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I’m new to this forum. I’m planning to purchase a Mercedes convertible in the near future. For the past 30+ years I’ve had an SL on my wishlist/‘bucket’-list; therefore, I went to a local dealer to take a look at a low mileage 2019 SL-450. I’ve always wanted an SL with a retractible ‘hardtop’.
However, eager to sell a vehicle, the salesman also wanted me to test drive a 2026 CLE 300 Cabriolet.
I must admit, I was impressed with both vehicles. The soft top CLE was quieter with the top up at highway speeds than I had expected.
Since I have no experience owning an SL, I would appreciate input from members of this forum regarding the PROS/CONS and pitfalls of buying an SL-450 or 550 (likely one between 2017 and 2020) vs a NEW CLE. If there are already posts that summarize common issues with these models or years - please point me to those posts.
I recently test drove the CLE 450 coupe. (I am considering moving from my SL63 to something with AWD and a backseat) It was a very nice ride but something was missing for me. The SL is more luxurious and feels roomier. I am still looking and thinking that an S coupe may be the best option for me but harder to come by. The CLE doesn’t have the wow factor that the SL does and if choosing between the two, its hands down the SL in my opinion, unless you need a backseat or all wheel drive 😀
I have a 2019 SL 550 that I love. No problems. I bought it with 2500 miles on it when it was one year old. If you can find a low mileage SL 550 (or 450 if you don't care about V8's) go for it.
Last edited by Bill Julyan; May 12, 2026 at 08:13 AM.
Reason: add picture
I purchased a 2019 SL450 last November MB Certified Pre-Owned.
I love this car. Quick as all hell, handles and maneuvers like a shark. Super quiet on the highway. And not a single mechanical issue.
My two cents...
Best of luck on your decision...
Bud
Every time I get the bug for a new or different car, I begin to think I am fooling myself if I think I can find anything I will love more than my SL400. If my car got totaled I would probably end up getting an SL450 or an SL550 to replace it, although I am intrigued with the BMW Z4 M40i with the stick shift that became available in 2025.
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Originally Posted by RonNSoCal
Every time I get the bug for a new or different car, I begin to think I am fooling myself if I think I can find anything I will love more than my SL400. If my car got totaled I would probably end up getting an SL450 or an SL550 to replace it, although I am intrigued with the BMW Z4 M40i with the stick shift that became available in 2025.
My last Porsche was a 2009 Carrera coupe wth a stick shift. I bought it when I still had my 2004 SL500. I absolutely LOVED the unbelievably precise way the gearshift operated. I had not driven a manual in decades prior to getting this Porsche and wonder if it was just the nonstop progression of Porsche finessing their product or if all modern manuals work so beautifully these days. However, with two sporty cars in the garage, after a year or so, I found myself choosing to drive the SL more & more, so I sold the Porsche. I still miss the feeling of shifting that car, but not enough to consider getting another one and don’t think Porsche even offers one on the base 911 anymore.
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Originally Posted by TxTim
I’m new to this forum. I’m planning to purchase a Mercedes convertible in the near future. For the past 30+ years I’ve had an SL on my wishlist/‘bucket’-list; therefore, I went to a local dealer to take a look at a low mileage 2019 SL-450. I’ve always wanted an SL with a retractible ‘hardtop’.
However, eager to sell a vehicle, the salesman also wanted me to test drive a 2026 CLE 300 Cabriolet.
I must admit, I was impressed with both vehicles. The soft top CLE was quieter with the top up at highway speeds than I had expected.
Since I have no experience owning an SL, I would appreciate input from members of this forum regarding the PROS/CONS and pitfalls of buying an SL-450 or 550 (likely one between 2017 and 2020) vs a NEW CLE. If there are already posts that summarize common issues with these models or years - please point me to those posts.
The R231 SL’s are the closest thing to a “bulletproof” luxury convertible, as noted by the amazingly few “issue” posts on this forum. I’m a huge fan of the V6 SL’s and I just don’t think you can go wrong if you find a well maintained, lower mileage car—preferably from an original owner. The SL’s are “top line” MB’s. The C Class cars—as nice as they might appear—are in a completely different category and, in my opinion, are not comparable to the SL. Best of luck to you!
I agree with Steamliner - I had the same Porsche he did only in Midnight Blue but once I got my 2009 SL 550 I found I just wasn't driving the Porsche. After two years of non-use, I sold the Porsche and bought an air-cooled Carrera. Two year later, I still love my SL and probably drive the Carrera 2,000 miles/year. One of the best car decisions I ever made - go with an SL! Cheers Socks
I would not get anything newer than a 2019 if you hope to do any of your own maintenance involving a scan tool. I’m too tired to explain why, but do your research on how Mercedes (and other manufacturers) are locking down access to the control modules in new cars. This includes simple stuff like scanning for codes, let alone any configuration changes you may want to make. Go with the 2019 SL.
'06 MB S55 AMG; '04 Audi Allroad 4.2; '05 BMW M3 Conv.; '92 MB 500E
Find the lowest mile best maintained SL55 AMG you can and thank me later. Might be the best driving car I've experienced, and that's saying a lot. You'll spend some money on refurb and maintenance -- happily. If not that, a 2010-2011 SL63. Something naturally aspirated and tons of fun.
Find the lowest mile best maintained SL55 AMG you can and thank me later. Might be the best driving car I've experienced, and that's saying a lot. You'll spend some money on refurb and maintenance -- happily. If not that, a 2010-2011 SL63. Something naturally aspirated and tons of fun.
maw
This thread is for the R231 SL. Loved our SL55 and SL600 but a R231 SL550 is quick/quicker than either and while less eventful than those engines, a million times more reliable. Get one with ABC suspension which went from major liability in the R230 to rock-solid in the R231. The facelift model MY17 is the better choice with stronger engines, 9-speed transmissions and better features and electronics. Apple CarPlay and looks better too
'06 MB S55 AMG; '04 Audi Allroad 4.2; '05 BMW M3 Conv.; '92 MB 500E
Less eventful and less athletic in the handling department but I take your point. I guess my answer was "get a late model R230 AMG instead." Swap the head unit, do the one time fixes, pocket the extra money and have a nice day.
My drop top is an E46M, and the drama from the engine is more than half the fun in that go cart, and the handling is another 25% -- the R230 AMG amp that up. Without the drama why bother.
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Originally Posted by maw1124
Less eventful and less athletic in the handling department but I take your point. I guess my answer was "get a late model R230 AMG instead." Swap the head unit, do the one time fixes, pocket the extra money and have a nice day.
My drop top is an E46M, and the drama from the engine is more than half the fun in that go cart, and the handling is another 25% -- the R230 AMG amp that up. Without the drama why bother.
maw
I had a 2004 SL500. I ordered it new, kept it for 12 years and sold it with about 20,000 miles on the clock. It was a lovely car and for a long time, I preferred the styling of that car compared to the R231. However, when the 231 facelift came out, that worked for me and I went for a 2019. The R231 is a WAY better car than the R230’s. Everything is better with only two exceptions in my opinion: The R230’s had a compact spare, the R231’s have NO spare. The audio system in the R230 was wonderful, while either the HK or B&O systems in the R231’s STINK!
'06 MB S55 AMG; '04 Audi Allroad 4.2; '05 BMW M3 Conv.; '92 MB 500E
Originally Posted by Streamliner
I had a 2004 SL500. I ordered it new, kept it for 12 years and sold it with about 20,000 miles on the clock. It was a lovely car and for a long time, I preferred the styling of that car compared to the R231. However, when the 231 facelift came out, that worked for me and I went for a 2019. The R231 is a WAY better car than the R230’s. Everything is better with only two exceptions in my opinion: The R230’s had a compact spare, the R231’s have NO spare. The audio system in the R230 was wonderful, while either the HK or B&O systems in the R231’s STINK!
The AMG are very different but I hear you. My '22 E450 came with no spare which forces one to run flat tires, which are horrible beyond belief. Stereo is decent though.
I don't want to thread jack so I'll stop with the R230. And I don't even know what's happened to AMG these days. So if not a 230 AMG I don't have any real advice for OP.
The AMG are very different but I hear you. My '22 E450 came with no spare which forces one to run flat tires, which are horrible beyond belief. Stereo is decent though.
I don't want to thread jack so I'll stop with the R230. And I don't even know what's happened to AMG these days. So if not a 230 AMG I don't have any real advice for OP.
Love the red!!
maw
I get it, we got our SL55 as one of the first in 2002. Hard to believe that was 24 years ago and the car was next level at the time. Then we swapped out $25k in parts under warranty and time in the shop which dampened the enthusiasm. Switched to the SL600 which turned out to be quicker and more fun...
V12TT amazing torque, fun to drive but this SL550 actually beat both cars. Car is with ABC, lowered w. spacers. Great evolution in design and engineering...
OP, how old are you, where do you live, and/or do you have a "winter car"? I'm 67 and while I'm arguably in good physical shape, it's getting harder to get in and out of the SL (Streamliner has attested). My wife hates it, and made me drive her GLC300 Coupe this past weekend away, where I missed some of the best top-down weather so far this year. As for your location/winter car, AWD is great but ragtops in the snow just seem wrong to me.
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Yes, it is getting more difficult to get in & out of my SL, especially since I am crazy about not touching the door sill with my shoes, etc. Putting the top down first (a wonderful feature using the key fob) helps a lot. IF I ever parked my SL between two cars in a parking lot—which I have NEVER done and NEVER will do—it would be darn near impossible for me to get out of the car without scraping the door sill and possibly kicking the gorgeous, leather door panel, as I would struggle to keep the door from hitting the car next to me. All that said, since all my rides in my SL originate and conclude at my home, it’s not an insurmountable problem.
OP, how old are you, where do you live, and/or do you have a "winter car"? I'm 67 and while I'm arguably in good physical shape, it's getting harder to get in and out of the SL (Streamliner has attested). My wife hates it, and made me drive her GLC300 Coupe this past weekend away, where I missed some of the best top-down weather so far this year. As for your location/winter car, AWD is great but ragtops in the snow just seem wrong to me.
Don't know about the OP but the SL's make great winter cars with dedicated snows. We used always have it sitting in the garage until I figured we give it a try. The hardtop made the car a full coupe and traction is very good. After all, we have easily 5 months of snow
I bought a 2005 SL 500 and was horrified by how much it cost to keep it going. But it was fun to drive. I then bought a very slightly used 2019 SL550 and paid a bunch to have the audio system (not the headunit) replaced with excellent components. It cost more than I'm willing to admit, but I love driving it while playing good jazz. It's sunny now, so I'll go do that now.
Don't know about the OP but the SL's make great winter cars with dedicated snows. We used always have it sitting in the garage until I figured we give it a try. The hardtop made the car a full coupe and traction is very good. After all, we have easily 5 months of snow
Bravo!! You are indeed one of the very few who drive their SL in snow
I am nearly eighty and do not find getting in and out of my SL400 a problem unless parked too close to another car. My wife likewise has no issues, but has a gripe with the length of the doors. She thinks 4 door cars are much better, but then you have to give up the style of a coupe and also top down driving. For me, this is not worth the benefit of shorter doors. Having traded in a Corvette, the SL400 is so much easier to get in and out of that it is not an issue worthy of debate unless one is grossly overweight or feeble.
Not sure I would celebrate sacrificing a beautiful SL to the salt gods. Just about any car *can* be driven in the snow, with proper tires and perhaps some additional weight over the drive axle. But whether it's a good idea to subject the car to the corrosion, sand and rock pitting and very real chance of having someone slide into you (or you off the road), well that is certainly up for debate. MB makes an *excellent* winter vehicle called the ML/GLE. Perhaps look into letting the SL slumber in the off season and choose the proper tool for the job of winter driving.
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Originally Posted by TripleDown
Not sure I would celebrate sacrificing a beautiful SL to the salt gods. Just about any car *can* be driven in the snow, with proper tires and perhaps some additional weight over the drive axle. But whether it's a good idea to subject the car to the corrosion, sand and rock pitting and very real chance of having someone slide into you (or you off the road), well that is certainly up for debate. MB makes an *excellent* winter vehicle called the ML/GLE. Perhaps look into letting the SL slumber in the off season and choose the proper tool for the job of winter driving.
Well some folks buy or lease new cars, use them thoroughly however and then move onto the next, pretty much like a dishwasher or any other “appliance.” Thats the way I am with my daily driver cars. I lease them, use them for 36 months, return them, repeat. However, my SL’s have always been “special” to me and having them look anything other than like brand new, was unacceptable. Mine has never seen rain and never will as long as I own it. Here’s a photo taken at her six year service:
Not sure I would celebrate sacrificing a beautiful SL to the salt gods. Just about any car *can* be driven in the snow, with proper tires and perhaps some additional weight over the drive axle. But whether it's a good idea to subject the car to the corrosion, sand and rock pitting and very real chance of having someone slide into you (or you off the road), well that is certainly up for debate. MB makes an *excellent* winter vehicle called the ML/GLE. Perhaps look into letting the SL slumber in the off season and choose the proper tool for the job of winter driving.
Not that we didn't have one
I really dislike SUV's. We had one for utility but use them as little as possible. We had 7k miles on the car 3 years in...
As for salt, it's really not an issue with the SL. The only parts made of steel are the A-pillars and header. 89% of the body is aluminum and then some magnesium and composite materials...
I am nearly eighty and do not find getting in and out of my SL400 a problem unless parked too close to another car. My wife likewise has no issues, but has a gripe with the length of the doors. She thinks 4 door cars are much better, but then you have to give up the style of a coupe and also top down driving. For me, this is not worth the benefit of shorter doors. Having traded in a Corvette, the SL400 is so much easier to get in and out of that it is not an issue worthy of debate unless one is grossly overweight or feeble.
I did the same but I traded my C7 Corvette because my wife hated it. She loves the SL.
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
