SL/R232: Why We Like our R232 SLs
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 184
Likes: 138
From: Chicago and Palm Springs
2025 BMW Z4 M40i (Manual); 2025 Lexus NXH Luxury; 2021 Porsche Macan S; 2023 Audi Q5
Why We Like our R232 SLs
All,
The number of threads in this forum devoted to complaining about these cars does not, I think, truly represent the ownership experience of most. Yes, the electrical system has proven quirky, and there are reports of a few true lemons. Personally, I don't consider the need to double click the lock button on the key fob to be a major inconvenience.
I think it's time to start a thread discussing the things we like about the cars. I would hope the naysayers who don't own one and have likely never driven one (and you know who you are) will refrain from posting in this thread. I'll start.
1. I love the design. After lusting after an SL as a teen, never thinking I'd be able to afford one, to being able to afford one but not wanting one because they had become quite unattractive, I think the R232 styling is absolutely beautiful.
2. Engine noise and responsiveness
3. Handling; yes, I know it's a lot of trickery engineered to control the weight of the car but it's not like I'm that skilled a driver that I don't appreciate it.
4. Speed and acceleration
5. The tech; some find it a distraction but I'm a sucker for that stuff.
6. The standard Burmester is the best automotive stereo unit that I've ever heard
Just a start. Those of you who like your cars, please chime in. Those who just want to complain, please post elsewhere
The number of threads in this forum devoted to complaining about these cars does not, I think, truly represent the ownership experience of most. Yes, the electrical system has proven quirky, and there are reports of a few true lemons. Personally, I don't consider the need to double click the lock button on the key fob to be a major inconvenience.
I think it's time to start a thread discussing the things we like about the cars. I would hope the naysayers who don't own one and have likely never driven one (and you know who you are) will refrain from posting in this thread. I'll start.
1. I love the design. After lusting after an SL as a teen, never thinking I'd be able to afford one, to being able to afford one but not wanting one because they had become quite unattractive, I think the R232 styling is absolutely beautiful.
2. Engine noise and responsiveness
3. Handling; yes, I know it's a lot of trickery engineered to control the weight of the car but it's not like I'm that skilled a driver that I don't appreciate it.
4. Speed and acceleration
5. The tech; some find it a distraction but I'm a sucker for that stuff.
6. The standard Burmester is the best automotive stereo unit that I've ever heard
Just a start. Those of you who like your cars, please chime in. Those who just want to complain, please post elsewhere
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 22
Likes: 10
2022 SL63, 2020 Porsche Taycan
- It's beautiful to my eye! I won't comment much on recent past SL's, but it starts atoning for past sins. Everyone's taste is different but I love looking at it after parking it, or when washing it
- The transmission programming is fantastic. I've always driven manuals (last car was an F83 M4 6spd convertible) and I'm often surprised that is has picked the same gear at same time that I would have if rowing gears myself. Makes things more fun when when not dropping into full paddle/control mode but still hooning a bit.
- Interior quality/design is beautiful/modern
- That engine.... and the exhaust note! When it's faster then our Taycan 4s, fun times!
- If you think the standard burmester is good... the upgrade is fantastic
- You don't see one coming the other way every day like you do with 911's around here
- I love the fabric top, the 15s up/down at up to 35mph is a great trade-off versus a hardtop solution. (I never raised/lowered the M4's while in motion, just seemed like to much mass to risk it, and the speed limit for doing so was 10mph)
- I'll second the handling. With our Taycan, and now this, we've reached a paradigm where heavy cars can still handle really really well with all the suspension design work and computer assist they put in. Yes, it's a different feel from a lotus or miata (I kept a miata around for years for that reason) but it's not a non-enjoyable thing. It's just a new/different paradigm. Can normal humans have fun with the limits on public streets? Nah, they're too fast and the edge is too scary. Can you cover ground safely at elevated levels of speed, and then grin when the back end steps out a bit safely under computer control? Heck yeah.
Member
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 108
Likes: 90
SL55 2023
Long list for me:
1. I love how it transforms from a comfortable quiet cruiser in comfort mode into a snarling beast in sports plus mode.
2. I love that my wife actually likes to drive as a passenger. She hated driving in my BMW convertibles in the past and I am pretty sure she would not be happy as a passenger if I bought the 911 I was considering.
3. I love the massage seats, especially on the way to golf in the morning.
4. I love the incredible heads up display
5. I love the giant hi-res Apple CarPlay display on the center screen.
6. I love the pops and crackles from the engine.
7. I love how it looks and always smile when I see it in my garage even if I drive my Tesla instead.
8. I love the comfortable seats.
9. I love the standard Burmeister stereo.
10. I love the fact that I can make a crystal clear bluetooth phone call even on the freeway with the top down.
11. I love the LED interior lighting.
12. I love the air scarf and especially that my wife does not feel cold on a cool night with the top down
13. I love that I can open and close the top even when driving.
14. I love that I can fit my golf clubs in the trunk (woods in the back seat though).
15. I love the feel of the steering wheel.
16. I love the safety tech.
17. I love the self driving, not a Tesla but pretty darn good on a long freeway drive.
18. I love the 360 overhead display especially when in a tight parking lot.
19. I love that I can control the passenger heating, cooling and air scarf from the driver side door controls.
20. I love the theatrics of launch mode.
21. I love driving it!
1. I love how it transforms from a comfortable quiet cruiser in comfort mode into a snarling beast in sports plus mode.
2. I love that my wife actually likes to drive as a passenger. She hated driving in my BMW convertibles in the past and I am pretty sure she would not be happy as a passenger if I bought the 911 I was considering.
3. I love the massage seats, especially on the way to golf in the morning.
4. I love the incredible heads up display
5. I love the giant hi-res Apple CarPlay display on the center screen.
6. I love the pops and crackles from the engine.
7. I love how it looks and always smile when I see it in my garage even if I drive my Tesla instead.
8. I love the comfortable seats.
9. I love the standard Burmeister stereo.
10. I love the fact that I can make a crystal clear bluetooth phone call even on the freeway with the top down.
11. I love the LED interior lighting.
12. I love the air scarf and especially that my wife does not feel cold on a cool night with the top down
13. I love that I can open and close the top even when driving.
14. I love that I can fit my golf clubs in the trunk (woods in the back seat though).
15. I love the feel of the steering wheel.
16. I love the safety tech.
17. I love the self driving, not a Tesla but pretty darn good on a long freeway drive.
18. I love the 360 overhead display especially when in a tight parking lot.
19. I love that I can control the passenger heating, cooling and air scarf from the driver side door controls.
20. I love the theatrics of launch mode.
21. I love driving it!
Last edited by xtdoc777; Jan 30, 2024 at 11:45 AM.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 339
Likes: 205
From: Miami/Washington DC
2022 AMG SL63, 2015 Ferrari 458 Spyder, 2021 ALPINA B7
A wolf in a Hugo Boss Suit!
It truly is amazing how this car turns from a gentleman cruiser into a highway and curve consuming beast. I think the SL is extremely stylish and not nearly is commonly seen as a Porsche.
And one really has to love the engine notes, the beautiful deep growl and the occasional pops and crackles.
All in all - driving the SL really does not get much better
It truly is amazing how this car turns from a gentleman cruiser into a highway and curve consuming beast. I think the SL is extremely stylish and not nearly is commonly seen as a Porsche.
And one really has to love the engine notes, the beautiful deep growl and the occasional pops and crackles.
All in all - driving the SL really does not get much better
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 35
Likes: 23
s63
I’ve had mine for 2 months and really like it so far. I’m only up to 750 miles though so I’ve yet to truly open it up.
A couple of highlights in no particular order:
1) looks - it’s a beautiful car. I love looking at it and it gets looks on the street.
2) handling - despite being a porker it’s a fantastically handling car. It’s not a go-cart like a Boxster, but it’s pretty great.
3) Engine - it’s a beast and sounds amazing.
4) All Wheel drive - heavy rain and light snow is no problem at all. I love that confidence.
5) interior styling and design - beautiful cabin and I enjoy the light show at night. The night lights really look like something custom made and with the top down people stare.
6) Speed of the top - it’s pretty quick
7) backseats - it’s nice to be able to take my two boys for a ride. They are a little cramped back there but with the top down they don’t complain too much.
8) the seats - probably the best seats I’ve had in a car. Deep and adjustable in every way possible. Plus massage.
There are few things I don’t love, but that’s not for this post. Overall, I’m very happy with my purchase. I have a HPD at my local track planned for April and to me that will be the true test for this car. I will report back after that.
A couple of highlights in no particular order:
1) looks - it’s a beautiful car. I love looking at it and it gets looks on the street.
2) handling - despite being a porker it’s a fantastically handling car. It’s not a go-cart like a Boxster, but it’s pretty great.
3) Engine - it’s a beast and sounds amazing.
4) All Wheel drive - heavy rain and light snow is no problem at all. I love that confidence.
5) interior styling and design - beautiful cabin and I enjoy the light show at night. The night lights really look like something custom made and with the top down people stare.
6) Speed of the top - it’s pretty quick
7) backseats - it’s nice to be able to take my two boys for a ride. They are a little cramped back there but with the top down they don’t complain too much.
8) the seats - probably the best seats I’ve had in a car. Deep and adjustable in every way possible. Plus massage.
There are few things I don’t love, but that’s not for this post. Overall, I’m very happy with my purchase. I have a HPD at my local track planned for April and to me that will be the true test for this car. I will report back after that.
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Member
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 99
Likes: 10
2024 Audi RS6 Avant. 2022 AMG SL63
It's too bad I have to wait 2.5 months to have my fuel pump module replaced. They go by your Vin# and purchase date so that puts me in May or June. My local MB dealership said that's how it works. I'm hoping I don't have the issues that they are reporting about the potential issue with 143,000 affected by this. The recall has dealerships flooded with vehicles with no loaners due to the amount of vehicles involved in this recall.
My thoughts so far are positive.
My thoughts so far are positive.
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