SL/R231: How to buy facelift sl63?
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From: Southern California
2021 CLS 53 AMG C257, 2023 W223 S580, 2021 X167 GLS450, 2022 V167 GLE350
How to buy facelift sl63?
Context: My family has owned an sl550 for like, forever (owned since 30k in 2014). Hit 135k miles in it recently but probably approaching the m278 explosion range soon, so I'm somewhat angsty to replace this aging beast soon. Plus I drive like a hooligan regularly so I give it until 145k until it hits the ****ter. Love this car, grew up with it and there is NO way i am getting anything other than an sl next. Also hate the 232. plus this is rare to see on the road (even now in socal where it used to be everywhere)
I definitely want to get a facelift r231 sl63 and then mod it, exhaust and trans etc (but staying conservative on the engine, might not even touch the ecu) ((also leaning renntech)) but not sure which year to pick up. Any advice on what to look for specifically and what to avoid, maintenance wise or other? I test drove a 2018 one in Phoenix but it was so poorly maintained that it left such a poor taste in my mouth, probably didn't help that it didn't have the premium package (LOL) and the steering column was vertically jammed
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m157 SL63
Any advice on what to look for specifically and what to avoid, maintenance wise or other? I test drove a 2018 one in Phoenix but it was so poorly maintained that it left such a poor taste in my mouth, probably didn't help that it didn't have the premium package (LOL) and the steering column was vertically jammed
The steering column being vertically stuck is a common problem across many MB models, and there are many threads on it. The solution is basically to extend the steering wheel as close as possible to the driver, then hold the lever which should lower it ... while the lever is held, force the steering wheel down by either pulling hard or smacking it hard, whichever works.
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I don't think there was a premium package on the 2018 SL63.
The steering column being vertically stuck is a common problem across many MB models, and there are many threads on it. The solution is basically to extend the steering wheel as close as possible to the driver, then hold the lever which should lower it ... while the lever is held, force the steering wheel down by either pulling hard or smacking it hard, whichever works.
The steering column being vertically stuck is a common problem across many MB models, and there are many threads on it. The solution is basically to extend the steering wheel as close as possible to the driver, then hold the lever which should lower it ... while the lever is held, force the steering wheel down by either pulling hard or smacking it hard, whichever works.
and for steering wheel I did not want to do that on a test drive in front of them lol
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it didn't have air scarf and the vented seats which was just absolutely baffling, and the rear wind diffuser had to be manually raised/lowered by hand. who in their right mind orders this car without it
and for steering wheel I did not want to do that on a test drive in front of them lol
and for steering wheel I did not want to do that on a test drive in front of them lol
This site lists some options, but not any of those you noted:
https://www.edmunds.com/mercedes-ben...eatures-specs/
The main ones are the B&O sound, ceramic brakes, and the driver assistance package (maybe sometimes called premium package?) ... there are a few other mainly cosmetic items
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2021 CLS 53 AMG C257, 2023 W223 S580, 2021 X167 GLS450, 2022 V167 GLE350
Thread Starter
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I've never heard of those as options. Maybe it was a different SL with a fake badge?
This site lists some options, but not any of those you noted:
https://www.edmunds.com/mercedes-ben...eatures-specs/
The main ones are the B&O sound, ceramic brakes, and the driver assistance package (maybe sometimes called premium package?) ... there are a few other mainly cosmetic items
This site lists some options, but not any of those you noted:
https://www.edmunds.com/mercedes-ben...eatures-specs/
The main ones are the B&O sound, ceramic brakes, and the driver assistance package (maybe sometimes called premium package?) ... there are a few other mainly cosmetic items
The buttons in the middle where the air scarf are become blank if you don’t have it. I’m surprised MB even let it be an option. It was genuinely a shock to me when it didn’t have it
also is B/O sound worth it? I have H/K on my 2013 one and it sounds actually amazing, probably on par/ better than my dad’s 4d burmester s580
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Maybe some Hail Mary's and never admit that is you sitting on the hood again.
By the way, the body panels, including the hood and trunk are aluminum. Strong, but still aluminum, meaning any dents will be very difficult and expensive to repair as aluminum does not have "memory" like steel.
By the way, the body panels, including the hood and trunk are aluminum. Strong, but still aluminum, meaning any dents will be very difficult and expensive to repair as aluminum does not have "memory" like steel.
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Context: My family has owned an sl550 for like, forever (owned since 30k in 2014). Hit 135k miles in it recently but probably approaching the m278 explosion range soon, so I'm somewhat angsty to replace this aging beast soon. Plus I drive like a hooligan regularly so I give it until 145k until it hits the ****ter.
Now if you abused the car (e.g. not waiting for the engine to reach full operating temp. before getting on it, being lazy on maintenance, etc.) that's a different story.
In terms of what to look for in a FL R231, honestly a clean car with service records is all you need. MB sorted out pretty much all of the typical SL issues with the R231, especially towards the end of the production run.
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SL550
These M278s are pretty durable (especially when kept stock) and these cars are meant to be driven.
Now if you abused the car (e.g. not waiting for the engine to reach full operating temp. before getting on it, being lazy on maintenance, etc.) that's a different story.
In terms of what to look for in a FL R231, honestly a clean car with service records is all you need. MB sorted out pretty much all of the typical SL issues with the R231, especially towards the end of the production run.
OT: Call your local MB dealer and get in touch with a sales rep, let them know what you're looking for. Facelift SL63s are rare, so you'll likely be looking for a while before finding one.
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These M278s are pretty durable (especially when kept stock) and these cars are meant to be driven.
Now if you abused the car (e.g. not waiting for the engine to reach full operating temp. before getting on it, being lazy on maintenance, etc.) that's a different story.
In terms of what to look for in a FL R231, honestly a clean car with service records is all you need. MB sorted out pretty much all of the typical SL issues with the R231, especially towards the end of the production run.
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He's sitting on the hood - do you really think that he waits for it to get to operating temperature before pushing it? You think he lets it spool down after doing so?
OT: Call your local MB dealer and get in touch with a sales rep, let them know what you're looking for. Facelift SL63s are rare, so you'll likely be looking for a while before finding one.
OT: Call your local MB dealer and get in touch with a sales rep, let them know what you're looking for. Facelift SL63s are rare, so you'll likely be looking for a while before finding one.
also i DO get it to operating temperature..... don't let the picture fool you. although idk about the spooling part. the ending part of my drives are usually gentle drives where it's a continuous 20mph for 1 mile
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If you are asking about ABC in the R230 vs. R231, my understanding is that ABC in the R231 was greatly improved in terms of reliability. @Wolfman would be a good one to give you details.
There is a reason why after 11+ years there are still crickets on this forum. While ABC is much rarer since it became an option for all non-AMG models, the ABC is a newer revised version and much more solid.
All Canadian SL’s (at least the 550’s) also came with ABC by default.
The facelift version included the curve function.
I personally don’t think the ABC repairs are pricey for the R231 as you don’t see the catastrophic failures of the R230.
The SL63 came with a Performance suspension option which could not be identified on the car via a setting or switch (just the build sheet). This is a good thing to have unless one likes a softer suspension, but this is an AMG after all.
The suspension settings on all facelift SL’s with ABC have also been fine-tuned for compliance and handling.
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The system was barely built to spec and MB foolishly decided against issuing a service interval for it.
They learned, likely from all of the warranty issues that surfaced, and made some notable improvements to the 2nd generation of the system a few years into the R230 run.
Further improvements were carried into the R231 platform. Of any SL with ABC, the R231 has the best chance of causing the fewest issues.
A person can have a good experience with any version of ABC if they have a healthy starting point and are super proactive on the maintenance. That said, the older you go the more risk you take with these systems.
There is also, of course, the extensive list of smaller improvements made throughout the production run of pretty much any car to note.
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it didn't have air scarf and the vented seats which was just absolutely baffling, and the rear wind diffuser had to be manually raised/lowered by hand. who in their right mind orders this car without it
and for steering wheel I did not want to do that on a test drive in front of them lol
and for steering wheel I did not want to do that on a test drive in front of them lol
These were configurable options in other countries, so likely a questionable import - check VIN.
Always best to go for loaded versions when buying used. In terms of model years, there is no bad one to choose from. Facelift models were solid from day one and no changes were made between model years.
Btw, I do not consider 135k miles high for a M278 engine. The harder you drive, the better it is for the engine too
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We were all kids once and (most) folks outgrow the occasional foolishness that comes with that. Sweet cars are also exciting, instigating that "young and dumb" behavior.
What matters are the lessons learned and applied.
In this case, no more TikTok-level cringe on MBWorld, OP.
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The big ones for me are the timing chain issues on the M278 and M157. Early R231s have this as an "item on the list" whereas later ones received revisions from the factory to address it.
There is also, of course, the extensive list of smaller improvements made throughout the production run of pretty much any car to note.
There is also, of course, the extensive list of smaller improvements made throughout the production run of pretty much any car to note.
What are the smaller improvements which were issues? You seem to be just assuming that there were some, but I'm not aware of problems.
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To the latter part, I think you're misinterpreting my post.
I interviewed a QC Manager for a major automaker not too long ago who explained how quickly post-production data can drive changes at a plant level. There are many small improvements made behind the scenes that are not publicized.
It's also a common reason why parts are revised / superseded.
