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2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Originally Posted by js_cls
That's your opinion, the hardtop made the SL horribly awkward looking over the last 20 years in my opinion, not to mention, like a soft top, can easily be prone to leaks and failures just as well.
Yes, you are correct, it is just my opinion. I’ve owned sixty new cars and forty used, all for my own, personal or family use. 33 were convertibles. In my opinion, rag tops are a pain in the ***. YMMV.
The whole hardtop softtop discussion will be one of those lasting topics of disagreement like ABC vs springs in the SL forums to come.
Without a doubt, the hardtops have been perfected by Mercedes and are utterly reliable. There is no wind or water seal issues on these and if not living in SoCal, FL or other southern states, the top really extends the 4 season use of the car, top up or down. Our last S-Class had more wind noise (until corrected). Having the Magic Sky while the top was up made a huge difference on dark days. But, understandably it added weight in the wrong place aka high center of gravity and looked, well, less sporty.
Soft tops likewise have come a long way. The Achilles heel of our R129 SL's. Complete crap. Noise all over the place due to no insulation and so-so fit, fast wear on the fabric, even faster wear and subsequent damage on that plastic rear window and top-up these cars were terrible. The one in our AMG GTC is functionally better but not greatly insulated and makes for a dark greehouse.
The S-Class cab, however, was wonderfully insulated with very minor difference to the coupe even at full speed in Germany (well, only 160mph in the S560 and not 190 like HAWKiS63 ). Overall a vastly improved top but metal will always beat fabric in durability.
I think both are a proper fit for the SL and it wouldn't be part of the buying decision for me.
Wolfman I agree with all that you said.
I have to also think if my crappy r129 top has lasted 24 years so far (as crappy as it is) I gotta think a good top as you describe in the s class cabrio (or even the new SL) will likely last 40+ years also, which would outlast other more important parts on the rest of the car….
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Originally Posted by van_rider
Wolfman I agree with all that you said.
I have to also think if my crappy r129 top has lasted 24 years so far (as crappy as it is) I gotta think a good top as you describe in the s class cabrio (or even the new SL) will likely last 40+ years also, which would outlast other more important parts on the rest of the car….
Define “last.”
For “glass half empty” folks, such as myself, on a vehicle like an SL, any part of the car that is on public display, that is not in perfect condition, needs to be replaced. I have seen several, very pampered, much older MB’s with original fabric tops and the condition of the top never matches the rest of the car. The top may keep most of the elements from entering the cabin, so I guess, in that respect, the top has “lasted,” but to me, it just looks bad. Oh well.
Define “last.”
For “glass half empty” folks, such as myself, on a vehicle like an SL, any part of the car that is on public display, that is not in perfect condition, needs to be replaced. I have seen several, very pampered, much older MB’s with original fabric tops and the condition of the top never matches the rest of the car. The top may keep most of the elements from entering the cabin, so I guess, in that respect, the top has “lasted,” but to me, it just looks bad. Oh well.
Naturally, soft tops are more delicate and require higher maintenance, Even tough the material durability has vastly improved, the basics still stand.
Taking a wet soft top down and keeping it down for days on end risks developing mold and deteriorating the fabric/liner. The top should be closed when not driven to minimize folds and discoloration. Keeping the car with the top down for prolonged periods is bad and will also damage fabric over time (fold marks, etc.)
If the car is leased, none of this likely matters for the lease duration but if the car is owned for a longer ownership experience those few steps are required to keep the top in good shape.
Lastly, I believe you had a bad experience with someone slashing the soft top (if memory serves) but this is likely of little relevance anymore. Most thugs these days are too dumb or too lazy and will just break or damage the car for the fun of it and kicking in the side window takes less effort then to try to grab anything by cutting+ through the multi-layer roof.
ISSUE UNRESOLVED (although not a deal breaker, just frustrating)
Top of dial is blank (should be illuminated) Invoice (unable to acknowledge my issue) Major error of technician and service The correct way to adjust the dial from the screen under settings Adjusting the lower portion of the dial Inability to adjust the upper dial. Should not be blank.
ISSUE UNRESOLVED (although not a deal breaker, just frustrating)
Top of dial is blank (should be illuminated) Invoice (unable to acknowledge my issue) Major error of technician and service The correct way to adjust the dial from the screen under settings Adjusting the lower portion of the dial Inability to adjust the upper dial. Should not be blank.
This is idiotic. Anyone can see that your upper half button is blank. I can't understand why they don't acknowledge the issue.
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Originally Posted by California John
This is idiotic. Anyone can see that your upper half button is blank. I can't understand why they don't acknowledge the issue.
Because this is the “new” Mercedes-Benz and the younger folks in charge these days seem to feel if you ignore a problem long enough, it will go away.
I have a loaded, 2022 S580. Twice now, the automatic emergency braking system has initiated a panic stop for absolutely no apparent reason, slamming on the brakes, cinching the seatbelt, flashing lights on the dash, audible warning beeps and bringing the car to a complete stop in the middle of a relatively deserted, six lane highway. I take the car into Fletcher Jones, the largest MB dealer in the country and they say “sorry, no code.” “No code” means the “black box” did not record the event, so they have no idea what the problem is, which sounded to me like they were saying “it never happened, you are lying.” I’m taking the car to another dealer this week, racking up days out of service. If they can’t absolutely fix this $153,700.00 car and they won’t voluntarily buy it back, I’m going full blown lemon law on them.
These new cars are coming out with so much new tech in them, that the dealers cannot keep up. It really is starting to get crazy.
2013 S550 SOLD / 2016 S63 SOLD / 2017 GLS450 / 2017 G550 4x4 / 2019 G63 E1 SOLD / 2019 AMG S63 COUPE
Originally Posted by brucewinter
This may be a continuing thread from a novice SL owner. I was fortunate to receive a call from my salesperson two weeks ago about an ordered car from a VIP, who opted not to proceed with his order. When asked if I would consider his build at MSRP, I immediately said yes. Today the car was delivered to the dealership from the Mercedes Brunswick Georgia Preparation Center.
Hard to believe, but theses are unusual times, this SL is a 2022, although today is November 19. Normally, I would have waited for a 2023, and not have accepted a year old car. To my knowledge, the 2023 have no changes, have not been delivered, and have not been priced, although I anticipate at least a 5% increase.
My initial ride home, top up, on non freeway roads was a surprisingly pleasant and quiet experience, with more comfort than I anticipated. I varied the speeds, and played around with the settings during my 30 mile get acquainted ride. I even utilized the active adapted cruise control and tested the automatic braking. This car is a technological wonder!
I was hoping to avoid any paint chips from stones and road debris until my clear bra paint protection is completed.
MB will order the part(s) from Germany as a replacement. Hopefully problem solved when replaced. Over 500 hundred miles of smiles. Very strange that I am looking at MPG instead of performance driving. Right now, Sport Plus, is the preferred setting, although I am keeping the revs low, until 1,000 miles reached.
2013 S550 SOLD / 2016 S63 SOLD / 2017 GLS450 / 2017 G550 4x4 / 2019 G63 E1 SOLD / 2019 AMG S63 COUPE
Originally Posted by brucewinter
Today’s update:
MB will order the part(s) from Germany as a replacement. Hopefully problem solved when replaced. Over 500 hundred miles of smiles. Very strange that I am looking at MPG instead of performance driving. Right now, Sport Plus, is the preferred setting, although I am keeping the revs low, until 1,000 miles reached.
This may be a continuing thread from a novice SL owner. I was fortunate to receive a call from my salesperson two weeks ago about an ordered car from a VIP, who opted not to proceed with his order. When asked if I would consider his build at MSRP, I immediately said yes. Today the car was delivered to the dealership from the Mercedes Brunswick Georgia Preparation Center.
Hard to believe, but theses are unusual times, this SL is a 2022, although today is November 19. Normally, I would have waited for a 2023, and not have accepted a year old car. To my knowledge, the 2023 have no changes, have not been delivered, and have not been priced, although I anticipate at least a 5% increase.
My initial ride home, top up, on non freeway roads was a surprisingly pleasant and quiet experience, with more comfort than I anticipated. I varied the speeds, and played around with the settings during my 30 mile get acquainted ride. I even utilized the active adapted cruise control and tested the automatic braking. This car is a technological wonder!
I was hoping to avoid any paint chips from stones and road debris until my clear bra paint protection is completed.
I will share future updates on my SL journey.
Bruce
Congratulations, Sir! Such an awesome color combination! Enjoy! One question please: With which Michelin tire is this beautiful beast equipped?
Sucks we can’t opt for red calipers to match the red interior. Also we in the US can’t have red roof with red interior.
For some strange reason MB decided that red calipers are for the SL55 and yellow ones for the SL63 and not make colors an option. They should learn from Porsche how they could overcharge for caliper colors
But it makes sense not to offer the red soft top with the pepper red interior; the colors aren't anywhere close. Same with the Patagonia Red Metallic paint. These are those unsellable color combos that they don't want to be stuck with in case of cancellation or after lease end.
FYI, the SL55 with performance trim has yellow calipers.
Interesting. Not according to the 2023 DOG (order guide) although that is often incomplete.
I think it's silly when seat belt colors can be chosen but not the caliper color. It's not that there is a brake upgrade between the models like they had between the AMG GT and GTS/GTC/GTR models
‘24 Maserati GranTurismo Trofeo;'22 AMG SL55;'23 Porsche Cayenne S Coupe;'13 Porsche Boxster S
My build sheet from the dealer for my new 2023 SL55 specifically says under options DY2 Performance Line, U69 Yellow Brake Calipers. It is an easy way to distinguish a SL55 with the Touring Line (red calipers) vs the Performance Line.(yellow calipers).
For those curious folks out there this Christmas; here is a link to the MotorTrend article comparing a 911 Turbo rag top to an SL63. Just an interesting take on the two vehicles.
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.
). Overall a vastly improved top but metal will always beat fabric in durability.
