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These forums have not been from my limited perspective a complainers commentary. It’s understood that these are machines made by imperfect people prone to break. Predominately the talk has been supportive, and understanding. I hear folks talk about what we love about these vehicles and the happiness they bring. In my experience we haven’t allowed the imperfections we don’t like to dominate the commentary and that’s a good thing. C’mon @Streamliner join in the more the merrier!
I’ve had 8 SL’s since my first 1972. Even though I rarely drive my current 2019, I was looking forward to ordering my 9th, until MB decided to change the car so drastically. I don’t like the R232, but probably would have not said much beyond my earliest rants, had the car been a great one. However, after reading the tremendous number of complaints on this site and hearing the horror stories of owners, I continue to chime in on occasion. I’m happy for those who love the car, but if you want me to gush over something that I feel is quite mediocre and fraught with issues, well, that’s not going to happen. Cheers from South Coastal Orange County where it hit 77 degrees today!
I’ve had 8 SL’s since my first 1972. Even though I rarely drive my current 2019, I was looking forward to ordering my 9th, until MB decided to change the car so drastically. I don’t like the R232, but probably would have not said much beyond my earliest rants, had the car been a great one. However, after reading the tremendous number of complaints on this site and hearing the horror stories of owners, I continue to chime in on occasion. I’m happy for those who love the car, but if you want me to gush over something that I feel is quite mediocre and fraught with issues, well, that’s not going to happen. Cheers from South Coastal Orange County where it hit 77 degrees today!
I would encourage you to stop posting here. It only provides a negative member experience here and most importantly, even if this car is perfect for most and even if it would have had zero issues, you were never going to be a customer.
It is the unfortunate reality in a SUV dominated world that convertibles have shrunken to a tiny niche. Most sales lost from the SL went to SUV's, not convertibles/coupes of other brands. Mercedes had to react to this reality and reduced 6 roadsters/cabs down to two.
The CLE on the low-end and SL on the high-end.
In this tiny niche, they went back to making it a performance car, the way the SL was in the beginning. Which meant a less all-around roadster for a broader audience to a smaller audience focused on a sporty driving experience. Hence AMG designed the car.
That why the folding hardtop went away (weight), went AWD for improve 0-60, along with a firmer suspension.
Your preferences are opposite to AMG on every aspect; you were never interested in the R231 AMG models either.
That said, I get it. Mercedes has gone in directions that is not for everyone. I for one am happy that the SL nameplate even survived instead of being axed altogether but it's not OK for the forum to see these comments for years just to vent about Mercedes strategy.
The R232 has its share of electrical gremlins and design decisions (most of them software fixable) but it is a beautiful, high performance convertible that ticks a lot of boxes for the right customer. This forum is here for them to share their experiences.
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Originally Posted by Wolfman
I would encourage you to stop posting here. It only provides a negative member experience here and most importantly, even if this car is perfect for most and even if it would have had zero issues, you were never going to be a customer.
It is the unfortunate reality in a SUV dominated world that convertibles have shrunken to a tiny niche. Most sales lost from the SL went to SUV's, not convertibles/coupes of other brands. Mercedes had to react to this reality and reduced 6 roadsters/cabs down to two.
The CLE on the low-end and SL on the high-end.
In this tiny niche, they went back to making it a performance car, the way the SL was in the beginning. Which meant a less all-around roadster for a broader audience to a smaller audience focused on a sporty driving experience. Hence AMG designed the car.
That why the folding hardtop went away (weight), went AWD for improve 0-60, along with a firmer suspension.
Your preferences are opposite to AMG on every aspect; you were never interested in the R231 AMG models either.
That said, I get it. Mercedes has gone in directions that is not for everyone. I for one am happy that the SL nameplate even survived instead of being axed altogether but it's not OK for the forum to see these comments for years just to vent about Mercedes strategy.
The R232 has its share of electrical gremlins and design decisions (most of them software fixable) but it is a beautiful, high performance convertible that ticks a lot of boxes for the right customer. This forum is here for them to share their experiences.
Is it safe to assume that any criticism of the R232 is not allowed?? I admit that I've been critical of the R232 due to myriad design issue(subjective) and reliability (objective).
I thought the purpose of the forum was open uncensored dialogue. I don't recall any ad hominin attacks from Streamliner( we do not know each other). As evidenced by the numerous MB cars he has owned, he must be a MB fan. I too have several SL cars, a complete group from a GW thru a R231. Because I have had concerns over the reliability, I have not yet ordered a R232. I'm partial to SL cars, friends may hate them, but we are still friends.
I value free speech and value differences of opinion. Does the forum also value free speech and differences in opinion??
He didn't say that you can't criticize a car. I think that the point was that posting the same criticisms over many years wasn't helpful and took away from the enjoyment of owners in this forum.
California John, if you are still following this thread, what constitutes a double click?
When I walk away from the car, I press the lock button once, wait until the lock horn alert is complete, then press lock button once remote again.
Does the double click have to be in a shorter timespan, than what I am doing?
Also, this thread somehow found it’s way into an email alert, which I don’t want.
When I went to the unsubscribe page, I can’t seem to get to disable the instant alert.
California John, if you are still following this thread, what constitutes a double click?
When I walk away from the car, I press the lock button once, wait until the lock horn alert is complete, then press lock button once remote again.
Does the double click have to be in a shorter timespan, than what I am doing?
Also, this thread somehow found it’s way into an email alert, which I don’t want.
When I went to the unsubscribe page, I can’t seem to get to disable the instant alert.
I understand your are not asking me but I might have answers to your question:
If you are talking about disabling the keyfob, double click on the keyfob as in quick press twice in quick succession. Newer model year MB requires a different procedure (somewhere along the lines of pressing and holding lock and unlock for a few seconds) as there were complaints of the keyless go not working because the key was being disabled in pocket.
To continue to get notifications but not email notifications, you need to first unsubscribe to this thread and then press subscribe again, in the next page such as https://mbworld.org/forums/subscript...ption&t=859242, there will be an option (drop down menu that allows you to choose No notifications, instant, daily or weekly).
Thanks for the link, very helpful. That also helps to preserve the battery in the fob as they are prone to drain that quarter-size battery if kept too close to the vehicle. Many forums have commented on this so my guess is maybe its all Mercedes.
California John, if you are still following this thread, what constitutes a double click?
When I walk away from the car, I press the lock button once, wait until the lock horn alert is complete, then press lock button once remote again.
Does the double click have to be in a shorter timespan, than what I am doing?
Also, this thread somehow found it’s way into an email alert, which I don’t want.
When I went to the unsubscribe page, I can’t seem to get to disable the instant alert.
Perhaps there is no functional difference between them. I always double click, that means not waiting to hear something after the first click; but more like with a computer mouse double clicking to open a folder. Not clicking once, waiting for some feedback, and then clicking again. I am not sure how to respond to the email alert business. I wish I had that at my fingertips, but I don't. Sorry!
Where are all the PICTURES of your beautiful SL's??? Where is this forum's picture thread?
On another note, I'm new to this forum as I am seriously considering an SL Roadster! I don't mind the 2022 kinks, and I like to see those kinks being worked out by MB. I'm traversing the used car market for what looks like a fun car to drive. Thanks for all the info, guys, and keep it coming.
Thanks for the link, very helpful. That also helps to preserve the battery in the fob as they are prone to drain that quarter-size battery if kept too close to the vehicle. Many forums have commented on this so my guess is maybe its all Mercedes.
My pleasure to help, you may also store it in a faraday box to prevent the car from detecting the key if you don't remember to disable the keyless, do it the same for the spare key as well. Doing so is also good for security reasons so relay attacks can't be performed. That said, newer MB keys (2016+ model year) most likely automatically puts the key in standby mode if not moved but not sure if the car communicating it like you mentioned would prevent this from happening so the best way to provide a physical barrier, a faraday box. The problem with the key automatically turning off after no movement is that issues of key locked in car that forum members had been reporting.
'23 SL63 AMG, '24 Range Rover SE P400, ‘26 Corvette Z06, ‘25 Audi RS7 Performance
Originally Posted by swaynesworld
Where are all the PICTURES of your beautiful SL's??? Where is this forum's picture thread?
On another note, I'm new to this forum as I am seriously considering an SL Roadster! I don't mind the 2022 kinks, and I like to see those kinks being worked out by MB. I'm traversing the used car market for what looks like a fun car to drive. Thanks for all the info, guys, and keep it coming.
Where are all the PICTURES of your beautiful SL's??? Where is this forum's picture thread?
On another note, I'm new to this forum as I am seriously considering an SL Roadster! I don't mind the 2022 kinks, and I like to see those kinks being worked out by MB. I'm traversing the used car market for what looks like a fun car to drive. Thanks for all the info, guys, and keep it coming.
Is it safe to assume that any criticism of the R232 is not allowed?? I admit that I've been critical of the R232 due to myriad design issue(subjective) and reliability (objective).
I thought the purpose of the forum was open uncensored dialogue. I don't recall any ad hominin attacks from Streamliner( we do not know each other). As evidenced by the numerous MB cars he has owned, he must be a MB fan. I too have several SL cars, a complete group from a GW thru a R231. Because I have had concerns over the reliability, I have not yet ordered a R232. I'm partial to SL cars, friends may hate them, but we are still friends.
I value free speech and value differences of opinion. Does the forum also value free speech and differences in opinion??
Thanks for your comments. Criticism is definitely allowed and a normal part communicating in this forum but trolling is not. Unlike other forums, we are moderating it very lightly but it is moderated to make sure that this is a great place for owners and other enthusiasts to meet and discuss these cars and exchange ideas and opinions. Good and bad.
Thank you for your kind thoughtful reply. Internet forums can quickly devolve and it's not easy establishing boundaries. I hate to see the forum lose a member like Streamliner. Diversity of thought and opinion can be enlightening.
I wish MB would concentrate on short and long term reliability..........like the R107 days. My favorite and first SL is my 560SL with 272 miles. I have spoken to MB corporate people at events. Most fail to recognize there are ANY problems. Step #1 in solving any problem is admitting a problem. I still hope to order a R232 S E.
Thank you for your kind thoughtful reply. Internet forums can quickly devolve and it's not easy establishing boundaries. I hate to see the forum lose a member like Streamliner. Diversity of thought and opinion can be enlightening.
I wish MB would concentrate on short and long term reliability..........like the R107 days. My favorite and first SL is my 560SL with 272 miles. I have spoken to MB corporate people at events. Most fail to recognize there are ANY problems. Step #1 in solving any problem is admitting a problem. I still hope to order a R232 S E.
Best regards
Mike P
We are not losing Streamliner; he is a well regarded, longtime member whom I know personally and respect and he is active on other forums here.
Good, I am glad that Streamliner isn’t going anywhere, that was never the intention for my comment. I do not know him other than constant R232-disdain posts and pictures of his beautiful car and telling us all how his car is better and the last real SL. Here’s where things diverge, I think his car is beautiful, but not one that I would purchase . . . I do not go into that forum and talk about all the things I do not like about it. You are an R232 owner (?), fire away . . . You have earned the right to criticize. Yes, I/we want to hear about the issues you are having and maybe one of us can help
This car is not perfect, while I clutch my pearls close to my chest Carry on, KH
Not for nothing, and a little off topic, but I have a natural resentment to censorship.
If someone wants to complain, even if it may be excessive, even if it starts bothering me personally, I just tolerate it.
I think a forum can default to maximum tolerance, especially for members otherwise in good standing.
I personally don’t like spam advertising. I think it is excessive, I bite my tongue, and tolerate it.
I personally like the idea that someone would point out shortcomings in a particular model.
Learning from someone else’s mistakes, or wisdom, is the best way to learn.
I am very satisfied with my SL, and members pointing out shortcomings, have enabled me to enact workarounds, which I appreciate.
I also love Streamliner’s car, that he is so proud of.
His car has many features that I would want on my SL, so in that manner, I am a little bit envious.
I know being a mod is tough, but I also think they can import feedback from forum members to temper their deliberations.
'23 SL63 AMG, '24 Range Rover SE P400, ‘26 Corvette Z06, ‘25 Audi RS7 Performance
Originally Posted by MB2timer
Not for nothing, and a little off topic, but I have a natural resentment to censorship.
If someone wants to complain, even if it may be excessive, even if it starts bothering me personally, I just tolerate it.
I think a forum can default to maximum tolerance, especially for members otherwise in good standing.
I personally don’t like spam advertising. I think it is excessive, I bite my tongue, and tolerate it.
I personally like the idea that someone would point out shortcomings in a particular model.
Learning from someone else’s mistakes, or wisdom, is the best way to learn.
I am very satisfied with my SL, and members pointing out shortcomings, have enabled me to enact workarounds, which I appreciate.
I also love Streamliner’s car, that he is so proud of.
His car has many features that I would want on my SL, so in that manner, I am a little bit envious.
I know being a mod is tough, but I also think they can import feedback from forum members to temper their deliberations.
Thanks. I’ll keep it in mind in the Spring when the car is down from the lift. Definitely don’t wanna screw the pooch on expensive brakes.
Just installed a Noco charger in my SL63...3,5Ah, quite slow but should be enough. I suffered same issue with an M5 E60 and the only way to avoid it was to install the charger. Meanwhile, some warnings about low battery has been notified as soon as i connected the Noco...I'll be aware but i suspect something in the SW are not friendly with the chargers as other people here has suffered.
Today my MBUX prompted me to preform an over air software update that took about 25 minutes. Purpose was to better manage battery maintenance. Did anyone else receive the update. Anyone know the particulars as to what the update changed?
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.
Carry on, KH
