Ohmb

Hi-

Like the title says- about to order the AMG SL43 and heard a few rumblings that people were having issues with the car and wanted to see if anyone on here owns one and their thoughts!

Appreciate any insight!

Streamliner

Issues with the new R232 SL in general, not the SL43 in particular, are well documented in this forum. The fact that they are so plentiful and that so many owners have had what seem to be “never ending” problems, is probably why nobody else has responded to your post. I don’t mean to belittle your request, but your post is like walking into a candy store and asking “do you sell candy here?” Just today, there is a new, lengthy post in this forum about the “Dead Battery” issue. Do yourself a favor and scroll through all of the various threads in the R232 forum and you will see the number of issues that range from door handles not popping out to one owner who is experiencing a complete engine replacement. Most new models of all MB classes that have been released for the 2021 model year and later have been experiencing a tremendous number of issues and it’s all documented ad nauseam, right here on MBWORLD. Best of luck to you.
.

docsout

I found the 43 to putter as when you exhale forcefully and your lips flutter. And, it shook as though unbalanced. Very unappealing for an MB sports car. While underway, it would get up and go but the feeble, sound and shaking was enough for me to pass. That thing will never sell. What in the world was AMG thinking when they put their name on this thing? I don't mean to denigrate your interest but, you asked for feedback. I too was interested initially but found it to be 'lots of smoke and no fire'. I'd recommend you drive one first.

places

They should have a six cylinder, period. An SL with a 2.0 liter engine

This shows me the level of ignorance and arrogance at the corporate level, someone actually thought this was a great idea. As I've stated before, I'd look at the BMW 850, it will smoke this car for about the same money. This car is AMG in name only.

Streamliner

Fully agree. A six cylinder engine in an SL is a wonderful way to go. If MB can’t fit their new I6 into the R232, then someone in Germany really screwed up. They knew the V6 was on its way out when the 232 was being designed and they should have engineered the new car accordingly. Every now and then, as I am walking through a parking lot, I’ll hear what sounds like an old, broken down vehicle approaching. When I turn to look, it’s an E300 or some such thing with a 4 banger. 4’s do not belong in high end vehicles, especially in something like an SL. Perhaps it’s time for MB to resurrect their fabulous V6. We have it in our E450 Wagon and our SL450 and it is just wonderful!

drgek

I have an SL55 that I’m very happy with. Plenty of naysayers on this board, some of whom base opinions on personal experience and others based on what they read here or what they think Mercedes should have produced instead. Test drive one and draw your own conclusions. Good luck!

van_rider

I don’t know why anyone would by an SL43. I’d even look at a Z4 before that. Mentioned earlier, I would look at the M850 vert, that will blow this away, or step up to the SL55

kcirm

You're not going to find much productive here. As the saying goes, good news doesn't leave the front door but bad news travels miles.

Although people on this thread may not be bull****ting, it's not a good representation of the vehicle. Well 4000 SLs (probably closer to 10k, stats haven't updated yet) have been sold worldwide in 2022-2023. So if you have 50 people with issues on this forum, that's enough for an issue every week of a year but it's 1% or less of the cars.

One thing I will say for sure you will encounter is modern Mercedes problems. Does the system glitch sometimes yes (android auto bugging through construction zone, etc...)? Does this affect physical components? Sometimes. I've had bugs with my rear spoiler, exhaust muting and a few small quirks. Nothing a reboot didn't solve. Very few of them reappeared (gone after another reboot).

Battery problems are also common but it's not the type of battery problem that will leave you stranded on the side of the road. Recalls have explained the root cause and it's the system being overly sensitive (under 50% charge you get battery alwarnings). There are many ways of handling this and Mercedes dealership have recalls to help

Any other problem is adhoc and each model year the car will keep having less problems. Please remember this a 2 year old chassis/system on a heavily revamped platform. Most cars that have this extensive remodel behave the same besides Toyota maybe.

As you are buying a 2024 I would think you are in good shape. I've driven your engine and it's been pretty strong after its first iteration. Just avoid tuning it as it already has some high compression and that can cause problems.

Everything else related to the I4 being too small and blablabla how is this an ang blablabla is ultimately not a problem, it's simply a reality. If you like the car and it's offering, it's gonna be a great car for you.

JohnGigi

I love my SL63, when it runs anyway, but suggest you don't research the depreciation/resale values unless you want a mild depression. I checked so it's too late for me.

Fastcars1969

They are in the toilet for sure, keeping it for a while, I won't take a $60K bath.

khiroshima

Depreciation is always at the door . . . These are cars. I just picked up a 2023 SL63, after considering a 2022 SL55 at my local Aston dealership, with <500 miles (yikes), the (basically new) SL55 was at a $40k+ discount from new, so yes, depreciation is real. Back to the OP, while I too would not immediately gravitate to an SL43, but if after driving, YOU love it, that’s all that really matters. Agree with reading what’s on the forum, you will pick up themes, none of which I see like an IMS bearing, bore scoring or thrown rods . . . Good luck in finding your new car! KH

philenan78

I just picked up a new 2023 SL43 on Friday. So far loving it although only 99 miles on it. I was VERY skeptical about the 4-cylinder engine but after driving it I was a convert. Great sound, quick acceleration. For the way I will be driving it I don't need the V8, and I saved quite a bit of money vs. the other models especially after manufacturer and dealer discounts. I'll report back after more time but if you can't afford / don't want the 55 or 63 I think the 43 is a great car.

Streamliner

Beautiful color combination. Wishing you many thousands of safe, happy miles!

Vert_lover

Beautiful car, great colors, congrats and enjoy it!

W205C43PFL

Here is another thread on someone driving the SL 43: https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...in-passes.html

The main pro they mentioned was the lighter front end.

If OP still wants this and in no rush and don't mind not having a convertible, not having 4MATIC, they can consider the newly revealed 2025 GT 43.

Highline-Autos.com

We had a press loaner and the SL43 thought it was about to be in a front end collision (empty road), then threw all of these warning codes and failures on the dash. I turned the car on and off at the next light and everything was back to normal except a check engine light. The next morning, after the vehicle sat in the garage all night, the check engine light was off and back to normal like nothing had happened, and it never did it again...

W205C43PFL

Um, that stinks : (

Highline-Autos.com

It was a great car, even with the freak out of the safety electronics, I'd have it back in a heartbeat.

W205C43PFL

I mean it looks pretty good, even in 43 trim.

MB2timer

I briefly considered the SL 43, but I really wanted the 4WS option.
So I started looking at the SL 55.
After some searching online, and in my local area, I got a call one day.
It was for a SL 63, 2022 trade in.
I really have been happy so far, but I do have my fingers crossed that I don’t run into the problems other forum members have had.
Technology is great, and it’s supposed to make our lives better and easier, until it doesn’t.
Mine is in the shop now, SOS inop, air conditioning inop.
They are installing, gratis, a trickle charger connector.
I don’t really need it, because I follow the sleep protocols religiously.
I haven’t had any battery issues at all.
But I have to say, I am not complaining about a little peace of mind.

W205C43PFL

Congrats on the SL 63.

GreggySL

My second SL. First was a matte gray 2016. Loved it. Got a SL43 a few weeks ago. Stunningly beautiful. Sticker $115 paid $90. I thought a good deal. It’s had a few issues. Top wouldn’t go up a couple times. Some other electrical issues. But I love it. The 43 rides soft. Maybe because of the 19’s? Really soft. Softer than my 2019 GLC300 Coupe. I tried to tweak up the dynamics but it’s still soft. Maybe up the tire pressure? It oddly came from the dealer with 44psi and rode great but then when I noticed it and followed the door jamb sticker and put in 36psi it feels super soft. Any advice?

Secondly, the transmission is jumpy. I don’t know much about cars but it seems to search for gears and lurch a bit too much.

I read all the angry notes. But I just love this car!!! Absolutely love it.

khiroshima

[QUOTE=GreggySL;8944914]

I read all the angry notes. But I just love this car!!! Absolutely love it.


Grand to hear, congratulations and wear in good health!