SL/R231: My 2013 SL550 Mods List
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 480
Likes: 158
From: Philadelphia area
2014 SL65 AMG, 2018 S560
I would like to have one, but I don't want it on the dash or windshield, so it would have to be built in. For me, not worth the cost. Probably would change my mind if I got a huge ticket and suspension for 100+ on the interstate. Fortunately, hasn't happened yet.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,162
Likes: 4,382
From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
I was 100% going to pull the trigger on a very low mileage R231 SL65 until I drove it. Amazing machine, no doubt, however the suspension is much stiffer and there’s a couple hundred extra pounds of weight over that front axle which makes it not handle as well. If I had the resources to have two SL‘s, there is no doubt I would’ve bought that car in addition to an SL550 or SL63 (without the performance suspension option).
now if you are not going to drive it often and the roads are smooth where you live it may be ok but where I am it was a no-go.
now if you are not going to drive it often and the roads are smooth where you live it may be ok but where I am it was a no-go.
Before ordering a new SL in 2019, I had read multiple magazine reviews where the writers actually preferred the 450 over the 550. Thinking I would never want a SL without a V8, I was torn, so I did multiple, back-to-back test drives in the 450 & 550 models, coming to the same conclusion that the magazine reviewers had: The SL450 just drives better.
The SL450, with a V6 putting out 369hp is an absolutely marvelous car. The lighter weight of the V6 gives the car much nicer driving dynamics and the ride quality is superb. I ordered my lowly SL450 with ABC and the combination of the lighter V6, coupled with what I believe is one of “THE” finest suspensions ever offered by any automaker, resulted is a very nimble, incredibly enjoyable ride quality. My later addition of forged AMG 19” wheels and the lighter weight carbon ceramic brakes improved the driving dynamics even more.
In most every instance where an automaker offers multiple engine choices, almost invariably, the lower performance model has several other equipment downgrades, but Mercedes-Benz did not do that with the SL450. Virtually every piece of equipment—either standard or optional—is EXACTLY the same on the V6 model as on the V8.
The marvelous SL450! Try one, you’ll love it!
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
2013 c350
Amp Question
Nice mods! Which amp did you go with? Self install or shop? The sounds system on ours is definitely lacking, not sure if the upgraded B&O option would have helped my preference for alternative/metal/loud music..
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 77
Likes: 15
'13 SL550
https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...em-solved.html
I had it installed at local Best Buy by a Master Installer. The main goal was to enable surround sound for the rear speakers, since most audio sources are not 5.1 but stereo.
As for the radar detector, it’s very easy to remove the current unit and swap in the latest model. You just need the updated adapter. In states where radar detectors are illegal, I’d simply take it down if I ever drive there. It only takes five seconds.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 380
Likes: 100
From: Orlando, FL
2017 550SL - 2018 560S
Best Buy does an amazing installation of rear speaker sound on the SL550. They do it at a fraction of the price of a custom stereo shop and will give you upfront pricing before they begin job. I have seen many posts where members denigrate the very idea of letting Best Buy handle alterations, but my experience with multiple vehicles has been top-shelf. I also have had Best Buy install Dash cams with front and rear cameras and an auxiliary battery just for the dash cams. They have worked on my Lexus 460LS, Lexus RX, Mercedes SL550, and S560. The dash cams, even with the rear cameras, have no visible wiring anywhere in the passenger cabins. If there is ever a problem, you can take you car to any Best Buy location to fix it.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,162
Likes: 4,382
From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
The key issue here is having one of their "MASTER INSTALLERS" do the work. I tried for sometime to find a reasonably convenient BB location with a Master Installer and was never able to do so, even here in the huge Orange County, CA area.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 77
Likes: 15
'13 SL550
You can check with any Best Buy to see which nearby location has a Master Installer. In my case, I found one in Pasadena that year.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 77
Likes: 15
'13 SL550
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 77
Likes: 15
'13 SL550
All right guys, I've hesitated, hesitated, and finally decided to list it for sale.
https://mbworld.org/forums/market/927857
https://mbworld.org/forums/market/927857
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 5 (2 members and 3 guests)
