SL/R232: SL 43
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 511
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2023 S Class 2013 SL
SL 43
Does anyone have a 43?
what are your thoughts, good or bad?
Are you pleased or do you wish for a 55?
what options do you have?
what color paint/interior/top?
let’s here it.
what are your thoughts, good or bad?
Are you pleased or do you wish for a 55?
what options do you have?
what color paint/interior/top?
let’s here it.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 293
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From: GA
‘24 Maserati GranTurismo Trofeo;'22 AMG SL55;'23 Porsche Cayenne S Coupe;'13 Porsche Boxster S
I don’t think any SL43s have been delivered in the States. FYI, the 2023 SL55 that I originally ordered in Nov 2022 was shipped and then sat in the Brunswick, GA vehicle prep center since February just arrived at the dealership this month. I don’t expect MB to get its act together for the US SL43 anytime soon.
One of the best features of the new SL55/63 is the crazy exhaust pops on aggressive upshifts and downshifts. I can’t imagine that the SL43 will have same characteristic without a V8.
One of the best features of the new SL55/63 is the crazy exhaust pops on aggressive upshifts and downshifts. I can’t imagine that the SL43 will have same characteristic without a V8.
Last edited by wem; Jul 22, 2023 at 05:13 PM.
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2025 BMW Z4 M40i (Manual); 2025 Lexus NXH Luxury; 2021 Porsche Macan S; 2023 Audi Q5
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2022 SL 63
If you care about the driving dynamics. Trash.
I've driven both the engines, in my old 2022 CLA 45 and my 2022 Sl63.
Unfortunately, the engine will not be sufficient for the weight of the SL. At 1600kg, the CLA 45 was already 100% pushing the engine to be in the fun category. The SL adds 300kg and the V8 is absolutely mandatory to slug it around and hide it's weight. Even now it's a bit less nimble than my CLA (although better drive). The I4 has some nice pops and bangs to be honest and the piped in sound is done well( None of my passengers noticed), but it still isn't as good as the V8. My passengers used to say, the engine sounds cool in the CLA 45, but they say it sounds "perfect. It's loud, but not too loud or obnoxious" in the SL63.
Now, if you don't care about the engine and don't mind a softer design, go for it! It will also eat up way less gaz. My CLA 45 averaged at 12L/100km and my SL averages at 18L, but that's because of 3 huge road trips. The true average is more like 20L/100km.
I've driven both the engines, in my old 2022 CLA 45 and my 2022 Sl63.
Unfortunately, the engine will not be sufficient for the weight of the SL. At 1600kg, the CLA 45 was already 100% pushing the engine to be in the fun category. The SL adds 300kg and the V8 is absolutely mandatory to slug it around and hide it's weight. Even now it's a bit less nimble than my CLA (although better drive). The I4 has some nice pops and bangs to be honest and the piped in sound is done well( None of my passengers noticed), but it still isn't as good as the V8. My passengers used to say, the engine sounds cool in the CLA 45, but they say it sounds "perfect. It's loud, but not too loud or obnoxious" in the SL63.
Now, if you don't care about the engine and don't mind a softer design, go for it! It will also eat up way less gaz. My CLA 45 averaged at 12L/100km and my SL averages at 18L, but that's because of 3 huge road trips. The true average is more like 20L/100km.
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From: Westchester, NY
2014 Mercedes E350 4matic Wagon, 2018 Fiat 124 Spyder Lusso manual, 2005 Acura TSX manual
If you care about the driving dynamics. Trash.
I've driven both the engines, in my old 2022 CLA 45 and my 2022 Sl63.
Unfortunately, the engine will not be sufficient for the weight of the SL. At 1600kg, the CLA 45 was already 100% pushing the engine to be in the fun category. The SL adds 300kg and the V8 is absolutely mandatory to slug it around and hide it's weight. Even now it's a bit less nimble than my CLA (although better drive). The I4 has some nice pops and bangs to be honest and the piped in sound is done well( None of my passengers noticed), but it still isn't as good as the V8. My passengers used to say, the engine sounds cool in the CLA 45, but they say it sounds "perfect. It's loud, but not too loud or obnoxious" in the SL63.
Now, if you don't care about the engine and don't mind a softer design, go for it! It will also eat up way less gaz. My CLA 45 averaged at 12L/100km and my SL averages at 18L, but that's because of 3 huge road trips. The true average is more like 20L/100km.
I've driven both the engines, in my old 2022 CLA 45 and my 2022 Sl63.
Unfortunately, the engine will not be sufficient for the weight of the SL. At 1600kg, the CLA 45 was already 100% pushing the engine to be in the fun category. The SL adds 300kg and the V8 is absolutely mandatory to slug it around and hide it's weight. Even now it's a bit less nimble than my CLA (although better drive). The I4 has some nice pops and bangs to be honest and the piped in sound is done well( None of my passengers noticed), but it still isn't as good as the V8. My passengers used to say, the engine sounds cool in the CLA 45, but they say it sounds "perfect. It's loud, but not too loud or obnoxious" in the SL63.
Now, if you don't care about the engine and don't mind a softer design, go for it! It will also eat up way less gaz. My CLA 45 averaged at 12L/100km and my SL averages at 18L, but that's because of 3 huge road trips. The true average is more like 20L/100km.
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GLC EQB GLS C300 convertible
does it still make sense to bring out the AMG43 to the US?
MB is bringing back 8 cylinder AMGs on the C class and E class by 2026
https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a4...e63-v8-return/
MB is bringing back 8 cylinder AMGs on the C class and E class by 2026
https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a4...e63-v8-return/
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From: Washington DC
No more MB:(
does it still make sense to bring out the AMG43 to the US?
MB is bringing back 8 cylinder AMGs on the C class and E class by 2026
https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a4...e63-v8-return/
MB is bringing back 8 cylinder AMGs on the C class and E class by 2026
https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a4...e63-v8-return/
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AMG SL 43
SL43 0-60MPH is reportedly faster than my 2009 R230 SL550, Its on my radar and one reason I would consider it over a new Lexus LC500 or BMW 8 series cabriolet is I trust Mercedes rollover protection measures more than the other 2 brands. There is picture of 8 series convertible that rolled at what looks like a low speed by the lack overall damage and the rear pop rollbars collapsed under the weight of the car and there were fatalities. Also I drive and live in a tight urban area and I believe the turning circle is better than the V8 models that have AWD standard. I do also like the lower C02 numbers compared to V8 competitors, The AMG 9 speed transmission will make the best of torque delivery along with the electric motor assisted turbo - the AMG SL43 is no slouch.
Last edited by Swedishiron; Aug 14, 2023 at 11:59 AM.
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2023 S Class 2013 SL
I just drove a 43 this morning. YIKES! What a revelation. Starting it up with the requisite augmented sound was okay. Then....., as I was navigating out of the dealer's lot, the whole time there was a shuttering as though the engine was not balanced. I really can't describe it other than being very disappointing. And with acceleration there was a noise that I can only describe as when you exhale and flutter your tongue on the hard palate. I thought to myself, what is this? This thing was puttering and very unlike an AMG labeled car. That engine is either too small or not balanced. I asked the salesman if it had been PDI'ed and he said, oh yes. It was disappointing to say the least. Now, once out and on accelerating the turbos kicked in and there was fair thrust. But, after this short excursion, I know that I'll amend my order to a 55. Several people have posted that a straight six would have been better. They were correct. Old country saying, 'lots of smoke but no fire'.
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SL55 2023
Was the car in Sports + mode?
My 2023 SL55 shutters when driving slowly (ie out of a parking lot) in sports + mode but not in comfort or Sport mode.
That being said, I applaud your decision to get an SL55 over the 43.
Scott
My 2023 SL55 shutters when driving slowly (ie out of a parking lot) in sports + mode but not in comfort or Sport mode.
That being said, I applaud your decision to get an SL55 over the 43.
Scott
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AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
I just drove a 43 this morning. YIKES! What a revelation. Starting it up with the requisite augmented sound was okay. Then....., as I was navigating out of the dealer's lot, the whole time there was a shuttering as though the engine was not balanced. I really can't describe it other than being very disappointing. And with acceleration there was a noise that I can only describe as when you exhale and flutter your tongue on the hard palate. I thought to myself, what is this? This thing was puttering and very unlike an AMG labeled car. That engine is either too small or not balanced. I asked the salesman if it had been PDI'ed and he said, oh yes. It was disappointing to say the least. Now, once out and on accelerating the turbos kicked in and there was fair thrust. But, after this short excursion, I know that I'll amend my order to a 55. Several people have posted that a straight six would have been better. They were correct. Old country saying, 'lots of smoke but no fire'.
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From: Washington DC
No more MB:(
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,537
Likes: 3,670
From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
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2014 Mercedes E350 4matic Wagon, 2018 Fiat 124 Spyder Lusso manual, 2005 Acura TSX manual
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From: Florida (primary), South Carolina
2017 AMG SL63 _ 19 AMG S65 Cpe _ 23 R8 Spyder Rwd _ 17 911 C2S _ 16 Boxster Spyder _ 01 BMW Z8 etc.
The SL43 is debuting this summer and fall as a 2023 model which is just as dumb as the 2022 SL debuting in summer 2022 as a 2022 model.
The SL43 will have excellent (and possibly superior) handling characteristics due to rear wheel drive and diet of 353 pounds.
This will be a nice used car for folks at $79,900 retail asking price next summer. The summer after: $69,900 or $59,900.
The SL43 will have excellent (and possibly superior) handling characteristics due to rear wheel drive and diet of 353 pounds.
This will be a nice used car for folks at $79,900 retail asking price next summer. The summer after: $69,900 or $59,900.
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Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 792
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GLC EQB GLS C300 convertible
The SL43 is debuting this summer and fall as a 2023 model which is just as dumb as the 2022 SL debuting in summer 2022 as a 2022 model.
The SL43 will have excellent (and possibly superior) handling characteristics due to rear wheel drive and diet of 353 pounds.
This will be a nice used car for folks at $79,900 retail asking price next summer. The summer after: $69,900 or $59,900.
The SL43 will have excellent (and possibly superior) handling characteristics due to rear wheel drive and diet of 353 pounds.
This will be a nice used car for folks at $79,900 retail asking price next summer. The summer after: $69,900 or $59,900.
