Streamliner

The poor 380SL was due to US government restrictions, between 1980 & 1985. In 1986, the truly wonderful 560SL came along. Mine looked just like this:

Wolfman

A lot can be argued about the latest SL but one has to remember that the market, taste and customer demographics changed and are nowhere close to the old days. Even the mindset of car ownership in general and disposability of even high-end products. The R107 SL like the 560SL had a 16 year life cycle and maxed out in the US with a measly 227HP engine (240HP elsewhere). Today , this wouldn't be a halo car in any kind of design unless it is extreme in some ways.

I am happy that we have a new SL. The nameplate is likely the only thing that saved it as Mercedes also would not have built another SL anymore. It had to be handed off a brand that is highly profitable like AMG or Maybach.

California John

Too true. While getting my hair cut the other day a sports program was on and an advertisement for a new Cadillac SUV arose. It was totally pitched to young 20-30 somethings with wild music, flailing bodies and wild hair. Cadillac. SUV. No one needs to get their knickers in a bunch at the comparatively sedate new SL advertising. The old SL was mostly dead. This is really an AMG car - the 4th one developed in house by AMG. First being the SLS, next the GT, then the ONE and now the SL. It could have been labeled an AMG with no SL attached moniker but the MB marketing people figured it would have sold substantially fewer than it will with the SL label. Maybe they're right. Perhaps wrong. But the advertising for the rest of the industry says they are right.

Tifoso48

Totally agree and for what its worth I really like this car a lot. Personally, I would have never bought the "next generation SL", however I was excited with a car that was " son of" AMG GTS with a bit more creature comfort. I think this car really is excellent all round and a joy to drive. We are currently in Florida and I will have to wait until next May for a reunion - and yes, of course the car is a trickle charger. I am hoping that by next year MB will have come up with a proper and permanent fix to this problem, which by the way is the only issue that I have encountered since buying the car in August. My last GTS did not have a single issue in the seven years I owned it and I hope the new SL will continue the tradition of trouble free and enjoyable motoring.

Alan Smithee

The R107 was state-of-the-art, and a big departure from the W113 when it was introduced...but it was because it moved so far away from the roadster formula and any real sporting intentions. Comfy cruisers are what people wanted in the 1970s; it is when 'personal luxury' cars were big sellers and the British roadster market collapsed. Porsche thought the 928 was going to replace the 911.

The 560SL brought a great injection of power and some chassis control, but the R107 was an antiquated platform by then. The R129 was once again state-of-the-art, and a big departure.

Mercedes continues to makes subsequent SL generations into a forward-looking sports/luxury convertibles. While I do think they should have utilized a version of the mild-hybrid I6 for its smoothness and sophistication, and I think they shot too high with pricing, the R232 is otherwise exactly what a new SL should be, IMO.

mercedesmax

The R107 560SL was super long in the tooth when it arrived. The seats were awful over long distances and the car had a tendency to float at high speeds. I observed these characteristics personally several times. Plus the tops were a pain in the *** when the car was brand new. I had an R129, that was a GREAT car.

ILoveNY

Another revival, now we do see huge discounts on this car

places

The 232 will end up like the 231. Slow sales and with discounts.

Fastcars1969

What a difference 18 months makes, now they sell them at 30-40K off MSRP. Went to a MB dealership to see what I could get on a 2022 SL63 300 miles MSRP $214,595. Take a guess. They really were trying to be nice to me, I could see they didn't want to insult me. GM took me aside and said " This car is in trouble" Too many in the shop plus many want to trade for the new GT? He said I will get back to you. Two days later the numbers $103K 107K 112K. I will never buy another MB product NEVER. He also said the 24 will be pushed back, didn't say when but I think they know the car is in deep DOO DOO.

348SStb

Wow you’ve woken up this thread. Nice post though.

As I said as soon as the car was announced, the car is a failure in almost every way. Mercedes as a company has torpedoed its brand by building cosmopolitan vehicles in order to suit the masses and all fashion trends; it’s building some of the ugliest, if not the ugliest, cars on the road. Mercedes was always a setter of the trend; now they follow bad trends.

There is not a single Mercedes I would drive today and that includes S-class. If you bought me any current model Mercedes I would sell it and do something else with the money.

The new “SL” is not an SL but an abomination. My sympathy for Mercedes is almost nonexistent because their leadership has produced terrible designs across the board, so the SL problem is not an isolated occurrence.

I currently own 2017 AMG SL63, 2017 AMG SL63 (yes I have two!), and 2019 AMG S65. Not sure I’d ever buy a Mercedes again.

efathalla

Every time I see the drop in the prices of this car, and the re\calls on the G63 4X4, I thank God that I didn't buy the SL63 and didn't trade my original 4x4 for the new one.

I know that MB is not the MB I used to be. It became a very confused company with its identity.

efathalla

I don't think that MB will ever have another SClass like the 2018 Model refresh. the new one drives almost the same as the W222 but it looks UGLY and feels CHEAP !!
Also, the price of the new S63 will be close to the Bentley so why bother with MB?

Streamliner

MB is trying to be everything to everybody, and in the process, has lost their way. When Toyota wanted to go for the luxury market, they launched Lexus, complete with stand alone dealerships. When MB decided to go for the near-luxury market, they should have launched Daimler-Benz dealerships in the USA, where they would sell A, B & C Class models, along with Sprinter & Metris vans. Instead, MB dealers are trying—and in most cases failing—to do it all under one roof. So, here you are, in your $200K++ SL or your $300K++ Maybach, waiting in line at the dealer service department, absolutely LOST in a sea of incredibly lesser models. AND, with all the issues plaguing newer models, the SA’s are pulling their hair out, as they try—and mostly fail—to take care of the overwhelming customer complaints. This is not your father’s Mercedes-Benz, unfortunately.

trikoid

What color is it? I’m looking for yellow with ceramic brakes.

There are several of different colors that can be had for $120K (probably 110 w negotiating), but with lemon titles. And it doesn’t look like they are selling fast. The market is pretty slow for this segment right now.

BACnMercedes

Yeah. Hoffman sells, or tries to sell, a lot of lemon cars. I just can’t do a lemon title. My wife is getting the itch again and I’ve been looking too. I’ve noticed that the inventory is getting lower though on the used ones.

efathalla

That is not a good sign for all of these buybacks, reminds me of my s63 coupe, as much as I liked this car as much as it made me steer away from AMG.

348SStb

Can you share more details about this S63 trouble please? What year was it?

efathalla

Absolutely, first of all, the AMG S63 Coupe is a class of its own, and I really wished they would have built it better, it drove better than the Bentley GT and it just felt special!!

Here's the list of the issues I had with the car:

I'm experiencing the following mechanical issues so far in less than 3 months of ownership:

1. ASSYST PLUS Service reminder indicates that my next service is due in 24000 Miles instead of 10000 Miles.

2. The vehicle shakes when Ideal no matter what driving mode is selected.

3. The vehicle shakes for about 10 to 15 seconds then smoothens during average acceleration on a highway or local driving.

4. The vehicle has an interment jerk when accelerating from a stop no matter if it is cold or warm.

5. There is a metallic cranking noise coming from behind the AC Air vents after it warms up no matter whether the AC fan is on or off.

6. The passenger side window goes up halfway and then back down while trying to close it, but the service department fixed it.

7. Finally, the passenger-side sensors' warning audio and the 360 cameras are always on while slowing down during Highway or local speed.

ASSYST PLUS Service reminder

Metallic cranking noise

360 Camera Warning Audio

trikoid

I plan to keep the car for a while, so the lemon thing doesn’t absolutely terrify me, but I’d feel like a sucker knowing the dealers will cut down a trade in value at least 20-30K.

cwen

Has anyone owned this car? Do you think the pricing is reasonable?
YEAR: 2023 (MARCH - MAY)
MSRP: $203,900 (incl. gas guzzler + delivery)
LISTED: $154,881 @ Euro Bethesda MD
MILES: 6,000+









VIN: W1KVK8BB9PF014229

RED 2023 AMG SL63

Fastcars1969

way too high, look at these

https://www.mercedeshoffman.com/used...%2520Pre-Owned

348SStb

Seems high. You should check the wholesale values and judge accordingly.

drgek

Pricing seems high, but that's a really good looking car. Car is a year old and they're asking 76% of MSRP for a car that is depreciating heavily and, for what it is, high mileage. I love my SL and this is in no way an attempt to bash the product. My '22 has 6100 miles on it.

SW20S

Euro Motorcars pricing is insane, especially in Bethesda…

trikoid

Doesn’t look too high to me, not for a 2023 without a lemon title.