SL-Class (R231) 2013 on: Discussion on the SL550

Looking for a R231 SL

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Old Mar 2, 2026 | 06:46 AM
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Looking for a R231 SL

Looking for a R231 SL, looking for suggestions tips, and leads.
Looking on the cheaper end of the spectrum probably a 2013.
Any issues with the SL 550? Hearing mixed reviews on the engine.
Any issues with the SL 350 (japan import), SL 400, SL 450?

Thanks [Also looking to hit the 3 post marker to enable dms.]
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Old Mar 3, 2026 | 09:27 AM
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oops. looks like i queued too many, and they all got approved lol.
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Old Mar 3, 2026 | 11:25 AM
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bone stock E55 AMG
moved to R231 forum...
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Old Mar 3, 2026 | 04:12 PM
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2019 E450 wagon: 2019 BMW 430i: 2013 Chevy Traverse: (departed)2013 SL550 & 2019 E450 cab
check out the Mercedes CPO website, there are still some good R231s on that site; CarGurus has a number, fully sortable; several have begun to show up on Bring A Trailer. My SL550 2013 R231 was bullet proof, with the exception of rear tires every 10K miles, likely my heavy foot was a contributor. A good number of the folks on this forum lean toward a 2017 and up for the fresh face, and a number are also quite pleased with the SL450 model. Drive the V8 and the V6, if I dive back into the R231 pond again it will be a '19 or '20 SL450. Just my quarter's worth (two cents does not seem logical with the demise of the penny). Happy hunting.


My dearly departed R231.
My dearly departed R231.
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Old Mar 9, 2026 | 02:07 PM
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Originally Posted by TennesseeZ4
check out the Mercedes CPO website, there are still some good R231s on that site; CarGurus has a number, fully sortable; several have begun to show up on Bring A Trailer. My SL550 2013 R231 was bullet proof, with the exception of rear tires every 10K miles, likely my heavy foot was a contributor. A good number of the folks on this forum lean toward a 2017 and up for the fresh face, and a number are also quite pleased with the SL450 model. Drive the V8 and the V6, if I dive back into the R231 pond again it will be a '19 or '20 SL450. Just my quarter's worth (two cents does not seem logical with the demise of the penny). Happy hunting.


My dearly departed R231.
My dearly departed R231.
may i ask what happened to your car?
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Old Mar 9, 2026 | 04:25 PM
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2019 E450 wagon: 2019 BMW 430i: 2013 Chevy Traverse: (departed)2013 SL550 & 2019 E450 cab
A question popped up on my forum feed about what happened to my car. Bottom line, we traded for an A238 E450 as it would allow my wife to take two grandkids with her for ice cream and to the lake. Just not possible with the two seater SL. But I do still miss it! Bloody marvelous motorcar.
With the Avant Garde wheels installed.

With the Avant Garde wheels installed.

Four seat cabriolet A238
Four seat cabriolet A238
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Old Mar 9, 2026 | 09:32 PM
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The V6 in the SL400 is known to be very reliable. Mine has so far. Good luck with your search.
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Old Mar 10, 2026 | 10:41 PM
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Originally Posted by JSUN04
Looking for a R231 SL, looking for suggestions tips, and leads.
Looking on the cheaper end of the spectrum probably a 2013.
Any issues with the SL 550? Hearing mixed reviews on the engine.
Any issues with the SL 350 (japan import), SL 400, SL 450?

Thanks [Also looking to hit the 3 post marker to enable dms.]
To answer your question re SL550, I can speak about my 1 years ownership of my 2015 with 51k miles. No problems whatsoever with anything, these cars are very well made. Drive train is rock solid, I have same engine in my S550, 140k, no issues. Doesn’t burn oil, turbochargers are solid. I just replaced original coils and plugs which showed very little wear. I previously owned a 2007 Sl550, ABC standard suspension, which I have in my R231, love it and no issues at all,MB really improved the components that caused issues on R230s. Same for roof mechanics.

These cars are selling for pennies on the dollar compared to original and especially current models. My advice is to find the lowest mileage and highest amount of upgrades ( Designo, ABC, V8, etc.), you are buying near the bottom of depreciation curve and won’t get hurt much in the future sale.

If you locate any cars in Phoenix area, lmk.
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Old Mar 18, 2026 | 04:06 PM
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My 2013 SL550 is in the Phoenix area. It has 122k miles on it.
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