SL/R231: does the facelift exhaust have a burble on decel?
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2011 R350, 2025 GLA, 2018 SL450
does the facelift exhaust have a burble on decel?
The exhaust sounds like a subtle pops and burbles on decel but not ricey abnoxious on custom +1 setting. I don't remeber hearing this on the other facelift I test drove but maybe I was more focused on traffic to notice.
Is this how it sounds stock?
Is this how it sounds stock?
Last edited by weeblebiker; Apr 30, 2026 at 09:55 PM.
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2014 SL65 AMG, 2018 S560
Sounds like an ECU tune.
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No crackles and pops really on a Mercedes SL exhaust but the facelift models are louder than pre-facelift. Could be ECU tune if you heard that. The 450 being louder than the 550; trying to make it more sporty I suppose. I personally prefer the SL550 V8. The cars have an actual loudspeaker that plays some noises directly into the exhaust (in the trunk, under the floor board, drive side). That said, the SL550 facelift has exhaust flaps...
Good read..https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...st-sound.html+
Good read..https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...st-sound.html+
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2011 R350, 2025 GLA, 2018 SL450
the burbls are on sport and sport+ setting for like a hald second on throttle lift snd is a definit diferent sound than the continuous exhaust tone of sport and it is louder with the windows down than up so I don't think it's speaker sound?
I am/was planning on tuning it anyway. is there a way besides dynoing it to tell if it is tuned? it has ppf on it and is emaculate otherwise. 33k miles and has had sparkplugs brakes and transmission fresh non run flat summer tires done so I think the PO was ok putting money into it. is a tune. I guess Ill try and capture a 0-60 time and see if it's below 4.5 second vs close to 5 seconds.
edit:
quote from a tuning thread:
"My first go around I asked for the enhanced exhaust and I lost the normal gurgle-belch when in the sport modes - and instead got a loud crackle-pop but only several seconds after coming on the gas - it seemed fake. The over nighted a new file and I got my stock exhaust notes back with the normal gurgle belch when coming off the gas. And when coming off the gas hard - you get an occasional Splat- crackle exhaust."
I'm going to assume mine is stock, no worries though, I'm happy with it. the only thing that needs to be fixed by armax is the drivers side trunk lid hydraulic lines are kinked and leaking where the stress relief slid out of position. thanks forum for the trhead I stumbled uon about this issue so I knew to check when inspecting the car.
I am/was planning on tuning it anyway. is there a way besides dynoing it to tell if it is tuned? it has ppf on it and is emaculate otherwise. 33k miles and has had sparkplugs brakes and transmission fresh non run flat summer tires done so I think the PO was ok putting money into it. is a tune. I guess Ill try and capture a 0-60 time and see if it's below 4.5 second vs close to 5 seconds.
edit:
quote from a tuning thread:
"My first go around I asked for the enhanced exhaust and I lost the normal gurgle-belch when in the sport modes - and instead got a loud crackle-pop but only several seconds after coming on the gas - it seemed fake. The over nighted a new file and I got my stock exhaust notes back with the normal gurgle belch when coming off the gas. And when coming off the gas hard - you get an occasional Splat- crackle exhaust."
I'm going to assume mine is stock, no worries though, I'm happy with it. the only thing that needs to be fixed by armax is the drivers side trunk lid hydraulic lines are kinked and leaking where the stress relief slid out of position. thanks forum for the trhead I stumbled uon about this issue so I knew to check when inspecting the car.
Last edited by weeblebiker; May 1, 2026 at 10:48 PM.
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It might help provide feedback on model and year as these cars are all setup a bit different.
If it’s a 450, they are not going sub 4.5 sec. to 60. The SL550 is 4-4.1 sec.
Also there is no fake exhaust sound when driving. The speaker in the trunk is only used during startup. Other MB’s open flaps during that time.
If it’s a 450, they are not going sub 4.5 sec. to 60. The SL550 is 4-4.1 sec.
Also there is no fake exhaust sound when driving. The speaker in the trunk is only used during startup. Other MB’s open flaps during that time.
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2011 R350, 2025 GLA, 2018 SL450
I'm not sure what the v8 has to do with my questions about the v6?
A tuned 450 will be under 4.5. not tuned will be over 4.5. supposedly 4.1-4.3 and 4.7-4.9
I found other references to 450 having burbles in sport and sport + oe.
so tuning is still on the table, now to fined out what has been done with ethanol and if the limitations of the stock fuel system are known. I suspect a v6 with a E30-E50 tune could match/beat the stock v8 performance, if the fueling and injectors can keep up and if there is still headroom where octane can bump up MBT.
I'm not finding as much technical common knowledge about MB platforms on the forums as I'm used to playing with VW mk7 Rs and mx5 ND platforms, not used to having to do this much digging.
seems mb owners that are considered "enthusiasts" don't open the hood or get there hands dirty.
A tuned 450 will be under 4.5. not tuned will be over 4.5. supposedly 4.1-4.3 and 4.7-4.9
I found other references to 450 having burbles in sport and sport + oe.
so tuning is still on the table, now to fined out what has been done with ethanol and if the limitations of the stock fuel system are known. I suspect a v6 with a E30-E50 tune could match/beat the stock v8 performance, if the fueling and injectors can keep up and if there is still headroom where octane can bump up MBT.
I'm not finding as much technical common knowledge about MB platforms on the forums as I'm used to playing with VW mk7 Rs and mx5 ND platforms, not used to having to do this much digging.
seems mb owners that are considered "enthusiasts" don't open the hood or get there hands dirty.
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From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
I'm not sure what the v8 has to do with my questions about the v6?
A tuned 450 will be under 4.5. not tuned will be over 4.5. supposedly 4.1-4.3 and 4.7-4.9
I found other references to 450 having burbles in sport and sport + oe.
so tuning is still on the table, now to fined out what has been done with ethanol and if the limitations of the stock fuel system are known. I suspect a v6 with a E30-E50 tune could match/beat the stock v8 performance, if the fueling and injectors can keep up and if there is still headroom where octane can bump up MBT.
I'm not finding as much technical common knowledge about MB platforms on the forums as I'm used to playing with VW mk7 Rs and mx5 ND platforms, not used to having to do this much digging.
seems mb owners that are considered "enthusiasts" don't open the hood or get there hands dirty.
A tuned 450 will be under 4.5. not tuned will be over 4.5. supposedly 4.1-4.3 and 4.7-4.9
I found other references to 450 having burbles in sport and sport + oe.
so tuning is still on the table, now to fined out what has been done with ethanol and if the limitations of the stock fuel system are known. I suspect a v6 with a E30-E50 tune could match/beat the stock v8 performance, if the fueling and injectors can keep up and if there is still headroom where octane can bump up MBT.
I'm not finding as much technical common knowledge about MB platforms on the forums as I'm used to playing with VW mk7 Rs and mx5 ND platforms, not used to having to do this much digging.
seems mb owners that are considered "enthusiasts" don't open the hood or get there hands dirty.
I'll be happy to see a tuned SL 450 go 4 sec. but I don't think so. What I have seen are 40hp gains. People have tuned the SL550 and it won't go much faster than stock due to traction but we are talking simple tunes here without any other mods.
People have little interest t tuning these cars there than lowering and exhaust mods
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2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
No crackles and pops really on a Mercedes SL exhaust but the facelift models are louder than pre-facelift. Could be ECU tune if you heard that. The 450 being louder than the 550; trying to make it more sporty I suppose. I personally prefer the SL550 V8. The cars have an actual loudspeaker that plays some noises directly into the exhaust (in the trunk, under the floor board, drive side). That said, the SL550 facelift has exhaust flaps...
Good read..https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...st-sound.html+
Good read..https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...st-sound.html+
I have barely a single complaint about my 2019 SL450 as it is the closest to perfection of the SL line, in my opinion. However, I have actually given thought into looking what might be done to QUIET it down. I understand the ridiculous “noise maker” in the trunk that is supposed to make it sound “sporty” on start up. I’ve threatened to unplug the electrical connection to it, but have never done so. But it’s when I open her up that the ROAR is so noticeable. There MUST be an exhaust flap that opens up on hard acceleration. If so, I’m wondering if that can be disabled without doing any harm?
Over a half century ago, when I was driving “mid year” Corvettes, I had one with factory side exhaust. After having had enough of the roar & rumble, I took them off and had a completely stock, basic muffler system installed, with the exhaust exiting the lower rear fascia as most Corvettes had. I’ll never forget starting it up as I left the muffler shop and how WONDERFULLY quiet my car became. One of my first hints as to one thing that would come to mean more & more to me as I aged: PEACE & QUIET! No wonder I graduated from Corvettes to SL’s.
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2011 R350, 2025 GLA, 2018 SL450
Nothing in your posts refers to a 450, so I assume we need to guess what's on your mind.
I'll be happy to see a tuned SL 450 go 4 sec. but I don't think so. What I have seen are 40hp gains. People have tuned the SL550 and it won't go much faster than stock due to traction but we are talking simple tunes here without any other mods.
People have little interest t tuning these cars there than lowering and exhaust mods
I'll be happy to see a tuned SL 450 go 4 sec. but I don't think so. What I have seen are 40hp gains. People have tuned the SL550 and it won't go much faster than stock due to traction but we are talking simple tunes here without any other mods.
People have little interest t tuning these cars there than lowering and exhaust mods
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Thanks for letting me know
https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...ust-sound.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...ust-sound.html
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So it really helps to point out which model and year so we can assist better. Unlike the prior generation R230 SL's these cars are also some of the most reliable Mercedes models built and for that reason there are less forum posts.
It is also not a car that is commonly modded but these are some of the best convertibles made to date. Coupe with the top up and as a convertible a great top down car with very little air flow into the interior. With the neck scarf these are great top down even when cold outside.
I highly recommend getting a facelift version. Besides the better looking car, they have more hp and torque, 9 speed transmission, Apple CarPlay and other tech...
Last edited by Wolfman; May 2, 2026 at 11:56 AM.
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2011 R350, 2025 GLA, 2018 SL450
A '18 SL450 damptronic is now in the drive in place of the '19 Mazda MX-5 RF with brembo,bbs recaro package power hard top roadster.
wind noise difference is huge! In the mx5 RF top down there is no conversation taking place above 45mph and I kept earplugs in the car I used regularly if going to interstate speeds beause of the pressure buffeting on the eardrums.
I modded the mx5 heavily,mostly suspension and electronics work, trying to make it something it wasn't and I may not feel the need on the sl450. I will miss the flickability around corners and cheap conumables though.
I had a '16 SL 400 for an extended test drive, the facelift gets surpirisingly better interstate cruise/commute fuel milage, about 4-6 mpg better with the 9 speed transmission eco mode going into glide instead of the engine/transmission dragging with the drivetronic implementation improvements. that and performance and other elecronics improvments were worth the difference.
wind noise difference is huge! In the mx5 RF top down there is no conversation taking place above 45mph and I kept earplugs in the car I used regularly if going to interstate speeds beause of the pressure buffeting on the eardrums.
I modded the mx5 heavily,mostly suspension and electronics work, trying to make it something it wasn't and I may not feel the need on the sl450. I will miss the flickability around corners and cheap conumables though.
I had a '16 SL 400 for an extended test drive, the facelift gets surpirisingly better interstate cruise/commute fuel milage, about 4-6 mpg better with the 9 speed transmission eco mode going into glide instead of the engine/transmission dragging with the drivetronic implementation improvements. that and performance and other elecronics improvments were worth the difference.
Last edited by weeblebiker; May 3, 2026 at 10:29 AM.
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2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
A '18 SL450 damptronic is now in the drive in place of the '19 Mazda MX-5 RF with brembo,bbs recaro package power hard top roadster.
wind noise difference is huge! In the mx5 RF top down there is no conversation taking place above 45mph and I kept earplugs in the car I used regularly if going to interstate speeds beause of the pressure buffeting on the eardrums.
I modded the mx5 heavily,mostly suspension and electronics work, trying to make it something it wasn't and I may not feel the need on the sl450. I will miss the flickability around corners and cheap conumables though.
I had a '16 SL 400 for an extended test drive, the facelift improvements were worth switching for, and surpirisingly better interstate cruise/commute fuel milage, about 4-6 mpg better with the 9 speed transmission eco mode going into glide instead of the engine/transmission dragging! along with the drivetronic implementation improvements were worth the difference.
wind noise difference is huge! In the mx5 RF top down there is no conversation taking place above 45mph and I kept earplugs in the car I used regularly if going to interstate speeds beause of the pressure buffeting on the eardrums.
I modded the mx5 heavily,mostly suspension and electronics work, trying to make it something it wasn't and I may not feel the need on the sl450. I will miss the flickability around corners and cheap conumables though.
I had a '16 SL 400 for an extended test drive, the facelift improvements were worth switching for, and surpirisingly better interstate cruise/commute fuel milage, about 4-6 mpg better with the 9 speed transmission eco mode going into glide instead of the engine/transmission dragging! along with the drivetronic implementation improvements were worth the difference.
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A '18 SL450 damptronic is now in the drive in place of the '19 Mazda MX-5 RF with brembo,bbs recaro package power hard top roadster.
wind noise difference is huge! In the mx5 RF top down there is no conversation taking place above 45mph and I kept earplugs in the car I used regularly if going to interstate speeds beause of the pressure buffeting on the eardrums.
I modded the mx5 heavily,mostly suspension and electronics work, trying to make it something it wasn't and I may not feel the need on the sl450. I will miss the flickability around corners and cheap conumables though.
I had a '16 SL 400 for an extended test drive, the facelift gets surpirisingly better interstate cruise/commute fuel milage, about 4-6 mpg better with the 9 speed transmission eco mode going into glide instead of the engine/transmission dragging with the drivetronic implementation improvements. that and performance and other elecronics improvments were worth the difference.
wind noise difference is huge! In the mx5 RF top down there is no conversation taking place above 45mph and I kept earplugs in the car I used regularly if going to interstate speeds beause of the pressure buffeting on the eardrums.
I modded the mx5 heavily,mostly suspension and electronics work, trying to make it something it wasn't and I may not feel the need on the sl450. I will miss the flickability around corners and cheap conumables though.
I had a '16 SL 400 for an extended test drive, the facelift gets surpirisingly better interstate cruise/commute fuel milage, about 4-6 mpg better with the 9 speed transmission eco mode going into glide instead of the engine/transmission dragging with the drivetronic implementation improvements. that and performance and other elecronics improvments were worth the difference.
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2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
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Aircaps try to guide the airflow over a larger opening of a 4 seat cabriolet.
Last edited by Wolfman; May 4, 2026 at 08:44 AM.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
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Yes, the cabriolets only. The CLE is the only one with the Aircap right now. How it looks when extended. The SL folding windscreen design is also pretty elegant to the new CLE.
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...e78d15a632.jpg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...88239c016c.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...e78d15a632.jpg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...88239c016c.jpg
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I will say that Aircap still makes a difference, there is a reason why MB patented it. I actually seen people driving with it plus Airscarf in winter here in Toronto when it isn't snowing and they don't look like they are shivering at all. I obviously don't recommend it because even if it is not snowing, you will get brine splashed inside the vehicle. That said, since they are just driving by, I can't tell if they have the Airscarf on.
