right under these power lines and people are subject to them for years on end. A heated seat draws very, very little power. With your logic, being nearby a space heater or blender would be deadly.
We do know that cancer is widespread, and don’t know all those triggers for it.
No need to even consider deadly, although even a perfectly healthy life is deadly.
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
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From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
Likes: 3,498
From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
Likes: 3,498
From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Speaking of which (and a bit off-topic), but have you bought any lumber and fasteners to build anything lately? Lumber prices are bad enough, but paying $3 for a carriage bolt blows me away. Broke my heart to tell my grandkids grandpa wasn't going to mortgage the house to built them a fort.
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Joined: Oct 2010
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From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Beautiful car. But I would wait until we have the outcome of the next presidential election to know if we are going to go back to $3 gasoline or see $10 gasoline over the next four years.
Speaking of which (and a bit off-topic), but have you bought any lumber and fasteners to build anything lately? Lumber prices are bad enough, but paying $3 for a carriage bolt blows me away. Broke my heart to tell my grandkids grandpa wasn't going to mortgage the house to built them a fort.
Speaking of which (and a bit off-topic), but have you bought any lumber and fasteners to build anything lately? Lumber prices are bad enough, but paying $3 for a carriage bolt blows me away. Broke my heart to tell my grandkids grandpa wasn't going to mortgage the house to built them a fort.
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From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
The R231 was really one of the most reliable Mercedes models of the last 2 decades, plus they are very practical cars for a convertible.
IMO, the R232 is a much better looking car and by all measures, a much better performing one.
Too bad that the experience is marred by small issues that create a big nuisance for owners.
The only benefit over prior models is that the fixes are mostly software rather than hardware fixes.
Mercedes is clearly to blame but it is indicative of a time where regulations, penalties and laws drive much of the technical changes rather than the drive to innovate.
It seems that all European manufacturers struggle with this.
The high depreciation continues on the SL and I have seen some great deals on R232‘s that would make me recommend one vs a late model R231.
IMO, the R232 is a much better looking car and by all measures, a much better performing one.
Too bad that the experience is marred by small issues that create a big nuisance for owners.
The only benefit over prior models is that the fixes are mostly software rather than hardware fixes.
Mercedes is clearly to blame but it is indicative of a time where regulations, penalties and laws drive much of the technical changes rather than the drive to innovate.
It seems that all European manufacturers struggle with this.
The high depreciation continues on the SL and I have seen some great deals on R232‘s that would make me recommend one vs a late model R231.
Last edited by Wolfman; Jun 13, 2024 at 05:41 AM.
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
Likes: 3,498
From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Just like the precipitous fall of the value of EVs, the "great deals" makes you wonder why. If people are dumping R232s at a loss, I would want to understand why. BUT, the great deal may be not only the price, but now the known unknowns of new releases.
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Joined: May 2002
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From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
In short, just the typical SL depreciation curve.
The only thing that really goes against the R232 is their poor launch. Unfinished product (in terms of software bugs, not hardware), wrong model-year and pricing strategy, post-COVID & Ukraine war supply shortages stacked the odds against strong sales.But I argue that the fundamentals are there. Gorgeous car, fantastic engine and drivetrain, great top-down experience, still.
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Joined: Jan 2019
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SL550
You do what you want. As for me, I am not using electric heated seats. We know for sure that EM fields have a negative effect on the human physiology. We don’t necessarily know how much, and we don’t necessarily know threshold levels.
We do know that cancer is widespread, and don’t know all those triggers for it.
No need to even consider deadly, although even a perfectly healthy life is deadly.
We do know that cancer is widespread, and don’t know all those triggers for it.
No need to even consider deadly, although even a perfectly healthy life is deadly.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 398
Likes: 135
SL550
The R231 was really one of the most reliable Mercedes models of the last 2 decades, plus they are very practical cars for a convertible.
IMO, the R232 is a much better looking car and by all measures, a much better performing one.
Too bad that the experience is marred by small issues that create a big nuisance for owners.
The only benefit over prior models is that the fixes are mostly software rather than hardware fixes.
Mercedes is clearly to blame but it is indicative of a time where regulations, penalties and laws drive much of the technical changes rather than the drive to innovate.
It seems that all European manufacturers struggle with this.
The high depreciation continues on the SL and I have seen some great deals on R232‘s that would make me recommend one vs a late model R231.
IMO, the R232 is a much better looking car and by all measures, a much better performing one.
Too bad that the experience is marred by small issues that create a big nuisance for owners.
The only benefit over prior models is that the fixes are mostly software rather than hardware fixes.
Mercedes is clearly to blame but it is indicative of a time where regulations, penalties and laws drive much of the technical changes rather than the drive to innovate.
It seems that all European manufacturers struggle with this.
The high depreciation continues on the SL and I have seen some great deals on R232‘s that would make me recommend one vs a late model R231.
Luckily the R231 is a tank in comparison to other German roadsters. I think that a "decontented" R231 would be unkillable, and would drive very well. Strip out the million-way power seats, the massage function, and even the dual-zone climate control. A set of basic, but comfortable seats would do a lot for both weight savings and reliability. I could do without the navigation system and CD changer, and the stupid button pad can go, too. A simple head unit with Carplay/Android auto is all I need. Collectively, MB could probably strip ~100kg of weight from this car without sacrificing comfort. Porsche knows what they're doing with the 911 T. It ditches a lot of the useless crap to chase a better driving experience, and as a side effect, should have better longevity than a base Carrera. An R231 centered around simplicity would be in a league of its own!
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,557
Likes: 3,680
From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
I wouldn't touch an R232 yet, everyone complains about the poor build quality and lackluster interior.
Luckily the R231 is a tank in comparison to other German roadsters. I think that a "decontented" R231 would be unkillable, and would drive very well. Strip out the million-way power seats, the massage function, and even the dual-zone climate control. A set of basic, but comfortable seats would do a lot for both weight savings and reliability. I could do without the navigation system and CD changer, and the stupid button pad can go, too. A simple head unit with Carplay/Android auto is all I need. Collectively, MB could probably strip ~100kg of weight from this car without sacrificing comfort. Porsche knows what they're doing with the 911 T. It ditches a lot of the useless crap to chase a better driving experience, and as a side effect, should have better longevity than a base Carrera. An R231 centered around simplicity would be in a league of its own!
Luckily the R231 is a tank in comparison to other German roadsters. I think that a "decontented" R231 would be unkillable, and would drive very well. Strip out the million-way power seats, the massage function, and even the dual-zone climate control. A set of basic, but comfortable seats would do a lot for both weight savings and reliability. I could do without the navigation system and CD changer, and the stupid button pad can go, too. A simple head unit with Carplay/Android auto is all I need. Collectively, MB could probably strip ~100kg of weight from this car without sacrificing comfort. Porsche knows what they're doing with the 911 T. It ditches a lot of the useless crap to chase a better driving experience, and as a side effect, should have better longevity than a base Carrera. An R231 centered around simplicity would be in a league of its own!
No Sport seats or very few fancy stitched leather options but neither were on the R231 except the SL65 and final Designo edition had better seats.
Some trims are not my taste (not a fan of piano black stuff) but then the prior gen had some crappy ones too (aluminum trim).
As for the tech, it’s easy to complain but then the R231 used to be called outdated looking with its old looking tiny screen, software and controls.
As for quality issues I would consider the car to be the same as its predecessor in terms of build and fit. They are typically build in Bremen just like before.
IMO many complaints stem from the car being offered for $200k and still having orange peel and small fit issues. Same on the R231; those just used to cost a whole lot less.
My suggestion is to take one for a spin before making up your mind
Last edited by Wolfman; Jun 14, 2024 at 03:16 AM.
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
Likes: 3,498
From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
$200k! 
Sorry, but I won't drive a car I can't afford.
I'm just a poor boy, I need no sympathy
Because I'm easy come, easy go, little high, little low
Any way the wind blows doesn't really matter to me
Sorry, but I won't drive a car I can't afford.
I'm just a poor boy, I need no sympathy
Because I'm easy come, easy go, little high, little low
Any way the wind blows doesn't really matter to me
